National Donut Day 2026 — Free and discounted donuts June 5

Charlotte On The Cheap 5/29 10:00A Jody Mace

Friday, June 5, 2026, is National Donut Day. And, of course you can celebrate with free donuts and some special donut deals. Read on for some special offers from both national chains and local donut...

Arts Mount Holly Festival June 5-6

Charlotte On The Cheap 5/29 4:53A Jody Mace

Arts Mount Holly Festival is a two-day celebration of creativity as Arts Mount Holly transforms downtown Mount Holly into a walkable art experience filled with local artists, live demonstrations, shopping, music, and community connection. The...

Dress like a cow for free entrée on Cow Appreciation Day at Chick-fil-A July 14

Charlotte On The Cheap 5/29 12:51A Jody Mace

Chick-fil-A is bringing back Cow Appreciation Day on July 14, 2026, for the first time since 2019. Visit a participating Chick-fil-A restaurant, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. dressed like a cow, and get a free entrée. No purchase required. Cow-themed...

Free summer entertainment for kids at Cabarrus County Libraries, including The Big Dino Show,...

Charlotte On The Cheap 5/28 3:34A Jody Mace

Cabarrus County Library is presenting fun, FREE shows for kids in the summer of 2026. The entertainment includes a dino show, science, magic, puppets, and storytelling. None of these shows require...

Meet Banana Ball’s Firefighters and Texas Tailgaters June 3

Charlotte On The Cheap 5/28 1:56A Jody Mace

Academy Sports + Outdoors, at 9557 South Blvd, Charlotte, North Carolina, is hosting a meet and greet with Banana Ball teams, The Firefighters and Texas Tailgaters. The event takes place on Wednesday,...

10+ Juneteenth Celebrations in Charlotte

Charlotte On The Cheap 5/27 3:46A Jody Mace

Image: Depositphotos Juneteenth is a celebration of the end of the enslavement of African-American people in the United States. It marks the day, June 19, 1865, when the Emancipation Proclamation...

Downtown Pineville Pride June 5 — free, family-friendly event

Charlotte On The Cheap 5/27 3:19A Jody Mace

Downtown Pineville invites the community to its 2nd Annual Pride event , a free community celebration bringing together music, food, shopping, dancing, and connection in an inclusive and welcoming...

Live Music at The Thirsty Beaver Saloon

Charlotte On The Cheap 5/27 2:00A Jody Mace

The Thirsty Beaver, at 1225 Central Avenue, Charlotte, NC, often hosts live music. When we see the info pop up, we add it here! The events are announced on Thirsty Beaver Saloon s Facebook page. Live music: Five Eight Friday, May 29, 2026 8 p.m....

Huntersville Pride in the Park June 14

Charlotte On The Cheap 5/26 8:00P Jody Mace

Huntersville Pride in the Park takes place Sunday, June 14, 2026, from 1 to 6 p.m., at Veterans Park, 201 Huntersville-Concord Road, Huntersville, North Carolina. This is a free event. What to expect:...

Opening Reception for “The Cure” at The Gallery at Morningstar June 12

Charlotte On The Cheap 5/26 9:00A Jody Mace

The Gallery at Morning Star , at 12509 Idlewild Road, Matthews, North Carolina, is hosting an opening reception for a new exhibition, The Cure on Friday, June 12, 2026, from 6 to 8:30 p.m. This event...

Camp Invention — Girls Edition — FREE! (But space is limited)

Charlotte On The Cheap 5/26 9:00A Jody Mace

Girls entering grades K-6 are invited to a FREE 4-day STEM camp. Camp Invention Girls Edition takes place July 22 to 25, 2026, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m, at Honor Preparatory Charter School, 9108 Mallard...

Fenty Beauty’s Summer Warm-Up Sale: Get up to 60% off

Charlotte On The Cheap 5/26 3:27A Jody Mace

Photo: Depositphotos Fenty Beauty, the cosmetics brand that Rihanna launched in 2017, is known for its inclusivity across many skin tones. Fenty Beauty is currently hosting its Summer Warm-Up Sale,...

CVS Soccer Block Party May 30

Charlotte On The Cheap 5/26 2:00A Jody Mace

CVS Pharmacy at 1533 South Blvd, Charlotte, North Carolina, is hosting the CVS Soccer Block Party on Saturday, May 30, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. This is a free event. The block party includes: Free...

Big list of free and cheap things for kids to do during summer break around Charlotte

Charlotte On The Cheap 5/26 2:00A Jody Mace

Train ride at Village Park in Kannapolis. Photo: City of Kannapolis Your kids can have fun in the Charlotte area during their summer break without putting a hurting to your wallet. Most of these...

The Thing: An arthaus blacklight bodypaint experience where you become the art on June 6

Charlotte On The Cheap 5/24 5:48A Jody Mace

Bodypaint.Me is bringing a new kind of event to Charlotte. The Thing is an arthaus blacklight bodypaint experience where you become the art. It takes place Saturday, June 6, 2026, from 7 to 11 p.m.,...