The one event that you don’t want to miss this summer is Summer Food Truck Rally. If you haven’t been to a food truck rally you have no idea what you’re missing. The food is fantastic and the entertainment is excellent.
The Rural Hill Food Truck Rally has something for everyone! Let your child play free in the Kid’s Zone, learn about cooking over an open flame at the historic Rural Retreat Cabin. Challenge your friends and family to a round of corn hole. Enjoy live music under the stars. Take a scenic and relaxing hayride around the property (fee applies), or hike off any culinary excesses with a quiet hike along our 2.5 mile trail.
If you can’t make the food truck rally there is still plenty to do this weekend.
FRIDAY, JULY 26
TTB Kidz Consignment Sale
Metrolina Tradeshow Expo
7100 Statesville Rd, NC (704) 596-4650
July 26-28, see link for times, All ages, Free
Summary: Shop for new and gently-used children’s goods from baby equipment, clothing, toys, to juniors and maternity.
Queen’s Feast – Charlotte Restaurant Week
100+ Charlotte Area Restaurants
July 19 – July 28, Reservations recommended, $30 per person
Summary: Indulge in a foodie fantasy as over 100 upscale restaurants around the metro Charlotte area offer 3 courses (or more) at dinner for only $30 per person (not including tax and gratuity). Click here for participating restaurants.
Studio Movie Grill – Sesame Street Follow That Bird
Children’s Summer Series
EpiCentre – Studio Movie Grill
210 East Trade Street, Ste. D-290, Charlotte, NC (704) 972-1062
July 26, 11:00am, All ages, Adults $2, Kids $1
Summary: Studio Movie Grill (SMG) is the pioneer of the in-thaeter dining concept, offering first-run movies and alternative programming alongside an American Grill menu and full service bar.
Kids Bowl Free
10 Park Lanes
1700 Montford Drive, Charlotte, NC (704) 523-7633
July 26, 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
July 26, 11:00am – 5:00pm, Ages 13 and under, $5/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.
Discovery Place
301 N. Tryon Street, Charlotte, NC (704) 372-6261
July 26, 9:00am – 5:00pm, All ages, free with museum admission
Summary: click on the links below for show times and ticket prices.
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.
Nano – a special limited mini exhibition. This interactive exhibition engages family audiences in nanoscale science, engineering, and technology. Hands-on exhibits present the basics of nanoscience and engineering, introduce some real world applications, and explore the societal and ethical implications of this new technology.
Sub-Zero – The coolest thing in Charlotte this side of -321 degrees. Join our resident physicist at “The Stage” to chill out and explore a world below freezing. With materials so cold they can only be touched with cryogenic gloves, you’re in for an icy treat.
Fired Up! Join us for Fiery fun. Oxygen, heat and fuel form the fire triangle! Join us for some explosively fun experiments.
Animalopolis will take you on a voyage into the magical world of animals. A bit fanciful, a bit “Seussian” perhaps, a place of good natured humor, beauty and just plain fun.
Flight of the Butterflies – Experience the most incredible migration on earth. It’s a natural history epic. It’s a compelling detective story. It’s a scientific adventure at its best.
Rockin’ & Reelin’ Concert and Movie Series – Rhythm Nation
Pineville Lake Park
1000 Johnston Drive, Charlotte, NC (704) 889-2400
July 26, 7:00pm, All ages, Free
Summary: Rhythm Nation is an electrifying 10-piece band featuring four exceptional front line vocalists, a dynamic four piece rhythm section and two lively horn players. This entertainment giant has toured and thrilled audiences all across North America since 1998!
Blakeney Summer Concert Series – Tony Barnes (country)
Blakeney Shopping Center
Ardrey Kell and Rea Road Charlotte, NC (704) 523-0272
July 26, 7:00pm – 10:00pm, All ages, free
Summary: Tony Barnes is a nationally touring solo acoustic act, former lead guitar player and co-writer for Nashville based Southern Rock band, Mckenzies Mill. He is a recognized instrumental song writer and performer, a five-year veteran of the Nashville music scene, where he was influential in writing some of the strongest material for Mckenzies Mill, according to Kent Wells, Dolly Parton’s veteran guitar player and producer.
