The fall is the perfect time in Charlotte for outdoor events, and there are plenty planned. Read on for a big (and growing) list of Halloween festivals, harvest festivals, apple festivals, cultural festivals, food festivals and more.

We will be adding to this list all the time, so please keep checking back. You can expect to see more Halloween related festivals as fall grows closer. And, after the list of major festivals, there’s a big day-by-day list of even more festivals, Halloween parties and other fall events. If you’d like to skip the featured festivals and jump to the day-by-day list, go for it!

Also, make sure to check out our list of corn mazes, pumpkin patches and hayrides , as well as our list of Halloween events and Trick or Treat events. They will be updated for 2026 soon.

• Jump to September festivals
• Jump to October festivals
• Jump to November festivals

Matthews Alive

Matthews Alive
Date: September 4 to 7, 2026
Time: 4 to 10 p.m. on Friday; 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturday; 1 to 10 p.m. on Sunday; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Place: Downtown Matthews, NC
Cost: Admission is free. There’s a cost for rides, games and inflatable attractions.
Features: Live music, rides, games, vendors, art, a kids’ zone and a Labor Day parade on Saturday at 9:30 a.m.

Labor Day Celebration at Whitewater Center

Labor Day Celebration
Date: Saturday, September 5, and Sunday, September 6, 2026
Time: 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Place: Whitewater Center, 5000 Whitewater Center Parkway, Charlotte, NC
Cost: Free, but parking is $13, and activities have fees
Features: The Whitewater Center’s Labor Day Celebration features a trail race, live music, and yoga. There’s a charge for the trail race and for the pass activities, but the music and yoga are free to enjoy.

Charlotte Soul Fest

Charlotte Soul Fest
Date: Saturday, September 5, 2026
Time: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Place: First Ward Park, 301 E 7th Street, Charlotte, NC
Cost: Free
Features: Live music all day, plus dance workshops, a kids’ zone and an art walk.

Belmont Bookshop’s Literary Festival

Belmont Bookshop’s Literary Festival
Date: Saturday, September 5, 2026
Time: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Place: Stowe Park, 24 S Main Street, Belmont, NC
Cost: Free
Features: Author readings, book signings, story times, live entertainment, contests, more

Yiasou Greek Festival

Yiasou Greek Festival
Date: September 11 to 13, 2026
Time: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday.
Place: Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 600 East Boulevard, Charlotte, NC
Cost: Admission is $5, with free admission for children under age 12.
Features: Food, kids’ playland, entertainment, music dancing, live reenactments, tours of the cathedral and more.

Cabarrus County Fair

Cabarrus County Fair
Date: September 11 to 19, 2026
Time: 4 to 10 p.m. Monday to Thursday; 4 to midnight on Fridays; 1 to midnight on Saturdays; 1 to 10 p.m. on Sundays
Place: Cabarrus Events & Arena Center, 4751 NC Highway 49 N, Concord, NC
Cost: Gate admission is $8 for 12 and over, and $6 for ages 6-11 and age 55+. Free for military with ID and Cabarrus County employees. Kids 5 and under are admitted for free. Ride wristbands are $37.
Features: Rides, entertainment, livestock competition, and fair food.

Oktoberfest Celebrations

Oktoberfest Celebrations
Date: Various dates in September and October
Time: Various times
Place: Many places
Cost: Most are free
Features: Follow the above link to learn about dozens of Oktoberfest celebrations in the Charlotte area. Many feature German, or German-inspired food and beer, German music and dancing, stein-hoisting competitions and other festivities.

Cornelius Festival of Cultures

Cornelius Festival of Cultures
Date: Saturday, September 12, 2026
Time: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Place: Cain Park, 21336 Catawba Avenue, Cornelius, NC
Cost: Free
Features: Live performance, art, cultural booths and food from many cultures.

Southern Resonance Roots Festival

Southern Resonance Roots Festival
Date: Sunday, September 13, 2026
Time: 12:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Place: Heist Brewery and Barrel Arts, 1030 Woodward Avenue, Charlotte, NC
Cost: Free from 12:30 to 5:30 p.m. (outdoors); Ticketed from 6:30 to 8 p.m. (indoors)
Features: Artists representing many styles of American blues and roots music. Includes an artisan market.

25th Anniversary St. Anne’s International Festival

St. Anne’s International Festival
Date: September 18 and 19, 2026
Time: 5 to 10 p.m. on Friday; 2 to 9 p.m. on Saturday
Place: St. Anne Catholic Church, 1694 Bird Street, Rock Hill, SC
Cost: Free
Features: Authentic, homemade cuisine from over 15 world cultures, traditional performances, kids’ zone, more.

Serb Fest

Serb Fest
Date: Saturday, September 19, 2026
Time: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Place: St. Simeon Serbian Orthodox Church, 7609 Mallard Creek Road, Charlotte, NC
Cost: Free
Features: Live music, authentic food for purchase, kids’ activities and a soccer tournament. Also, view the cultural displays and the beautiful interior of the church.

Bigfoot in the Park

Bigfoot in the Park
Date: Saturday, September 19, 2026
Time: 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Place: George Poston Park, 1101 Lowell-Spencer Mountain Road, Gastonia, NC
Cost: Free
Features: Self-guided hunt for Bigfoot in the park, plus vendors, food trucks, refreshment and activities at Base Camp.

Flow Fest

Flow Fest
Date: September 19 and 20, 2026
Time: 7:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Place: Whitewater Center, 5000 Whitewater Center Parkway, Charlotte, NC
Cost: Free, but parking is $13.
Features: More than 150 yoga and meditation practices and workshops, as well as vendors and live music.

28th Festival of India

30th Festival of India
Date: September 19 and 20, 2026
Time: 12 to 8 p.m.
Place: Belk Theater, 130 N Tryon Street, Charlotte, NC.
Cost: $5
Features: Celebrate India with traditional and Bollywood dances, exhibits, visual arts, souvenir bazars, Indian food and much more.

Charlotte Monarch Celebration

Charlotte Monarch Celebration
Date: Saturday, September 19, 2026
Time: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Place: Reedy Creek Nature Preserve, 2986 Rocky River Road, Charlotte, NC
Cost: Free
Features: Learn about monarch butterflies and other pollinators. Crafts, giveaways, photo booth, more.

UNC Charlotte International Festival

UNC Charlotte International Festival
Date: Saturday, September 19, 2026
Time: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Place: Barnhardt Student Activity Center, 9290 Barnhardt Lane, Charlotte, NC
Cost: Free
Features: This long-standing festival on the UNC Charlotte campus features booths from diverse cultures, dance and music performances, international games and the Parade of Nations.

Optimist Hall’s 7th Birthday Extravaganza

Optimist Hall’s Birthday
Date: Saturday, September 19, 2026
Time: 5 to 9 p.m.
Place: Optimist Hall, 1115 N Brevard Street, Charlotte, NC
Cost: Free
Features: Free ferris wheel and musical swing rides, 3-lane slide, face painting, bubble station, face painting and more. Everything is free except for food and drink.

Battle of Charlotte Living History Weekend

Battle of Charlotte Living History Weekend
Date: Saturday, September 26, and Sunday, September 27, 2026
Time: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday
Place: Museum of the Waxhaws, 8215 Waxhaw Hwy, Waxhaw, North Carolina
Cost: $15. Free for kids ages 5 and under.
Features: Battle re-enactments, artisans, camp life, cooking, kids’ activities, weapons demonstrations, more.

Festival in the Park

61st Festival in the Park
Date: September 25 to 27, 2026
Time: Friday: 4 to 9 p.m.; Saturday: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Sunday: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Place: Freedom Park, 1900 East Boulevard, Charlotte, NC
Cost: Free
Features: More than 150 artists and artisans will display and sell their art. There will also be food vendors, performances, and family activities.

Festival of Lebanon

Festival of Lebanon
Date: September 25 and 26, 2026
Time: 4 to 8 p.m. on Friday and 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. on Sunday
Place: St. Matthew Catholic Church’s Gym, 8015 Ballantyne Commons Parkway, Charlotte, North Carolina.
Cost: Free
Features: Live performances, Lebanese food and sweets, kids’ corner, Lebanese culture, big cash lottery, more

Ciao Italia Matthews

Ciao Italia Matthews
Date: September 26, 2026
Time: 12 to 9 p.m.
Place: Stumptown Park, 120 S Trade Street, Matthews, NC
Cost: Free
Features: Italian entertainment, food and beverage, car show, more.

‘Tawba Walk Arts & Music Festival

‘Tawba Walk Arts & Music Festival
Date: Saturday, September 26, 2026
Time: 2 to 8 p.m.
Place: Oak Street Mill, 19725 Oak Street, Cornelius, NC
Cost: Free
Features: Live music on two stages, kids’ zone, multiple food truck courts, 100+ artists, craftspeople and vendors, more.

All American Dog Show

All American Dog Show
Date: Sunday, September 27, 2026
Time: 2 to 5 p.m.
Place: Robbins Park, 17738 W Catawba Avenue, Cornelius, NC
Cost: Free for spectators (cost to enter your dog in a contest)
Features: Multiple dog contests, vendors and concessions.

Concord International Festival

Concord International Festival
Date: Saturday, October 3, 2026
Time: 12 to 6 p.m.
Place: Downtown Concord, NC
Cost: Free
Features: Live music performances, a kids’ corner with hand-on experiences, cultural displays, international craft vendors, and food and drink.

Charlotte Kids Fest

Charlotte Kids Fest
Date: Saturday, October 3, 2026
Time: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Place: The Boardwalk at University City, 9325 JW Clay Blvd, Charlotte, NC
Cost: Free
Features: Performances, hands-on activities and interactive workshops for kids

Kids in Nature Day Matthews

Kids in Nature Day
Date: Saturday, October 3, 2026
Time: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Place: Squirrel Lake Park, 1631 Pleasant Plains Road, Matthews, NC
Cost: Free
Features: Nature hikes, animal explorations, fishing, STEM activities, more

FabFest, Charlotte’s Beatles Festival

FabFest, Charlotte’s Beatles Festival
Date: Friday, October 2, and Saturday, October 3, 2026
Time: FabFest Daytime is from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday; Evening show takes place on Friday at 7:30 p.m.
Place: FabFest Daytime is at The Parr Center at Central Piedmont Community College, 1201 Elizabeth Avenue, Charlotte, NC. The evening show is at Knight Theater, 430 S Tryon Street.
Cost: FabFest Daytime free. The cost for the evening shows vary.
Features: FabFest Daytime is an immersive Beatles day with live music, an open mic, authors, memorabilia, a marketplace and much more. Tosco Music Beatles Tribute takes place Friday night.

