17 free and cheap things to do in Charlotte: Lunar New Year, Super Bowl, Valentine’s Day
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. 9
Location: Truist Field, 324 S Mint St, Charlotte, NC 28202
Time: 2-6 p.m.
Cost: $5 for adults, free for children 12 and under
The Charlotte Knights and BM Sports Cards are hosting the 2nd Annual Sports Card Show at Truist Field. During the two-day event, Feb. 9-10, fans can expect sports cards, Pokémon cards and much more. There will also be light food and drinks available for purchase.
Queen City Lion Dance performances
Location: Various locations
Time: Varies, Feb. 9-11
Cost: Free
If you’re looking for ways to celebrate the Lunar New Year, check out these performances from Queen City Lion Dance at venues including Pho & Sushi, Super G Mart locations, Kairu Sushi & Noodle Bar, Devil’s Logic Brewing and Saigon Square. The group will be dancing the Lion Dance – a traditional dance in most Asian cultures.
[READ NEXT: A new spot for sushi, ramen and pho is now open in Huntersville’s Northcross hub.]
A Valentine’s Love Song Special – Karaoke Party
Location: Forest Trail House, 7201 Matthews-Mint Hill Rd, Mint Hill, NC 28227
Time: 7:30-9:30 p.m.
Cost: Free
Head over to Forest Trail House for a Valentine’s-themed karaoke party where you can sing all of your favorite love songs while you sip some of your favorite drinks. Gather up your friends, partner or family for this night of music and fun.
Location: Downtown Mooresville, 215 N Main St, Mooresville, NC 28115
Time: 6-8 p.m.
Cost: Varies
Downtown Mooresville shops and businesses will be offering Valentine’s Day specials, live music, open houses, sips, refreshments, shopping discounts and more for the upcoming holiday. Bring your sweetie, friends, family and treat yourself.
Saturday, Feb. 10
Location: McColl Center, 721 N Tryon St, Charlotte, NC 28202
Time: 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Cost: Free
The McColl Center invites the whole family to join in on a day of making art inspired by its current exhibition “It’s Like Nude.” Create a 3D poseable figure, or check out the self-portrait station, as well as a figure drawing posing game. Families can also take a tour of all three floors of the McColl Center.
Location: Cabarrus Arena & Events Center, 4751 State Hwy 49, Concord, NC 28025
Time: 9 a.m.- 4 p.m.
Cost: Free
Spend your weekend cozying up to alpacas. The 2024 Carolina Alpaca Celebration and Carolina Alpaca Parade is here Feb. 10-11 at Concord. Don’t miss out on its costume contest, photo contest and more.
Location: Confetti Hearts Mural, 127 W Worthington Ave, Charlotte, NC 28203
Time: 11 a.m.- 2 p.m.
Cost: Free
Get your photos taken by a local photographer at The Confetti Hearts Wall for free just in time for Valentine’s Day. The first 100 people will get a free flower from Botanical House, and there will be themed mocktails and bouquets available for purchase.
Location: Petty Thieves Brewing, 413 Dalton Ave Suite B, Charlotte, NC 28206
Time: 12-9 p.m.
Cost: Free
Come by to Petty Thieves Brewing and celebrate Mardi Gras with an artisan market, costume dog parade, live music from Mike Strauss Band and more. There will also be a beer release: Benni Royale King Cake Pastry Blonde.
Location: Norfolk Hall, 2905 Griffith St, Charlotte, NC 28203
Time: 12-6 p.m.
Cost: Free
Need a quick Valentine’s Day outfit but want to stay on budget? Thrift Pony is taking its store on the road at Norfolk Hall, where you can find special deals at the secondhand and vintage consignment sale.
Sunday, Feb. 11
Location: Charlotte Regional Farmers Market, 1801 Yorkmont Rd, Charlotte, NC 28217
Time: 10 a.m.- 2 p.m.
Cost: Free
Charlotte Regional Farmers Market is bringing a special and cute surprise — pictures with piglets from Clan Hannon Farm. You can take photos for free or shop your way around for the upcoming Super Bowl for snacks, meats and more.
Valentine’s Themed Market – The Comunidad
Location: Resident Culture Brewing, 2101 Central Ave, Charlotte, NC 28205
Time: 12-5 p.m.
Cost: Free
If you’re still shopping for the perfect Valentine’s gift for that special someone, The Comunidad is hosting a Valentine’s Themed Market at Resident Culture Brewing. You can find gifts to purchase from 20 local businesses, food vendors and more.
Location: Charlotte area
Time: Varies
Cost: Varies
Are you still looking for ways to celebrate the upcoming Super Bowl? Whether you’re getting together at home and want to preorder delicious food or switching things up to go out and party, we can help with these curated lists.
Monday, Feb. 12
Black History Month Family Storytime
Location: ImaginOn, 300 E 7th St, Charlotte, NC 28202
Time: 10:30-11:00 a.m.
Cost: Free
In honor of Black History Month, ImaginOn is hosting a storytime featuring books that are illustrated by the wonderful African American illustrator Kadir Nelson. Families can enjoy stories, songs and more with their child.
Tuesday, Feb. 13
Location: Divine Barrel Brewing, 3701 N Davidson St Suite #203, Charlotte, NC 28205
Time: 7 p.m.
Cost: Free
In the mood to listen to live music? OneBand, a community music series, is performing at Divine Barrel Brewing with songs from The Cure, Fleetwood Mac, Jackie Wilson and more. Check out this live performance and enjoy a night filled with live tunes.
Wednesday, Feb. 14
Location: Super Abari Game Bar, 1015 Seigle Ave, Charlotte, NC 28205
Time: 5 p.m.
Cost: Free
Super Abari Game Bar is hosting a couples/pairs split-flipper pinball tournament on Valentine’s Day. Expect a food truck out front with dinner specials and themed tropical cocktails for people to enjoy. Come by and see if you have the skills to take 1st place.
How to spend Valentine’s Day in the Charlotte area
Location: Charlotte area
Time: Varies
Cost: Varies
Are you still looking for ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day in the Charlotte area? Check out CharlotteFive’s recent article on ideas on how you can celebrate the holiday of love. From dinners to fun events, there’s something out there for you to enjoy.
Thursday, Feb. 15
Location: Old Town Public House, 21314 Catawba Ave, Cornelius, NC 28031
Time: 6-9 p.m.
Cost: Free entry
Listen to some live tunes by TraneWreck at Old Town Public House where you can listen to them every third Thursday of the month. Enjoy an on-tap beer while watching the show.
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.
