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Free and Cheap Things To Do in Charlotte, NC đź’¸
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items Budget friendly? Never fear. Charlotte has plenty of activities that don't cost a dime. We've curated a list of free and cheap things to do in the city. Many options listed here are priced under $10, keeping your focus on the memories.
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Visit a Museum on a Free Day
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Take a Self-Guided Art Tour
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Attend a Free Festival
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Explore Charlotte’s Neighborhoods
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Sip Your Way along the Craft Beer Trail
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Head to the Library
Visit a Museum on a Free Day
Many of Charlotte’s finest museums offer free days. Wednesday Night Live offers free admission and often includes live entertainment and programming.
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The Mint Museum is a leading, innovative museum of international art and design committed to engaging and inspiring all members of the global community.
Mint Museum Uptown
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The Bechtler Museum of Modern Art is dedicated to the celebration and analysis of the strongest aspects of mid- century modernism as reflected in the holdings of the Bechtler collection.
Bechtler Museum of Modern Art
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The Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts and Culture serves as a reflective prism to present, preserve and promote African-American art, culture and history for the enlightenment of all.
The Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts + Culture
Take a Self-Guided Art Tour
Use the Art Walks CLT guide to create your own Charlotte Mural Tour in all corners of the city, including Uptown, NoDa and South End. Or spend a day taking selfies in front of Charlotte’s Public Art, like “The Firebird” in front of the Bechtler Museu...
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Explore Luminous Lane in Uptown Charlotte! These are the right side murals only starting on 3rd Street. There are 24 murals.
Art Walks CLT
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Large and small, loud and subtle, Charlotte’s public art is reflective of the city’s vibrant, diverse culture.
Public Art in Charlotte | Sculptures and Statues in Charlotte
Attend a Free Festival
Charlotte hosts many festivals and events that are free or low cost.
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Charlotte SHOUT! is an annual celebration of the city’s art, culture, and community. Built on the pillars of art, music, food, and ideas, Charlotte SHOUT! is an inclusive and inspirational sensory feast for all ages, with more than 200 events and att...
Charlotte SHOUT!
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Since the fall of 1964, Festival in the Park has brought Charlotteans from all walks of life together to enjoy arts, crafts, music and family entertainment. With the mission of bringing the community together by celebrating the arts, the Festival Bo...
60TH ANNUAL FESTIVAL IN THE PARK
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Each year, The Juneteenth Festival of The Carolinas celebrates the end of slavery, and the African American community is taking the opportunity to come together to reflect on and remember the historical event. The Juneteenth
committee proudly schedul...
Juneteenth Festival of The Carolinas
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Charlotte Pride presents and collaborates on programs, projects, and activities, including the annual Charlotte Pride Festival and Parade, Charlotte Latine Pride, Charlotte Trans Pride, Charlotte Women’s Pride, the Charlotte Pride Scholarship & I...
Charlotte Pride
Explore Charlotte’s Neighborhoods
Start anywhere along the line and hop off for easy access to some of Charlotte’s most happening neighborhoods.
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Whether you’re new to the light rail system or a regular rider, here's where to eat, drink and explore near each of the 26 stations along the LYNX Blue Line.
The Light Rail Guide | Charlotte Light Rail | LYNX Blue Line
Sip Your Way along the Craft Beer Trail
Craft beer aficionados can explore the many flavors along the NoDa Craft Beer Trail. Save money on your next brewery adventure with a Charlotte Brewery Pass. With the pass you’ll receive a $10 voucher to participating breweries. Many breweries in Cha...
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With an overflowing supply of breweries and award-winning local brews, Charlotte’s craft culture reigns supreme. Explore the city’s craft beer kingdom, one neighborhood at a time.
NoDa Craft Beer Trail | Breweries in Charlotte | Things to Do
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Introducing the Charlotte Brewery Pass, the easiest way to save time and money as you explore Charlotte’s bustling breweries.
Charlotte Brewery Pass | Save at Local Breweries | Explore Charlotte Marketplace
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Boasting dozens of breweries in the Charlotte region, it’s safe to say the Queen City reigns over a craft beer kingdom. With an overflowing supply of community-centered events and award-winning local beers, these neighborhood watering holes have beco...
