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, 2017. Make sure to follow the links to get the details on the times, locations, and other important information. If this isn’t enough to choose from, learn about over a bunch of other free things going on this weekend. And don’t forget to subscribe to Charlotte on the Cheap by email. You’ll receive one email every morning (at most) with links to the posts written in the past 24 hours.
- Bearden Birthday Bash: The annual birthday bash at Romare Bearden Park features live music and food trucks. Saturday, September 2.
- U.S. National Whitewater Center Labor Day Celebration: Celebrate at the Whitewater Center with live music by three bands, followed by fireworks. There’s also a trail race, which does incur a fee. Parking is $5. 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday, September 3.
- Dance and Cirque Festival: Caroline Calouche & Co. is bringing a 3-day dance and cirque festival to First Ward Park, from Friday, September 1st, to Sunday, September 3rd. It includes free dance and fitness classes and free performances of “Crossroads.” There will be food and beer available for purchase.
- Matthews Alive Festival: 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. Friday-Monday.
- East Side Block Music Festival: Jazz, soul and blues music, as well as vendors and a kids’ zone. Albemarle Recreation Center, Saturday, September 2nd.
- Bass Pro Shops’ Backyard BBQ Festival: Free games, food, prizes, seminars, giveaways, photos and more. Saturday and Sunday.
- Mile High Kite Festival: Or go on a road trip. On Saturday and Sunday Beech Mountain is holding its annual Mile High Kite Festival. It’s free to attend and the first 150 kids each day get a free kite.
- Fourth Annual Charlotte Kosher BBQ Championship: 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. 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday. Levine Jewish Community Center.
- Front Porch Sundays in South End: The first Sunday of the month the South End puts on an event with 50+ local vendors, a couple food trucks, live music, yoga, pet adoptions and more.
- Labor Day Parade: Celebrate the American worker at Charlotte’s 17th annual Labor Day Parade on Monday, September 4th, 2017. 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.
- Funky Farm Day: Free Range Brewing is hosting a day of free music, from Devon Gilfillian, Sinners & Saints and Forlorn Strangers. Monday 2 p.m. to 7 p.m.
- Yard Art Day: Folks all over Charlotte and beyond are installing art in their yards. Follow the above link for more information on how to get the map to guide you to participating locations. Monday, September 4
- Blue Blaze Brewing Labor Day Celebration: Live music, discounted beer and a free taco bar. Monday, 12 p.m. to 9 p.m. Free.
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Look forward to some neat events in the future.