13 free and cheap things to do in Charlotte: Dog Days of Winter, explore Black History + more
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, Feb. 16
Free clogging class at Berewick Recreation Center
Location: 5910 Dixie River Rd, Charlotte, NC 28278
Time: 10:30- 11:30 a.m.
Cost: Free
Tap your feet into a free clogging class at Berewick Recreation Center, where you can dance to traditional tunes and popular songs. This tap and Irish dance incorporates cardio fitness, flexibility, balance and more. All skill levels are welcome, and registration is not required, but it’s highly recommended.
Live music with David Childers
Location: Devil’s Logic Brewing, 1426 E 4th St, Charlotte, NC 28204
Time: 7 p.m.
Cost: Free
Listen to some live tunes with David Childers at Devil’s Logic Brewing for Free Music Fridays. Childers, a Mount Holly resident, fell in love with folk music as a teen and includes jazz and opera among his favorites.
Saturday, Feb. 17
Location: 420 S Tryon St, Charlotte, NC 28202
Time: 10 a.m.- 5 p.m.
Cost: Free
Join Bechtler and artist Hildur Ásgeirsdóttir Jónsson for a free day of art as they celebrate the opening of “Hildur Ásgeirsdóttir Jónsson: Infinite Space, Sublime Horizons.” Family Day activities include making your own weaving, asking the artist questions and more.
IKEA Charlotte’s 15th anniversary
Location: 8300 Ikea Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28262
Time: 10 a.m.-9 p.m.
Cost: Varies
Celebrate IKEA’s 15th anniversary with giveaways, discounts, entertainment and more. While you’re there, browse affordable furniture or try the store’s famous Swedish meatballs in the food court.
Location: Whitewater Center, 5000 Whitewater Center Pkwy, Charlotte, NC 28214
Time: 10 a.m.- 10 p.m.
Cost: Free
Whitewater Center is dedicating a whole day to your four-legged family at Dog Days of Winter. Celebrate the winter season with a variety of activities including a 5K trail race, an adoption event, doggy vendors and more.
Huntersville Black History Month celebration
Location: David B. Waymer Recreation Center, 14008 Holbrooks Rd, Huntersville, NC 28078
Time: 1-5 p.m.
Cost: Free entry
Celebrate Black History Month with Huntersville Parks and Recreation at David B. Waymer Recreation Center. This event will showcase performances from Drums for Life, spoken word readings, children’s crafts and more.
Sunday, Feb. 18
Red Seoul-O Cup Anniversary Party
Location: Seoul Food Mill District, 421 E 26th St, Charlotte, NC 28205
Location: Soul Food South End, 1400 S Church St a, Charlotte, NC 28203
Time: 11:30 a.m.- 11 p.m.
Cost: Free entry
Celebrate the anniversary of Seoul Food Meat Co. with its Red Seoul-O Cup Anniversary Party. You can expect games, music, food and drinks and a party with Seoul Food.
Black History Celebration in Kannapolis
Location: The Laureate Center, 401 Laureate Way., Kannapolis, NC 28081
Time: 3-6 p.m.
Cost: $10, students in grades 1-8 are free
Celebrate Black History with Kannapolis African-American Museum & Cultural Center at the Laureate Center. Expect to immerse yourself in the visuals that celebrate African-American women. There will also be a showcase, reception, photo shoot and more.
Chili Cook-Off at King Canary Brewing Mooresville
Location: 562 Williamson Rd, Mooresville, NC 28117
Time: 1-6 p.m.
Cost: Free entry, suggested donation $5 for tasting fee
Head over to the chili cook-off at King Canary Brewing for a blazing hot time. Taste test whose chili should take the top prize home, and wash it down with one of the taproom’s pints. All donations go to the Brad Keselowski Checkered Flag Foundation.
Monday, Feb. 19
Bill Hanna Legacy Jazz Session
Location: Petra’s, 1919 Commonwealth Ave, Charlotte, NC 28205
Time: 7 p.m.
Cost: $7 advance, $10 at the door
Listen to local Jazz legend Bill Hanna at Petra’s every Monday night. Petra’s is keeping his legacy alive each Monday and wants you to join them to see some of Charlotte’s best musicians play in an intimate setting. There is limited seating, so it’s a first-come-first-serve basis.
Tuesday, Feb. 20
Public tours at Innovation Barn
Location: 932 Seigle Ave, Charlotte, NC 28205
Time: 1:30 p.m.
Cost: Free admission, register in advance
Register for a free public tour at the Innovation Barn, a joint project with the City of Charlotte to transition the Queen City to a circular economy. During this tour, you can experience the inner workings of circular and sustainable initiatives like Plastic Labs, Glass Crushing Center and more. This tour has interactive exhibits for youth and a beer/wine/coffee bar for adults.
Wednesday, Feb. 21
People of the World – South Korea
Location: The People’s Market Elizabeth, 1609 Elizabeth Ave, Charlotte, NC 28204
Time: 6-7:30 p.m.
Cost: Free entry
International House is hosting People of the World – South Korea at The People’s Market Elizabeth. Every third Wednesday of the month, International House sponsors an international greet-and-meet and features different cultural groups in Charlotte.
Thursday, Feb. 22
Pay What You Can Night at Matthews Playhouse
Location: Matthews Playhouse, 100 E McDowell St, Matthews, NC 28105
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Cost: Suggested donation is $10, but pay what you can
Matthews Playhouse is presenting a pay what you can performance for those unable to see a show at full price. The upcoming performance is “Around the World in 80 Days.”
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.
