Labor Day Weekend 2021 features some of the traditions that Charlotte has enjoyed for years! Read on to learn about some festivals and special events.
Please note that some Labor Day traditions, notably Matthews Alive and the Labor Day Parade in Uptown Charlotte, have been canceled for 2021.
Looking for even more Labor Day Weekend events? Scroll down for our complete calendar of free and cheap events from Friday, September 3rd, to Monday, September 6th, 2021.
In addition, we will be adding a list of Labor Day food freebies and deals, when it’s available.
Labor Day Celebration at U.S. National Whitewater Center
Labor Day Celebration at Whitewater Center
Saturday, September 4th: 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Sunday, September 5th: 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.
U.S. National Whitewater Center, 5000 Whitewater Center Parkway, Charlotte
Free (parking is $6)
The Whitewater Center’s Labor Day Celebration features a 5K and 15K trail race, live music, fireworks, and yoga. There’s a charge for the trail races and for the pass activities, but the music, yoga and fireworks are free to enjoy.
Yard Art Day
Yard Art Day
Monday, September 6th, 2021
Various times and locations
The tradition of Yard Art Day returns to Charlotte (and other locations) on Labor Day. Residents and business owners, professional artists, hobbyists, and families, will be creating art in their yards for the community to enjoy. Follow the above link to learn how to participate in creating the art and enjoying it.
Duke’s Mayo Classic
Duke’s Mayo Classic is a weekend of exciting football at Bank of America Stadium, with ECU taking on App State on Thursday, September 2nd, and University of Georgia facing Clemson on Saturday night. The weekend also includes three free FanFests outside Bank of America Stadium on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. The pregame FanFests on Thursday and Saturday start at 4:30 p.m. On Friday, FanFest includes a free outdoor concert with Ingrid Andress, Warrick McZeke and Jukebox Rehab.
In addition, ESPN College GameDay will be broadcasting live from Romare Bearden Park Saturday morning.
Learn all about Duke Mayo Classic, including links to buy tickets and details about the FanFests.
International Vulture Awareness Day
Carolina Raptor Center
6000 Sample Road, Huntersville
Saturday, September 4th, 2021
10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Regular admission: $12 for adults; $10 for seniors, teachers, military members; $8 for students; free for members and for children 3 and under
At International Vulture Awareness Day, you’ll experience a variety of vulture related activities for all ages, and you’ll learn why vultures are so important to our environment.
Queen City Art Fest
Queen City Art Fest
Saturday, September 4th, 2021: 2 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Sunday, September 5th, 2021: 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Shoppes at University Place, 8929 JM Keynes Drive, Charlotte
Free
Enjoy art, culture, dance, drumming, live music, spoken word, vendors and a youth area. This event will take place on the Boardwalk at Shoppes at University Place.
Battle of Charlotte Living History Weekend
Battle of Charlotte Living History Weekend
Saturday, September 4th, 2021
Sunday, September 5th, 2021
10 a.m. to 4 p.m. both days
Historic Rural Hill, 4431 Neck Road, Huntersville
Price varies according to which day, and when you buy it (follow above link for price info)
This event will include reenactments of three different Revolutionary War battles, one of which took place partially at Rural Hill. Also, the Slave Dwelling Project will be on site at this time, so it’s a chance to learn about a part of our history that should not be overlooked. There will also be kids’ drills, weapons demonstrations, artillery demonstrations, cooking, music, and more.
Dallas Lavender Lane
Dallas Lavender Lane
937 Old Willis School Road, Dallas, NC
Saturday, September 4th: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Sunday, September 5th: 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Monday, September 6th: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Free
Dallas Lavender Lane is a lavender farm in nearby Dallas, North Carolina. They have a petting zoo, with goats, pigs, horses and more. In addition, there is a large playground, a covered area with board games, lavender lemonade slushees for sale, a putt putt course, and more. This weekend they’ll have freshly picked Honey Crisp apples from the mountains, and 20% off all lavender plants.
Admission is free, as are the farm activities.
Free Museum Admission for Bank of America/Merrill Customers
The first full weekend of the month, customers of Bank of America/Merrill receive free admission in many museums around the country. In Charlotte, participating museums are:
- Mint Museum Uptown
- Mint Museum Randolph
- Bechtler Museum of Modern Art
- Levine Museum of the New South
- Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts + Culture
The free admission will take place on Saturday, September 4th, and Sunday, September 5th. Please make sure to check information on opening hours for each museum, as they may differ. Also, some special exhibits might not be included in the free admission.
Front Porch Sunday
Shop at a huge monthly vendor market at this popular event. Front Porch Sundays takes place at Sycamore Brewing, 2161 Hawkins Street, on Sunday, September 5th, 2021, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Free Outdoor Concerts
There are many, many free outdoor concerts taking place this weekend, throughout the Charlotte area. They take place at shopping centers, breweries, town centers and more. Check out the list of outdoor concerts (mostly free) in the Charlotte area.
Around the Crown 10K
Ever want to see Charlotte from a different angle by foot? Around the Crown 10K presented by Truist closes I-277 to traffic and opens it to runners! The race, which takes place Sunday, September 5th, 2021, at 8 a.m., starts and ends at First Ward Park. Runners will run the entirety of Charlotte’s 3-mile inner loop. Register by September 3rd for $50. Race day registration is $70.
Labor Day Spades Tournament and Cookout
Labor Day Spades Tournament and Cookout
Sunday, September 5th, 2021
1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Freedom Park Shelter 3
Compete for bragging rights and a cash prize. If you want to just enjoy the company and the food, admission is $10. Single player admission is $20 and a player pair is $40.
Colorful Lights Historic Concord Walking Tour
Every weekend in September, from Friday to Sunday, from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m., the Colorful Lights Historic Concord Walking Trail will make Historic Concord especially colorful. Participating residents in this almost 4-mile loop through North and South Union Street will illuminate their homes with colorful lights. There will be an interactive guide and GPS guide which will include history on each house.
Double-Check Before You Head Out!
We make every effort to make sure that everything on Charlotte on the Cheap is 100% accurate.
However, sometimes things change without notice, and we are not always notified. It's also possible that we can make a mistake. In addition, we can not guarantee that all events adhere to the safety measures that are necessary at this time, so we encourage you to ask any questions of the organizer, to make your best decision, and to stay safe.
Please verify all deals and events with the venue or organizer before you go.
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