7 free and cheap things to do in the Charlotte area: Juneteenth events, Father’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.
Friday, June 16
Juneteenth Festival of the Carolinas
Location: House of Africa, 1215 Thomas Avenue, Charlotte, NC 28205
Time: 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Cost: Free
Kick off Juneteenth weekend with a drum circle on Friday evening. Juneteenth Festival of the Carolinas, which is in its 26th year, will continue all weekend with a Juneteenth parade, children’s village, performances, storytelling, food and a fashion show on Saturday, and a gospel concert on Sunday.
[Juneteenth 2023: Where to celebrate the holiday around Charlotte]
Saturday, June 17
Location: Levine Avenue of the Arts, Charlotte, NC 28202
Time: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Cost: Free
Juneteenth Jam is a partnership between Blumenthal Performing Arts, the Harvey B. Gantt Center, The Mint Museum, Bechtler Museum of Modern Art and NAACP. There will be a block party at Levine Avenue of the Arts, featuring DJs, musical acts, dancing, food trucks and vendors. In addition, the Gantt Center will be hosting hands-on art activities and workshops, The Mint Museum Uptown will host a Juneteenth history talk with NAACP, and The Bechtler will be the spot for a video game truck, air brush t-shirts and face art.
Sunday, June 18
Free Admission for Dads at Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden
Location: 6500 South New Hope Road, Belmont, NC 28012
Time: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Cost: Free for dads; regular admission for other members of the family. $14.95 for adults, $7.95 for children ages 2-12, $12.95 for seniors ages 60+, and free for children under 2.
Dads get free admission for Father’s Day and will also receive a free Game Day Koozie, while supplies last. Enjoy live music, yard games and lunch from a food truck.
Monday, June 19
Location: 551 South Tryon Street, Charlotte, NC 28202
Time: 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Cost: Free
The Gantt Center is offering free admission for Juneteenth. In addition to exploring the exhibits, the celebration will feature film screening, an archiving workshop, a chance to make your own Juneteenth windsock and freedom prints, and a history conversation.
Tuesday, June 20
Location: Blue Blaze Brewing, 528 South Turner Avenue, Charlotte, NC 28208
Time: 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Cost: Free
Every Tuesday, Blue Blaze Brewing hosts Trail Talk, a conversation about hiking, backpacking and the outdoors. Meet other people in the Charlotte community interested in the outdoors. It’s a chance to learn about different hikes, trade tips about gear and even make plans for hikes.
Wednesday, June 21
Location: Tommy’s Pub, 3124 Eastway Drive #710, Charlotte, NC 28205
Time: 8:45 p.m.
Cost: Free
Once a month from June to October, Tommy’s Pub, VisArt Video and Independent Picture House are presenting Movies on the Wall. The movies will be projected on the outside wall of Tommy’s Pub. Snacks and refreshments will be available for purchase. All ages are welcome, but some movies might not be suitable for a young audience. The movie tonight is “Jaws.”
Thursday, June 22
Location: Pearl Street Park, 1200 Baxter Street, Charlotte, NC 28202
Time: 7 p.m. to 9 pm.
Cost: Free
Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation’s summer concert series pops up at Pearl Street Park with renowned saxophonist Adrian Crutchfield.
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.
