12 free and cheap things to do in Charlotte: Charlotte Shout!, aerial classes, egg hunts

This list is curated by Charlotte on the Cheap, where you’ll find even more free and cheap things to do every day, and detailed by Denise Casalez.

Friday, March 29

Charlotte Shout!

Location: Varies

Time: 10 a.m.-10 p.m.

Cost: Varies

Head over to Charlotte SHOUT! for a day filled with art, music, food and more. This multi-week festival runs from March 29-April 14, with a mix of free and paid events. Tonight, you can check out the Men of Soul at Ally Main Stage for free at First Ward Park, starting at 5 p.m. Food trucks for noshing and art installations for browsing will be on hand.

Matthews Beats ‘n Bites

Location: Stumptown Park, 120 S Trade St, Matthews, NC 28105

Time: 5-9 p.m.

Cost: Free entry

Listen to live music from The Cat 5 Band while getting dinner from a variety of food trucks in downtown Matthews. Beats ‘n Bites will be held on the last Friday of each month, from March through June.

Saturday, March 30

Bloom Movement Artistry Open House

Location: 6150 Old Pineville Rd Suite B, Charlotte, NC 28217

Time: Varies

Cost: $5 aerial classes

Bloom Movement Artistry is hosting an open house that features 30-minute, $5 aerial classes — and the best part is that you can take as many as you want. You can learn the skills for a new activity on the cheap!

Easter egg hunt and pony rides

Location: Love Reins Equestrian, 4803 Lon Parker Rd, Waxhaw, NC 28173

Time: 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

Cost: Free entry

Love Reins Equestrian in Waxhaw is inviting you to a free event, where you can hunt for Easter eggs, ride a pony, play cornhole and more.

Sunday, March 31

Plaza Midwood Brewery Egg Hunt

Location: 1331 Central Ave, Charlotte, NC 28205

Time: 12 p.m.

Cost: Free admission

An adult-style Easter hunt? Sign us up. Head to Plaza Midwood for the Midwood Easter Hunt – Brewery Edition. Visit participating breweries, enjoy a pint and see if you can spot an Easter egg and win a prize.

Monday, April 1

Greater Charlotte Book Crawl begins

Location: Participating bookstores

Time: All day

Cost: Free

This literary adventure takes place this spring from April 1-30, with special attention to Independent Bookstore Day on April 27. Hosted by independent bookstores throughout the region, it’s a great opportunity to explore new cities, connect with fellow book lovers and earn rewards along the way.

Charlotte Fair: Free admission, parking for teachers

Location: 5555 Concord Pkwy S, Concord, NC 28027

Time: 4-10 p.m.

Cost: Free for teachers

April 1 is Teacher Appreciation Day, so the Charlotte Fair is making sure our area’s educators are being recognized and appreciated. Teachers can enjoy free admission and parking April 1, plus $5 off unlimited ride wristbands.

Tuesday, April 2

Be Well Birkdale free workout

Location: 8712 Lindholm Dr #202, Huntersville, NC 28078

Time: 6-7 p.m.

Cost: Free

Get a chance to do a free weekly workout class under Birkdale’s Willow Oaks. This workout series runs every Tuesday from April to October, with special classes presented by various studios and instructors.

Piano Karaoke and Sing Along with Ryan Stamey

Location: Petra’s, 1919 Commonwealth Ave, Charlotte, NC 28205

Time: 7 p.m.

Cost: $5

If you’re looking to unwind on a Tuesday night, Petra’s is hosting a piano karaoke and sing along with host Ryan Stamey. Grab a drink, sing your heart away or just relax while listening to performances.

Wednesday, April 3

Lunch & Listen concert

Location: Romare Bearden Park, 300 S Church St, Charlotte, NC 28202

Time: 11 a.m.- 1 p.m.

Cost: Free entry

Spend your break time at the Lunch & Listen Concert Series at Romare Bearden Park, which is kicking off April 3. This series will offer live performances during your lunch hour on various dates throughout spring.

Spring Break movies

Location: Cinergy Dine-In Cinemas, 5336 Docia Crossing Rd, Charlotte, NC 28269

Time: 11 a.m.

Cost: $3

Enjoy a spring break movie series for kids at Cinergy Dine-In Cinema, where you can watch family-favorites like “Shrek,” “How To Train Your Dragon” and more. Admission is $3 through April 4.

Thursday, April 4

NC Science Festival

Location: Find an event near you

Time: Varies

Cost: Free

The North Carolina Science Festival is a month-long celebration of science every April, when hundreds of events take place each year that are focused on fun, interactive opportunities. Find an event near you and emerge yourself into a day filled with science exhibits, talks, interactive activities and more.

Visit Charlotte on the Cheap for an expanded list of things to do in Charlotte every day. You’ll find festivals, kids’ activities, date night ideas, art, trivia and much more. You can sign up for a daily email that will keep you in the loop.

This story was originally published March 27, 2024, 10:04 AM.