7 free and cheap things to do in Lake Norman: Back-to-school events, Maker’s Market + live music
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. 18
Countdown to Kindergarten at Discovery Place Kids
Location: 105 Gilead Road, Huntersville, NC 28078
Time: 4-8 p.m.
Cost: Free
If your child is entering kindergarten this year, don’t miss out on this celebratory event. Celebrate your kid’s big day at this annual countdown to Kindergarten, where there will be countless activities like storytime at the public library, a pop photoshoot and a safety practice with Gus the Bus.
Saturday, Aug. 19
Cornelius Outdoor Cinema: “Finding Nemo”
Location: Wilhelm Park, 19018 Smith Cir, Cornelius, NC 28031
Time: Gates open at 6:30 p.m., movie starts at 8:30 p.m.
Cost: Free
Bring your blanket or lawn chair because Cornelius Outdoor Cinema is hosting a back to school bash and movie night this Saturday. A family classic, “Finding Nemo,” will be shown on the inflatable screen, and there will be concessions for sale.
Sunday, Aug. 20
Maker’s Market at Neoteric Brewing in Huntersville
Location: 14220 Oakhill Park Ln, Huntersville NC 28078
Time: 1-6 p.m.
Cost: Free
Shop and sip local in The Maker’s Market at Neoteric Brewing this Sunday. Shop with local vendors and find a uniquely crafted gift for your friends and family — or for yourself.
Monday, Aug. 21
Open Mic Night at Old Town Public House
Location: 21314 Catawba Ave., Cornelius NC 28031
Time: 6-10 p.m.
Cost: Free
Spend your Monday night listening to local talent at Old Town Public House. From covers and originals to acoustic acts and full bands, this event is open to all types of talent. Enjoy a cold beer and listen to some tunes.
Tuesday, Aug. 22
Name the Music at Beer Lab by Ghostface Brewing
Location: 215 S Broad St, Mooresville, NC 28115
Time: 7-9 p.m.
Cost: Free
Enjoy a night of fun music trivia at Ghostface Brewing. Test up your music knowledge and see if you can take the prize home.
Wednesday, Aug. 23
Live music at Harp and Crown LKN with Val Merza
Location: 19930 W Catawba Ave, Cornelius, NC 28031
Time: 7-10 p.m.
Cost: Free
Listen to some nice tunes from Val Merza on the patio at Harp and Crown LKN. Maybe grab a nice bottle of wine for dinner since all wine bottles are half off every Wednesday.
Thursday, Aug. 24
Bike Night at Mac’s Speed Shop Lake Norman
Location: 19601 Liverpool Pkwy, Cornelius, NC 28031
Time: 5-10 p.m.
Cost: Free
Bikes, beer and live music is coming back to Mac’s Speed Shop at Lake Norman. Enjoy Bike Night specials like $10 PBR buckets, $4 Truly cans and ½ price glasses of wine. Bring your friends and enjoy a night of good times and live music.
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 August 16, 2023 at 9:30 AM with the headline "7 free and cheap things to do in Lake Norman: Back-to-school events, Maker’s Market + live music."
