7 free and cheap things to do in Charlotte: Back to School Bash, museum night, concerts
This list is curated by Charlotte on the Cheap, where you’ll find even more free and cheap things to do every day, and detailed by Denise Casalez.
Friday, Aug. 4
Location: 4128 South Blvd., Suite A3, Charlotte, North Carolina, 28209
Time: 8 p.m.
Cost: $10-15
Come and see graduates of CATCh’s first storytelling class share their personal and unique 7-9 minute stories. You can expect transformations large and small, and leaning in to hear more about their time at the Comedy Arts Theater of Charlotte.
Saturday, Aug. 5
Location: Confluence, 117 Center Street Cramerton, NC 28032
Time: 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Cost: Free, although tickets starting at $10 are required for some performances.
Kick your Saturday off with a music festival celebrating the South Fork River in Cramerton. You can expect Americana, bluegrass and country musicians singing throughout the day, plus free activities for kids. Your children can learn how to play kazoo or make their own maracas.
Sunday, Aug. 6
Location: SouthPark Church, 3151 Apex Drive, Suite 100 Charlotte, NC 28211
Time: 4-6 p.m.
Cost: Free
Enjoy your Sunday afternoon with live music from The Rowan Big Band All Stars at SouthPark Church. Attendees can expect dancing, and food will be available for purchase.
Monday, Aug. 7
Back to School Bash at McDonald’s in Mount Holly
Location: 704 S Main Street, Mount Holly NC 28120
Time: 5-7 p.m.
Cost: Free
The end of summer break is nearing, so come by to Back to School Bash at Mt Holly’s McDonald’s. There will be face painting, balloon twisting and a school supplies giveaway. The first 100 kids will receive free school supplies (and the children must be preschool age to 12).
Tuesday, Aug. 8
Schiele Museum: Free admission and planetarium show
Location: 1500 East Garrison Blvd, Gastonia NC 28054
Time: 4-8 p.m.
Cost: Free
Enjoy your Tuesday night with free museum admission and planetarium shows at The Schiele Museum. Book your tickets online to reserve your seats. It’s a great way to learn something new.
Wednesday, Aug. 9
Location: 917 Central Avenue, Charlotte, NC 28204
Time: 6-9 p.m.
Cost: Free
Sip City hosts a free wine tasting every Wednesday from 6-9 p.m., featuring a new winery each week. Learn about the tastes and the stories behind what makes each wine unique.
Thursday, Aug. 10
Free community concert with Jay D Jones and Band
Location: Mallard Creek Recreation Center, 2530 Johnston Oehler Rd, Charlotte, NC 28269
Time: 11 a.m.- 12:15 p.m.
Cost: Free
Come and listen to some tunes from Jay D. Jones at Mallard Creek Recreation Center. Hosted by Soul Music Company, you can expect live performances in a listening-room environment. Come by and listen to some jazzy soul tunes from Jay D. Jones.
Visit Charlotte on the Cheap for an expanded list of things to do in Charlotte every day. You’ll find festivals, kids’ activities, date night ideas, art, trivia and much more. You can sign up for a daily email that will keep you in the loop.
This story was originally published August 4, 2023 at 5:30 AM with the headline "7 free and cheap things to do in Charlotte: Back to School Bash, museum night, concerts."
