7 free and cheap things to do in Lake Norman: Nature hike, 4th of July parades, movies
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: Latta Nature Center and Preserve, 6345 Sample Rd, Huntersville, NC 28078
Time: 9 to 11 a.m.
Cost: Free, but registration is requested
Enjoy a moderate paced hike as you search for the early signs of spring at Latta Nature Preserve and learn about the flora and fauna that make this place home. Be prepared to hike up to 4 miles in two hours, starting no later than 9:05 a.m.
GET OUTDOORS: Our list of top hiking, biking trails around Charlotte
Saturday, July 1
Town of Troutman Independence Day Parade
Location: Troutman American Legion, 304 S Main St, Troutman, NC 28166
Time: 11 a.m.
Cost: Free
Watch 150 parade entries go by, including floats, music and marching units, church groups, civic organizations, scout troops, motorcycles, military units, horses, submarines, classic and antique cars, fire engines, beauty queens, re-enactment groups, politicians, WWII vehicles, trains, planes and many more surprises. The parade will travel on Old Murdock Road from CATS to Hwy 21/Main Street, turn left, travel Main Street, and end at the American Legion/Troutman Elementary School area at Cedar Lane.
Sunday, July 2
Davidson’s 4th of July Patriotic Stroll/Concerts on the Green: The Tonez
Location: Davidson Village Green, 119 S Main St, Davidson, NC 28036
Time: 5:30 to 8 p.m.
Cost: Free
The Town of Davidson is celebrating Independence Day with a patriotic stroll along South Street to the Village Green, where Concert on the Green will be taking place.
To participate in the stroll, line up in front of the 251 South Street building at 5:15 p.m. Police will be closing off South Street (starting at Cathey Street) between 5:10 and 5:35 p.m. so that participants can line up in the road and on the sidewalks.
Festivities will begin at 5:30 p.m. All participants are encouraged to march in the parade dressed in Independence Day attire and to decorate their wagons, bicycles, tricycles and pets in red, white and blue. A color guard of members of the police and fire departments will lead the parade up South Street onto Main Street and the village green.
Davidson’s Concert on the Green, featuring the band The Tonez, will take place at 6 p.m.
Monday, July 3
Location: Link & Pin, 9723 Sam Furr Road, Huntersville, NC 28078
Time: 4-11 p.m.
Cost: $8 for six halves.
Taste some of the best deviled eggs in the Charlotte area at Link & Pin Northcross in Huntersville, where “Granddad’s Deviled Eggs” are topped with trout roe and candied jalapeno bacon.
Tuesday, July 4
Mooresville 150: Stars and Stripes on Main Parade
Location: Downtown Mooresville, 215 N Main Street, Mooresville, NC
Time: 10 a.m.
Cost: Free
Celebrate Mooresville’s birthday and America’s birthday all in one day at this patriotic Fourth of July parade. Mooresville’s past, present and future will be on display with an imaginative lineup of colorful parade floats and historic vehicles, plus plenty of hometown pride.
Individuals and families are invited to sign up and bring their best red, white and blue decorated bicycles, wagons, strollers, skateboards, non-motorized scooters, roller skates, etc.
Wednesday, July 5
Regal Entertainment Group’s Summer Movie Express
Location: Regal Birkdale, 16950 Birkdale Commons Parkway, Huntersville
Time: 11 a.m. for “Clifford the Big Red Dog” or 11:30 a.m. for “Puss in Boots: The Last Wish”
Cost: $2
Watch family friendly films “Puss in Boots: The Last Wish” or “Clifford the Big Red Dog” for just $2 each during Regal Entertainment Group’s Summer Movie Express promotion.
Thursday, July 6
Lake Norman Brewing Bike Night
Location: Lake Norman Brewing, 1753 Triangle Cir, Denver, NC 28037
Time: 6 to 9 p.m.
Cost: Free
Join fellow biking enthusiasts for a ride on Thursday nights at Lake Norman Brewing. Sandwich Express will be on hand at the brewery from 5 to 9 p.m., so you can grab dinner before the ride.
Visit Charlotte on the Cheap for an expanded list of things to do in the Lake Norman area, as well as a big list of things to do in the whole Charlotte region. You’ll find festivals, kids’ activities, date night ideas, art, trivia, and much more
