4th Annual Citizen Con — Post-Apocalyptic Cosplay Event Sept. 12

Charlotte On The Cheap 7/28 1:00A Jody Mace

District 57 , 1526-B Alleghany Street, Charlotte, North Carolina, 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...

Journey of Heritage: Documentary presentation at Allegra Westbrooks Regional Library Aug. 1

Charlotte On The Cheap 7/27 3:14A Jody Mace

ASC Culture Blocks presents a free screening of Journey of Heritage at Allegra Westbrooks Regional Library, 2412 Beatties Ford Road, Charlotte, North Carolina, on Saturday, August 1, 2026, from 1 to 4...

Ready, Set, Grow! Back to School event at Eastridge Mall, with free school supplies and lunch

Charlotte On The Cheap 7/26 2:48A Jody Mace

Gastonia families, bring your kids to Ready, Set, Grow! This FREE community back to school event takes place on Saturday, August 1, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Eastridge Mall, 246 N New Hope...

National Lipstick Day — big discounts through July 29

Charlotte On The Cheap 7/25 6:07A Jody Mace

Photo: Depositphotos We talk about a lot of food days here (National Chicken Wing Day, anyone?) but here s another national day that can bring you savings. National Lipstick Day is July 29, 2026. On...

Free live music at King Canary Brewing, and more!

Charlotte On The Cheap 7/25 4:16A Jody Mace

King Canary Brewing , at 562 Williamson Road, Mooresville, NC, is a family-friendly microbrewery in a 4,500 square-foot, multi-story home. The brewery hosts many events, which you can find on their calendar and Facebook page. Upcoming Events Free...

Free mobile food distribution with Food for Families at Elevation Church Matthews on July 25

Charlotte On The Cheap 7/24 5:00A Jody Mace

Photo: Depositphotos Food for Families NC uses volunteer resources to provide nutritious food to families in need. It distributes thousands of bags of food in mobile distributions, home deliveries and...

Free Soccer Festival with Charlotte Rise FC in Fort Mill Aug. 9

Charlotte On The Cheap 7/23 1:22A Jody Mace

Photo: Depositphotos Charlotte Rise FC Soccer is hosting a free soccer festival on Sunday, August 9, 2026, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., at Harrisburg Athletic Complex, 10167 Harrisburg Road, Fort Mill, South...

Free books for children through Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library

Charlotte On The Cheap 7/22 2:00A Jody Mace

Photo: Depositphotos Every child benefits from being read to, and one great way to foster a love of reading in children is through Dolly Parton s Imagination Library. This program provides children...

Special deals and freebies for National Drive-Thru Day July 24

Charlotte On The Cheap 7/20 2:25A Jody Mace

Photo: Depositphotos National Drive-Thru Day is July 24, 2026. We re collecting up info about special deals. So far we have one listed (Dunkin ) but we expect to be announcing more soon! Dunkin On...

Free Tax Preparation with Buenas Finanzas Carolina Aug. 1

Charlotte On The Cheap 7/19 9:51A Jody Mace

Buenas Finanzas Carolinas (BFC) is offering free tax preparation assistance through its VITA Latino program on August 1, 2026, helping eligible taxpayers access trusted, no-cost support during tax...

Back to School Bashes for 2026 — many with free school supplies

Charlotte On The Cheap 7/19 4:00A Jody Mace

Photo: Depositphotos School is about to start. We re putting together a huge list of back-to-school parties. Many include free school supplies. Some offer features like free haircuts, free smoothies,...

Clothes Bin Kannapolis’ 3rd Annual Back to School Bash Aug. 8

Charlotte On The Cheap 7/19 2:17A Jody Mace

Clothes Bin Kannapolis, a family clothing store, is hosting its 3rd annual Back to School Bash on Saturday, August 8, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. This is a free event. The event features: Music Games Bubbles Chalk activities Fun for kids More...

Back to School Block Party at Saluda Trail Middle School (Rock Hill) on July 25

Charlotte On The Cheap 7/19 1:45A Jody Mace

Elrod Pope Law Firm is sponsoring a Back 2 School Block Party at Saluda Trail Middle School, 2300 Saluda Road, Rock Hill, South Carolina, for local families. It takes place Saturday, July 25, 2026,...

Back to School: Movin’ & Groovin’ at Northlake Mall July 25

Charlotte On The Cheap 7/19 1:00A Jody Mace

Illustration: Depositphotos Northlake Mall is hosting Movin & Groovin (a back to school event) on Saturday, July 25, 2026, from 12 to 3 p.m. This free event will feature: Activities Local...

Dino-themed Back to School Bash at Charlotte Premium Outlets Aug. 15

Charlotte On The Cheap 7/19 1:00A Jody Mace

Illustration: Depositphotos Charlotte Premium Outlets, at 5405 New Fashion Way, Charlotte, NC, is hosting a Back to School Bash on Saturday, August 15, 2026, from 1 to 4 p.m. This is a free event. Get...