If you're looking for something to do after Election Day, two free events on the south side are worth putting on the calendar.

Matthews Concert Band fall concert: Thursday, Nov. 5

The Matthews Concert Band plays its free fall concert Thursday, Nov. 5, from 7:30 to 9 p.m. at the Matthews Community Center on McDowell Street, according to WDAV's event listing. The program continues the band's celebration of the country's 250th birthday, with pieces including "National Emblem March," "Summertime" from *Porgy and Bess* and "Kentucky 1800." Parking on site is free.

The band is a volunteer community group of professional and amateur wind and percussion players, and donations are welcome at the door, per Charlotte on the Cheap, which also lists "Battle Hymn of the Republic" and a trumpet solo by Ben Mitchell on the program.

Mistletoe Market: Saturday, Nov. 7

Messiah Lutheran Church, 8300 Providence Road, hosts its annual Mistletoe Market on Saturday, Nov. 7, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The market is indoors and goes on rain or shine, according to the church's event page, and booth fees support the church's youth group mission trips. A youth bake sale runs alongside it.

Admission is free. Expect handmade gifts from woodworkers, potters, wreath makers, knitters, basket weavers and soap and candle makers, plus food trucks and raffles, per Charlotte on the Cheap's Mistletoe Market listing. Bring cash: some vendors don't take cards, and there's no ATM on site.

More this week

The same Saturday, King Arthur Baking opens its first North Carolina pop-up shop in SouthPark; see our story on the King Arthur Baking pop-up at Apex SouthPark. For lights, parades and other events later in the season, see our 2026 South Charlotte holiday events guide. New to the area? Start with our Matthews neighborhood hub and our guide to living in Matthews.

Schedules can change, so check with the organizers before you head out.

Sources: WDAV, Charlotte on the Cheap: Matthews Concert Band, Messiah Lutheran Church, Charlotte on the Cheap: Mistletoe Market