Hola Charlotte Festival

Hola Charlotte Festival
Date: Saturday, October 3, 2026
Time: 12 to 6 p.m.
Place: Tryon Street, between Brooklyn Village Avenue and 4th Street, Charlotte, NC
Cost: Free
Features: Latin American cultural performances and art, a family area and more.

Autumn Jubilee at Dan Nicholas Park

Autumn Jubilee at Dan Nicholas Park
Date: October 3 and 4, 2026
Time: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Place: Dan Nicholas Park, 6800 Bringle Ferry Road, Salisbury, NC
Cost: Free
Features: Live music, kids’ activities, craft vendors, food vendors and more.

K-Fest: Celebration of Korean Culture

K-Fest
Date: Saturday, October 3, 2026
Time: 2 to 10 p.m.
Place: Seoul Food Meat Co., Mill District, 421 E 26th Street, Charlotte, NC
Cost: Free
Features: Celebrate Korean culture through games, music, food and drink, K-Pop dance contest and more.

Cotton Ginning Festival

Cotton Ginning Festival
Date: October 9 to 11, 2026
Time: Friday and Saturday: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. (tentative times)
Place: Dallas Park, 1303 Dallas Cherryville Hwy, Dallas, NC
Cost: Free
Features: Engine shows, arts and crafts, live music, Parade of Power, kids’ area, heritage area, more.

Charlotte VegFest

Charlotte VegFest
Date: Saturday, October 10, 2026
Time: 12 to 6 p.m.
Place: Victoria Yards, 209 E 7th Street, Charlotte, NC
Cost: Free (VIP option available)
Features: A celebration of healthy, sustainable and compassionate eating. Vegan food court, cooking demos, more.

Fall for Matthews Festival

Fall for Matthews Festival
Date: Saturday, October 10, 2026
Time: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Place: Stumptown Park, 120 S Trade Street, Matthews, NC
Cost: Free
Features: Arts and crafts vendors, live music, food vendors, children’s area, more

Build Your Own Boat

Build Your Own Boat
Date: Saturday, October 10, 2026
Time: 12 to 5:30 p.m.
Place: Whitewater Center, 5000 Whitewater Center Parkway, Charlotte, NC
Cost: Free to watch. $13 for parking. Cost to participate.
Features: Watch crews in homemade boats race on the whitewater channel. Live music following the competition.

Mountaineer Days Heritage Festival

Mountaineer Days Heritage Festival
Date: Saturday, October 10, 2026
Time: 12 to 6 p.m.
Place: Patriots Park, 220 South Railroad Avenue, Kings Mountain, NC
Cost: Free
Features: Live music, historic demonstrations, contests and more.

Charlotte BookPalooza

Charlotte Book Palooza
Date: Saturday, October 10, 2026
Time: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Place: Truist Field, 324 S Mint Street, Charlotte, NC
Cost: $5 for adults. Free for kids and teens
Features: Author talks, book venders, cosplay and fandom fun, character moments, read to a rescue, more.

Charlotte Corgi Club Racing Championship

Charlotte Corgi Club Racing Championship
Date: Saturday, October 17, 2026
Time: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Place: Renaissance Park, 1536 W Tyvola Road, Charlotte, NC
Cost: Free
Features: Watch corgis race. There will also be food trucks, music and vendors. All dogs can attend. Only corgis can race. There’s a fee to register your Corgi to race.

Lake Norman Diwali

Lake Norman Diwali
Date: Saturday, October 17, 2026
Time: 1:30 to 6:30 p.m.
Place: Veterans Park, 201 Huntersville-Concord Road, Huntersville, NC
Cost: Free
Features: Entertainment, kids’ activities, Diwali Express ride, bounce house, Zumba, Grand Diya lighting ceremony and light show, more

Laketoberfest

Laketoberfest
Date: Saturday, October 10, 2026
Time: 3 to 8 p.m.
Place: Bailey Road Park, 11536 Bailey Road, Cornelius, NC
Cost: Free
Features: Live music, North Carolina beer and wine, food trucks, kids’ zone, more.

Pineville Fall Fest

Pineville Fall Fest
Date: October 15 to 17, 2026
Time: 5 to 9 p.m. on Thursday and Friday; 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturday
Place: Jack D. Hughes Park, 513 Main Street, Pineville, NC
Cost: Free for admission. There’s a cost for the rides.
Features: Carnival rides, arts and crafts vendors, live music, children’s entertainment and more.

Mush, Music & Mutts: NC’s Liver Mush Festival

Mush, Music & Mutts: NC’s Liver Mush Festival
Date: Saturday, October 17, 2026
Time: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Place: Uptown Shelby
Cost: Free
Features: Liver mush eating contests, recipe contest and more. Plus, live music, craft vendors, kids’ zone, and pet contests.

Lincoln County Apple Festival

Lincoln County Apple Festival
Date: Saturday, October 17, 2026
Time: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Place: Aspen and Main Street, Lincolnton, NC
Cost: Free
Features: Live entertainment, Apple Queen Pageant, craft vendors, kids’ activities, more

Nature at Night

Nature at Night
Date: Saturday, October 17, 2026
Time: 5 to 9 p.m.
Place: McDowell Nature Preserve, 15222 York Road, Charlotte, NC
Cost: $7 (registration required)
Features: Enjoy the nature preserve at night with wagon rides, s’mores, night hikes, crafts, live animals and more.

Charlotte Chalk Art Festival

Charlotte Chalk Art Festival
Date: October 17 and 18, 2026
Time: 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. each day
Place: No Brewing Co., 150 W 32nd Street, Charlotte, NC
Cost: Free (cost to compete)
Features: Watch artists compete in a chalk art competition. There will also be a community chalking area, art and crafts vendors, food and drink vendors and more. Family friendly event.

Fort Mill Fall Festival

Fort Mill Fall Festival
Date: Saturday, October 17, 2026
Time: 2 to 6 p.m.
Place: Walter Elisha Park, 345 N White Street, Fort Mill, SC
Cost: Free
Features: Live music, costume contest, fall photo ops, vendors and more.

Romanian-American Festival

Romanian-American Festival
Date: Saturday, October 24, 2026
Time: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Place: Stumptown Park, 120 S Trade Street, Matthews, NC
Cost: Free
Features: Traditional folk music and dance, kids’ cultural craft zone, local vendors and artisans, Romanian and American street food and desserts.

Flocktoberfest

Flocktoberfest
Date: Saturday, October 24, 2026
Time: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Place: Naughty Donkey Farm, 24709 Canton Road, Albemarle, NC
Cost: Price is per car. $20 in advance or $25 at the gate
Features: Tour animal sanctuary and meet ducks, goats, alpacas, pigs, a donkey and more. Shop vendors, Enjoy photo ops, trick or treat.

Halloween in Huntersville Festival

Halloween in Huntersville
Date: Sunday, October 25, 2026
Time: 4 to 7 p.m.
Place: Huntersville Athletic Park, 11720 Verhoff Drive, Huntersville, NC
Cost: Free
Features: Trick or treat booths, live music, costume contest and more. Ends with a Halloween drone show.

Harrisburg Multicultural Festival

Harrisburg Multicultural Festival
Date: Saturday, November 7, 2026
Time: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Place: Harrisburg Park, 191 Sims Parkway, Harrisburg, NC
Cost: Free
Features: Celebrate cultures from around the world with art, music, fashion, games, food and more.

Day of the Dead Celebration at Camp North End

Day of the Dead Celebration
Date: Sunday, November 1, 2026
Time: 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Place: Camp North End, 300 Camp Road, Charlotte, NC
Cost: Free
Features: This celebration features traditional music and dancing, face painting, an expansive altar exhibition, a Catrina parade and much more.

Pawsitively Matthews

Pawsitively Matthews
Date: Saturday, November 7, 2026
Time: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Place: Stumptown Park, 120 S Trade Street, Matthews, NC
Cost: Free
Features: This pet-focused festival features demos, music, pet-friendly vendors, a beer “pawvilion,” food trucks and more.

The Geekery Market

The Geekery Market
Date: Saturday, November 21, 2026
Time: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Place: Cabarrus Arena & Events Center, 4751 NC Highway 49, Concord, North Carolina
Cost: Free admission. Parking is $10.
Features: This festival features artists and artisans who create products across all fandoms.

EpicFest Literary Festival for Kids and Teens

EpicFest Literary Festival
Date: Saturday, November 7, 2026
Time: Check back soon
Place: ImaginOn, 300 E 7th Street, Charlotte, NC
Cost: Free
Features: Author visits and other book-related celebrations.

For 72 hours, Lands End is holding a huge sale. Get 72% off their Sale & Clearance items. This sale ends at the end of the day on Thursday, August 7, 2026. Use the promo code TAILGATE to get this deal.

This is a huge sale, with over 1,900 items and a wide variety of categories. Lots of swimsuits are on sale (stock up for next summer on a budget) but there are also tops, dresses, sleepwear, outerwear and more. And, yes, this sale includes fall and winter jackets and coats!

Lands End promo codes tend to come and go quickly, so when TAILGATE expires, we’ll dig up a new one!

Shop the whole sale, or check out a few picks below!

Note: If you’re looking at this list the weekend before this list starts, check out the list of free and cheap events to do this weekend.

What is there to do this week in Charlotte? A lot! This list includes things to do in Charlotte, and surrounding areas, this week, from Monday to Sunday.

You’ll find festivals, live music and dance, kids’ activities, organized hikes, seasonal activities, learning opportunities and so much more.

Free and Cheap Things to Do in Charlotte This Week 

Bodypaint.Me is presenting the third installment of The Thing. The Thing is a a blacklight bodypaint dance party where you become the art. This is unlike anything you’ve experienced in Charlotte…unless you attended a previous installment of The Thing!

