What’s going on around the QC this weekend? It’s the final weekend to enjoy many favorite summertime activities; neighborhood swim clubs, concert and movie series, free bowling, The Lion King… Don’t be sad. With the end of one season comes the beginning of another. “Are you ready for some football?” The Panthers play their last preseason game and it’s against the Steelers and high school football is in full swing. BUT WHAT ABOUT THEM 49ers? The 49ers football team kicks off its inaugural season on August 31 vs. Campbell University.
If for some reason you’re not a football fanatic there are plenty of fun-filled family festivities to keep you entertained. Enjoy the long weekend!
WEDNESDAY, August 28
The 2013 Jami Masters School of Dance Shoe Fitting
Jami Masters School of Dance
Park Road Shopping Center / Back Court, Charlotte, NC (704) 525-6555
August 28 & 29, 9:00am – 7:00pm
Summary: Gear up for your dance season and shop Charlotte’s best selection of dancewear. Registration for fall classes is currently underway. Click here for the Fall 2013 Dance Schedule. First day of JMSD Fall Dance Class is September 3rd.
THURSDAY, August 29
Creating Organizational Systems and Routines for the New School Year
The Junior League
1332 Maryland Avenue, Charlotte, NC
August 29, 11:30am – 1:00pm, Adults, Free for all Junior League members who register through the JL membership site, others $25 on-line, $30 at the door
Summary: Presented by Catie Eller and Laurie Martin, Simplicity Organizers
The sand has been shaken out of the beach bag and now it’s time to concentrate on the book bag. With the tips and strategies we’ll offer, we can help you start off on the right foot. Emphasis will be on managing busy schedules and establishing routines. We will also cover setting up a homework area, buying supplies, organizing the book bag and packing healthy lunches will be covered.
What to bring: A salad topping to share.
Panthers vs. Steelers
Bank of America Stadium
800 S Mint St Charlotte, NC (704) 358-7000
August 29, 7:30pm, All ages, $39 and up
Summary: Even though it’s preseason, it’s the last preseason game and bragging rights are still involved. With a large Steeler fan base in the QC this match-up always proves to be a fun one for the fans. The Steelers off to a sluggish 0-3 start could wind up winless in the preseason. Everyone is talking about Panthers Luke Kuechly. He played a great quarter of football in the Panthers’ 34-27 recent victory over the Baltimore Ravens.
FRIDAY, August 30
Labor Day Super Sale Weekend
Concord Mills Mall
8111 Concord Mills Blvd Concord, NC (704) 979-3000
August 30 – Septermber 2 click here for details
Summary: Concord Mills, the largest outlet and value retail shopping destination in North Carolina, will offer some of the best end-of-summer deals during its Labor Day Super Sale Weekend, beginning Friday, August 30 through Monday, September 2. Shoppers will enjoy even deeper discounts on a wide selection of merchandise, plus have several opportunities to win a $10 American Express® Simon Giftcard® throughout the weekend.
Romare Bearden Park Grand Opening
Romare Bearden Park, 300 S. Church St., NC
August 30, All day, All ages, Free
Website: parkandrec.com
Summary: Fun for the entire family at this grand opening event. Click here for even schedule
Paws to Read
Morrison Regional Library
7015 Morrison Blvd., Charlotte, NC (704) 416-5400
August 30, see schedule for times and availability, 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.
Kids Bowl Free
10 Park Lanes
1700 Montford Drive, Charlotte, NC (704) 523-7633
August 30, 9:00am-5:00pm, Ages k-8th grade, Free, Registration required
Summary: Register for kids bowl free and enjoy 2 free games of bowling. This is the last day for free bowling!
Kids Bowl Free
StrikeCity
210 E Trade St., Charlotte, NC (704) 716-9300
August 30, 11:00am – 5:00pm, Ages 13 and under, $5/person food and drink minimum
Summary: Last day of free bowling. Kids 13 and under are welcome to come into StrikeCity anytime between 11am until 5pm.
Discovery Place
301 N. Tryon Street, Charlotte, NC (704) 372-6261
August 30, 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.”
Foodtruck Friday
Southend
1613 Camden Road Charlotte, NC
August 30, 5:00pm – 9:00pm, All ages, Free
Summary: Every Friday night, Charlotte’s favorite food trucks gather on the lot at the corner of Park and Camden in the Historic South End. These aren’t the roach coaches of yesteryear! The nationwide revolution of the food truck industry has hit Charlotte, and we’ve got an ever-growing community of trucks that cater to your every taste. From burgers to tacos to soul food to cupcakes to ice cream and everything in between…there’s something for everyone. Meeting every Friday night since February 2012, Food Truck Fridays have taken the city by storm. Periodically featuring entertainment as well, the crowds have swelled to over 1,000 each week. We’re family and dog-friendly, too! So bring a chair, bring a blanket, BYOB, bring the kids, take the dog…it’s a neighborhood night out in a relaxed, casual atmosphere. Most of the trucks accept credit cards as well as cash. Accessible by public transportation…take the light rail to Bland Station. A good time and great food are guaranteed!
