7 free and cheap things to do in Charlotte: Matthews Alive, Labor Day events, karaoke
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. 1
Location: Stumptown Park, 120 S Trade St, Matthews, NC 28105
Time: 6-10 p.m., with the event continuing all weekend
Cost: Single tickets $2 each; all-you-can-ride wristbands $25 (Friday only)
Start off your Labor Day weekend with Matthews Alive, a four-day festival filled with family fun, games and rides. With shag dancing on the dance floor and all-you-can-ride wristbands in the carnival, there’s something for everyone. You can also check out special deals and grab dinner from over 25 food vendors. It continues throughout the weekend, with a parade on Saturday and more festivities Sunday and Monday.
4 things to know about the annual Matthews Alive Festival over the Labor Day weekend
Saturday, Sept. 2
Best Wurst Fest at Olde Mecklenburg Brewery
Location: 4150 Yancey Rd, Charlotte, NC 28217
Time: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., and again on Sept. 3, from 11 a.m.-10 p.m.
Cost: Free admission, and free beer if you bring your dachshund
Fans of great sausages will enjoy the Olde Mecklenburg Brewery’s Best Wurst Fest. There will be a sausage lineup that includes bratwurst, chorizo and more, a fun game of sausage toss (with prizes included) and live music.
Sunday, Sept. 3
Labor Day Celebration at Whitewater Center
Location: 5000 Whitewater Center Pkwy, Charlotte, NC 28214
Time: 8 a.m.-8 p.m.
Cost: Free admission, parking $6
The Whitewater Center is hosting a Labor Day celebration this Saturday and Sunday with trail races, yoga and live music. You’ll find more than 30 activities to do plus live music.
Monday, Sept. 4
Location: starts at Hal Marshall, S College St, Charlotte, NC 28202
Time: 11 a.m.
Cost: Free entry
Celebrate the 22nd annual Charlotte Labor Day Parade in uptown Charlotte this Labor Day. The parade features local labor union floats, vehicles and marchers. There will also be car clubs, bands, businesses and more at the parade, as well.
Tuesday, Sept. 5
Piano Karaoke & Sing Along at Petra’s
Location: 1919 Commonwealth Ave, Charlotte, NC 28205
Time: 7 p.m.
Cost: $5
Every first Tuesday of the month, Petra’s hosts a night of fun piano karaoke and sing-alongs with Ryan Stamey. Pick a song and grab the mic — Stamey will accompany you on the piano while you take the stage. Sing your heart out, make requests or just sit back, relax and enjoy the show with a drink.
Wednesday, Sept. 6
Pick up a free art kit at Mint Museum Randolph
Location: 2730 Randolph Rd, Charlotte, NC 28207
Time: 11 a.m.-9 p.m.
Cost: Free
Looking for ways to show your artistic side? Mint Museum Randolph is giving away free art kits. Learn more about symbolic animals in the art of Rosalia Torres-Weiner and use magic color-changing sheets to draw a jaguar or whatever pleases you.
Thursday, Sept. 7
SouthPark After 5: Breakfast Club (80s Tribute Band)
Location: 4400 Sharon Rd, Charlotte, NC 28211
Time: 5-9 p.m.
Cost: Free entry
Enjoy SouthPark’s free concert series, SouthPark After 5, at the Symphony Park. Every Thursday from Sept. 7 to Oct. 12, SouthPark after 5 is Charlotte’s a weekly happy hour and free entertainment event. Enjoy a cocktail, food and vendors while enjoying some tunes from Breakfast Club, an 80’s tribute band.
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.