It takes place Friday, September 18, 2026, at 8 p.m., at Starlight on 22nd, 422 E 22nd Street, Charlotte, North Carolina. Age 21+.

Jump to:

• Photos from the second Thing
• How it works
• Important to know

Photos from The Thing

How It Works

• The Space: The event takes place at Starlight on 22nd, one of Charlotte’s most eclectic creative venues in the heart of NoDa. For one night only, the space transforms into a glowing blacklight environment filled with mystical blacklight art and ritual accents designed for movement, connection, and expressive energy.
• The Evolution: Once inside, you move freely. Bodypaint artists are stationed throughout the venue adding small to medium glowing accents as the night builds. Visit The Human Scrapbooking Experience to add to your look with glow stamps, stickers, and glitter.
• The Sound: Expect high‑energy DJ sets built for movement. House, tribal, rhythmic, and body‑driven tracks keep the floor alive and amplify the energy. Featuring Charlotte‑based DJs and guest artists from the Bodypaint.Me crew.

Important To Know

• Absolute Consent: Photos are allowed, but you must ask before taking someone’s photo.
• Physical Boundaries: Enjoy the energy, respect the space. No touching without explicit, verbal permission.
• Photography Policy: Personal phone photos are welcome. Professional cameras, detachable‑lens systems, and external lighting rigs require prior approval. Anyone wishing to shoot with pro gear must register in advance and receive written confirmation.
• Bodypaint Etiquette: Bodypainting at the event is tipping‑based. This is how we support the artists who transform you into glowing masterpieces. Small Bodypainting: $5–$10, Medium Bodypainting: $10–$20, Larger Bodypainting: $20–$30+. If you’re unsure how much to tip, ask your artist. Only Bodypaint.Me artists may paint others, and outside paint or markers aren’t allowed to keep the artwork cohesive, safe, and true to the vision of the night.
• Expression & Attire: This is a judgment‑free space of radical expression. Wear something you feel great in. White, neon, mesh, metallic, textured, sculptural, and handmade pieces glow beautifully under blacklight and give painters something to build on. This night is about intentional accents that complement your clothing and silhouette, not full‑body pieces. There is no secure storage, so travel light and keep essentials with you. For health, safety, and hygiene, pasties and bottoms are required.

Queen City Robotics Alliance is hosting FREE Robot Block Parties. Experience hands-on robot fun, meet robotics competition teams, and explore STEM topics. All ages welcome!

These events are free to attend.

Dive into the thrilling world of robotics! Try your hand at controlling a real robot, watch live demonstrations by our high school and middle school robotics competition teams, and engage in hands-on activities that bring technology to life. It’s an adventure-packed afternoon with fun and discovery for all ages.

What to Expect:

• Interactive Robot Demonstrations: Take control and drive robots yourself, guided by experienced team members.
• Meet the Teams: High school robotics teams will showcase their creations and share their passion for technology.
• Hands-On Activities: Engage in STEM-based challenges and learn the basics of robotics in a fun, supportive environment.

Robot Block Parties

Robot Block Party at Southview Recreation Center
Saturday, June 13, 2026
1:30 to 3:30 p.m.
Southview Recreation Center
1720 Vilma Street, Charlotte, NC

Robot Block Party at Berewick
Saturday, June 27, 2026
1:30 to 3:30 p.m.
Berewick Recreation Center
5910 Dixie River Road, Charlotte, NC

Robot Block Party at Tuckaseegee
Saturday, July 25, 2026
1:30 to 3:30 p.m.
Tuckaseegee Recreation Center
4820 Tuckaseegee Road, Charlotte, NC

Robot Block Party at Waymer
Saturday, August 15, 2026
1:30 to 3:30 p.m.
Waymer Recreation Center
14008 Holbrooks Road, Huntersville, NC

Robot Block Party at Sugaw Creek
Saturday, September 12, 2026
1:30 to 3:30 p.m.
Sugaw Creek Recreation Center
943 West Sugar Creek Road, Charlotte, NC

Birding at Stevens Creek
Thursdays, September 3 and 17, 2026
9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
Stevens Creek
Free (register at above link)
Ages 18+

Step out onto the trails as we explore the preserve and search the skies for our beloved winged friends. From the radiant Northern Cardinals to the majestic Red-shouldered Hawks, the list of potential sightings is endless. Along the way, we’ll work on identification techniques to help everyone become better birders. Open to all levels of bird watching; BYO binoculars or borrow a pair from the nature center.

Notes: Pre-registration taken online up to 3 days in advance; less than 3 days, call 980-314-2526 to register. This hike qualifies for the 100 Mile Hike Club; expect to travel up to 2 miles on natural surface trails with easy/moderate terrain. Dress for the weather and bring a water bottle; instructor will email additional information prior to the program.

National Wildlife Day (drop-in)
Friday, September 4, 2026
9:30 to 11:30 a.m.
Stevens Creek
Free (no registration required)
All ages

Celebrate National Wildlife Day at Stevens Creek. Get up close and personal with a variety of specimens, meet our ambassador animals (and maybe feed them a snack), make a wildlife-themed craft, and try interactive activities about our native flora and fauna.

ASL Hike and Sign
Saturday, September 12, 2026
12 p.m. to 2 p.m.
Free (register at above link)
All ages

Discover a refreshing way to practice ASL – on a nature trail. This outdoor ASL program welcomes everyone who wants to enjoy the outdoors and practice signing in a friendly, inclusive environment. Bring your own picnic and meet new friends as we travel on the Heelsplitter and Sawmill Trails (approximately 2 miles) while exploring upcoming outdoor adventure opportunities. *A certified ASL interpreter will be present along with staff who will communicate in both spoken English and basic ASL.

Animal Care Behind-the-Scenes
Wednesday, October 14, 2026
3 to 4:15 p.m.
Free (register at above link)
Ages 4 and up

Fall in love with the resident animal ambassadors at Stevens Creek Nature Center and discover all of the effort that goes behind keeping them healthy. Come along with staff as they perform animal care on our snakes, turtles, fish, and toads including routine upkeep, feedings, and a meet & greet! This popular program fills up fast so secure your spot today.

Adult/Senior Bingo (drop-in)
September 15, 2026
October 20, 2026
November 17, 2026
2 to 4 p.m.
Free (no registration required)
Ages 18+

Bring a friend or make new ones at Stevens Creek’s new monthly drop-in bingo. Standard and themed bingo will be called each month, with prizes provided. BYO snacks and beverages as desired.

Busy Beetles Bug Hunt
Wednesday, September 16, 2026
Tuesday, September 22, 2026
Monday, October 5, 2026
10 to 11 a.m.
Free (register at above link, or drop in if space is available)
Best for Ages 5 and up, but open to all

The bugs are coming out of hiding! Explore the busy world of bugs by searching for crawling, flying and jumping creatures. All ages are welcome to sweep net and log roll their way into new arthropod adventures, with staff provided guidance and tools. Check all 3 dates this fall (9/16, 9/22, 10/5) and register for as many as you like! Best for ages 5+ but open to all.

Autumn Arbors Family Hike
Thursday, September 24, 2026
10 to 11:15 a.m.
Free (register at above link)
Ages 5+

Take in the beauty of fall foliage and cooler temperatures on the Stevens Creek trails. Explore the “why” behind color changing leaves, pick up a couple tree ID skills and create a tree craft to take home.

Pre-registration required. Not a drop off program; children must be accompanied by a participating adult. This hike qualifies for the 100 Mile Hike Club; expect to travel 1 mile on natural surface trails with easy/moderate terrain. For babies/toddlers, off-road-type strollers are ok or use a body carrier.

District 57, 1526-B Alleghany Street, Charlotte, North Carolina, is hosting the 4th annual Citizen Con — A Post-Apocalyptic Cosplay Event, on Saturday, September 12, 2026, from 1 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.

Admission is FREE.

The event is for all ages until 7 p.m. After 7 p.m. it’s for ages 16+.

Agenda

1:00 PM – 9:30 PM
Dealer’s Market | Unique Underground Market Inside a Hidden Room…|
Local vendors will offer there wares inside the secret room. Enter through the Coke machine to visit and browse!

1:00 PM – 11:00 PM
The Grid | 30 room Challenge Arena |

The Grid is a 30 room arena that features mental, physical, and skill challenges. Teams of 2-5 players race the clock to beat as many rooms as possible. The Grid is massive and can hold well over 100 players at once so even if your party is larger than 5, you will still be able to play against one another, just not while on the same team! See www.District57.com to make your booking AHEAD OF TIME as slots usually sell out very quickly

1:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Table Top Games
Various board games and table top games are available to play for free! For some games, you may need to trade an ID in order to check-out the game!

1:00 PM – 7:30 PM
Side Quest |A Venue Wide Escape Room Style Game|

Inside District 57, there is a secret battle being waged by the Resistance…… The Representative Protectorate (RP) wants all people to bend to their will, but the Resistance has a secret weapon. You have been charged by the Resistance Admiral to use journal entries from an undercover operative in order to find out why he has gone dark and what he discovered that could save the Resistance Cause. This immersive game uses your phone to help you find the clues and progress you through the story. The fastest completion of this Side Quest will receive a grand prize!

1:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Free Video Game Lounge!!

Enjoy our hosted video game lounge where you can enjoy games on the big screen! Smash Bros, Mario Kart, and even themed Jackbox games! Free to play but you must be accompanied by an adult if under 14.

1:00 PM – 11:30 PM
Food And Drink Specials!

Specialty Drinks, Food Combo Deals, Self Serve Beer, Cider, and Wine, Canned Cocktails, and more!

2:30 PM – 8:30 PM
Bordertown Tactical Laser Tag

Bordertown is fast-paced tactical lasertag that uses police and military training equipment! Before getting started teams get to vote on what lighting and music they want and then go head to head in 5 different game modes selected from over 25 different games! If you wish to play you must be at least 16 years old and wearing close-toed shoes. Additionally, it is a workout and most participants will sweat so if you have a warm or cumbersome costume, we recommend bringing a change of clothes! See www.District57.com to make your booking AHEAD OF TIME as slots usually sell out very quickly!

