7 free and cheap things to do in Charlotte: Glass-blowing, Pro wrestling and Broadway show

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, July 21

Hot Glass Alley Open Demo

Location: 438 Atando Avenue Charlotte NC 28206

Time: 6-9 p.m.

Cost: Free

Hot Glass Alley is presenting a free glass-blowing demonstration from owner and lead artist, Jake Pfeifer. He has 20 years of experience in the art of glass blowing, and he will answer any questions you may have about this fascinating art style. This event is family-friendly, free and open to the public.

Saturday, July 22

Free kids’ performance by Big Bang Boom at ImaginOn

Location: 300 East 7th Street Charlotte NC 28202

Time: 2-3 p.m.

Cost: Free

ImaginOn is hosting a live free performance by Big Bang Boom, a power pop band. This band includes dynamic dads who play parent-friendly, educational children’s music.

Sunday, July 23

Red, White and Brew: Free pro wrestling at Divine Barrel Brewing

Location: 3701 N Davidson St Suite 203, Charlotte NC 28205

Time: 4-6 p.m.

Cost: Free

Looking for a night filled with wrestling and hot dogs? Divine Barrel Brewing is hosting USA Main Event Wrestling, a free and family-friendly show, with multiple favorites like Cam Jackson, Whiskey Business and more.

Monday, July 24

Killer Queen Game Night at Free Range Brewing

Location: 2320 N Davidson St. Charlotte NC 28205

Time: 7-9 p.m.

Cost: Free

Join Free Range Brewing every Monday to play Killer Queen. You can network with other enthusiasts and learn to play and battle between other players. You can do it all with a small-batch Free Range brew in hand.

Tuesday, July 25

Cook Out Summer Shootout Christmas in July (free admission with toy donation)

Location: 5555 Concord Pkwy S, Concord, NC 28027

Time: Gate Open at 5 p.m. and Green Flag at 6 p.m.

Cost: Kids 12 & under- Free, Adults- $10

You can watch racing’s future stars battle in Legend cars and Bandoleros on the front-stretch quarter mile. Nascar champions include Chase Elliott and Joey Logano battling in the 9th round.

Wednesday, July 26

Wednesday Night Live

Location: The Mint Museum, The Bechtler Museum of Modern Art, Harvey B. Gantt Center and Blumenthal Arts

Time: 5-9 p.m.

Cost: Free

If you’re looking to enjoy art on a budget, this is your chance. Wednesday Night Live is a Levine Art Series that includes free admission every week. Check out the exhilarating art exhibits at the Mint Museum or stroll through Blumenthal Arts.

Inside the Mint Museum ‘Vault’ exhibit, where couples collect and cherish Black art

Thursday, July 27

Pay What You Can to Matthews Playhouse’s Hello Dolly

Location: 100 E McDowell St, Matthews NC 28105

Time: Performance begins at 7:30 p.m.

Cost: Pay-What-You-Can

Looking to spend a night on Broadway? Matthews Playhouse of the Performing Arts is offering a pay-what-you-can performance of Broadway hit “Hello, Dolly!” this Thursday. Seating is first come, first served, so don’t miss out.

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.