Summer Music Concert Series
Stonecrest at Piper Glen (Ballantyne)
I-485 and Rae Road
July 26, 7:00pm – 10:00pm, All ages, Free
Summary: two stages, two musicians and two nights (July 26 & 27) of family fun!
Movies@McGuire
McGuire Nuclear Station
13339 Hagers Ferry Road, Huntersville, NC (980) 875-5600
July 26, 8:50pm, All ages, Free
Summary: Enjoy a movie on a large outdoor movie screen from the lawn or from your boat.
SATURDAY, JULY 27
TTB Kidz Consignment Sale
Metrolina Tradeshow Expo
7100 Statesville Rd, NC (704) 596-4650
July 26-28, see link for times, All ages, Free
Summary: Shop for new and gently-used children’s goods from baby equipment, clothing, toys, to juniors and maternity.
Paws to Read
Matthews Library
230 Matthews Station St, Matthews, NC (704) 416-5000
July 27, 10:30am – 12:00pm, Ages 5 – 11, Free
Summary: Children boost reading skills and confidence by reading aloud to a volunteer therapy dog.
Discovery Place
301 N. Tryon Street, Charlotte, NC (704) 372-6261
July 27, 10:00am – 6:00pm, All ages, free with museum admission
Summary: click on the links below for show times and ticket prices.
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.
Nano – a special limited mini exhibition. This interactive exhibition engages family audiences in nanoscale science, engineering, and technology. Hands-on exhibits present the basics of nanoscience and engineering, introduce some real world applications, and explore the societal and ethical implications of this new technology.
Sub-Zero – The coolest thing in Charlotte this side of -321 degrees. Join our resident physicist at “The Stage” to chill out and explore a world below freezing. With materials so cold they can only be touched with cryogenic gloves, you’re in for an icy treat.
Fired Up! Join us for Fiery fun. Oxygen, heat and fuel form the fire triangle! Join us for some explosively fun experiments.
Animalopolis will take you on a voyage into the magical world of animals. A bit fanciful, a bit “Seussian” perhaps, a place of good natured humor, beauty and just plain fun.
Flight of the Butterflies – Experience the most incredible migration on earth. It’s a natural history epic. It’s a compelling detective story. It’s a scientific adventure at its best.
Charlotte Nature Museum
1658 Sterling Road, Charlotte, NC (704) 372-6261
July 27,10:00am – 1:00pm, All ages, Activities are free with museum admission
Summary: Bring little ones for just an hour or the whole day and experience wildlife through live animal exhibits and interactive education programs. The Museum is easy to navigate with fun surprises around every corner. Kids can roam The Great Hall and visit Beginnings, an area filled with young animals and information on their lifecycles.
Exhibits: Wander Charlotte Nature Museum and encounter the finned, furred and feathered. Little ones will experience the natural world in a fun environment that encourages hands-on exploration and self-directed learning.
Shows: Charlotte Nature Museum’s professional Puppet Theatre offers nature-based puppet shows and coordinated programming especially designed for young viewers. Grandpa Tree can be found in the Nature Dome by the “nighttime campfire”, with his forest friends. Join us in the woods and enjoy captivating tales of wildlife.
Live Bird Presentation
Carolina Raptor Center
6000 Sample Road, Huntersville, NC (704) 875-6521
July 27, 11:00am -11:30am, 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
July 27, 12:30pm -1:00pm, 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
July 27, 1:00pm – 1:30pm & 3:00pm – 3:30pm, All ages, Regular admission + $5.00
Summary: Watch for your opportunity to see these amazing birds in flight!