7:00 PM – 8:30 PM
District Games Citizen Con Edition|A Huge Game Show Style Event|

District Games is BACK! This event takes over the entire main lobby and makes you feel like you are on set of a real TV game show! The SPICY hosts guide randomly selected participants through several types of game rounds. First round is quickfire 1 on 1 trivia where the questions may seem easy but when everyone is watching and you smash your button first…..the pressure can be intense! Winners from the trivia round move on to the physical challenges. The computer system will randomly select a category and participants go head to head again in skill and physical challenges to progress to the Championship Round! Then in the Championship round, the best two players duke it out in a Mega Challenge to receive loads of free stuff in the Grand Prize!

8:30 PM – 9:00 PM
Post-Apocalyptic Cosplay Costume Contest!

Charlotte’s most immersive Post-Apocalyptic Cosplay Contest is back again! Show off your creativity and skills during our exciting contest! Judges will judge based on a few criteria: Creativity/Uniqueness, Craftsmanship, Theming, and Performance. Contestants will have up to 30 seconds to show off their creation in a runway walk through the center of the lobby under the spotlights! Our professional cosplay judges will consider what they’ve seen and award 1st, 2nd, and 3rd and we will have an award ceremony thereafter! Good luck Citizens!

9:00 PM – 9:30 PM
Epic Light Show!

District 57 is known for it’s amazing moving lights and light shows! With popular shows for Halloween, Christmas, and even Valentine’s Day… District 57 has produced a custom themed light show for Citizen Con!!!! These shows control every light in the lobby and the tunnel and is a blast to behold. No other venue in Charlotte can compare! Don’t miss it!

9:30 PM – 11:30 PM
After Party Rave……|||||| SECRET LOCATION ON PROPERTY ||||||

After hours in a secret location on the property you will find a post-apocalyptic RAVE!!

Start easing into fall with this list of the top things to do in September, 2026, in the Charlotte area. September is a very busy season for festivals, with some of the most popular festivals of the year taking place this month.

Labor Day Weekend is from September 4 to 7 p.m., so you’ll find several festivals and the Labor Day Parade.

Festival in the Park, Yiasou Greek Festival, Festival of India and UNC Charlotte International Festival are just a few of the longstanding events that are eagerly anticipated all year.

And of course, Oktoberfest kicks off in September!

We focus on the “free and cheap” so many of these events will be easy on your wallet.

After our list of highlighted events, we include a day by day list of everything on our calendar for September. You can also jump right to the day-by-day list. (Please give it a moment to load…it’s a lot!)

7th Street Concerts: The Day the Music Didn’t Stop

The Day the Music Didn’t Stop
Date: Tuesday, September 1, 2026
Time: 7 p.m.
Place: St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, 115 W 7th Street, Charlotte, North Carolina.
Cost: $30, but use promo code CLTCHEAP for $10 tickets
Features: Firsthand account of how a church Manhattan provided comfort on 9/11 with music. The storytelling is interwoven with music.

Matthews Alive

Matthews Alive
Date: September 4 to 7, 2026
Time: 4 to 10 p.m. on Friday; 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturday; 1 to 10 p.m. on Sunday; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Place: Downtown Matthews, NC
Cost: Admission is free. There’s a cost for rides, games and inflatable attractions.
Features: Live music, rides, games, vendors, art, a kids’ zone and a Labor Day parade on Saturday at 9:30 a.m.

Museums on Us

Bank of America’s “Museums on Us”
Date: The first weekend of the month — September 5 and 6, 2026
Time: Varies
Place: Bechtler Museum of Modern Art, Charlotte Museum of History, Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts + Cutlure, Mint Museum Randolph, and Mint Museum Uptown
Cost: Free for Bank of America or Merrill card holders
Features: If you have a Bank of America or Merrill credit or debit card, you can get into any of the above museums for free the first weekend of the month. Special exhibits might not be included in the free admission.

Labor Day Celebration at Whitewater Center

Labor Day Celebration
Date: Saturday, September 5, and Sunday, September 6, 2026
Time: 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Place: Whitewater Center, 5000 Whitewater Center Parkway, Charlotte, NC
Cost: Free, but parking is $13, and activities have fees
Features: The Whitewater Center’s Labor Day Celebration features a trail race, live music, and yoga. There’s a charge for the trail race and for the pass activities, but the music and yoga are free to enjoy.

Charlotte Soul Fest

Charlotte Soul Fest
Date: Saturday, September 5, 2026
Time: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Place: First Ward Park, 301 E 7th Street, Charlotte, NC
Cost: Free
Features: Live music all day, plus dance workshops, a kids’ zone and an art walk.

Belmont Bookshop’s Literary Festival

Belmont Bookshop’s Literary Festival
Date: Saturday, September 5, 2026
Time: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Place: Stowe Park, 24 S Main Street, Belmont, NC
Cost: Free
Features: Author readings, book signings, story times, live entertainment, contests, more

Charlotte Labor Day Parade

Charlotte Labor Day Parade
Date: Monday, September 7, 2026
Time: 11 a.m.
Place: Tryon Street from 9th Street to 3rd Street
Cost: Free
Features: The parade will feature local labor union floats, vehicles and marchers, as well as political candidates, bands, car clubs and community groups. 

Free Tuesday at Schiele Museum

Free Tuesday at Schiele Museum
Date: Tuesday, September 8, 2026
Time: 4 to 8 p.m.
Place: Schiele Museum of Natural History, 1500 E Garrison Blvd, Gastonia, NC
Cost: Free
Features: One afternoon and evening a month, visit the Schiele for free. No registration is required.

Yiasou Greek Festival

Yiasou Greek Festival
Date: September 11 to 13, 2026
Time: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday.
Place: Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 600 East Boulevard, Charlotte, NC
Cost: Admission is $5, with free admission for children under age 12.
Features: Food, kids’ playland, entertainment, music dancing, live reenactments, tours of the cathedral and more.

Cabarrus County Fair

Cabarrus County Fair
Date: September 11 to 19, 2026
Time: 4 to 10 p.m. Monday to Thursday; 4 to midnight on Fridays; 1 to midnight on Saturdays; 1 to 10 p.m. on Sundays
Place: Cabarrus Events & Arena Center, 4751 NC Highway 49 N, Concord, NC
Cost: Gate admission is $8 for 12 and over, and $6 for ages 6-11 and age 55+. Free for military with ID and Cabarrus County employees. Kids 5 and under are admitted for free. Ride wristbands are $37.
Features: Rides, entertainment, livestock competition, and fair food.

Oktoberfest Celebrations

Oktoberfest Celebrations
Date: Various dates in September and October
Time: Various times
Place: Many places
Cost: Most are free
Features: Follow the above link to learn about dozens of Oktoberfest celebrations in the Charlotte area. Many feature German, or German-inspired food and beer, German music and dancing, stein-hoisting competitions and other festivities.

Cornelius Festival of Cultures

Cornelius Festival of Cultures
Date: Saturday, September 12, 2026
Time: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Place: Cain Park, 21336 Catawba Avenue, Cornelius, NC
Cost: Free
Features: Live performance, art, cultural booths and food from many cultures.

4th Annual Citizen Con — Post-Apocalyptic Cosplay Event

Citizen Con
Date: Saturday, September 12, 2026
Time: 1 to 11:30 p.m.
Place: District 57, 1526-B Alleghany Street, Charlotte,NC
Cost: Free
Features: Live game show, light show experience, tactical laser tag, mental, physical and skill challenges, costume contest, video game lounge, and more. All ages until 7 p.m. Ages 16+ after 7.

Robot Block Party

Robot Block Party
Date: Saturday, September 12, 2026
Time: 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.
Place: Sugaw Creek Recreation Center, 943 West Sugar Creek Road, Charlotte, NC
Cost: Free
Features: Queen City Robotics Alliance will introduce robotics to you. Try controlling a real robot, watch live demonstrations and more.

Southern Resonance Roots Festival

Southern Resonance Roots Festival
Date: Sunday, September 13, 2026
Time: 12:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Place: Heist Brewery and Barrel Arts, 1030 Woodward Avenue, Charlotte, NC
Cost: Free from 12:30 to 5:30 p.m. (outdoors); Ticketed from 6:30 to 8 p.m. (indoors)
Features: Artists representing many styles of American blues and roots music. Includes an artisan market.

25th Anniversary St. Anne’s International Festival

St. Anne’s International Festival
Date: September 18 and 19, 2026
Time: 5 to 10 p.m. on Friday; 2 to 9 p.m. on Saturday
Place: St. Anne Catholic Church, 1694 Bird Street, Rock Hill, SC
Cost: Free
Features: Authentic, homemade cuisine from over 15 world cultures, traditional performances, kids’ zone, more.

Serb Fest

Serb Fest
Date: Saturday, September 19, 2026
Time: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Place: St. Simeon Serbian Orthodox Church, 7609 Mallard Creek Road, Charlotte, NC
Cost: Free
Features: Live music, authentic food for purchase, kids’ activities and a soccer tournament. Also, view the cultural displays and the beautiful interior of the church.

Bard at the Barn

Bard at the Barn: A Midsummer Night’s Dream
Date: Every Saturday and Sunday from September 19 to October 11, 2026
Time: 11 a.m.
Place: The Barn at MoRA, 8300 Monroe Road, Charlotte, NC
Cost: Free
Features: Featuring a professional cast, crew, and creative team, this program is free chance to enjoy family-friendly, high energy, hilarious Shakespeare.

Optimist Hall’s 7th Birthday Extravaganza

Optimist Hall’s Birthday
Date: Saturday, September 19, 2026
Time: 5 to 9 p.m.
Place: Optimist Hall, 1115 N Brevard Street, Charlotte, NC
Cost: Free
Features: Free ferris wheel and musical swing rides, 3-lane slide, face painting, bubble station, face painting and more. Everything is free except for food and drink.

Bigfoot in the Park

Bigfoot in the Park
Date: Saturday, September 19, 2026
Time: 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Place: George Poston Park, 1101 Lowell-Spencer Mountain Road, Gastonia, NC
Cost: Free
Features: Self-guided hunt for Bigfoot in the park, plus vendors, food trucks, refreshment and activities at Base Camp.

