21 free and cheap things to do in Charlotte: Fall festivals, free oysters and vintage shopping
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, Oct. 20
Hot Glass Alley’s Blow in the Dark
Location: 438 Atando Ave, Charlotte, NC 28206
Time: 6-9 p.m.
Cost: Free
Hot Glass Alley is hosting Blow In The Dark. Watch the glass blowing process done in the dark, where the gaffers are guided only by the glow of the hot glass. Hot Glass Alley is also having a costume contest, so come by in your best costume. The winner will receive a Halloween pumpkin as a prize.
Location: 8850 Fairview Rd, Mint Hill, NC 28227
Time: 4-10 p.m.; continues through Saturday
Cost: Varies
Let the madness begin! Mint Hill Madness is celebrating the founding of Mint Hill, with something for everyone in the family. You’ll find delicious food, a variety of great music including country and rock, a family carnival and, of course, a spectacular firework show..
Goodies & Goblins: Trick or Treating and Movie at Promenade on Providence
Location: 10844 Providence Rd, Charlotte, NC 28277
Time: 5 p.m.-sunset
Cost: Free entry
Grab your most creative costumes and join Promenade on Providence for an early round of trick-or-treating from 5-6:30 p.m. But don’t worry, the fun doesn’t stop there. The shopping center is also hosting a screening of the beloved classic “Casper” at sunset.
Location: 513 Main St, Pineville, NC 28134
Time: 6-10 p.m.; continues through Saturday
Cost: Varies
Looking for a fall festival to head to this weekend? The 25th annual Pineville Fall Fest is happening this weekend, featuring music, food, carnival rides and other fun. Listen to live tunes from Chairmen of the Board, or check out the arts and vendors at the festival.
Adult night at Moonlight Carnival in Belmont
Location: 24 S Main St, Belmont, NC 28012
Time: 7:30-10 p.m.; continues 2-9 p.m. Saturday with family-friendly fun
Cost: $5
Moonlight Carnival is kicking off with an adult night, labeled as such for music choices and costumes. The event includes aerial circus shows, as well as food trucks, bounce houses, trick or treating, a pumpkin patch and more. It will also have a beer garden this year and two costume contests each day with prizes from vendors. You don’t want to miss out, so come dressed to the nines to take home the win.
Saturday, Oct. 21
Location: 300 Camp Rd, Charlotte, NC 28206
Time: 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Cost: $3 for general admission, $8 for early bird entry
In the mood to look for vintage pieces this weekend? The 2023 VTGCLT Fall Market will take place at Camp North End in the Ford Building and will feature 80+ vintage and handmade brands.
Location: Various points in York County, SC
Time: 10:30-11:45 a.m.
Cost: Free
Tour De York is back for its fourth year, and there will be all different types of general aviation aircraft flying — including some in formation flight and others with smoke contrails. If you live within one mile or less from the flight path, you should be able to see the aircraft from your own home. If you still want a closer view, there’s a list of highlighted public areas for your enjoyment, including downtown Clover, Rock Hill or York, where you should be able to watch.
Lebo’s 100th Anniversary Celebration
Location: 7300 E Independence Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28227
Time: 11-3 p.m.
Cost: Free entry
L’ebo’s is celebrating its 100th anniversary with a celebration filled with mechanical bull riding, a bungee run, DJ and more. Look for giveaways, face painting, scratch-offs, cookies and popcorn, along with Lebo’s loot and sales all weekend.
Location: 150 W 32nd St, Charlotte, NC 28206
Time: 12-4 p.m.; continues Sunday
Cost: Free entry
Charlotte Chalk Art Festival is a free, family-friendly festival that will take place at NoDa Brewing Company over two days. It features a street Chalk Art Competition for ages 12 to 17 and 18+. Teams will compete for cash prizes, and festival-goers will have a chance to see a street chalk art gallery come to life while patronizing art and crafts/retailers, and food and beverage vendors.
Baxter Village-Fort Mill Fall Festival
Location: Baxter Village Town Center, SC-160, Fort Mill, SC 29708
Time: 12-6 p.m.
Cost: Free entry
Play around at one of the largest fall festivals in the Charlotte region, the Baxter Village-Fort Mill Fall Festival. This year, you can browse 125 vendors and artisans, snack on food and beverages, play games, win prizes, jump on inflatables and more. The Greg Parrish Band will take the stage from 3:30-5:30 p.m.
Charlotte Concert Band at The Amp Ballantyne
Location: 11115 Upper Ave, Charlotte, NC 28277
Time: 7 p.m.