Open Studio Saturday
McColl Center for Visual Art
721 North Tryon St. Charlotte, NC (704) 332-5535
July 27, 11:30am – 6:00pm, All ages, Free
Summary: During Open Studio Saturdays artists work in their studios with the doors open. It is an opportunity for the public to meet the artists and learn about their art as well as view the current exhibition.
National Dance Day
Founders Hall
100 North Tryon Street Charlotte, NC
July 27, 1:00pm – 4:00pm, All ages, Free
Summary: Nigel Lythgoe, Executive Producer of So You Think You Can Dance, created this annual event to promote health and self-esteem through the art form of dance. Blumenthal Performing Arts will join hundreds of other organizations across the country in hosting an array of participatory dance activities.
Kids Club Central at EpiCentre – EPIC Drumming!
210 E Trade Street, Charlotte, NC (704) 688-5980
July 27, 1:00pm – 3:00pm, All ages Free
Summary: Join one of the top drum and bugle corps as they teach us all about making a drum and using it in a drum line. There will be prizes, games, and Radio Disney AM 1480.
Blakeney Summer Concert Series – Tony Barnes (country)
Blakeney Shopping Center
Ardrey Kell and Rea Road Charlotte, NC (704) 523-0272
July 27, 7:00pm – 10:00pm, All ages, free
Summary: Tony Barnes is a nationally touring solo acoustic act, former lead guitar player and co-writer for Nashville based Southern Rock band, Mckenzies Mill. He is a recognized instrumental song writer and performer, a five-year veteran of the Nashville music scene, where he was influential in writing some of the strongest material for Mckenzies Mill, according to Kent Wells, Dolly Parton’s veteran guitar player and producer.
Studio Movie Grill – The Jungle Book
Children’s Summer Series
EpiCentre – Studio Movie Grill
210 East Trade Street, Ste. D-290, Charlotte, NC (704) 972-1062
July 27, 11:00am, All ages, Adults $2, Kids $1
Summary: Studio Movie Grill (SMG) is the pioneer of the in-thaeter dining concept, offering first-run movies and alternative programming alongside an American Grill menu and full service bar.
Summer Music Concert Series
Stonecrest at Piper Glen (Ballantyne)
I-485 and Rae Road
July 27, 7:00pm – 10:00pm, All ages, Free
Summary: two stages, two musicians and two nights (July 26 & 27) of family fun!
SUNDAY JULY 28
TTB Kidz Consignment Sale
Metrolina Tradeshow Expo
7100 Statesville Rd, NC (704) 596-4650
July 26-28, see link for times, All ages, Free
Summary: Shop for new and gently-used children’s goods from baby equipment, clothing, toys, to juniors and maternity.
Discovery Place
301 N. Tryon Street, Charlotte, NC (704) 372-6261
July 28, 12:00pm – 5:00pm, All ages, free with museum admission
Summary: click on the links below for show times and ticket prices.
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.
Nano – a special limited mini exhibition. This interactive exhibition engages family audiences in nanoscale science, engineering, and technology. Hands-on exhibits present the basics of nanoscience and engineering, introduce some real world applications, and explore the societal and ethical implications of this new technology.
Sub-Zero – The coolest thing in Charlotte this side of -321 degrees. Join our resident physicist at “The Stage” to chill out and explore a world below freezing. With materials so cold they can only be touched with cryogenic gloves, you’re in for an icy treat.
Fired Up! Join us for Fiery fun. Oxygen, heat and fuel form the fire triangle! Join us for some explosively fun experiments.
Animalopolis will take you on a voyage into the magical world of animals. A bit fanciful, a bit “Seussian” perhaps, a place of good natured humor, beauty and just plain fun.
Flight of the Butterflies – Experience the most incredible migration on earth. It’s a natural history epic. It’s a compelling detective story. It’s a scientific adventure at its best.
Talons: Birds of the World Flight Show
Carolina Raptor Center
6000 Sample Road, Huntersville, NC (704) 875-6521
July 28, 1:00pm -1:30pm, 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
July 28, 2:00pm -2:30pm, All ages, others 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.
