Hooray – school is officially out for summer as of Friday! There are so many fun things to do to kick off your summer – check out Discovery Place’s Animal Grossology, hit Carowinds, head downtown for A Taste of Charlotte – the list goes on and on!
For those of you who need a really good laugh, check out this hilarious blog from Jen Hatmaker that went viral last week. It is titled “Worst End of School Mom Ever” – I think we can all relate. I’ve read this a hundred times and have laughed out loud every single time. Hats off to Jen Hatmaker!
Happy Hump Day!
FRIDAY JUNE 7
Kids Bowl Free
10 Park Lanes
1700 Montford Drive, Charlotte, NC (704) 523-7633
June 7, 9:00am-5:00pm, Ages k-8th grade, Free, Registration required
Summary: Register for kids bowl free and enjoy 2 free games of bowling every day all summer long!
Kids Bowl Free
StrikeCity
210 E Trade St., Charlotte, NC (704) 716-9300
June 7, 11:00am – 5:00pm, Ages 13 and under, $5 per person food and drink minimum
Summary: Are you a mom, dad or nanny looking for something to do this summer? Look no further because we are free bowling for kids all summer long. Come in, cool off and enjoy some family bowling. Kids 13 and under are welcome to come into StrikeCity anytime between 11am until 5pm, Monday through Friday.
Animal Grossology
Discovery Place
301 N. Tryon Street, Charlotte, NC (704) 372-6261
June 7, 9:00am – 5:00pm, All ages, free with museum admission
Summary: Animal Grossology introduces scientific concepts in ways that make kids giggle. Get a fresh take on some of the more disgusting things animals do and how blood, vomit, pellets and more can be fun, funky and fascinating.
Taste of Charlotte
Uptown Charlotte
Tryon St. from MLK Jr. Blvd. to 6th St.
June 7, 11:00am – 11:00pm, All ages, Free
Summary: Enjoy delicious food while you stroll along Tryon Street visiting local & national sponsors. The festival offers entertainment that is enjoyable for all ages!
Kevin Bozeman Live
The Comedy Zone
900 Music Factory Blvd., Charlotte, NC
June 7, 8:00pm and 10:15pm, Ages 18+, $12 and up
Summary: Inspired by nights on the couch watching Def Comedy Jam and challenged by his roommate, Kevin decided to head over to nearby Madison, WI and try the “Open-Mic Night”. Thirteen years later Kevin is still going on-stage.With a smooth and clever style, a great smile and a contagious laugh Kevin has been entertaining in clubs and colleges across the country
The Happy Hour Rush 5K
The Little Sugar Creek Greenway
1100 Metropolitan Av., Charlotte, NC
June 7, 6:30 pm, Ages 21+, $40
Summary: The Happy Hour Rush “5k” (3.6 miles due to logistics) is a scenic run/walk down the Little Sugar Creek Greenway. Starting at Elizabeth Park, continuing all the way to Freedom Park and ending at The METropolitan courtyard area. Although work attire is not required, it is strongly encouraged – The most creative male and female decked out in a fun mix and match of work attire and fun run attire will be handsomely rewarded as well as the largest corporate team!
Brad Paisley
Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre
707 Pavilion Blvd., Charlotte, NC
June 7, 7:00pm, All ages, $30-$80
Summary: Brad Paisley is an American singer-songwriter and musician. His style crosses between traditional country music and Southern rock, and his songs are frequently laced with humor and pop culture references.
Family Fun Fest
Blakeney Shopping Center
Ardrey Kell and Rea Road Charlotte, NC (704) 523-0272
June 7, 4:00pm – 9:00pm, All ages, $5 per kid, $15 per family
Summary: Climbing wall, bounce house, Kids Fun Zone Wristband, DJ
Friday Summer Concert Series – Modern English
Fountain Plaza at the NC Music Factory
1000 NC Music Factory Blvd., Charlotte, NC
June 7, 6:00pm – 11:00pm, $5 – $40
Summary: Modern English are an English rock band best remembered for their songs “I Melt with You,” “Hands Across the Sea,” and “Ink and Paper”. The group disbanded for a period in 1991, but later recorded in 1995 with some new members. The original members reformed in 2009 and are currently touring with plans for a new release in 2013!
