7 free and cheap things to do in Lake Norman: Concert, Street Festival, film classics
This list is curated by Charlotte on the Cheap, where you’ll find even more free and cheap things to do every day. Continue to monitor the region’s air quality due to the Canadian wildfires before attending an outdoor event — and check with the event before you go to make sure of no cancellations.
[Related: Better air quality ahead but Charlotte is still Code Orange. Here’s the latest.]
Friday, June 9
Location: Oak Street Mill, 19725 Oak Street, Cornelius, NC, 28031
Time: 6 to 10 p.m.
Cost: Free
This monthly street festival series features live music, a kids’ zone, food trucks, games, giveaways and tons of local vendors.
[READ NEXT: 7 free and cheap things to do in the Charlotte area: Taste of Charlotte, OG Boot Camp.]
Saturday, June 10
Lights, Camera, Birkdale: Finding Nemo
Location: Birkdale Village, 8712 Lindholm Drive, Huntersville, NC 28078
7:30 p.m.
Cost: Free
Watch film classics on Birkdale Village’s jumbo screen once a month through October. Some seating is provided, but you’re encouraged to bring your own blanket or folding chair. Enjoy food and drink from Birkdale Village restaurants.
Sunday, June 11
Davidson’s Concert on the Green: Band of Oz
Location: Davidson Village Green, 119 S Main Street, Davidson, NC 28036
Time: 6 to 8 p.m.
Cost: Free
Bring a picnic, or buy dinner from a downtown Davidson restaurant, and then enjoy beach music from Band of Oz at this popular concert series.
Monday, June 12
Location: Northern Regional Recreation Center, 18121 Old Statesville Road, Cornelius, NC 28031
Time: 2 to 3 p.m.
Cost: Free
Bring your own journal and the recreation center will provide the art supplies needed to work in the journal. No experience necessary. You may choose words, art, or photos to add to your journal. Registration is required.
Tuesday, June 13
Summer Break Kickoff at Cornelius Library
Location: Cornelius Library, 21105 Catawba Avenue, Cornelius, NC 28031
Time: 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Cost: Free
Kick-off the summer and learn about Charlotte Mecklenburg Library’s summer reading program. “Big Bang Boom!” will be performing their fun, family-friendly music. Also on hand will be Hugo the Hornet and members of the Cornelius Fire and Police Departments.
Wednesday, June 14
Location: 7532 Royal Bliss Court, Denver, NC 28037
Time: 7 p.m.
Cost: Free
Check in the bar, starting at 6:30 p.m., and then head to the group run at 7 p.m. There will be 1, 3, and 4-mile courses. Afterwards, cool off with a beer. You’ll receive a free drink token.
Thursday, June 15
LaLaCaboosa Downtown Music Series: The Catalinas
Location: Veterans Park, 201 Huntersville-Concord Road, Huntersville, NC 28078
Time: 6 to 9 p.m.
Cost: Free
LaLa Caboosa Music Series take place the 3rd Thursday of the month, from June to October. Food trucks will be on hand at each event. The Catalinas are known for beach music, with several members recently inducted into the Carolina Beach Music Hall of Fame.
Visit Charlotte on the Cheap for an expanded list of things to do in the Lake Norman area, as well as a big list of things to do in the whole Charlotte region. You’ll find festivals, kids’ activities, date night ideas, art, trivia, and much more
This story was originally published June 7, 2023 at 9:00 AM.