7 free and cheap things to do in Charlotte: CIAF, Mecktoberfest, MoRA’s Fall Fest
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. 15
First day of Charlotte International Arts Festival
Location: Uptown and Ballantyne
Time: 10 a.m.-10 p.m.
Cost: Free
Charlotte International Arts Festival, a series of Blumenthal Performing Arts events, is back. The festival is bringing together Charlotte’s local and international communities with live performances, art installations, food from around the world and more. Check out free events like 100 Tiny Things at Ballantyne’s Backyard or Sky of Bubbles at Levine Avenue.
Saturday, Sept. 16
Flow Fest at Whitewater Center
Location: 5000 Whitewater Center Pkwy, Charlotte, NC 28214
Time: 8:30 a.m.-8 p.m.
Cost: Free, registration required
If you love yoga or want to learn how to get into it, this event is perfect for you. Flow Fest, an annual one-day festival centered on yoga and wellness, offers more than 40 yoga practices. There will also be specialty workshops, local vendors, kombucha and live music.
Sunday, Sept. 17
Location: OMB, 4150 Yancey Road, Charlotte, NC 28217
Time: 11 a.m.-10 p.m.
Cost: Free entry
Experience Charlotte’s original Oktoberfest festival at The Olde Mecklenburg Brewery with traditional German fare, along with live music performances and games. Enjoy food such as sausages, pork schnitzel, cheesesteak eggrolls and more, along with fun activities like Hammerschlagen and competing in the German Spelling Bee.
Monday, Sept. 18
Chess Night at Urban District Market
Location: 2315 N Davidson St #300, Charlotte, NC 28205
Time: 6-7:30 p.m.
Cost: Free
Bring out your chess skills and join Urban District for a weekly game of chess with Shawn Carrington. Learn how to play, or challenge yourself with other advanced players to see if you have what it takes. Maybe have yourself a “Queen’s Gambit” moment?
Tuesday, Sept. 19
Taco Tunesday at Divine Barrel (bring your records!)
Location: 3701 N Davidson St Suite #203, Charlotte, NC 28205
Time: 5-9 p.m.
Cost: Varies
Music and tacos? Yes, please! Head over to Divine Barrel Brewing for a night of delicious food from Fat Burritos food truck. Bring your own records to play in the taproom, or pick from the DBB selection.
Wednesday, Sept. 20
People of the World Celebration with International House at People’s Market Elizabeth: Mexico
Location: 1609 Elizabeth Ave, Charlotte, NC 28204
Time: 6-7:30 p.m.
Cost: Free entry
International House is hosting a “People of the World” event, focusing this month on Mexico. Known for its rich culture, cuisine and architecture; The People’s Market explores, celebrates and honors the community together.
Thursday, Sept. 21
Location: 6697 Monroe Rd, Charlotte, NC 28212
Time: 6-8 p.m.
Cost: Free
Want to go to a “totally rad” concert? MoRA’s Fall Fest is hosting its signature event series at the Embrace Sculpture with live music and fun. Get your neon colors, animal prints, scrunchies or anything that screams the ’80s because tribute band Kids in America is playing top hits of the decade. There will also be a lineup of food and drinks, face-painting, bubbles and more.
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 September 15, 2023 at 6:00 AM with the headline "7 free and cheap things to do in Charlotte: CIAF, Mecktoberfest, MoRA’s Fall Fest."
