Hello Smarties. Can it get any hotter? I ask that and watch a record heat wave start. The countdown is on for school starting back up and there is a lot to enjoy on one of the last of the summer’s weekends. One of my family’s favorites is the Monster Truck Jam and there are many more fun events in our parks and museums. It is also Triple Coupons at Harris Teeter – Awesome! Get out and enjoy.
New event:
All About Baby
August 16, 2:00pm-5:00pm
Belly Elan Maternity Boutique, 5349 Ballantyne Commons Pkwy #650
Introducing the All About Baby series, a bi-monthly event hosted at the Belly Elan maternity store in the Promenade Shopping Center on Providence Road. Leave all of your worries at the door and come prepared to speak with companies and individuals that can help you navigate through this exciting time! From prenatal ultrasounds to pediatricians, doula services to childproofing, you’ll get all of the information you need, all under one roof. Experience a fun, relaxed atmosphere, where there is never any obligation to buy, plenty of food to eat, and fabulous giveaways to register for! Registration recommended…call 704-214-2951 or email allaboutbaby@healthybottoms.com. Preregister and receive a goody bag worth over $100!!!
“Movies Under the Stars” Series: Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian
SouthPark Symphony Park
August 14, 6:00pm
Enjoy this PG-rated movie on the lawn at Symphony Park, where shoppers can enjoy featured flicks under the stars on a 42-foot screen. Pre-event activities from 6–9 p.m., including a live band. Concessions and cold drinks will be available for purchase all night. Guests are welcome to bring lawn chairs and blankets. Cost is free.
Belk Family Fun Night at Monkey Joe’s
Four Charlotte-area Monkey Joe’s locations: 601 N. Polk St., Pineville. Exit 28 off I-77, Cornelius. Windsor Square, Matthews. 10215 University Blvd.
August 14, 5:00pm-9:00pm
Twenty percent of all proceeds benefit Classroom Central, a free store for teachers who work in low-income schools in the Charlotte region. Cost is $5 per child with school supply donation.
Movies at the Park
Freedom Park
August 14, 7:00pm
Second Friday of each month, May-August at sunset. Free popcorn and door prizes. August Rush is the movie.
TotTrade Fall/Winter Children’s Consignment Sale
Cabarrus Arena & Events Center
August 14-16, 9:00am-5:00pm
Strollers, toys, games and clothing all at consignment prices.
Pet Pals
Charlotte Nature Museum
August 15, 10:00am
Celebrate our animal companions and find out what it takes to become a great pet parent.
Creek Hike
Reedy Creek Nature Center
August 15, 1:00pm-3:00pm
Cool down from the dog days of summer and splash in the creeks and streams of Reedy Creek. Discover salamanders, crawfish, water pennies and more. Comfortable water shoes encouraged. Ages 5 and up. Registration required. Cost is $3-$4.
Circle K Back To School Monster Truck Bash
Lowe’s Motor Speedway
August 15, 5:00pm
Several of the world’s top monster trucks will return to The Dirt Track Saturday night, Aug. 15, for the 10th-annual Circle K Monster Truck Bash. The evening of motorized mayhem will see the gargantuan machines compete in a series of elimination races and then battle it out in a radical freestyle competition.
Charlotte Summer Irish Festival
Uptown Charlotte
August 15, 12:00p
Third annual event to celebrate all things Irish. Authentic Irish dancers, music, food, drink, crafts and games for all ages will be highlights of this free, family-friendly cultural outing. Kickoff Party at Connolly’s Irish Pub on Friday, August 14 at 6 p.m. Free.
The Knack Free Family Event: Back to School
Michaels
August 15, 10:00am to 1:00pm
It’s cool to get creative with your school supplies. Using stickers and paint, kids ages 5-12 can personalize a metal tin to store pens and pencils for free. While supplies last at most participating Michaels locations.
Live Animal Talk
McDowell Nature Preserve
August 15, 4:00pm
Explore the secret lives of reptiles while you get up close and personal with several animals at McDowell Nature Center, the Preserve, and even your backyard. Program meets at McDowell Nature Center.
Creative Lunch Box Ideas & Tour
Earth Fare, Ballantyne
August 16, 2:00pm to 4:00pm
Join us for a Healthy Shopping tour and get great tips to pack a creative and satisfying lunch for your child. There will be a cooking session for both children and parents to create a fun, nutritious lunch wrap. We will offer several suggestions that will liven up any boring lunch! Spaces are limited, so sign up early.
If you have events that you would like to share, please email me at courtenay@charlottesmartypants.com.
Smarty Giveaway: Don’t forget that our friends at Carolina Pad bring you the latest in their beautifully designed product collection, Sasquatch. These notebooks, folders, binders and divider tabs are made from recycled materials. Yet, Sasquatch takes it up a notch and also includes an environmental education component that reminds our young ones about everyday actions they can take to become even better stewards of the environment. Ooohh la la, how very Smarty green of them! And 3 of you lucky Smarties will win a Sasquatch prize pack, click here to enter
As an added bonus for our Smarty readers, Carolina Pad is offering a 15% discount on the total order by entering the promotion code BTS2009. This code is valid from August 1st – 22nd. Please note that all orders of $30 or more after discount are eligible for free shipping. The online store is http://02ca560.netsolstores.com/.
