7 free and cheap things to do in Charlotte: NC Beach Blast Festival, Pride parade, outdoor movie
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
NC Beach Blast Festival at Kings Mountain
Location: Patriots Park, 220 South Railroad Avenue, Kings Mountain, NC 28086
Time: 5 p.m.
Cost: Free
Looking for a festival to enjoy and have fun with your family? NC Beach Blast Festival is happening this weekend with music from DJ Eric Bowman and Too Much Sylvia. This family- friendly festival will have games, food, water activities and more.
Saturday, Aug. 19
Movie Night at Midwood Park: “The Goonies,” plus free arcade games
Location: Midwood Park, 2100 Wilhelmina Ave, Charlotte, NC 28205
Time: 8:30 p.m.
Cost: Free
Spend your Saturday night watching a movie under the stars. Aurora Star Lit Cinema is hosting a free movie night, showing “The Goonies” at 8:30 p.m. There will be free retro arcade games, music and concessions to purchase before the movie. Did we mention there will be free popcorn?
Sunday, Aug. 20
Charlotte Pride Festival & Parade
Location: Uptown Charlotte, North Tryon Street
Time: 1-4 p.m.
Cost: Free
Join Charlotte Pride this Sunday as the community celebrates 20+ years of Charlotte Pride and more than 50+ years of LGBTQ+ activism. One of Charlotte’s largest annual parades will have more than 200 contingents, 40+ floats and 10,000 colorful marchers making their way down Tryon Street.
Monday, Aug. 21
Nerd Night and Free Pizza at Resident Culture Brewing Plaza Midwood
Location: 2101 Central Ave, Charlotte, NC 28205
Time: 7 p.m.
Cost: Free
Unleash your inner geek and enjoy free pizza at Resident Culture Brewing in Plaza Midwood. Spend your Monday night playing with board games, video games and more. Whether you’re a casual gamer or a newbie to the community, this night will be a fun time for all.
Tuesday, Aug. 22
Free kids’ yoga at Urban District Market
Location: 2315 N Davidson St #300, Charlotte, NC 28205
Time: 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Cost: Free
Bring your kids for a free yoga session at Urban District Market. This back-to-school mini series will have kids flow to upbeat music while cultivating mindfulness and physical well being. It’s for ages 4-12, and remember to bring a yoga mat or beach blanket.
Wednesday, Aug. 23
Eclectic Soul Sessions Presents: Respect the Mic at Gantt Center
Location: 551 S Tryon St, Charlotte, NC 28202
Time: 6:30-9 p.m.
Cost: Free
Eclectic Soul Sessions and Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts + Culture are hosting an experience filled with music, art and performances. It features a select group of poets and singers showcasing their best work, followed along with R&B selections.
Thursday, Aug. 24
Music at the Met: Todd Johnson
Location: 1111 Metropolitan Ave, Charlotte, NC 28204
Time: 6-9 p.m.
Cost: Free
Enjoy some live tunes by Todd Johnson at the Metropolitan. Music at the Met hosts every Thursday with tunes from local musicians live on the patio by the greenway. Enjoy drinks or food by nearby restaurants and feel free to bring your furry friend along.
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 18, 2023 at 6:00 AM with the headline "7 free and cheap things to do in Charlotte: NC Beach Blast Festival, Pride parade, outdoor movie."
