13 free and cheap things to do in Charlotte: Live music, car show, game night
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, March 1
Free Music Friday with Celestial Company
Location: Devil’s Logic Brewing, 1426 E 4th St, Charlotte, NC 28204
Time: 7 p.m.
Cost: Free
Spend your Friday night with live music by Celestial Company at Devil’s Logic Brewing. This ensemble of jazz musicians puts out a special experience for people to enjoy.
Location: South End, multiple locations
Time: 5:30-8 p.m.
Cost: Free
Take in the local art scene with South End’s First Friday Gallery Crawl, an evening where galleries and shops extend their hours and host special receptions. Browse artwork at locations such as Dilworth Artisan Station, Shed Brand Studio and South End Reactive.
Saturday, March 2
Location: Vapa Center, 700 N Tryon St, Charlotte, NC 28202
Time: 12-8 p.m
Cost: Free entry
The Vapa Center is turning two years old and invites you to celebrate. The family-friendly anniversary party will include local artists, music, food and drink.
Charlotte Independence Fan Fest
Location: American Legion Memorial Stadium, 1218-1238 Armory Dr, Charlotte, NC 28204
Time: 2 p.m.
Cost: Free
Charlotte Independence Fan Fest invites all Charlotte soccer fans to join a fun-filled afternoon at American Legion Memorial Stadium. Cheer on the Jacks, meet the pros, get your face painted and more at this family-friendly event.
Sunday, March 3
Location: Chick-Fil-A Mint Hill, 7404 Matthews-Mint Hill Rd, Mint Hill, NC 28227
Time: 1-3 p.m.
Cost: Free
If you’re looking to show off your ride, check out the Mint Hill Car Show — Hot Rods on the Lawn. On the first Sunday of each month, all makes, models and years are welcome. Come check out the participating cars or bring your car to show off.
Annual tour and sale with Charlotte Camellia Society
Location: Maplewalk Garden, 4255 Kingswood Rd, Charlotte, NC 28226
Time: 1-4 p.m.
Cost: Free admission
Join Charlotte Camellia Society for its annual Camellia Show and Sale at Maplewalk Garden. You can check out camellias to buy or explore over 100 varieties and chat with experts who can answer your questions.
Monday, March 4
Location: Percent Tap House, 4250 Main St #109, Harrisburg, NC 28075
Time: 6-9 p.m.
Cost: Free entry
Head to Percent Tap House for its Nerds Pizza Game Night, hosted every Monday. You can expect board games, card games, tournaments, video games and free pizza. Bring out your skills and show them off.
Tuesday, March 5
Dine at Kairu, a new Lake Norman restaurant
Location: Northcross Shopping Center, 9709 Sam Furr Rd A, Huntersville, NC 28078
Time: 11 a.m.-9 p.m.
Cost: Varies
Grab lunch at Kairu Shushi and Noodles, a new restaurant at Northcross Shopping Center in Huntersville. At lunch time, appetizer soups are $3, salads are $5 and you can choose from seven sushi rolls that are $10 or under.
Location: The Evening Muse, 3227 N Davidson St, Charlotte, NC 28205
Time: 7-11 p.m.
Cost: $5
Stop into The Evening Muse for Tosco Music Open Mic on the first Tuesday of every month. You can listen to live music from experienced musicians and those who are performing for the first time in a supportive community atmosphere where people can share their love for music.
Wednesday, March 6
Location: 900 Pressley Rd, Charlotte, NC 28217
Time: 7-8:30 p.m.
Cost: Free, but donations are welcome.
Visit MakerSpace CLT for an evening of socializing where you can learn more about its 3D printers, laser cutters, electronics area, wood shop, metal/fabrication shop, craft studio and much more.
Location: Mint Museum Randolph, 2730 Randolph Rd, Charlotte, NC 28207
Time: 5-9 p.m.
Cost: Free
Wednesday Night Live includes free admission to Mint Museum, the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art and The Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts + Culture every Wednesday evening. This week’s programming allows you to explore drawing, painting, collage and fiber art activities at Mint Museum Randolph, too.
Thursday, March 7
Downtown Belmont Sip & Speak: Poetry Crawl
Location: Downtown Belmont
Time: 6-7:30 p.m.
Cost: Free entry
Embark on an evening in downtown Belmont filled with captivating poetry and light refreshments at the Sip & Speak Poetry Crawl. You can start at any venue, such as Belmont Yoga or Bliss Gallery, and rotate around each poet’s set.
Location: Forest Trail House, 7201 Matthews-Mint Hill Rd, Mint Hill, NC 28227
Time: 7 p.m.
Cost: Free entry
Play around at Trivia Night Thursdays at Forest Trail House. Gather your friends and get competitive while enjoying drink specials such as $2 off wine by the glass, $1 off chai drinks and $1 off draught beer. There will also be prizes for the winning team, so bring your A game.
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.
