Free Soup Day at Free Range Brewing

Since 2016, Free Range Brewing has been serving up free soup on New Year's Day. So far they've served up 9,500 bowls of soup! 20 chefs will be on hand, sharing free soups, bread and pastries, starting at 11 a.m. on January 1st.

That's not all the free food on New Year's Day in Charlotte! Birdsong Brewing is continuing its tradition of offering free bagels and coffee, starting at 10 a.m., and Vaulted Oak Brewing is hosting its 2nd Annual Chili Cook-Off from 2 to 5 p.m. It's $20 to enter and compete for prizes, but it's FREE to judge.

Three Kings Day and Twelfth Night celebrations

The weekend of January 6th and 7th, 2023, celebrate the end of the holiday season with 12th Night celebrations at Charlotte Museum of History and a Three Kings Day celebration with Levine Museum of the New South, at VAPA Center. We also have some information on where to get Rosca de Reyes.

Speedway Christmas

If you haven't gotten your fill of Christmas lights yet, Speedway Christmas is open through January 8th, and you can be assured of shorter lines this time of year. Show a Coke product to save $15. Drive the oval at Charlotte Motor Speedway and soak in the lights!

MLK Day Celebrations

Honor the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. at one of many events around Charlotte Day of Service opportunities, to music, to a march.

Outdoor Ice Skating

It's not the cheapest thing in town, but if you've got a hankering to slide across the ice, there are four outdoor ice skating rinks in the Charlotte area: Light the Knights at Truist Field (through January 8th), Founders Holiday Ice Rink in Rock Hill (through January 16th), Whitewater Center (through mid February), and Birkdale Village (through January 16th.)

Wednesday Night Live at Levine Center for the Arts

Every Wednesday night, from 5 to 9 p.m., the three museums that are part of Levine Center for the Arts (Mint Museum Uptown, The Bechtler Museum of Modern Art, and Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts + Culture) are free to visit. In addition, each week there will be a special performance or activity at one of the museums.

• January 4th: Cine Casual Film Screening at Mint Museum Uptown
• January 11th: Chat with the artists of BlkMrktClt at Bechtler
• January 18th: Queen City Comedy performance at Mint Museum Auditorium

Free programs at Mecklenburg Nature Centers and Preserves

If you're not perusing the activities calendar of Mecklenburg County's Nature Centers and Preserves you're missing a whole world. We've highlighted some of the guided hikes, animal encounters, kids' activities, campfires, and even a fort building class for the family.

Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams Blakeney Grand Opening

On January 12th, Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams will open at Blakeney. From 7 p.m. to 11 p.m., get free scoops. The first 50 people in line will receive swag bags.

Lunar New Year

The Lunar New Year is January 22nd, 2023. Celebrate the Year of the Rabbit (or Cat, in Vietnam) at one of these celebrations that focus on the Chinese New Year or Vietnamese New Year. Dates vary.

Queen's Feast: Charlotte Restaurant Week

This twice-annual event features specially priced prix fixe meals at dozens of Charlotte's best restaurant. it's a great chance to try a new restaurant or visit a favorite. Dates will be announced soon.