7 free and cheap things to do in Charlotte: Art after Dark, Greek festival, hike
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, Sept. 8
Art After Dark at the Gantt Center
Location: 551 S Tryon St, Charlotte, NC 28202
Time: 6-10 p.m.
Cost: Free, 21+
The Gantt Center invites you to Art After Dark: Wearable Renaissance, showcasing its new exhibition, inspired by the exploration of Black nowness. This program includes a fashion show, hands-on fabric and textile workshops, community conversation and more.
Saturday, Sept. 9
Saturday Morning Cartoons at Independent Picture House
Location: 4237 Raleigh St, Charlotte, NC 28213
Time: 10:30 a.m.
Cost: Free
Want to feel nostalgic this weekend? Independent Picture House is hosting Saturday Morning Cartoons with free milk and cookies. Families are welcome.
Sunday, Sept. 10
Location: 600 East Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28203
Time: 11 a.m.-6 p.m.
Cost: $5, Free for children under 12
Want to take a trip to Greece without paying for a plane ticket? The Yiasou Greek Festival is hosting its 45th festival from Sept. 8-10, and you can find a full Greek experience. Enjoy delicious food like baklava, spanikopita and gyro pita, along with traditional Greek dancing.
Monday, Sept. 11
Location: 4759 NC Highway 49 N Concord, NC 28025
Time: 4-10 p.m.
Cost: $8 for 12 and over, $6 for children ages 6-11; free for children under 5. Free parking.
Petting zoo, rides, games — must I say more? The Cabarrus County Fair is happening from Sept. 8-16, making for eight days filled with fun, entertainment and animals. There will also be live music and food throughout the fair.
Tuesday, Sept. 12
Location: 2321 Beatties Ford Rd, Charlotte, NC 28216
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Cost: Free
Spend your Tuesday night listening to a free concert hosted by Center City Partners and United House of Prayer for All People. The concert features Bailey Clouds of Heaven shout band, Bailey Golden Angels Choir and Bailey Stringband. You can also purchase a soul food dinner at the church cafeteria for only $15.
Wednesday, Sept. 13
OMB’s Movie Night in the Biergarten: “Napolean Dynamite”
Location: 4150 Yancey Rd, Charlotte, NC 28217
Time: 8 p.m.
Cost: Free entry
Vote for Pedro in 2023. Watch the 2004 classic comedy “Napolean Dynamite” (and let’s not forget about the iconic dancing scene) at The Olde Mecklenburg Brewery & Biergarten. Bring your friends and enjoy a night full of nostalgia and laughs. Did I mention that there will be tots?
Thursday, Sept. 14:
New Moon Hike and Fire at Reedy Creek Nature Preserve
Location: 2900 Rocky River Rd, Charlotte, NC 28215
Time: 7-9 p.m.
Cost: Free
Go on a free night hike under the full moon at Reedy Creek Nature Preserve. The hike will go on for about 1-2 miles before the group settles in around a fire. Is there a better way to celebrate the new moon than out in nature?
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 September 8, 2023 at 6:00 AM with the headline "7 free and cheap things to do in Charlotte: Art after Dark, Greek festival, hike."