Flow Fest

Flow Fest
Date: September 19 and 20, 2026
Time: 7:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Place: Whitewater Center, 5000 Whitewater Center Parkway, Charlotte, NC
Cost: Free, but parking is $13.
Features: More than 150 yoga and meditation practices and workshops, as well as vendors and live music.

28th Festival of India

30th Festival of India
Date: September 19 and 20, 2026
Time: 12 to 8 p.m.
Place: Belk Theater, 130 N Tryon Street, Charlotte, NC.
Cost: $5
Features: Celebrate India with traditional and Bollywood dances, exhibits, visual arts, souvenir bazars, Indian food and much more.

Charlotte Monarch Celebration

Charlotte Monarch Celebration
Date: Saturday, September 19, 2026
Time: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Place: Reedy Creek Nature Preserve, 2986 Rocky River Road, Charlotte, NC
Cost: Free
Features: Learn about monarch butterflies and other pollinators. Crafts, giveaways, photo booth, more.

UNC Charlotte International Festival

UNC Charlotte International Festival
Date: Saturday, September 19, 2026
Time: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Place: Barnhardt Student Activity Center, 9290 Barnhardt Lane, Charlotte, NC
Cost: Free
Features: This long-standing festival on the UNC Charlotte campus features booths from diverse cultures, dance and music performances, international games and the Parade of Nations.

Touch-a-Truck at Mecklenburg County Compost Central

Touch-a-Truck
Date: Saturday, September 26, 2026
Time: 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Place: Compost Central Recycling Center, 140 Valleydale Road, Charlotte, NC
Cost: Free
Features: Explore garbage trucks, fire trucks, police vehicles and more.

Hot Glass Alley’s 8th Annual Pumpkin Palooza

Pumpkin Palooza
Date: September 26 and 27, 2026
Time: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day
Place: Hot Glass Alley, 438 Atando Avenue, Charlotte, NC
Cost: Free
Features: Glassblowing demos all day. Hundreds of glass pumpkins for sale, a food truck, beer and screen printing.

Battle of Charlotte Living History Weekend

Battle of Charlotte Living History Weekend
Date: Saturday, September 26, and Sunday, September 27, 2026
Time: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday
Place: Museum of the Waxhaws, 8215 Waxhaw Hwy, Waxhaw, North Carolina
Cost: $15. Free for kids ages 5 and under.
Features: Battle re-enactments, artisans, camp life, cooking, kids’ activities, weapons demonstrations, more.

Festival in the Park

61st Festival in the Park
Date: September 25 to 27, 2026
Time: Friday: 4 to 9 p.m.; Saturday: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Sunday: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Place: Freedom Park, 1900 East Boulevard, Charlotte, NC
Cost: Free
Features: More than 150 artists and artisans will display and sell their art. There will also be food vendors, performances, and family activities.

Festival of Lebanon

Festival of Lebanon
Date: September 25 and 26, 2026
Time: 4 to 8 p.m. on Friday and 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. on Sunday
Place: St. Matthew Catholic Church’s Gym, 8015 Ballantyne Commons Parkway, Charlotte, North Carolina.
Cost: Free
Features: Live performances, Lebanese food and sweets, kids’ corner, Lebanese culture, big cash lottery, more

Ciao Italia Matthews

Ciao Italia Matthews
Date: September 26, 2026
Time: 12 to 9 p.m.
Place: Stumptown Park, 120 S Trade Street, Matthews, NC
Cost: Free
Features: Italian entertainment, food and beverage, car show, more.

‘Tawba Walk Arts & Music Festival

‘Tawba Walk Arts & Music Festival
Date: Saturday, September 26, 2026
Time: 2 to 8 p.m.
Place: Oak Street Mill, 19725 Oak Street, Cornelius, NC
Cost: Free
Features: Live music on two stages, kids’ zone, multiple food truck courts, 100+ artists, craftspeople and vendors, more.

All American Dog Show

All American Dog Show
Date: Sunday, September 27, 2026
Time: 2 to 5 p.m.
Place: Robbins Park, 17738 W Catawba Avenue, Cornelius, NC
Cost: Free for spectators (cost to enter your dog in a contest)
Features: Multiple dog contests, vendors and concessions.

Outdoor Concerts

Outdoor Concert Series
Date: Many dates
Time: Times vary
Place: Many locations
Cost: Most are free
Features: Charlotte’s huge calendar of outdoor concerts continue! Our expansive list can be perused by area or date.

Oktoberfest Celebrations

Oktoberfest Celebrations
Date: Various dates in September and October
Time: Various times
Place: Many places
Cost: Most are free
Features: Follow the above link to learn about dozens of Oktoberfest celebrations in the Charlotte area. Many feature German, or German-inspired food and beer, German music and dancing, stein-hoisting competitions and other festivities.

Outdoor Movies

Outdoor Movies
Date: Many dates
Time: Usually at dusk
Place: Many locations
Cost: Free
Features: Free outdoor movies continue into the fall! Check out our day by day list for movies at parks, breweries, shopping centers, churches and more. Many movies are for the whole family. There are often special features, like free retro video games, too.

Carolina Raptor Center, 6000 Sample Road, Huntersville, North Carolina, is celebrating International Vulture Awareness Day on Saturday, September 5, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Vultures are nature’s “clean-up crews” and are important to the environment.

Labor Day Weekend 2026 features some of the traditions that Charlotte has enjoyed for years! Read on to learn about some festivals and special events.

Some popular Labor Day traditions are Matthews Alive, the Labor Day Parade, and the Whitewater Center’s Labor Day Celebration.

International Vulture Awareness Day

International Vulture Awareness Day
Date: Saturday, September 5, 2026
Time: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Place: Carolina Raptor Center, 6000 Sample Road, Huntersville, NC
Cost: Full price is $16. Discounts for kids, seniors, teachers, military members. FREE for bald guests!
Features: This event will feature vulture-themed programs, activities, and games in honor of all the work that vultures do.

Front Porch

Front Porch
Date: Saturday, September 5, 2026
Time: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Place: 2215 Thrift Road, Charlotte, NC
Cost: Free (pay for purchases)
Features: Enjoy shopping from 120+ small businesses, live music, interactive fun, beer and coffee for purchase, food trucks and more.

Museums On Us

Museums on Us
Date: Sept. 5 and 6, 2026
Time: Times vary
Place: Mint Museum Uptown, Mint Museum Randolph, Bechtler Museum, Charlotte Museum of History and Gantt Center for African-American Arts + Crafts
Cost: Free for Bank of America and Merrill customers
Features: These museums are free the first full weekend of every month for Bank of America and Merrill customers. Just bring your credit card or debit card for admission.

Lululemon has a section of their website called “We Made Too Much.” This is where you’ll find deep discounts, often on popular styles that would be perfect for you. You’ll find men’s and women’s apparel, as well as accessories, shoes and more.

Check out the entire We Made Too Much section or browse some of the items below. Quantities are limited, and when they’re gone, they’re gone.

IKEA is holding its Summer Storage Event now through September 7, 2026. During this time, IKEA Family members, can save up to 15% on storage essentials online, 20% on playroom and classroom storage solutions, and 40% on bathroom furniture. Savings may be even greater on some of these items more in-store. Shop now to save on everything you need to organize, reset and make more space for the season ahead.

Sign up for IKEA Family to get these deals. It’s free to join.

Check out the deals in these categories, for IKEA Family members:

• 10% off PAX Wardrobe system purchase of $500+
• 15% off select ALEX drawer units
• 15% off BRIMNES bed frames and daybeds
• Up to 15% off TONSTAD and IDANÄS bed frames
• 15% off HAVSTA storage and organization series
• Up to 20% off TROFAST storage solutions for playrooms and classrooms
• 40% off HEMNES bathroom furniture series

Stock up on cute, classic, comfortable clothes for your babies, toddlers, and kids right now at Carter’s! They’ve got a ton of clearance items on their deals page, with up to 85% off.

Shop all the deals, or check out a few below.

As the seasons change, Pottery Barn puts many items on sale. This is the time to shop for a refresh on your inside and outside spaces. You’ll find discounts on furniture, tableware, lamps, and much more.

Shop the whole sale here, or check out a few great finds below.

Chewy has one of its biggest sales going on right now! Spend $100+ on an order and get a $30 eGift card. Use promo code STOCKUP to get the deal. Excludes Rx. There are some other restrictions.

We learned that it takes up to 48 hours to fully process the gift card. You’ll see it in your order confirmation, but if you click on that right away it might say the gift card is unavailable. Wait a couple days and check again! Last time this deal was active, it did work fine for us and our dog got a lot of toys!

You do not have to be a new customer to get this deal.

Shop the whole sale or check out a few of our favorite products. As you add products to your cart, be sure to look for the tag that says “Spend $100, get $30 eGift Card with code STOCKUP.” Some of the items are on sale as well, so you’ll get more for that $100!

Big sale alert! Is your eye on fall? Shop the Zappos boot sale! They’ve got tons of style on sale. Whether you’re looking for work boots, or fashion boots, or line dancing boots, you’ll find something here.

Keep in mind that not all colors will be on sale, so you might need to click around a bit. Everything listed is subject to selling out.

Shop the whole sale or keep reading for a few that caught our eye!

If you (or someone you’re shopping for) loves a designer, high-quality handbag, but not the designer price, check out Kate Spade Outlet. You’ll find all style and colors of handbags at a fraction of full price. Many handbag aficionados say that the quality of the items on Kate Spade outlet are excellent.

Most items are at least 60% off regular price, and some are inching close to 80% off. Right now, they’ve got an additional sale going on. Buy 2 and get an additional 25% off! This deal ends August 30, 2026.

7th Street Concerts is a concert series that presents music experiences that are fresh, classical and unexpected, from early music performed on period instruments to experimental new music.

The concerts take place at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, 115 W 7th Street, Charlotte, North Carolina.

Read on to learn about one upcoming concert, with a deep discount for Charlotte on the Cheap readers!

Gilde Brewery, at 3530 Dewitt Lane, Charlotte, North Carolina is an authentic German brewery with a brewing history of several hundred years in Hannover, Germany.

It chose Charlotte to be its North American headquarters for brewing and distribution in 2019. Gilde Brewing actually has a long and unique connection with Charlotte — Queen Charlotte, the city’s namesake, was the Electress of Hannover in the 18th century.