Best Craft Breweries & Bottle Shops in Charlotte | Charlotte's got a lot
Head to the Library
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The new Main Library will be a major destination in Uptown Charlotte; a free, open, and accessible information hub for Mecklenburg County long timers, newcomers, and those just stopping through. As Charlotte Mecklenburg Library’s flagship location, i...
Home Page - Welcome to Charlotte Mecklenburg Library | Charlotte Mecklenburg Library
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ImaginOn is a collaborative venture of the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library and the Children's Theatre of Charlotte. ImaginOn brings stories to life through extraordinary experiences that challenge, inspire and excite young minds.
ImaginOn: The Joe & Joan Martin Center | ImaginOn
Spend the Day at a Local Park
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From spraygrounds and nature trails to zip lines and rock walls, the Queen City is popping with playgrounds for kids of all ages.
Playgrounds in Charlotte | Family Friendly Activities, Charlotte NC | Parks in Charlotte
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Pack your own lunch and spread a blanket down at these area picnic points.
Picnics in Charlotte | Parks in Charlotte | Things to Do in Charlotte
Make a Splash
Make a splash at one of Mecklenburg County’s public pools, parks and spraygrounds.
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Ray’s Splash Planet is an indoor waterpark and recreational facility that serves as a destination for water fun, swim lessons, birthday parties and summer camps.
Ray's Splash Planet | Park and Recreation
Embrace Charlotte’s Natural Beauty
Treat yourself to gardens full of lush flowers, bushes and trees, all planted to attract birds.
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Located in the heart of Charlotte, North Carolina, Wing Haven provides a natural oasis for reflection and study of its three public gardens. Wing Haven Garden & Bird Sanctuary is rich in Southern horticulture and a habitat for birds and wildlife.
Wing Haven
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The UNC Charlotte Botanical Gardens is a purposeful collection of plants grown for more than just their beauty. Holding curated collections of plants for inventory, education, conservation, and research, they are dedicated to sharing the world of pla...
Botanical Gardens | Home - UNC Charlotte
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The McGill Rose Garden is a non-profit organization that hosts a community area for outside organizations to hold classes and a place for local artists to portal structural art pieces. A great setting for weddings and celebrations.
The McGill Rose Garden - Outdoor Garden Wedding Venue
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Rosie, our beloved shop cat at the McGill Rose Garden for a little over four years, claimed the rose garden as her own one morning in May of 2012. She quickly became the real boss around here, and no one came or went without a thorough once-over from...
Rosie's Coffee & Wine Garden
Get Moving
Use the Charlotte Trail Guide to navigate the Queen City’s greenways and trails full of wildlife, history, art and other scenery.
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Whether you’re new to the city or a native, you can find an adventure around every turn. All you have to do is pick a direction.
CLT Trail Guide | Greenways & Walking Trails in Charlotte, NC
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Welcome to Quest, an exciting nature experience in Latta Nature Preserve. Our 13,000 square foot facility is the starting point for your outdoor adventure in Huntersville, located just 20 minutes from Uptown Charlotte.
Environmental Education | Quest | Huntersville
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Nestled amid beautiful lakes and hardwood forests, the Anne Springs Close Greenwayâ„ 's a nature preserve more than twice the size of Central Park. Minutes south of Charlotte in Fort Mill, SC, its 2,100 acres serve as a natural buffer from urban develo...
Anne Springs Close Greenway
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The world’s premier outdoor center featuring 1,300 acres to run, paddle, ride, climb and more located in Charlotte, North Carolina.
U. S National Whitewater Center
Explore Charlotte by Bike
Take a Joy Ride, a pedal-assist electric bike that makes exploring easier.
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Discover the most fun you can have getting around with Charlotte Joy Rides! Our new E-bikes are pedal-assist enabled bikes to make your rides easier, longer and more fun. And now, there are even more docks and locations
Joy Rides
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The Carolina Thread Trail is your regional network of connected greenways, trails and blueways that reaches 15 counties, 2 states and 2.9 million people. There are over 300 miles of trails and 170 miles of blueway open to the public – linking people ...
