If you’re a regular reader of Charlotte on the Cheap, you know about a lot of free things to do in Uptown Charlotte, thanks to the weekly free events list. But there may be a few free features that have snuck up on you. Read on to learn about five free things to do and see during the summer of 2014 that were not here this time last year. Subscribe to Charlotte on the Cheap’s email list so that you never miss an event. You can also follow on Facebook and Twitter. Thanks go to Charlotte’s Got a Lot for help with this article.
- Discovery Place TryOn Science: If you’ve walked past Discovery Place, 301 North Tryon Street, you will have noticed some interesting stuff outside. There are whispering dishes: whisper into one and a friend or stranger 60 feet away at the other whispering dish can hear what you say. There’s also a swiveling kaleidoscope for people watching and the “How Tall” exhibit, which measures your height with a sensor.
- Buddy Bear: Buddy Bear is an international project originating in Berlin, Germany. Life-size bears, from the same mold, have been painted by local artists and installed in cities around the world. Charlotte’s own Buddy Bear appeared earlier this year in front of the Main Library, at 6th and Tryon.
- Romare Bearden Park: Charlotte’s newest park, adjacent to BB&T Ballpark, opened last August, so this is its first full summer, and it’s already become an integral part of Uptown Charlotte. Featuring a breathtaking skyline view, the park is home to several concert series, festivals, art events and free fitness classes.
- Once Upon a Time: This summer, through September 7th, a new exhibit at ImaginOn invites kids to be part of seven fairy tales. They’ll set the banquet table in Beauty and the Beast, climb the beanstalk from Jack and the Beanstalk, crawl through a tunnel to find Thumbelina, and much more.
- Green Market Saturdays: 7th Street Public Market has started hosting special events on Saturdays, featuring goods and produce from the market’s vendors. Events have focused on cookies, watermelons, strawberries, BBQ sauce…and the best part? Free tastings.
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