Movies on the Green: Madagascar 3: Europe’s Most Wanted
Promenade on Providence
At Providence Rd. and I-485, Charlotte, NC
June 7, 7:00pm – 10:00pm, All ages, Free
Summary: Fun for the whole family! Bring your lawn chairs and blankets. Showtimes begin at dusk. For details, including weather delay updates and cancellations, go to facebook/Promenade on Providence.
Summer Concert Series: Charlotte Symphony
Stumptown Park
120 S. Trade St., Matthews, NC (704) 847-4411
June 7, 8:00pm, All ages, free
Summary: Join us for The Matthews Summer Concert & Movie Series. The movies and concerts are free and held in Stumptown Park. The series includes a variety of concerts and movies. Rain or shine. Movie and concert-goers are invited to bring lawn chairs and blankets and vendors will sell food and drinks. NO PETS PLEASE.
SATURDAY JUNE 8
World Oceans Day
Discovery Place
301 N. Tryon Street, Charlotte, NC (704) 372-6261
June 8, 10:00am – 6:00pm, All ages, free with museum admission
Summary: Dive into World Oceans Day and explore what makes 71 percent of the Earth’s surface so amazing! Chat with experts from the North Carolina Zoo and Polar Bears International about polar bears and other Arctic animals, or step inside the traveling inflatable GeoDome™ to experience a film about how Earth’s climate is changing and impacting all of us.
Bee Wild!
Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden
6500 South New Hope Road, Belmont, NC (704) 829-1240
June 8, 9:00am – 3:00pm, All ages, Free for garden members
Summary: Approximately 75% of the food we eat, including tasty favorites such as apples, strawberries, blueberries and chocolate is pollinated by insects like bees. During this event, youll get a chance to see the secret lives of bees, learn how they make honey and wax, and participate in fun activities.
Animal Grossology
Discovery Place
301 N. Tryon Street, Charlotte, NC (704) 372-6261
June 8, 10:00am – 6:00pm, All ages, free with museum admission
Summary: Animal Grossology introduces scientific concepts in ways that make kids giggle. Get a fresh take on some of the more disgusting things animals do and how blood, vomit, pellets and more can be fun, funky and fascinating.
Spider Science Saturday
Discovery Place Kids – Huntersville
105 Gilead Road, Huntersville, NC (704) 372-6261
June 8, 11:00am and 2:00pm (two sessions), All ages, Free with museum admission
Summary: Tarantulas are special arachnids. Did you know they have eight legs and eight tiny eyes? Learn fun facts about these hairy and not-so-scary spiders and see a tarantula up close!
Taste of Charlotte
Uptown Charlotte
Tryon St. from MLK Jr. Blvd. to 6th St.
June 8, 11:00am – 11:00pm, All ages, Free
Summary: Enjoy delicious food while you stroll along Tryon Street visiting local & national sponsors. The festival offers entertainment that is enjoyable for all ages!
Live Bird Presentation
Carolina Raptor Center
6000 Sample Road, Huntersville, NC (704) 875-6521
June 8, 11:00-11:30, All ages, Free with regular admission
Summary: Docent volunteers present 3-4 species of birds on glove and discuss the natural history of featured birds in our Festival Area.
Vulture Feeding
Carolina Raptor Center
6000 Sample Road, Huntersville, NC (704) 875-6521
June 8, 12:30-1:00, All ages, Free with regular admission
Summary: Vultures are smart! Come see them play with their food at our weekly vulture feeding presented by our knowledgeable docent volunteers.
Talons: Birds of the World Flight Show
Carolina Raptor Center
6000 Sample Road, Huntersville, NC (704) 875-6521
June 8, 3:00pm – 3:30pm, All ages, Regular admission + $5.00
Summary: Watch for your opportunity to see these amazing birds in flight!