Recurring Event

Deals & Discounts

Artist Trading Card events are a chance to swap your cool mini artworks face-to-face with other artists. Enjoy fun, casual and creative vibes.

Artist Trading Card events take place the 4th Wednesday of the month, from 6:30 to 8 p.m., at Charlotte Studio Artists, 3045 N Davidson Street, Charlotte, North Carolina. They’re free to attend.

Upcoming Dates

• August 26, 2026
• September 23, 2026
• October 28, 2026
• November 25, 2026
• December 23, 2026

This free, family-friendly live music event brings together local musicians and music lovers for an informal bluegrass jam session at the back of the food hall.

Players of all skill levels are welcome to bring an instrument and join in, while guests can relax, enjoy dinner, grab drinks, and experience authentic live bluegrass music in a welcoming community atmosphere.

All ages are welcome.

McDowell Nature Center is within McDowell Nature Preserve, at 15222 South York Road, Charlotte, North Carolina, in southwestern Mecklenburg County.

The Nature Center features live native animals, a discovery hall, and a gift shop. Visitors can stop and observe nature in action at the Ozone Garden or the demonstration compost area, or enjoy a natural play area. Self-interpretive trail guides are available for miles of hiking trails.

The nature preserve includes seven miles of hiking trails, boat ramps and fishing docks. Those age 16 and older need a North Carolina fishing license in order to fish.

On the property is also McDowell Campground, which offers 56 reservable campsites, including primitive sites, RV sites with full hookups, and rent-a-tent sites. Camping is also available on the adjacent Copperhead Island.

Adult Trail Trekkers
Tuesdays in July and August, 2026
10 to 11:30 a.m.
Free (register at above link)
Ages 18+

Description: Get active in nature with a McDowell Naturalist during this 90-minute, adults-only hike. Discover what is happening seasonally throughout the preserve.

Pre-registration is required.

Meets on the boardwalk in front of the Nature Center unless e-mailed otherwise day of the event.

Nature Crochet and Crafts
August 26, September 9, and September 16, 2026
2:30 to 3:30 p.m.
Free (no registration required)
Ages 4+

Art has always been inspired by nature so we will use McDowell as our muse and explore all the wildlife at the preserve through crochet and other crafts. With each session, we will walk through a crochet pattern and have related nature crafts available to complete. Yarn will be provided. Please bring your own hooks, but some will be provided for the session if need. All levels of experience are welcomed!

This is not a drop-off program. Adult participation is required. Pre-registration is not required.

Animal Ambassador Meet ‘n’ Greet
Every Sunday June 21 through September 6, 2026
4 to 4:30 p.m.
Free (registration not required)
All ages

Head over to the McDowell Nature Center for a close-up encounter with one of McDowell’s live animal ambassadors! Discover fun facts about the animal’s adaptations and everyday life out in the wild!

Pre-registration is not required. This is not a drop-off program. Adult participation is required.

Nature Play Lab
August 9, 2026, 2 to 3:30 p.m.
September 21, 2026, 12 to 3 p.m.
Free (registration not required)
All ages

Step into our hands-on Nature Play Lab and explore the wonders of the natural world! Discover, create, and play at your own pace with a variety of interactive stations. Investigate animal tracks, build nests, examine feathers and rocks, try water-based experiments and get creative with a nature inspired craft! Perfect for curious kids and families! Not a drop-off program. Adult participation required.

Campground Series: Coffee, Cocoa & Crafts
Sunday, July 26, 2026
9 to 10:30 a.m.
Free (registration is not required)
All ages

Start your morning off right with a quiet cup of coffee or cocoa provided to you by McDowell Nature Preserve staff. This will be offered at the picnic tables right outside the campground office. Supplies are limited and offered on a first come, first serve basis. This is not a drop-off program. Adult participation is required.

Campground Series: Coffee & Cocoa
Saturday, August 1, 2026
9 to 10:30 a.m.
Free (registration is not required)
All ages

Start your morning off right with a quiet cup of coffee or cocoa provided to you by McDowell Nature Preserve staff. This will be offered at the picnic tables right outside the campground office. Supplies are limited and offered on a first come, first serve basis.

Campground Series: Woodland Wildlife
Monday, August 3, 2026
1:30 to 3:30 p.m.
Free (registration is not required)
All ages

Drop by the Campground Playground anytime between 1:30-3:30PM to catch a glimpse of the Piedmont’s most elusive animals, with fun activities, crafts, and a chance to win a prize!

Campground Series: Fishing Guide to Lake Wylie
Friday, August 14, 2026
6 to 7 p.m.
Free (registration is not required)
All ages

Stop by McDowell Campground to explore what lurks under the water of Lake Wylie. Drop in to discover basic fishing set up and some tips on how to catch the fishy treasure within Lake Wylie. This program will meet at the campground front picnic tables.

The Happening is a collaborative arts movement in Charlotte, taking shape in a weekly gathering of creative people. You can expect to find visual artists, musicians, DJs and much more, all making art in a collaborative setting.

Every Wednesday, The Happening is taking place at Jackalope Jack’s and Jack’s Live, 1801 Commonwealth Avenue, Charlotte, North Carolina. Start time is 8 p.m. It is FREE to attend. Age 21+.

To keep up on what’s going on each week, or any schedule changes, follow Happening on Facebook and @thehappeningclt on Instagram.

Every Wednesday it’s free to visit Mint Museum Randolph, 2730 Randolph Road, Charlotte, North Carolina, from 5 to 9 p.m. (It’s also free to visit the three Uptown museums at Levine Center for the Arts — Wednesday night Live.)

You can confirm on Mint Museum’s event calendar.

115 Craft is a bottle shop/taproom at 115 Main Street, McAdenville, North Carolina. It hosts many events, which you can find on their Facebook page. Here is one.

Free Wine Tasting
Last Wednesday of the month, scheduled through November 25, 2026
6 p.m.
Free

Find mention of each wine tasting on 115 Craft’s Facebook page. Enjoy a free tasting of several wines. In addition, get 15% off all bottles and $1 off all glasses of wine.

The Levine Center for the Arts’ Wednesday Night Live takes place every Wednesday evening.

The three museums that are part of Levine Center for the Arts are free to visit every Wednesday from 5 to 9 p.m.

• Mint Museum Uptown
• Bechtler Museum of Modern Art
• Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts + Culture

Wednesday Night Live Special Programming

Latin Music at the Mint — Boleros
Wednesday, August 26, 2026
5:30 to 8 p.m.
Mint Museum Uptown
Free

Celebrate the timeless beauty of bolero, a Latin music genre that originated in late 19th-century Cuba and is known for its sentimental lyrics and guitar accompaniment. This free program offers an engaging exploration of bolero through live performance and storytelling, deepening appreciation for the diverse cultures that enrich the Charlotte community.
Written and coordinated by Lucila Ruvalcaba, director of ACAL (Asociación Cultural de Artes y Letras de México), the program features songs performed by soprano singer and guitarist Dora Cardona, along with narration highlighting the history of bolero, its composers, and anecdotes connected to the music.

Schedule:
5:30 PM – Reception
6:30 PM – Musical Program
8:00 PM – Program Ends

Su Casa featuring Jasiatic Usher
Wednesday, September 2, 2026
6 to 10 p.m.
Mint Museum Uptown
Free

Celebrate community, music, and culture during Wednesday Night Live with a special Su Casa House Party featuring Jasiatic Usher. Enjoy an evening of Afrobeat, Soca, Reggae, and Afro-house music spun by guest DJs while exploring the museum after hours.

Birkdale Buds Schedule

• Aug 5th: Bluey Character Meet & Greet, Glitter Tattoos, MyGym pop-up, Bella Ballerina, Beem pop-up, & Davidson Men’s Basketball Team
• Aug 12th: Rapunzel Princess Takeover, Bella Ballerina pop-up, Airlie Baby pop-up, Beem Light Sauna pop-up
• Aug 19th: Bluey Meet & Greet, Bella Ballerina, Airlie Baby Pop-up, Beem Light Sauna Pop-up, Snacks & Crafts
• Aug 26th: Bella Ballerina pop-up, Airlie Baby Pop-up, Waterplay, Snacks & Crafts

Angry Ale’s, 1518 Montford Drive, Charlotte, North Carolina, is celebrating its 25th anniversary from August 24 to 30, 2026, with old-school specials, menu favorites from years past, giveaways and more:

• Monday, Aug. 24: $1 Domestic Beers
• Tuesday, Aug. 25: Tall Drafts for the Price of a Small
• Wednesday, Aug. 26: $3 Tall Boys
• Thursday, Aug. 27: 32 oz. Personal Pitchers of Draft Beer
• Friday, Aug. 28, and Saturday, Aug. 29: $6 Slushies + $15 Buckets
• Sunday, Aug. 30: Pig Pickin’ with house-smoked BBQ + more!

Coming Up

Live music: Mike Strauss Trio
Friday, June 5, 2026
7 to 9 p.m.
Free

Live music: Sunday Union
Friday, June 12, 2026
7 to 9 p.m.
Free

Live music: TBD
Friday, June 19, 2026
7 to 9 p.m.
Free

Live music: Rusty Knox and Jim Ashton
Friday, June 26, 2026
7 to 9 p.m.
Free

City Thrift is opening a 25,000 square-foot store at 6029 South Blvd, Charlotte, North Carolina, its first store in North Carolina.

City Thrift is known for its modern, organized, and easy-to-shop thrift experience filled with affordable secondhand fashion, home décor, furniture, shoes, accessories, toys, tools, books, kitchenware, vintage pieces, and unexpected treasures for the whole family.

Grand Opening Celebration

City Thrift is holding a Grand Opening celebration August 27 to 30, 2026.

• August 27 to 29: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
• August 30: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

The weekend will include giveaways, free food, music, and a first look at the new store!

Photos from another City Thrift Store

The event includes:

• Fresh produce and farm-raised goods for sale
• Local vendors
• Open space to relax and enjoy
• Starter plant sale
• Farm tours
• Self-guided scavenger hunt
• Music

Plaza Midwood Chess Club is a group of chess enthusiasts who gather to enjoy the game without the fuss of ratings or formal education.