Cost: Free
At this free event, guests are invited to relive the magic of the silver screen as the Charlotte Concert Band performs favorite scores from treasured films. Be immersed in the futuristic sounds of space and the bold tones of the Sahara. Experience the action of James Bond and sing along to favorite Broadway tunes.
Sunday, Oct. 22
Location: 1016 N Davidson St, Charlotte, NC 28206
Time: 2 p.m. until supplies run out
Cost: Free
It’s a Panthers bye week, so Birdsong Brewing Co. and Sea Level have decided to celebrate with bivalves aka oysters. Join in for a free raw bar, where you can sip on delicious craft brews and slurp oysters on the half shell. Birdsong and Sea Level will be shucking 500 oysters from 2 p.m.-till they’re gone, so get there early.
Lake Norman Philharmonic Fall Concert
Location: 215 N Main St, Mooresville, NC 28115
Time: 4:30-6 p.m.
Cost: Free
Join the Lake Norman Philharmonic as it ushers in autumn with a lively, family-friendly concert. Conducted by maestro Eduardo Cedeño, you’ll find an eventful afternoon for family and friends to enjoy some familiar classical music, as well as some new pieces the orchestra has been working on. You’ll hear a varied selection of music by Duke Ellington and Cole Porter, as well as classics by Shubert and Dvorák.
Monday, Oct. 23
Live Story Time: Spooky Stories
Location: 9405 Bryant Farms Rd, Charlotte, NC 28277
Time: 10-11 a.m.
Cost: Free
Listen to a live story time for children featuring spooky stories at the Ballantyne Arts Center. Bring your favorite blanket from home and snuggle up to listen to this special story time.
Manic Mondays Karaoke at Starlight on 22nd
Location: 422 E 22nd St, Charlotte, NC 28206
Time: 7-10 p.m.
Cost: Free
If you’re in the mood to sing karaoke with your friends, look no further. Starlight on 22nd is hosting Manic Mondays Karaoke with DJ Magick Mike. Don’t miss out on this night of fun and bring your own singing talent.
Tuesday, Oct. 24
Charlotte Black Restaurant Week
Location: 9601 N Tryon St, Charlotte, NC 28262
Time: All day, through Oct. 29
Cost: Free entry
Charlotte Black Restaurant Week is back, celebrating two weeks filled with local Black restaurants offering deals and discounts on delicious eats. Enjoy specials and food trucks events — and make sure you come in with an empty stomach.
OneBand at Divine Barrel Brewing
Location: 3701 N Davidson St Suite #203, Charlotte, NC 28205
Time: 6:30-9 p.m.
Cost: Free entry
Get ready to party because OneBand is back on Tuesday for a spooky edition of this community concert series. Join the crowd for an evening of music, community, food from Fat Burritos and beer. It’s free to attend, so grab your friends or family and come dance the night away.
Wednesday, Oct. 25
Puzzle Race Night at Middle James Brewing
Location: 400 N Polk St B, Pineville, NC 28134
Time: 7-10 p.m.
Cost: Free
Join Middle James Brewing Co. for a puzzle race night every Wednesday. Bring your brain skills and enjoy its great selection of drinks and food including its Beer Cheese Dip & Pretzel or Honey Sriracha Chicken Tenders.
Say farewell to The Hideaway LKN
Location: 20910 Torrence Chapel Rd, D7, Cornelius, NC 28031
Time: 3-11 p.m.
Cost: Free admission
Stop in and say goodbye to The Hideaway LKN, which has changed hands and will be closed starting Oct. 31 for a transition into an arcade bar. Plans call for the full-service spot to reopen as Dive Bar Cornelius on Nov. 7.
Thursday, Oct. 26
Location: 11115 Upper Ave, Charlotte, NC 28277
Time: 4 p.m.
Cost: $10
Join Live at The Amp Ballantyne for some live tunes by Dani Kerr and the Skeleton Crew, and Sweet Leaf. Grab some food or drinks nearby from trucks including Mister Greek, HotBoys Chicken and more. There’s free parking, and picnic blankets are welcome.
Student Night at Opera Carolina
Location: 130 N Tryon St, Charlotte, NC 28202
Time: Starts at 7 p.m.
Cost: $10 for students, $15 for adults
Looking for an opportunity to experience a live opera performance at a discounted price? Student Night at the Opera features Cavalleria Rusticana with a subtitled performance, a Q&A with artists and a learning guide to learn more about the composer and the opera.
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.
