7 free and cheap things to do in Charlotte: Short films, 4th of July, music events
This list is curated by Charlotte on the Cheap, where you’ll find even more free and cheap things to do every day.
Friday, June 30
Location: The Independent Picture House, 4237 Raleigh St. Charlotte, NC 28213
Time: 6:30 p.m.
Cost: $12
A showcase of favorite past, present and future short films of the CineOdyssey Film Festival. Select producers and directors of these short films will be in attendance for a post-screening Q&A.
Saturday, July 1
Star Spangled Weekend: concert by Liquid Pleasure
Location: Optimist Hall, 1115 N Brevard St., Charlotte, NC 28206
Time: 7 to 10 p.m.
Cost: Free
The 10-piece band Liquid Pleasure, which has been bringing the party to the Carolinas for more than four decades, is making its Optimist Hall debut. The food hall will also have LED glow wands, temporary tattoos and limited edition stickers on hand while supplies last.
Sunday, July 2
Location: 1720 Galleria Blvd., Charlotte, NC 28270
Time: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Cost: Free
Browse El Mercadito, an open air market with primarily Hispanic vendors. You can grab bites from a food truck and enjoy live music while you look for clothing, accessories and more.
Monday, July 3
4th of July Celebration at U.S. National Whitewater Center
Location: Whitewater Center, 5000 Whitewater Center Pkwy, Charlotte, NC 28214
Time: 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Cost: Free, but parking is $6
The U.S. National Whitewater Center’s 4th of July festival will include two days of yoga, live music and fireworks. The pyrotechnics will light up the sky at 9:30 p.m. each night, after the headlining musical act.
Tuesday, July 4
Location: Multiple
Time: Varies
Cost: Varies, but many events are free
Find a place to celebrate Independence Day with CharlotteFive’s July 4 guide to fireworks, parades and other ways to spend the holiday.
Wednesday, July 5
Location: Rhino Market & Deli Uptown, 400 S Church Street, Charlotte, NC 28285
Time: 5:30 to 8 p.m.
Cost: Free
Bring along a few friends and play Name the Music trivia together at Rhino Market & Deli Uptown. The DJ-hosted game features upbeat hits from all genres and decades.
Thursday, July 6
Location: Outside Dressler’s at Metropolitan, Metropolitan Ave #125. Charlotte, NC 28204
Time: 6 to 9 p.m.
Cost: Free
Hear Dean Peterson Jr. perform at Music at the Met, which takes place every Thursday night until Oct. 5. The show takes place right outside Dressler’s, where Joan’s Bakery and Deli will be opening this fall.
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.