Kevin Bozeman Live
The Comedy Zone
900 Music Factory Blvd., Charlotte, NC
June 8, 7:00pm and 9:30pm, Ages 18+, $12 and up
Summary: Inspired by nights on the couch watching Def Comedy Jam and challenged by his roommate, Kevin decided to head over to nearby Madison, WI and try the “Open-Mic Night”. Thirteen years later Kevin is still going on-stage.With a smooth and clever style, a great smile and a contagious laugh Kevin has been entertaining in clubs and colleges across the country
Whitewater River Jam Featuring Porch Dog Revival
U.S. National Whitewater Center
5000 Whitewater Center Parkway, Charlotte, NC (704) 391-3900
June 8, 7:00pm – 10:00pm, All ages,
Summary: The Thursday night Whitewater River Jam series takes place every Thursday evening, from 7 – 10 p.m., May through September. The Saturday night Whitewater River Jam series takes place every Saturday evening, from 7 – 10 p.m., June through August. Come out with friends and family to experience an incredible sunset over the Catawba River while enjoying great music, food and drink. The patio at our restaurant, the River’s Edge Bar & Grill, is the place to be.
SUNDAY JUNE 9
Taste of Charlotte
Uptown Charlotte
Tryon St. from MLK Jr. Blvd. to 6th St.
June 9, 11:00am – 6:00pm, All ages, Free
Summary: Enjoy delicious food while you stroll along Tryon Street visiting local & national sponsors. The festival offers entertainment that is enjoyable for all ages!
Animal Grossology
Discovery Place
301 N. Tryon Street, Charlotte, NC (704) 372-6261
June 9, Noon – 5:00pm, All ages, free with museum admission
Summary: Animal Grossology introduces scientific concepts in ways that make kids giggle. Get a fresh take on some of the more disgusting things animals do and how blood, vomit, pellets and more can be fun, funky and fascinating.
World Oceans Day
Discovery Place
301 N. Tryon Street, Charlotte, NC (704) 372-6261
June 9, Noon – 5:00pm, All ages, free with museum admission
Summary: Dive into World Oceans Day and explore what makes 71 percent of the Earth’s surface so amazing! Chat with experts from the North Carolina Zoo and Polar Bears International about polar bears and other Arctic animals, or step inside the traveling inflatable GeoDome™ to experience a film about how Earth’s climate is changing and impacting all of us.
Spider Science Sunday
Discovery Place Kids – Huntersville
105 Gilead Road, Huntersville, NC (704) 372-6261
June 9, 2:00pm, All ages, Free with museum admission
Summary: Tarantulas are special arachnids. Did you know they have eight legs and eight tiny eyes? Learn fun facts about these hairy and not-so-scary spiders and see a tarantula up close!
Talons: Birds of the World Flight Show
Carolina Raptor Center
6000 Sample Road, Huntersville, NC (704) 875-6521
June 9, 1:00-1:30, 3:00pm – 3:30pm, All ages, Regular admission + $5.00
Summary: Watch for your opportunity to see these amazing birds in flight!
Live Bird Presentation
Carolina Raptor Center
6000 Sample Road, Huntersville, NC (704) 875-6521
June 9, 2:00-2:30, All ages, Free with regular admission
Summary: Docent volunteers present 3-4 species of birds on glove and discuss the natural history of featured birds in our Festival Area.
Summer Pops
Symphony Park at SouthPark
4400 Sharon Rd.,behind the mall, Charlotte, NC (704) 941-2557
June 9, prelude starts at 7:00pm and concert starts at 8:15pm, All ages, Adults $10, kids under 18 are free
Summary: Don’t miss an exciting evening of music under the stars. Join the Charlotte Symphony for its annual Summer Pops concerts at Symphony Park four Sundays in June beginning June 9 plus a spirited patriotic concert on Wednesday, July 3rd with fireworks!
