Summer is winding down, your vacation travel plans have ceased and school has started or is about to start, so now what? How about finally tackling one of the many home improvement projects you’ve been kicking around all summer? There is no better motivator than the Southern Ideal Home Show. There will be dozens and dozens of vendors participating and the show runs for three days so there is no reason to keep procrastinating…
The Southern Ideal Home Show is not the only event happening around the QC this weekend. This weekend is loaded with family fun so keep reading.
FRIDAY, August 23
Paws to Read
Morrison Regional Library
7015 Morrison Blvd., Charlotte, NC (704) 416-5400
August 23, only the 4:30 slot is left, Ages 5-11, Free
Summary: How do you make reading more enjoyable, just add a puppy. Enjoy some special quiet time while reading with a puppy. Registration is required and slots fill far in advance.
Studio Movie Grill – Chicken Run
Children’s Summer Series
EpiCentre – Studio Movie Grill
210 East Trade Street, Ste. D-290, Charlotte, NC (704) 972-1062
August 23, 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
August 23, 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
August 23, 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 Home School Day
Discovery Place
301 N Tryon Street, NC (704) 372-6261
August 23, 9:00am – 5:00pm, All ages, $10
Summary: Enjoy discounted admission and check out the newest special limited engagement exhibition and IMAX film.
Discovery Place
301 N. Tryon Street, Charlotte, NC (704) 372-6261
August 23, 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.
The Lion King
Belk Theater at Blumenthal Performing Arts Center
130 North Tryon St, Charlotte, NC (704) 372-1000
August 6 – September 1, Tues.-Thurs. 7:30pm; Fri. 8:00pm; Sat. 2:00pm, 8:00pm; Sun. 1:00pm, 6:30pm, All ages, $25-$30
Summary: Experience the phenomenon of Disney’s THE LION KING when Charlotte’s best-loved musical makes a triumphant return to the Belk Theater following its record-breaking 2007 engagement! Marvel at the breathtaking spectacle of animals brought to life by award-winning director Julie Taymor, whose visual images for this show you’ll remember forever. Thrill to the pulsating rhythms of the African Pridelands and an unforgettable score including Elton John and Tim Rice’s Oscar-winning song “Can You Feel The Love Tonight” and “Circle of Life.”
Blakeney Summer Concert Series – Wicked Powers (Acoustic, Rock, Alternative)
Blakeney Shopping Center
Ardrey Kell and Rea Road Charlotte, NC (704) 523-0272
August 23, 7:00pm – 10:00pm, All ages, free
Summary: Relax in a great family friendly environment and listen to the tunes of Chris Sanchez (August 23 & 24).
Music on the Green
Promenade on Providence
Providence Road and I-485
August 23, 7:00pm – 10:00pm, All ages, Free
Summary: Fun for the whole family! Bring your lawn chairs and blankets and enjoy the music from Carolina Music Machine.
Movies Under the Stars: Madagascar 3 / Big Ed’s Garage
Symphony Park
4400 Sharon Road (behind SouthPark Mall)
August 23, 7:00pm, All ages, Free
Summary: The month of August brings fun for the entire family; movies, activities and musical performances.
Rockin’ and Reelin’ Summer Movie and Music Series
Pineville Lake Park
1000 Johnston Drive, Charlotte, NC (704) 889-2400
August 23, 7:00pm, All ages, Free
Summary: Chris Lane Band (Pop Country). One might not expect to find a band with such a big sound coming from the small town of Kernersville, North Carolina, but it’s hard to deny the upbeat rocking twist that Chris Lane Band has introduced to country music. The group consists of members Chris Lane (lead vocals, guitar), his twin brother Cory Lane (drums), Joseph Pope (lead guitar), Dean Kreseski (lead guitar), and Tom Sale (bass).
Movies in the Park – Hotel Transylvania
North Mecklenburg Park
16131 Old Statesville Road, Huntersville, NC
August 23, Dusk, All ages, Free
Summary: Enjoy the latest and greatest family friendly movies on a huge inflatable outdoor movie screen.
Movies@McGuire
McGuire Nuclear Station
13339 Hagers Ferry Road, Huntersville, NC (980) 875-5600
August 23, 8:30pm, All ages, Free
Summary: Enjoy a movie on a large outdoor movie screen from the lawn or from your boat.
