7 free and cheap things to do in Charlotte: Night Market, Ecuador Independence Day, trail talk
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. 11
Live Music Friday on Protagonist LoSo’s patio
Location: 227 Southside Dr. Unit A Charlotte NC
Time: 6-9 p.m.
Cost: Free
Jam your Friday night at Protagonist LoSo’s patio with some live music from indie rock band, Elonzo Wesley. Order a slice of one of the specialty pizzas like The Peter Parker or the Homer Simpson, and wash it down with a craft beer.
Saturday, Aug. 12
Location: Nebel’s Alley Night Market, 101 W Worthington Ave. Charlotte NC 28203
Time: 4-9 p.m.
Cost: Free admission
Spend your Saturday night at Nebel’s Alley Night Market, where there will be 30+ vendors, good food and drinks, along with live music and more. Bring a date, friend or family and shop around at this night market in South End that will be hard to miss.
Sunday, Aug. 13
Ecuador Independence Day Celebration
Location: 3500 Shamrock Dr., Charlotte NC 28215
Time: 4-7 p.m.
Cost: Free admission
Celebrate the 214th anniversary of Ecuador Independence Day at the Charlotte History Museum. Learn more about this Latin country, and celebrate the identity and culture of its people.
Monday, Aug. 14
Hummingbird Nectar Scavenger Hunt – kickoff of Hummingbird Week
Location: McDowell Nature Center 15222 York Rd, Charlotte, NC 28278
Time: 1-4 p.m.
Cost: Free admission
Mecklenburg County Parks and Rec is kicking off Hummingbird Festival Week by experiencing what it’s like to eat as a hummingbird. During this self-guided scavenger hunt, attendees will hunt for flowers, get nectar and learn about hummingbirds.
Tuesday, Aug. 15
Trail Talk at Blue Blaze Brewing
Location: 528 S Turner Ave, Charlotte, NC 28208
Time: 6:30-8 p.m.
Cost: Free
Want to learn more about hiking, backpacking or the outdoors? Blue Blaze Brewing is hosting Trail Talk every Tuesday with folks in Charlotte’s outdoor community. This free and informal event is a great opportunity to learn more and make new friends.
Wednesday, Aug. 16
Movies on the Wall: Rock ‘n’ Roll High School
Location: 3124 Eastway Dr #710, Charlotte NC 28205
Time: Starting at 8 p.m.
Cost: Free entry
Tommy’s Pub is hosting Movies On The Wall outside at Tommy’s Pub. The pub will play a late ‘70s classic, “Rock ‘n’ Roll High School,” starting at 8 p.m. There will be food, snacks and beverages available for purchase, and donations are appreciated.
Thursday, August 17
MoRA Summer Breeze Concert and rollerskating
Location: 6697 Monroe Rd Charlotte NC 28212
Time: 6-8 p.m.
Cost: $5
Skate your way through Thursday night with Monroe Road Advocates, along with a free Summer Breeze concert. For just $5 (with skates included), you can skate around the Rollin’ CLT rink and listen to live music afterwards. Show off your skating skills and relax with a drink or a bite at nearby spots like Hawthorne’s Pizza.
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 11, 2023 at 6:00 AM with the headline "7 free and cheap things to do in Charlotte: Night Market, Ecuador Independence Day, trail talk."
