Happy Wednesday Smarties. Is it just me or is May crazy busy?! I totally need a clone who drives, cooks, cleans and takes care of all the boo boo’s. The best part is that the weekend is almost upon us and there are many wonderful activities around town. Spring Festivals, Pirates, butterflies, snakes and outdoor movies are just a few of the choices. Get out and enjoy!
Astronomy: aSTARnamy
McDowell Nature Center
May 14, 8:00pm-10:00pm
We’ll explore the stars on a new moon, see the constellations, listen to some folklore, and maybe catch a glimpse of some cool things in the cosmos. All ages. Cost is $3.
Bountiful Butterflies
McDowell Nature Preserve
May 14, 10:00am-10:45am
Join us with your preschooler as we read a fabulous animal tale and then enjoy crafts and activities related to the theme. Ages 3-5 yrs. Cost is $3.
Blues Out Back Concert Series
Gaston County Museum
May 14, 6:30pm-8:00pm
We will kick off our annual free “Blues out Back” summer concert series on the lawn behind the museum. The series takes place May 14, June 11, July 9, August 13, and September 10. The museum encourages folks to bring along blankets, lawn chairs, and a picnic for an evening of great music with friends and family.
Movies in the Park
Freedom Park Amphitheater
May 14, 7:00pm-11:00pm
Movies in the Park is a free event sponsored by Watershed Church. This week’s movie is Night at the Museum 2: Battle of the Smithsonian. Free popcorn and prize giveaways. You will need to bring a blanket or chair. All ages. Cost is free.
Pirates – The Invasion Begins
Schiele Museum
May 15-16, Sat., 9:00am-5:00pm; Sun., 1:00pm-5:00pm
BEWARE! The new PIRATES exhibition will be opening Saturday, May 15! You will be set adrift in a world of…bandits, black flags and buccaneers…terror, treasure and treachery… swashbucklers, scallywags and sea dogs. Join us in a world of PIRATES! If you dare! Cost is free with museum admission.
Charlotte Dragon Boat and Asian Festival
Ramsey Creek Park, Huntersville
May 15, 11:00am-4:30pm; boat races begin at 9:00am
Join us for an authentic and festive celebration of the many Asian cultures that have embraced the Carolinas as their home.
Flipping Frogs & Slithering Snakes
Charlotte Nature Museum
May 15, 10:00am-1:00pm
Have a frogtastic time viewing a lily pad full of frogs, toads, lizards, turtles and snakes at Charlotte Nature Museum. The Museum will host visitng reptiles and amphibians in addition to its own collection. The special day will include learning about the importance of amphibians to our ecosystem, special stories and crafts, and snack time.
Pet Palooza
Independence Park
May 15, 8:30am-12:30pm
Join us for our annual fundraising walk, pet festival and inagural Kennelly 5k run! Enjoy refreshments, entertainment, a silent auction, fido fashion show & fun for the entire family, all to raise money and awareness for the Humane Society of Charlotte. Pets available for adoption will also be at the festival.
Live Animal Talk
McDowell Nature Center
May 15-16, 4:00pm-4:30pm
What does a snake feel like? Can turtes trade shells? Explore the secret lives of animals while you get up close and personal with several animals that call Mcdowell Nature Center, the Preserve, and even your backyard home. What does a snake feel like? Can turtes trade shells? Discover these answers and more while you get up close to several resident animals of Mcdowell Nature Center, the Preserve, and possibly your backyard.
Beach Bash in the Park
Bailey Road Park, Cornelius
May 15, 6:00pm-9:00pm
Come out and enjoy the sounds of the summer, featuring The North Tower Band, one of the south’s greatest specialty bands for over 30 years, providing the absolute best in oldies, Beach, Top 40 and funk! The band has been recognized for its sizzling brass, super vocals and a wide ranging repertoire. Music begins at 6:30pm, and will play until 9:00pm with a short intermission at 7:45pm. Wear your favorite tropical shirt for a chance to win a prize! Gates open at 6:00pm with children’s activities and concessions. Fireworks will follow the band at approximately 9:00 pm. Please, no alcohol, pets, glass bottles or open flames (candles, sparklers, etc.).
Waxhaw Spring Fest
Downtown Historic Waxhaw
May 15-16, Sat., 10:00am-6:00pm; Sun., Noon-6:00pm
Arts and crafts, great food, entertainment and more. Store up some energy for a long day at Spring Fest with delicious hot pancakes! Cooked by the Waxhaw Volunteer Fire Department, breakfast will be offered early Saturday morning from 7:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the OLD Fire Department on Main Street! Kids Zone includes face painting, inflatables and pony rides; and live entertainment for kids and adults. Rain or shine.