SATURDAY, August 24
Lowe’s build and Grow (Kids Clinic)
Lowe’s Home Improvement
Click here for list of participating stores
August 24, 10:00am, Ages 10 and under, Free
Summary: The fun continues this weekend at Lowe’s! Bring your child to Lowe’s and they can build El Chupacabra from Disney’s Planes.
Breakfast with Curious George
Barnes & Noble Morrison Place
4020 Sharon Road, Charlotte, NC (704) 364-0626
August 24, 10:30am, Ages 5 and under, Free
Summary: Join us for a special breakfast with Curious George at 10:30 am, before our Storytime at 11:00 am. Talk to a bookseller or Cafe server for details!
Back to School Jam
Grayson Skate Park
750 Beal St., Charlotte, NC (704) 432-5231
August 24, 3:00pm – 8:00pm, All ages, Free
Summary: Your little thrashers will be stoked to attend this event. Food vendors, DJ Beau, dance contest and of course a skateboard contest.
The JuiceBox SuperFunClub
UpStage
3306 – C, N. Davidson St., Charlotte, NC
August 24, 2:00pm – 3:00pm, Ages 1-9, $3
Summary: Come join MC GO! and J4K plus special guests for a learning adventure through music!
Under the sea Tunes Saturday
Discovery Place KIDS-Huntersville
105 Gilead Road, Huntersville, NC (704) 372-6261
August 24, 11:00am and 2:00pm, Ages 5 and under, Free
Summary: Join us at Town Center today as we dance to our favorite ocean-themed songs. Do the swim and shake your fins.
Discovery Place
301 N. Tryon Street, Charlotte, NC (704) 372-6261
August 24, 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
August 24,10:00am – 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
August 24, 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
August 24, 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
August 24, 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!
Whitewater Riverjam
Whitewater Riverjam
U.S. National Whitewater Center
5000 Whitewater Center Parkway, Charlotte, NC (704) 391-3900
August 24, 7:00pm – 10:00pm, All ages, Free
Summary: The boys of Sanctum Sully hail from Asheville, N.C., but their music comes from a different space: The beer-stained bar stools where blues, rock and bluegrass swap stories and trade tall-tale tunes.
A polished five-piece acoustic unit that’s been voted one of Western North Carolina’s top three bluegrass bands for four years running, the members of Sanctum Sully grew up as fans of numerous genres before ultimately joining forces in 2008. With three-part harmonies, mandolin, guitar, banjo and bass, Sanctum Sully can certainly pull off a traditional bluegrass tune in style. But their blues-riffs, crowd-infecting energy and can’t-believe-it-covers make them something notably different and indisputably fun. They are a bluegrass band that rocks … hard
Blakeney Summer Concert Series – Wicked Powers (Acoustic, Rock, Alternative)
Blakeney Shopping Center
Ardrey Kell and Rea Road Charlotte, NC (704) 523-0272
August 24, 7:00pm – 10:00pm, All ages, free
Summary: Relax in a great family friendly environment and listen to the tunes of Chris Sanchez (August 23 & 24).
Music on the Green
Promenade on Providence
Providence Road and I-485
August 24, Movie starts at dusk, All ages, Free
Summary: Fun for the whole family! Bring your lawn chairs and blankets and enjoy the music from The Loafers.
SUNDAY August 25
Lowe’s build and Grow (Kids Clinic)
Lowe’s Home Improvement
See list of participating stores http://lowesbuildandgrow.com/pages/default.aspx
August 25, 2:00pmm, Ages 10 and under, Free
Summary: The fun continues this weekend at Lowe’s! Bring your child to Lowe’s and they can build El Chupacabra from Disney’s Planes.
Under the sea Tunes Sunday
Discovery Place KIDS-Huntersville
105 Gilead Road, Huntersville, NC (704) 372-6261
August 25, 2:00pm, Ages 5 and under, Free
Summary: Join us at Town Center today as we dance to our favorite ocean-themed songs. Do the swim and shake your fins.
Discovery Place
301 N. Tryon Street, Charlotte, NC (704) 372-6261
August 25, 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
August 25, 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
August 25, 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