If you’re an adult in the Charlotte area looking to make new friends and play some chess, Plaza Midwood Chess Club might be for you! It’s open to all skill levels.

ArtBreak Schedule

Harvey B. Gantt Center
551 S Tryon Street, Charlotte, NC
First Thursday of the month
More info

Bechtler Museum of Modern Art
420 S Tryon Street, Charlotte, NC
Second Thursday of the month (scheduled at least April, 2027)
More info

Mint Museum of Art Uptown
500 S Tryon Street, Charlotte, NC
Third Thursday of the month (scheduled at least through August 20, 2026)
More info

Mint Museum Randolph
2730 Randolph Road
Charlotte, NC
Fourth Thursday of the month, through at least October 22, 2026.
More info

Camp North End, 400 Camp Road, Charlotte, North Carolina, is making Thursday nights special with Crossroads Cinema. The popular FREE movies series has been announced for summer, 2026.

Movies take place on Thursdays, from June 4 to August 27, 2026, 8:30 p.m. Camp North End announced Crossroads Cinema on Facebook.

Crossroads Cinema features movies on a jumbo screen with surround sound, against the backdrop of the Historic Ford Building.

Crossroads Cinema Schedule Summer 2026

• June 4: Men in Black
• June 11: Jurassic Park
• June 18: Black Panther
• June 25: Mamma Mia!
• July 2: The Sandlot
• July 9: Hamilton
• July 16: Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants
• July 23: Iron Man
• July 30: The Lion King
• August 6: The Wizard of Oz
• August 13: Love & Basketball
• August 20: The Neverending Story
• August 27: The Emperor’s New Groove

Parking at Camp North End

There is a lot of free parking at Camp North End:

• Boileryard district: 1824 Statesville Avenue
• Mount district: 1774 Statesville Avenue
• Keswick district: 1801 N. Graham Street
• Garage: 120 Razades Way (first 2 hours free)

Every Thursday, starting in May, and typically through September, LangTree Lake Norman, 401 Langtree Rd, Mooresville, hosts LangTree Live, a free concert series.

Most of the events take place from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Look for updates on LangtreeLKN’s Facebook page.

Upcoming Schedule (2026)

• July 30: Yacht Rock Radio – The Premier Yacht Rock Experience
• August 6: Christina and Daniel Eagle Band (Country)
• August 13: Hey L80s (Retro 80s)
• August 20: Tim Elliott (Country)
• August 27: Black Glass (hard rock from 70s to 90s)

Looking for things to do in Charlotte this weekend? You came to the right place! This list contains free and cheap things to do from Friday to Sunday (or Monday if it’s a holiday weekend.)

You’ll find festivals, live music and dance, kids’ activities, organized hikes, seasonal activities, learning opportunities and so much more.

Free and Cheap Things To Do in Charlotte This Weekend

Ride Tickets

On Friday, September 4, 2026, you can purchase an all-you-can-ride carnival wristband for just $30. Wristbands are valid Friday night only for R&D mechanical rides and funhouses.

Single tickets and ticket sheets will also be available to purchase.

• Single Tickets: $2 each
• Sheet of 30 Tickets: $40
• Sheet of 50 Tickets: $60

Daily Schedule

Check matthewsalive.org/full-schedule/ for any changes, and for more details.

Friday, September 4

4 to 10 p.m.

• 4 p.m.: All-You-Can-Ride Wristband Night at the carnival ($30)
• 6 p.m.: Sponsor exhibits and food vendors open

Main Stage

• 6:30 to 8 p.m.: The Entertainers
• 8:30 to 10 p.m.: Electric Avenue — 80s MTV Experience

Saturday, September 5

10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

• 9:30 a.m.: The Matthews Alive Parade through downtown Matthews!
• 10 a.m.: Dilling Small Shops, Sponsor Exhibits, Carnival, & Food Vendors open.
• 11 a.m.: Community Center building opens.

Main Stage

• 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.: Festival tunes w/Jim Shafer
• 4:30 to 6 p.m.: Rudy’s Bluegrass Revue
• 6:30 to 8 p.m.: Dustin Wilson & The Howlers
• 8:30 to 10 p.m.: The American Ride/Toby Keith tribute

Sunday, September 6

1 to 10 p.m.

• 1 p.m.: Dilling Small Shops, Sponsor Exhibits, Carnival, & Food Vendors open.
• 1 p.m. Community Center building opens.

Main Stage

• 1 to 4 p.m.: Festival tunes w/ Jim Shafer
• 4:30 to 6 p.m.: Stella Rising
• 6:30 to 8 p.m.: U-Neek Flavur
• 8:30 to 10 p.m.: The Purple Experience (Prince tribute)

Children’s Stage

• 1 p.m.: Steve Langley’s Variety Show
• 2 p.m.: Corky the Magic Clown
• 3 p.m.: Steve Brogan, Comic Ventriloquist
• 4 p.m.: Jolly Roger the Pirate

Community Center Indoor Music

• 1 to 3 p.m.: Cori Rose (keyboards/vocals, theater lobby)
• 4 to 6 p.m.: Signature Keys, dueling pianos (theater stage)

Monday, September 7

9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

• 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.: Dilling Small Shops, Sponsor Exhibits, Carnival, & Food Vendors open
• 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.: Community Center building opens

Main Stage

• 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Festival tunes w/ Jim Shafer
• 1:30 to 3 p.m.: Distillery Cats
• 3:30 to 5 p.m.: Thirsty Horses

Children’s Stage

• 1 p.m.: Steve Langley’s Variety Show
• 2 p.m.: Corky the Magic Clown
• 3 p.m.: Steve Brogan, Comic Ventriloquist
• 4 p.m.: Jolly Roger the Pirate

Community Center Indoor Music

• 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.: Colby Dobbs (keyboards/vocals, theater lobby)

The Schiele Museum is free to visit the second Tuesday of each month in 2026, from 4 to 8 p.m.

It is not necessary to reserve tickets. Planetarium shows are available for $6 per person.

Hall of North Carolina Natural History

Have you ever seen a harbor seal, a teal, a heron, an egret or a coot? These artistically crafted dioramas depict the inhabitants and terrain of the North Carolina coastline, coastal plains, hills, Piedmont and mountain regions in their incredible diversity.

James H. Lynn Planetarium & Science Theater

Featuring a fully digital projection system that surrounds the audience with a domed, 360-degree screen, the planetarium can do more than simply recreate the night sky. It immerses the viewer in a journey through the universe! More than just a place for space, the Science Theater’s unique environment has featured programs in every discipline – from history to biology – and hosts live concerts, lectures, and even weddings. Planetarium shows are open to the public daily. Check schielemuseum.org for showtimes.

Hall of North American Wildlife

Get toe to claw, nose to gill, finger to stinger and eye to shank with wildlife at its finest. These dioramas give you true perspective on the size and scope of North America’s bears, bison, moose and elk along with its other mammals, birds, insects, reptiles, and amphibians.

Henry Hall of the American Indian

Can you name the five major regions of North America? Do you remember the major tribal groups that so richly affected European settlers in the new world and colonies? Not to worry if you’ve forgotten a few details because The Schiele Museum can bring you an unforgettable collection of artifacts, weapons, ornaments, tools, and housing that will remind you of the beautiful culture of the North American Native American.

Nature Trail

All within a 0.7 mile trek, you’ll experience a pine forest, mixed hardwood forest, and pond and stream communities typical of the North Carolina Piedmont. On the trail for all seasons, every day is a good day for a walk. The PlayScape provides a good play area for kids along the trail.

Memorial Wildlife Garden

In this wildlife oasis, you can take advantage of the contemplative setting by escaping the rat race and settling into an environment authentically designed to provide food and shelter for the Carolina Piedmont’s native species.

Catawba Indian Village

Open seasonally, this interpretation of 400 years of Catawba Indian culture, adaptation, and survival is a must see for visitors interested our region’s rich heritage. Visit a prehistoric bark-covered house, council house and log cabins. Please call 704.866.6908 to verify that the village is open.

Stone Age Heritage Site

Travel back in time when the stone tools our ancestors used were the cutting edge of technology. Walk among the standing stones, stone circles, earthen burial mound, rock cairn and petroglyphs that give insightful glimpses into our past.

The Farm

This outdoor experience for visitors explores the natural, ever-changing relationships between people, plants, and animals on farms across the history of our region. Goats, chickens and piglets all call The Farm home.

Naughty Donkey Farm Sanctuary, in Albemarle, NC, rescues and cares for abandoned and neglected senior and special needs animals.

The address is 24709 Canton Rd, Albemarle, NC.

They provide sanctuary, safe housing, nutritious food, medical care, and lots of love to dogs, cats, chickens, ducks, goats, pigs, alpacas, and, yes, one naughty donkey.

It’s just under an hour drive from Charlotte, and closer to Mint Hill, Midland and Mt. Pleasant.

Follow Naughty Donkey Farm Sanctuary on Facebook for updates.

Flocktoberfest

Flocktoberfest takes place Saturday, October 24, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

• Tour the sanctuary
• Meet the animals and hear their stories
• Shop local vendors
• Eat vegan food
• Enjoy photo ops
• Collect vegan candy on Taco’s Trick or Treat Trail
• Enter to win prizes

The cost is $20 per car in advance, or $25 at the gate, all of which goes to help take care of the animals. If you can’t make it maybe you’d like to donate! Tickets and donation here.

Parking

• 1018 Jay Street
• 929 Jay Street
• 800 Gesco Street
• 926 Tuckaseegee Road
• 935 Tuckaseegee Road
• 2317 Thrift Road

Front Porch Dates in 2026

• April 4
• May 2
• June 6
• July 4
• August 1
• September 5
• October 3
• November 7
• December 5

Halloween in Huntersville Festival takes place Sunday, October 25, 2026, from 4 to 7 p.m., at Huntersville Athletic Park, 11720 Verhoff Drive, Huntersville, North Carolina.

Admission is free.

The festival features:

• Trick or treat booths
• Live music and entertainment
• Food and beverages for purchase
• Costume contest
• Activities for all ages
• 300-drone Halloween show!

