Smarty Scoop on Weekend Activities: 10/24-10/26

The leaves are falling, grass is growing and I have trenched the new grass beside my driveway (husband ticked) – Fall has arrived!! This is a weekend filled with fall and Halloween themed activities across the region. Plenty of things for the whole family to enjoy. For parents of kids with food allergies or if you would like to have a Halloween event without candy check out the Food Free Halloween Party at Freedom Park. Have a great weekend and GO PANTHERS!!

35th Annual Carolina BalloonFest
Statesville Regional Airport, Aviation Drive, Statesville
October 24-26, Friday – 3:00pm-10:00pm, Sat. – 7:00am-9:00pm, Sun. – 7:00am-6:00pm
Join us for a fun-filled weekend of family entertainment! Bring your lawn chairs and blankets and enjoy the beautiful Carolina autumn weather. Be amazed by the sights and sounds of colorful hot air balloons. Taste the best of North Carolina’s wine, stroll the Artisan Village to shop for unique gifts or take advantage of the BalloonFest Market Place. There are plenty of fun and exciting activities for kids of all ages in the Kid’s Fun Zone. Families can sit back, relax and enjoy great music on the festival’s main stage. Getting hungry? No problem, there’s plenty of great food along Eat Street. Bring cash as it is the only method of payment. Cost is $8-$15

Animal Tales: Mouse’s First Halloween
McDowell Nature Center
October 24, 10:00am-10:45am and 11:00am-11:45am
Children will enjoy listening to the story, Mouse’s First Halloween, and then participate in crafts and activities related to the story. Ages 3-5. For more information contact McDowell Nature Center at 704.588.5224. Cost is $3.

A Thousand Cranes
McColl Family Theater at ImaginOn
October 24 – November 2, See website to order tickets and for performance times.
Join the Children’s Theater of Charlotte as they tell the delicate and beautiful true story of Sadako Sasaki, who was 12 years old in 1955 when she developed leukemia from exposure to the atomic bomb that devastated her city. Once a star runner, Sadako finds herself confined to a hospital bed. A friend reminds Sadako of the Japanese legend that if a sick person folds 1,000 origami paper cranes they will be healed. With the help of her friend, Sadako pours all of her energy into folding the cranes, of which she wrote “I will write Peace on your wings and you will fly all over the world.” Performed by the Tarradiddle Players. Ages 7 and up. Cost is $14-$18.

Spooky Spider and Creepy Crawlers
Charlotte Nature Museum
October 25, 10:00am-3:00pm
It’s a hauntingly good time that’s a little spooky, but not-too-scary. Enjoy Halloween treats and learn about animals that go bump in the night. Kids are encouraged to wear costumes. Cost is $5.

3rd Annual food Free Halloween Party
Freedom Park
October 25, Registration for the wlak begins at 9:00am, Party and Walk at 10:00am
Held in conjunction with Carolinas Walk for Food Allergy awareness walk. Kids can dress-up in their Halloween costumes and trick-or-treat for treats other than candy. Free.

Pumpkin Patch Hayride!
McDowell Nature Center
October 25, 10:00am-noon and 1:00pm-3:00pm
Take a hayride bound for our pumpkin patch in the piedmont prairie. Before returning pick out the perfect pumpkin (included in children’s price) and enjoy some not-so-scary games, stories, crafts, and refreshments. All ages. Cost is $5 per adult, $10 per child. You need reservations so call McDowell Nature Center at 704.588.5224.

Spooky Hollow
Cotswold Village Shops
October 24, 6:00pm-9:00pm
October 25, Noon-8:00pm
Cotswold Village Shops’ event to include pumpkin painting, scarecrow making, face painting, magic shows, store-to-store trick or treating, carnival games and more.

Halloween Hoot ‘n Howl
Carolina Raptor Center
October 25, 11:00am-5:00pm
WHOOOO wants to get you in the Halloween spirit? Carolina Raptor Center, of course! Come to our annual Hoot ‘n Howl event and participate in our costume contests (12:30 and 3:30), paint pumpkins, or have YOUR face painted, see live raptor.

Noah’s Art Halloween Bash at SouthPark
Noah’s Art, Park Selwyn Terrace, 5110 Park Rd. #2J
October 25, 10:00am-noon
Children attending will create several Halloween based art projects, get their faces painted, eat a snack, and play games. For ages 3-5. Call today to reserve your spot! 704-521-6657. Cost is $25.

Halloween Fun at SouthPark Mall
SouthPark Mall
October 25, 11:00am-1:00pm
Come have a spooktacular time while trick-or-treating with the Simon Kidgits Club®! Wear your cool costume and come to your favorite Simon® mall for loads of Halloween fun and enjoy: frightfully fun Halloween-themed activities Costume contests. In the Macy’s wing.

Happy 10th Anniversary to my dear hubby!! If you know of great events going on, please share. If you would like us to include future events, please email me at courtenay@charlottesmartypants.com.
*Don’t forget to register for our Smarty Giveaway from Photosynthesis Photography. They are giving away three $75 gift certificates just in time for the holidays! This giveaway closes at 11pm on Wednesday, 10/22.