Mathews Alive
Downtown Matthews
corner of John and Trade Streets, Matthews, NC
August 30, Click here for schedule, All ages, Free
Summary: Labor Day weekend celebration dedicated to the support of local non-profit organizations through music, arts and community involvement.
Blakeney Summer Concert Series – Tony Barnes – country
Blakeney Shopping Center
Ardrey Kell and Rea Road Charlotte, NC (704) 523-0272
August 30, 7:00pm – 10:00pm, All ages, free
Summary: Relax in a great family friendly environment and listen to the tunes of Tony Barnes (August 30 & 31).
Music on the Green
Promenade on Providence
Providence Road and I-485
August 30, 7:00pm – 10:00pm, All ages, Free
Summary: Fun for the whole family! Bring your lawn chairs and blankets and enjoy the music from Jeff Taylor – country.
SATURDAY, August 31
Storytime at Morrison Barnes & Noble
Morrison Barnes & Noble
Saturday, August 31, 11:00 am, All ages, Free
Summary: Your kids and you can spend quality time together while enjoying the wonderful stories during story time.
49ers vs. Campbell University
49ers Football Stadium
9201 University City Boulevard Charlotte, NC (704) 687-4950
August 31, 12:00pm Kickoff, All ages
Summary: The Charlotte 49ers football team kicks off its inaugural season on August 31, 2013 vs. the Campbell Fighting Camels.
Lake Wylie Family Kayak Tour
McDowell Nature Center
15222 York Rd, Charlotte, NC (704) 588-5224
August 31, 9:00am -11:00am, Ages 10 and up, $15 (registration required)
Summary: Spend a day on the water with family and friends while paddling the border of the Carolinas. All equipment and instruction provided.
Discovery Place
301 N. Tryon Street, Charlotte, NC (704) 372-6261
August 31, 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 31,10:00am – 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 31, 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 31, 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 31, 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
U.S. National Whitewater Center
5000 Whitewater Center Parkway, Charlotte, NC (704) 391-3900
August 31, 7:00pm – 10:00pm, All ages, Free (parking fee)
Summary: Charlyhorse is what Americana Music has always strived to be. A group of outstanding musicians and modern day troubedours who weave tales of small southern towns and the roads they have traveled. Vivid stories in sound, populated by trailer-park queens, hellfire preachers, shuttered cotton mills and down-home philosophers. The music of Charlyhorse is firmly anchored in the Americana roots tradition. Influences from rock, country, bluegrass, R&B and soul gives each tune it’s own unique feel.
Blakeney Summer Concert Series – Tony Barnes – country
Blakeney Shopping Center
Ardrey Kell and Rea Road Charlotte, NC (704) 523-0272
August 31, 7:00pm – 10:00pm, All ages, free
Summary: Relax in a great family friendly environment and listen to the tunes of Tony Barnes (August 30 & 31).
Music on the Green
Promenade on Providence
Providence Road and I-485
August 31, Movie starts at dusk, All ages, Free
Summary: Fun for the whole family! Bring your lawn chairs and blankets and enjoy the music from Borderlyne.
Charlotte Knights vs. Gwinnett Braves
Knights Stadium
2280 Deerfield Drive Fort Mill, SC (704) 357-8071
August 31, 7:15pm, All ages, $8 and up
Summary: There are only a few balls left in the season so get out and enjoy some family fun at the ball park. This is the last fireworks show of the year.
SUNDAY September 1
Labor Day Celebration
U.S. National Whitewater Center
5000 Whitewater Parkway, Charlotte, NC (704) 391-3900
September 1, Races begin at 9am; Music begins at 4pm, All ages, Free (parking and race fee apply)
Summary: Participate in a trail race, enjoy live music, and end the day with a fireworks show!
Concerts on the Green
Village Green
Corner of Main Street and Concord Road in front of Davidson Public Library, Davidson, NC
September 1, 6:00pm – 8:00pm, All ages, Free
Summary: Sprawl out with a blanket and chairs with the entire family and friends while you chill to the sounds of Backbeat (Beatles tribute).
Discovery Place
301 N. Tryon Street, Charlotte, NC (704) 372-6261
september 1, 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
september 1, 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
September 1, 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
MONDAY September 2
2013 Charlotte Labor Day Parade
Downtown Charlotte
September 2, 11:00am, All ages, Free
Summary: 14th annual Charlotte Labor Day Parade is here. They are returning to their traditional route which is South on Tryon from the Hal Marshall Center through the square, turning on 3rd street with the parade ending on College St. Parade lines up at 8 am but doesn’t start until 11.
