Well, spring is off to a crazy start, warm one day, cold and rainy the next! The good thing is the events are pouring in. This weekend is packed with tons of fun. If you want to get a head start on Mother’s Day, check out the great bracelet giveaway at Pandora. You can also go see something I think would be really cool, the AKC National Agility Championships. Charlotte Sports Center is hosting a Family Fest and our area historical sites have really neat family events at very low costs. Get out and enjoy the great things our region offers our families and have a great weekend!
The Laurie Berkner Band
Ovens Auditorium
March 29, 1:00pm
Award-winning, best-selling children’s music superstars The Laurie Berkner Band with Susie Lampert and Adam Bernstein will perform songs from their first CD since 2002 ‘Rocketship Run,’ live in concert this year. Widely recognized as the most popular children’s music artist in the United States, Laurie Berkner’s intelligent songwriting, captivating vocals and infectious melodies have won not only legions of little fans, but also parents, who enjoy the music as much as their kids.
Tickets are available on Ticketmaster.
Smarty Alert – Pandora Party Bracelet Giveaway
Pandora at Blakeney
March 27-28, 10:00am-6:00pm
Enjoy refreshments while you start your first bracelet, buy for a loved one or find matching earrings or ring to compliment your bracelet. Receive a free Pandora clasp bracelet with a $100 purchase! One per person.
Art Under Construction
ImaginOn
Currently running Mon.-Thu., 9am-9pm; Fri.-Sat., 9am-6pm; Sun., 1pm-6pm
A new exhibition at ImaginOn will not only encourage children to touch the objects on display, but will actively seek their feedback regarding their experiences. Co-developed by The Mint Museum and the Public Library of Charlotte & Mecklenburg County, the exhibition Art Under Construction will feature working models of interactive art activities for families to test out. Cost is free.
Friday Flick: “Wall-E.”
Morrison Regional Library
March 27, 4:00pm
Watch the amazing adventures of WALL-E. Popcorn provided. Rated G. Cost is free. Call 704-416-5400 for more info.
Lunch & a Movie: “Wall-E.”
Cornelius Library
March 27, 11:00am
Bring a picnic lunch and your favorite robot and watch a special showing of “Wall-E” (rated G). Drinks and chips will be provided. Cost is free. For more info. call 704-416-3800.
Morning Movie at the Library
Plaza Midwood Library
March 27, 9:30am
“Alice in Wonderland.” This family movie rated “G” and lasts 75 minutes. Cost is free. For more info. call 704-416-6200.
Battles at Latta
Historic Latta Plantation
March 28-29, Sat., 10:00am-4:00pm; Sun., 11:00am-4:00pm
Watch as Confederate and Union soldiers battle across the plantation grounds during scheduled battles each day at 2pm. The plantation house and grounds will be open, as well as soldier camps, and a root beer saloon. Cost is $5-$6.
Charlotte Sports Center Family Fest
Charlotte Sports Center, 8626 Hankins Road
March 28, 10:00am-noon
Sample the Lil Kickers and the Indoor Summer Camp programs. Enjoy inflatable bouncers, face painting and roller skate. Ages 18 months-9 years. Cost is free.
Children’s Day on the Farm
Historic Brattonsville, 1444 Brattonsville Road, McConnells, SC
March 28, 10:00am-4:00pm
This family event focuses on farm life in the 18th and 19th centuries and is a fun, historic learning opportunity. Enjoy hands-on activities including children’s crafts, kids’ military drills, toys and games and live performances. Ages 4-17. Cost is $8-$10.
Every Child Ready to Read
Matthews Library
March 28, 6:30pm-8:00pm
Learn how to create a home environment that encourages reading and language. Presented by the Public Library of Charlotte-Mecklenburg County in partnership with CMS Parent University. For parents and caregivers of preschool-age children.
Cost is free. Call 980-343-0318 for more info.
Family Scavenger Hunt
McDowell Nature Center
March 28, 10:00am-noon
Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to have a rip roarin’ fun time as you discover the many things found within McDowell Nature Preserve. Bring your cameras (Digital or Polaroid) and a thirst for adventure as you embark on a hunt for the most artifacts and pictures of the wonders within this protected oasis. For more information contact McDowell Nature Center at 704.588.5224.
Easter in the Carolina Backcountry
The Schiele Museum of Natural History
March 29, 1:00pm-5:00pm
Watch the process of dying eggs with natural dyes, or decorate your own egg with 18th century designs etched with a pin. Search for the hidden nest of the “Oster Hare” to learn if the children have been good or bad this year. Cost is $6-$10.
Teddy Bear Picnic
McDowell Nature Preserve
March 27, 11:00am-12:30pm
Enjoy a special picnic with your favorite teddy bear as we listen to a story, play games, make a craft, and have lunch. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Don’t forget to bring your best teddy and a sack lunch (special dessert provided)! Meet at the McDowell Pavilion. For more information call McDowell Nature Center at 704.588.5224.
American Kennel Club National Agility Championship
Cabarrus Arena and Events Center
March 27-29, 9:00am-5:00pm
90 different breeds will be leaping over jumps, whipping through weave poles and climbing seesaws and A-frames throughout the weekend. National champions in each height division will be crowned Sunday afternoon.
Build a Yard Mobile
Area Lowe’s Stores
March 28, 10:00am
Get your kids ready for Spring! Bring your kids to most participating Lowe’s and they can build this fun Yard Mobile! Recommended age for attendees: Grades 1st – 5th
Peter Rabbit’s Garden Adventure
Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden
March 28, 9:00am-3:00pm
Peter Rabbit, the lovable, trouble-making rabbit from the Beatrix Potter’s story, will visit the garden. Pre-packed picnic basket available for purchase.
If you have an event you would like us to include please email Courtenay@charlottesmartypants.com.
And, don’t forget to register for our two great giveaways:
LAST DAY to REGISTER! Healthy Bottoms is giving away to one lucky Smarty the following: 4 weeks of diaper service, 3 free Prorap Diaper Covers, 1 free Imse Vimse Diaper Insert, 2 free Snappi Fasteners, and 1 free 16.9oz Charlie’s Soap Laundry Liquid, a total value of $130. Click here to register! This giveaway ends Wednesday, March 25 at 11:00pm.
From My Gym, a FREE Lifetime Family Membership PLUS one FREE month of classes! ($145 value!) Click Here to enter the giveaway. This giveaway ends on Sunday, March 29 at 11:00pm.