The Carolina Thread Trail | Regional Network of Trails
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Our HBCU connects Charlotte and the world to the next generation of bold innovators and leaders who are shaped by our strong traditions, vibrant campus spirit and thriving student-led atmosphere.
Johnson C. Smith University
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Gorgeous park to spend time or enjoy a run around the lake. Loved the bridge with all the lover's-locks . The natural "stadium seating" in the grass is brilliant and would be perfect for concerts. Highly recommend this lovely park!
Freedom Park | Charlottes Got A Lot
Dive into Local History
Learn how Charlotteans influenced the American Revolution on a Charlotte Liberty Walk.
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At Charlotte Liberty Walk, we are passionate about sharing the rich history and culture of Charlotte with visitors from near and far. Our self-guided walking tour through Uptown Charlotte is designed to provide an immersive experience that brings the...
Charlotte History Tour | Free Uptown Walking Tour
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Tour the restored Graham family home. Shop in Ruth’s Attic, filled with unique gifts and books. Enjoy lunch in the Dairy Bar, featuring sandwiches, salads, ice cream and cookies. No matter your age, the Billy Graham Library will leave you inspired by...
Home - The Billy Graham Library
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The site now consists of a visitor center, with a self-guided museum and film, historic log cabins, a nature trail, a family cemetery, and the original monument erected by the Daughters of the American Revolution at the site. Guided tours of the hist...
President James K. Polk
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Today you can still feel the cool dampness underground in an early gold mine, marvel at early 20th-century steam locomotives, and relive a colonial or Civil War battle. Visitor centers with exhibits filled with artifacts and multimedia presentations ...
Reed Gold Mine | NC Historic Sites
Explore Camp North End
There’s always something interesting happening at Camp North End.
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This 76-acre converted industrial complex is home to shops, food stalls, galleries and murals, along with pop-up markets, food trucks and festivals year-round. It’s free to wander around, play games and snap pictures.
Camp North End
Listen to Live Music
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For just a few dollars, enjoy a night of live music at The Evening Muse on Monday Open Mic Night.
WELCOME TO THE EVENING MUSE
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There’s no shortage of outdoor concerts in the warmer months in Charlotte, and there’s really no better way to spend a nice evening.
Updated! Huge list of outdoor concert series in Charlotte in 2024 - Charlotte On The Cheap
Watch a Movie under the Stars
Enjoy movies in the great outdoors, during the summer and fall months.
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Camp North End is Charlotte’s unofficial headquarters for inspiration—and life at Kinship puts you at the center of it all. From brunches and board game nights to bookstores and bars, Camp’s 76 acres of food, retail, and entertainment options are you...
Camp North End
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Starting June 7, 2024 through July 27, 2024, enjoy good tunes on The Green at Promenade every Friday and Saturday from 7-10PM. Come on out and unwind from your day with our awesome band list! For up-to-date information including weather cancellations...
Music on The Green 2024
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Movies are open to the public, FREE of charge and will be shown at Veterans' Park - Downtown Huntersville.
Bring your blankets and lawn chairs for an evening under the stars with our Movie in the Park Series.
Movies in the Park | Huntersville, NCArrow LeftArrow RightSlideshow Left ArrowSlideshow Right Arrow
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All movies shown on our inflatable “blimp” screen at locations throughout Cornelius. Weather permitting, movies begin at dusk (approximately 8:30 p.m.), are free and open to the public, with refreshments available for purchase at each showing. Come e...
Outdoor Cinema Series
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Grab your friends, grab your chairs or blanket, and head down to Stowe Park for a fun movie night under the stars!
Aurora Star Lit Cinema will be featuring a jumbo outdoor screen & epic immersive sound.
Plus FREE arcade games and cornhole to enjo...
Movies in the Park - Downtown Belmont, NC
Take Part in Friendly Competition
Many activities time at Pins Mechanical Company, including patio pong, giant Jenga, skee-ball and arcade games, to name a few, are always free. Mini golf at Frankie’s Fun Park is just $10. Children 3 and under can play for free with a paying adult. O...
