7+ free and cheap things to do in Charlotte: Festivals, films and Party in the Park
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. 22
Location: 1908 East Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28203
Time: 4-9 p.m.
Cost: Free entry
Celebrate music, art and fun on the first day of Festival in the Park. The 59th annual Festival in the Park will have a family fun zone including a swing ride and fun house, plus art boards and live performances from Charlotte Folk Society and We Rock Youth Charlotte.
Saturday, Sept. 23
UNC Charlotte’s International Festival
Location: 9201 University City Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28223
Time: 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Cost: Free
Spend your Saturday at the International Festival at UNC Charlotte with colorful booths representing the cultures of over 35 nations. Each booth will feature arts, crafts and costumes from a participating country and offer international food for sale. FYI: Some booths only accept cash.
Location: 1300 N Tryon St, Charlotte, NC 28202
Time: 12-8 p.m.
Cost: $5 per person online or $6 at the gate; children under 10 are free
The Festival of India will include performances, art and a kids’ pavilion, along with an Indian food court and vendors to browse for jewelry, fashion and more.
Sunday, Sept. 24
Party in the Park at Mint Museum Randolph
Location: 2730 Randolph Rd, Charlotte, NC 28207
Time: 1-5 p.m.
Cost: Free
Mint Museum Randolph is hosting Party in the Park with a puppet-making station, scavenger hunt and artist demonstrations as the museum celebrates the 75th anniversary of the Guild of Charlotte Artists. There will also be food trucks, live music and a cash bar.
Monday, Sept. 25
Register for Citywide Tree Adoption with TreesCharlotte
Location: 701 Tuckaseegee Rd, Charlotte, NC 28208
Time: 8:30-11:30 a.m.
Cost: Free
TreesCharlotte is kicking off the fall season with a Citywide Tree Adoption event, and it’s looking for volunteers to help. The organization will have a huge mix of species including Red Maple, Dogwood and more, plus a mandatory tree-planting training for new plant owners.
Tuesday, Sept. 26
Flying Biscuit Café celebrates National Breakfast Month
Location: 4241 Park Rd, Charlotte, NC 28209
Location: 7930 Rea Rd, Charlotte, NC 28277
Location: 110 Matthews Station St, Matthews, NC 28105
Time: 7 a.m.-2 p.m.
Cost: $5
Looking for a tasty breakfast before work or school? Celebrate National Breakfast Month with Flying Biscuit Cafe’s $5 bacon and eggs special. It includes two eggs, three strips of bacon, grits and a fluffy biscuit.
Wednesday, Sept. 27
Location: 4237 Raleigh St, Charlotte, NC 28213
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Cost: $12
Charlotte Film Festival is showcasing its first film premier this Wednesday. “Black Barbie: A Documentary” will kick off the film festival with director Lagueria Davis in attendance.
Thursday, Sept. 28
Crossroads Cinema: “My Best Friend’s Wedding”
Location: 300 Camp Rd, Charlotte, NC 28206
Time: Starts at 8 p.m.
Cost: Free
Crossroads Cinema is hosting its fall 2023 movie series featuring ‘80s and ‘90s film classics. Bring a chair or blanket and watch “My Best Friend’s Wedding” under the stars, plus there are free retro arcade games to play before or afterward.
SouthPark After 5: Chicago Rewired
Location: 4400 Sharon Rd, Charlotte, NC 28211
Time: 5-9 p.m.
Cost: Free
In the mood to listen to live music? Look no further because SouthPark After 5 is hosting a free concert series every Thursday at 5 p.m. Expect a live performance from Coconut Groove Band, a Steely Dan Tribute and dancing the night away with food, vendors and adult beverages nearby.
Tango Thursday at Market at 7th Street
Location: 224 E 7th St, Charlotte, NC 28202
Time: 7-10 p.m.
Cost: $15
Tango the night away with Tango CLT, which is hosting a social Argentine tango lesson for all. No experience and no partner needed. The lesson starts at 7 p.m., and the social dancing event includes wine and drink specials from 8-10 p.m.
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.
