Labor Day Weekend 2025 features some of the traditions that Charlotte has enjoyed for years! Read on to learn about some festivals and special events.
Some popular Labor Day traditions are Matthews Alive, the Labor Day Parade, and the Whitewater Center’s Labor Day Celebration.
Looking for even more Labor Day Weekend events? Scroll down for our complete calendar of free and cheap events from Friday, August 29, to Monday, September 1, 2025.
Also, check back soon for a list of Labor Day food deals and freebies!
Charlotte Labor Day Parade
Charlotte Labor Day Parade
Monday, September 1, 2025
11 a.m.
Uptown Charlotte
Free
The parade is organized by the Labor Day Committee in conjunction with the Southern Piedmont Central Labor Council and other local labor unions. It honors the accomplishments of organized labor in our community, region and country.
The parade will start at North Tryon Street at 9th Street, head toward the Square, then turn left on 3rd Street, and ending on College Street. The parade will feature local labor union floats, vehicles and marchers, as well as political candidates, bands, car clubs and community groups.
Matthews Alive
Matthews Alive
Friday, August 29, 2025: 6 to 10 p.m.
Saturday, August 30, 2025: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. (parade at 9:30 a.m.)
Sunday, August 31, 2025: 1 to 10 p.m.
Monday, September 1, 2025: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Stumptown Park
120 S Trade Street, Matthews, NC
Free (pay for games, food and rides)
Matthews Alive features live music, rides, games, an arts and crafts market, food and drink vendors and a Labor Day parade. Some of the musical artists this year are Band of Oz, Don Jovi (a Bon Jovi tribute) and Debby Holiday.
Queen City Arts Festival
Queen City Arts Festival
Saturday, August 30, 2025
12 to 7 p.m.
Shoppes at University Place, 8931 JM Keynes Drive, Charlotte, NC
Free
This festival is a vibrant celebration of culture and community, reflecting the heritage of the African diaspora and the dynamic spirit of the Carolinas. Enjoy visual art, live music, dancing, spoken word, drum performances, vendors, more.
Labor Day Celebration at U.S. National Whitewater Center
Labor Day Celebration at Whitewater Center
Saturday, August 30, 2025: 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Sunday, August 31, 2025: 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.
U.S. National Whitewater Center, 5000 Whitewater Center Parkway, Charlotte
Free (parking is $12)
The Whitewater Center’s Labor Day Celebration features a trail race, live music, and yoga. There’s a charge for the trail race and for the pass activities, but the music and yoga are free to enjoy. There will be special programming at Wildwoods, an adventure play area. Participants will need an activity pass for Wildwoods.
Battle of Charlotte Living History Weekend
Battle of Charlotte Living History Weekend
August 30 and 31, 2025
Saturday: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Sunday: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Museums of the Waxhaws
8215 Waxhaw Hwy, Waxhaw, North Carolina
Tickets are $15.
Experience a weekend of battle re-enactments, artisans, camp life, cooking, kids’ activities, weapons demonstrations, more.
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, August 31, 2025, at 7:30 a.m., starts and ends at Truist Field. Runners will run the entirety of Charlotte’s 3-mile inner loop. Registration cost varies depending on when you register.
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.
Please verify all deals and events with the venue or organizer before you go.