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Pins Mechanical Company and 16-Bit Arcade + Bar is a social gathering place that offers a playful alternative to a traditional night out. Whether it's duckpin bowling, pinball, bocce, or arcade games, Pins and 16-Bit brings people together through ol...
Charlotte, NC | Pins Mechanical Company
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I love this place! It's fun, has a ton of games. Inside and out. You can also bowl, and you can eat/snack/drink/chill. You can spend a couple or few or several hours there.
Charlotte - Frankie's Fun Park
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Charlotte's first bar/arcade hybrid! Home to 20 pinball machines and 30+ arcade games with rotating games monthly. Enjoy a full bar while you play your hold and new favorites!
Super Abari Game Bar!
Visit a Farmers Market
From the airport to Uptown, Dilworth and Camp North End, find a market and discover the season’s freshest fruits and vegetables, flowers, plants and local crafts from local vendors.
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Find local farmers, growers, bakers and makers all in one place at these year-round and seasonal markets in the Charlotte area.
Farmers Markets in Charlotte | Local Markets in Charlotte NC
Pick Your Own Produce
For a more hands-on experience with your fruit and vegetables, there are many area farms and orchards that offer pick-your-own opportunities.
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The Hunter Farm has been in the same family since 1868. Farmer Nancy’s great grandmother was raised here, and the farm has been passed down on her mother’s side since. While the operations of the farm have certainly changed over the years – from cash...
Hunter Farm
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Hodges Family Farm is a working farm owned and operated by the Hodges family for over 100 years, and we are honored that the state of North Carolina has recognized our farm as a “Century Farm.”
Hodges Family Farm & Pumpkin Patch - main location
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This is our adjacent property at 5503 Poplin. It is does not have strawberries or farm access, but has a playground, shaded seating, Tacos by Maria (through 5/25), Waxhaw Creamery ice cream, and a small store with limited local goods.
Wise Acres Organic U-Pick Strawberry Farm
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Windy Hill Orchard is a family owned and operated boutique apple orchard and Hard Cider producer located in the upstate of South Carolina. Open every fall from Mid August until Christmas, Windy Hill offers visitors Award Winning Hard Ciders, Pick You...
Windy Hill Orchard & Cidery
Learn about Earth’s Natural History
Admission is under $10 for adults and youth and provides entry to indoor and outdoor exhibits.
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The Schiele Museum is committed to inspiring curiosity and understanding of science and the natural world through exceptional educational programs, exhibits and research.
The Schiele Museum of Natural History & Planetarium
Bowl for Free
During spring and summer kids are eligible for two free games of bowling each day through KidsBowlFree.com. Participating venues in Charlotte include El Thrifty, Queen Park Social and Sports Connection.
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More than 1,500 bowling centers around the globe provide 2 FREE Games of bowling each day to kids during the Spring and Summer. This program is designed by bowling centers to give back to the community and provide a safe, secure, and fun way for kids...
KidsBowlFree.com: Kids Bowl Free All Summer Long!
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A Mexican inspired cantina, mezcal bar and gaming venue.
el Thrifty CLT
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Queen Park Social is Charlotte's South End Social Club where you can gather with friends—old, new, and not-yet-met—to eat, drink, and have a good time.
Queen Park Social - LoSo, Charlotte, NC
Attend a Comedy Show
You can laugh until your ribs ache and not bust your budget when you take a class or attend a show.
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Our mission is to create an open, inclusive space that meets the needs of improvisers and improv teams. We accomplish this by providing classes, rehearsal space, and stage time.
Be bold. Say yes. CATCh some improv.
Tour a Local Television Station
See where some of your local television shows are made by taking a tour.
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Go behind the scenes at PBS Charlotte by joining us on a studio tour! PBS Charlotte has 56 years of production history, and we would love to show you how we make the magic happen! Our tour is a unique experience for all ages interested in television ...
WTVI
Volunteer in the Community
Find hundreds of opportunities with local nonprofits.
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Make a difference RIGHT NOW.
Choose from thousands of ways to make
Charlotte stronger.
DO GOOD
Watch Planes Take Off
A popular spot for families, photographers and aviation enthusiasts.
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Will give you a free, front-row seat to watch airplanes take off and land.
Charlotte Douglas International Airport