Sip & Stitch
The last Sunday of every month
1 to 3 p.m.
Free to attend

Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just picked up your first pair of needles, you’re invited for a relaxing evening of stitching and sipping! Just good vibes, great beer, and a whole lot of yarn.

Open Mic Night
Mondays
6 to 8:30 p.m.
Free

Sign ups start at 6 p.m., show starts at 6:30 p.m.

Trail Talk
Tuesdays
7 to 9 p.m.
Free

This casual meetup is a place for hikers, backpackers, and outdoor lovers to connect over a beer, swap trail stories, and discover new places to explore around the Carolinas and beyond. Whether you’re a seasoned trekker or just looking for your next weekend hike, everyone’s welcome.

Old Armor Beer Company, at 211 West Avenue, Kannapolis, offers a wide variety of locally brewed, carefully crafted beers.

The brewery supports veterans and first responders through its Pay It Forward Board. It allows anyone to give back to their favorite military branch or first responder department. If you’d like to pay it forward, when you go to the brewery, just pay for a pint, select which branch of service or department you’d like to support and they’ll add your donation to the tally on the chalkboard.

Open Mic Night
Every other Monday (scheduled through May 17, 2027)
6:30 to 10 p.m.
Free

World Tavern Poker
Mondays (scheduled through January 2027)
6:30 to 10 p.m.
Free (sign up here)

Lord of the Rings Trivia
Sunday, August 30, 2026
5 to 7 p.m.
Free

Gather your fellowship and test your knowledge of hobbits, wizards, elves, dwarves, and the epic quest to destroy the One Ring!

Wine Down Wednesday
Wednesday, August 26, 2026
All day
1/2 priced bottles of wine

Nothing Bundt Cakes has declared September 15, 2026, to be the first-ever National Bring the Joy Day.

Each of its 841 bakeries nationwide is giving away a FREE Confetti Bundtlet to the first 300 people in line. No purchase is required.

Limit one per guest, while supplies last. Must claim in person. Offer not valid online or over the phone. No product or flavor substitutions.

There are several locations of Nothing Bundt Cakes in the Charlotte area. Find the closest location. Most open at 9 a.m., but make sure to check.

Triple C Brewing Company, 2900 Griffith Street, Charlotte, NC, hosts frequent events, many free, and you can find them on Triple C’s website or their Facebook page. Many events occur in the Barrel Room, 2832 Griffith St. Charlotte, NC, which is located across the street from the brewery.

Urban District, 2315 N Davidson Street, Charlotte, North Carolina, is presenting Fiesta Friday on the last Friday of the month, from July to September, 2026, from 5 to 10 p.m.

This event is free to attend, and all ages are welcome.

Fiesta Friday Features on August 28:

• 5 to 9 p.m.: Food trucks, pop-up market, and games with Gatito Night Market
• 6 to 8 p.m.: Kids Corner with Johnston YMCA (Urban District Market private event space)
• 7 to 8 p.m.: Live Music
• 8 to 10 p.m.: Dance lesson and social with Bachata in the Park (Seoul Food courtyard)

Crate & Barrel’s kitchen sale offers big discounts on top kitchen brands. If you’ve been wanting to invest in some higher end products for your kitchen to up your cooking game, this is the time to look.

Brands include Le Creuset, Caraway, Lodge, Staub, All Clad and more. Many styles of pans, cookware, mixing bowls, utensils and even some Ninja appliances are on sale. Crate & Barrel items are in the mix too (and they’re lower-priced) Many items ship for free.

Shop the whole sale, or browse a few items that caught our eye, below.

MrBeast is collaborating with Lowe’s to present MrBeast Swarm Workshops for kids. The workshops take place at Lowe’s stores. Kids will build their own MrBeast wooden toy.

You need to register in advance. If the workshop is filled up, check a different location!

The workshops take place from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The project includes:

• Wooden Builder Toy
• Instructions
• Exclusive Badge
• Swarm

The cost is normally $14.95. However, we just tried to sign up and it was FREE. We don’t know how long this promotion will last. We’ve also seen it listed at $9.99.

MrBeast Swarm Twister Workshop

MrBeast Swarm Twister Workshop
Saturday, August 29, 2026
10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Register now

K-Pop Stan Fest, a celebration of Korean pop culture, takes place Saturday, August 29, 2026, from 1 to 9 p.m., at Seoul Food Meat Co. at the Urban District Market, 421 E 26th Street, Charlotte, North Carolina.

Free to attend.

Whether you stan BTS, Blackpink, Twice, or any other K-Pop group, this festival is the place to be. All ages are welcome.

The event features:

• K-Pop Merch
• Vendors
• Random Play Dance
• K-Pop Dance Cover
• K-Pop Vocalist
• PC Trading
• Raffels
• Themed Food Menu
• Stamp Rally
• DIY Stations
• Cupsleeve Event
• Artist Room

Downtown Jazz Jam is a monthly event, usually on the first Sunday of the month, from at 6 to 8 p.m., at Slow Play Brewing, 274 Columbia Avenue, Rock Hill, South Carolina.

Look for updates on the Downtown Jazz Jam Facebook page.

It’s free to enjoy, either as a participant or as a listener.

Jazz musicians of all skill levels, including students, are invited to participate.

Jazz musicians of all ages and all skill levels are welcome to join the jam session. Those under 21 years old should be accompanied by an adult.

The musicians play popular jazz standards, including swing, Latin, blues, R&B, and ragtime at the monthly Downtown Jazz Jam. Musicians should bring their own instrument/amp, along with a music stand and Real Book if needed. A drum set and small PA system are provided.

The goals of the event are to promote jazz, have fun and gain experience playing music together in public, and make musical contacts. Listeners can relax to great American jazz standards and enjoy food/drink for purchase if they choose.

Movies in the Park is returning to Wilmore Centennial Park, 1711 S Tryon Street, Charlotte, North Carolina, in the South End. There are three movies planned.

These are free events. Please bring your own chair or blanket early. Space is limited.

The events start at 6:30 p.m., and the movies begin around sunset.

WDAV Classical Public Radio’s Small Batch Concert Series is returning for the 2026/2027 season. This popular chamber music series presents innovative music in an unconventional, laid-back atmosphere.

The concerts will take place at Free Range Brewing, 2320 N Davidson Street, Charlotte, North Carolina.

WDAV offers a Pay What You Can ticketing model for all Small Batch events.

Students ages 7-10 are invited to audition for Reach, Charlotte Ballet’s nationally recognized need-based dance scholarship program. This is a FREE dance program.

Reach makes beginning-level, quality dance training accessible to students who demonstrate the potential to be trained in dance. No previous experience or preparation is required.

The program affords children the opportunity to access quality dance training in their neighborhoods free of charge, promoting self-esteem, discipline, a strong work ethic, and an appreciation for the arts.

Please register in advance.

The last audition takes place Tuesday, August 25, 2026, at 5:30 p.m., at Center for Dance, 701 N Tryon Street, Charlotte, North Carolina.

REI’s Outlet is a GREAT place to shop for those who want to explore the outdoors, but want to save money. These are items that may be the current year’s design, and are being sold for a great deal as a new design is released.

You can find many items at 50% off. The markdowns are significant across all categories, including camping, cycling, climbing, running, and more.

Shop the whole sale here, or check out a few finds below.

Time is running out to experience Titanic: The Exhibition as this immersive experience sets sail from the Queen City after Labor Day. Make plans now for a breathtaking (and air-conditioned!) journey showcasing re-created areas of the ship, authentic artifacts, an actual iceberg, and personal stories of Titanic passengers and crew that bring the legacy of the Titanic to life.

The exhibition, North America’s largest and most immersive touring Titanic experience, is open daily at The Park Expo & Conference Center, but only through Monday, Sept. 7, 2026.

Exhibition Details and Tickets

• Dates: Friday, May 15, 2026 to Monday, September 7, 2026
• Location: The Park Expo & Conference Center, 800 Briar Creek Road, Charlotte, NC
• Ticket Availability: Tickets on sale now.
• Ticket Prices: Range from $26.50–$60

All About Titanic: The Exhibition

Produced by Imagine and following highly successful stops in Chicago, Dallas and Salt Lake City that welcomed more than 700,000 visitors, the exhibition’s arrival in Charlotte continues the public’s timeless fascination with the legendary ocean liner.

“Titanic: The Exhibition” is an interactive experience chronicling the amazing story of the design, construction, launch, maiden voyage and tragic ending of the largest and most luxurious ship in the world at that time.

Upon “boarding,” guests receive a boarding card to trace a real passenger’s journey. Visitors step into re-created first- and third-class cabins to experience life on board. From there, they proceed through galleries showcasing more than 300 artifacts from the Titanic and other White Star Line vessels of that period, and discover the ship’s resting place 2.5 miles down on the ocean floor.

The journey concludes at a memorial wall, where guests reflect on the 1912 tragedy and learn the fate of their assigned passenger.

The Discovery Gallery is dedicated to discovery and research of the Titanic’s wreckage site and features a raised glass floor simulating the sea-floor debris field where the ship came to rest. The gallery includes a captivating film that provides an in-depth look at the forensic research related to the collision, break-up and sinking of the Titanic.

The Discovery Gallery is dedicated to discovery and research of the Titanic’s wreckage site and features a raised glass floor simulating the sea-floor debris field where the ship came to rest. The gallery includes a captivating film that provides an in-depth look at the forensic research related to the collision, break-up and sinking of the Titanic.

One of the most popular exhibits brings guests face to face with an actual iceberg under a starlit night sky. Guests are encouraged to touch the iceberg, chilled to the actual temperature of the water in the North Atlantic the night the ship sank.

A special Carolinas Connections gallery showcases ties that both North and South Carolina have to the Titanic. Did you know the Vanderbilts purchased tickets to the ship’s maiden voyage? How about the interesting discovery within the last 20 years that the Cape Hatteras Weather Station was the only station that received the initial distress signal from the doomed ocean liner?

A companion VR Experience, available as an optional add-on, allows guests to descend 2.5 miles beneath the Atlantic Ocean’s surface to the Titanic’s final resting place. Once there, they view firsthand what it’s like to explore the ship in its present condition. Guests can also choose to enhance their journey with an optional audio guide, providing a rich narrative with additional in-depth stories.

Don’t forget to use promo code COTC20 for 20% off!