If you’re one of the lucky people with a long weekend away from work, here are some fun, free things to do in the Charlotte area on Labor Day Weekend, 2018. Make sure to follow the links to get the details on the times, locations, and other important information.
Looking for even more Labor Day Weekend events? Scroll down for our complete calendar of free events from Friday, August 31st, to Monday, September 3rd.
Bearden Birthday Bash
Bearden Birthday Bash
Saturday, September 1st, 2018
7 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Romare Bearden Park, 300 S. Church Street
Free
The annual birthday bash at Romare Bearden Park features live music and food trucks. The musical performers this year are saxophonist Shableek and violinist Ken Ford.
U.S. National Whitewater Center’s Labor Day Celebration
U.S. National Whitewater Center Labor Day Celebration
Sunday, September 2nd, 2018
9 a.m. to 10 p.m.
U.S. National Whitewater Center, 5000 Whitewater Center Pkwy
Free admission. $6 for parking, and a charge for races and other activities
The Whitewater’s annual Labor Day celebration features live music by Dr. Dog and Great Peacock, yoga, trail races and fireworks. On Saturday, September 1st, there are also several competitions.
Matthews Alive
Matthews Alive Festival
Friday, August 31st, to Monday, September 3rd
Stumptown Park, S. Trade Street Matthews
Admission is free. Charge for rides.
Matthews’ annual Labor Day festival includes a parade, music, kids’ activities, crafts and games. Admission is free, but you have to buy tickets for the rides and games.
Fifth Annual Charlotte Kosher BBQ Championship
Fifth Annual Charlotte Kosher BBQ Championship
Monday, September 3rd, 2018
11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Levine Jewish Community Center, 5007 Providence Road
Admission is free. Charge for food.
Admission and parking are free for this fun event. There will be live music, kids’ activities and a mechanical bull. A limited number of tasting tickets are available for purchase, and lunch will be sold as well.
Front Porch Sundays
Front Porch Sunday in South End
Sunday, September 3rd, 2018
12 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Shook Kelly, 2151 Hawkins Street
Free admission, but it’s a market, so bring money for shopping, food, and drinks.
The first Sunday of the month the South End puts on an event with 70+ local vendors, a couple of food trucks, live music, yoga, pet adoptions and more.
Charlotte Labor Day Parade
Charlotte Labor Day Parade
Monday, September 3rd, 2018
11 a.m.
Uptown Charlotte (see below for exact route)
Celebrate the American worker at Charlotte’s 18th annual Labor Day Parade. The parade will start at the Hal Marshall Center, 701 North Tryon Street, at 11:00 a.m., and will proceed down Tryon Street, past the square, turning left onto 3rd Street, and ending up at College and 3rd Street. The parade features labor union floats, vehicles, marchers, political candidates, stepping groups, bands, car clubs, beauty queens and community groups.
2nd Annual Blue Blaze Brewing Labor Day Celebration
Blue Blaze Brewing Labor Day Celebration
Monday, September 3rd
2 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Free
Blue Blaze Brewing, 528 S. Turner Avenue
Free
Live music, discounted beer and free grilled hot dogs with light fixings. If it’s cool enough they’ll be having a firepit jam sessions, with instruments on loan.
Charlotte on the Cheap is a member of 
Susan says
Why not add car shows and cruise-in’s to your lists of things to do?