15 things to do for $15 or less before the summer ends, including cliff jumping, a low country boil and free outdoor movies

15 things to do for $15 or less before the summer ends, including cliff jumping, a low country boil and free outdoor movies
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It seems like we just told you what everyone would be doing this summer, but the end of the season will be here before we know it (September 22). Here’s what to make sure you’ve done before it’s over.


Cheer on the Knights

BB&T Ballpark | 7:04 p.m. | Schedule | $8+

The Charlotte Knights’ 7:04 p.m. games are a summer must-do, even if it means melting in the stands or on the hill while you enjoy $3 domestics and $5 crafts on Thirsty Thursday. Check out the promotional calendar for upcoming events, which include Bark in the Park, Friday Night Fireworks and $1 Hot Dog night.

Courtesy of Laura Wolff/Charlotte Knights


Zip around town on a scooter

Lime, BirdAgenda Beginner Guide |$1 to unlock + $0.15 per minute 

Charlotte loves its dockless scooters, courtesy of Lime and Bird, and if you haven’t already, it’s time to jump on the bandwagon and find out what all the hype is about. Keep in mind that the city only has about 500 total, making them tricky to come by, and that scooters are to stay off of sidewalks.

lime-scooters-charlotte


Share a pitcher at a local brewery

Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly vibe (OMB), a millennial-centric patio (Sycamore) or something new (Brewers at 4001 Yancey), the city’s ever-expanding brewery scene has something for everyone, including sharable pitchers. Agenda picks: White Zombie at Catawba Brewing Co., Countryside IPA at Sycamore, Copper at Olde Mecklenburg Brewery and Good Morning Vietnam at Wooden Robot Brewery.

Not sure where to start? Check out the best-selling beer at each brewery in this Agenda story.

sycamore-brewing-charlotte


Cool off with an open swim session at The Quarry

Select dates through September 3 | 1213 Oak Ridge Farm Highway, Mooresville | $15 (cash or check only)

The 25-foot deep swimming hole, complete with jumpable cliffs, a picnic area, sand volleyball and more, is open to the public for dips through September. Life jackets are provided, but those who choose not to use one should come prepared to pass a swimming test. Fine print: Dogs, alcohol not allowed.

the quarry at carrigan farms


Get your hands dirty at a low country boil

August 19 | 2-6 p.m. | Sycamore Brewing | Details | $15 per plate

The much-anticipated Waterman debuts in South End this summer, and Sycamore is helping celebrate with a ‘Welcome to the Neighborhood’ low country boil. Plates include shrimp, sausage, corn, oysters and potatoes.


Spend an afternoon walking, biking and patio hopping along the Rail Trail

The urban trail runs from Uptown through South End, with plenty of art installations, food, drink and retail along the route. Agenda favorites include Leroy Fox, Sycamore and Hyde/Suffolk Punch. Pro tip: No bike? No problem. You’re likely to find dockless bikes (Lime, Ofo, Spin and Mobike) along the trail.

Check out the beginner’s guide to the Rail Trail in this Agenda story.


Head to River Jam

U.S. National Whitewater Center | Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays through September | $7 | Free admission, $6 to park

The lineup continues until it wraps up on September 29 with acts like The National Reserve, Sally & George and The Get Right Band, which gives you the perfect reason to head to the Center on a warm summer night.


Watch a movie al fresco at Craft

1320 South Church Street | Fridays through October | Free

The bottle shop’s free movie series is a warm-weather staple, with each movie, projected onto their painted frame, beginning at sundown. Nab a beer from the shop’s extensive tap wall and a cheese or charcuterie board to round out the experience. BYO blanket or chairs. This summer’s lineup, through October 26, includes Stepbrothers, Remember the Titans and The Big Lebowski.


Tour an area winery

Six area vineyards, including Treehouse Vineyards, Childress Vineyards and Devasté Vineyards, offer tastings and tours that clock in at $7-$15. See the full guide, including prices and events, to vineyards within an hour of Uptown in this Agenda story.


Spend an afternoon at the beach

There are two family-friendly public beaches close enough to the city to (almost) justify ditching the 3-hour drive to the coast.

Ramsey Creek Beach – $3-$15; 43.7-acre waterfront park with beach area, boat launch, fishing pier, dog park and volleyball court

Lake Norman State Park – $4-$5 per day; 125-yard sand beach in the middle of the 1,934-acre state park with a concession stand and bathhouse.

Lake Norman State Park, via Instagram


Experience everything LoSo has to offer at this year’s Block Party

Lower South End | 2-11 p.m. | August 11 | Details | Free admission

The name may make you cringe, but there’s no denying that the area is thriving, with popular spots like Olde Mecklenburg Brewery, Sugar Creek Brewing and Queen Park Social and the addition of the massive Brewers at 4001 Yancey. See everything the bustling neighborhood has to offer, with CrossFit Mecklenburg, Urban MVMNT, South End Grind, live music and shopping on-site.

crowds-inside-brewers-at-4001-yancey-brewery-charlotte

Brewers at 4001 Yancey, a combination of Victory Brewing Company and Southern Tier Brewery. Agenda Story: 9 things to know about this enormous new brewery near OMB


Eat your way through Charlotte’s ice cream scene

Find classic soft serve at Mr. K’s Soft Ice Cream ($2.25), customizable gelato pops at Popbar ($3.49-$3.99) and small batch, handcrafted scoops at Golden Cow ($6 for a flight). Hang tight for the deliciousness that is Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams, opening in South End’s Design Center on August 9.

See the full Agenda Guide to Charlotte Ice Cream here.

Jeni's ice cream south end


Sip and Stroll your way through Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden

6500 South New Hope Road, Belmont | Thursdays through August 30 | Details | $12.95

Unwind every Thursday night this summer with a walk through the grounds of Daniel Stowe, complete with live music, a beer garden and more.

daniel-stowe-botanical-gardens'


Start the countdown to fall with hard cider tastings

Windy Hill Orchard & Cider Mill | 5-9 p.m. | August 17 | Details | Free admission, $13 per flight

Escape the heat and remind yourself why you love the fall at the orchard’s Cider Bar, with flavors like Gala Peach, Hoppin Johnny and Ginger Gold. Pro tip: the hard ciders complement the apple cider doughnuts alarmingly well, and no trip is complete without them.


And, finally, say goodbye to summer at the Whitewater Center’s Labor Day Celebration

U.S. National Whitewater Center | August 31-September 2 | Details | Free admission ($6 to park, activities a la carte)

Send summer out with a literal bang at this celebration, which includes fireworks, yoga, a Deep Water Solo competition and River Jam.

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