Smarty Scoop on Weekend Events: September 12-14

Smarty Scoop is proudly sponsored by Discovery Place, Discovery Place KIDS – Huntersville and The Charlotte Nature Museum.

Scales and Tails
Charlotte Nature Museum
1658 Sterling Road, Charlotte, NC (704) 372-6261
September 13, 10:00am – 1:00pm, All ages, $8, includes museum admission
Did you know that lizards, snakes and butterflies all have scales? Or that opossums can’t hang by their tails? Meet and greet some scaly friends and discover the fascinating tales behind some animal tails during our September Creature Feature. Creature Features are supported The Guild of Discovery Place Inc. and Charlotte Nature Museum. Activities include crafts, puppet shows and storytelling.

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 12

Rural Hill Amazing Maize Maze
Rural Hill
4431 Neck Road, Huntersville, NC (704) 875-3113
September 12 – November 2, See link for schedule, All ages, $7 – $15
Summary: This Fall starting September 12th and lasting until November 2nd! There’s more than enough fun and confusion for all! Get lost in our giant seven acre corn maze featuring over two miles of interconnecting paths. One of the largest in the Southeast, our maze is sure to please! Looking for an even bigger challenge? Traverse the maze in the dark during one of our famous Family Friendly Friday Night Mazes!

Patriotism Bowl
Mallard Creek High School
3825 Johnston Oehler Road, Charlotte, NC
September 12, 7:30pm kick-off, All ages, Free
Summary: Watch Charlotte Catholic and Mallard Creek go head to head. The game benefits three organizations with missions to encourage patriotism, support for our veterans, active military and their families.

NHRA Carolinas Nationals
Z Max Dragway
5555 Concord Pkwy S, Concord, NC (704) 455-3267
September 12-14, See link for schedule, All ages, $20 and up, Kids 13 and under free with adult
Summary: The best drag racers in the world will compete head-to-head in the first event of the series’ Countdown to the Championship. The top 10 teams in each category that have qualified for this final leg of the championship battle will be looking for a strong run as they begin their final pushes for NHRA Mello Yello championship glory. Parking for this event is $5.

Meet The Octonauts 
SEA LIFE Charlotte-Concord Aquarium
8111 Concord Mills Blvd., Concord, NC (866) 229-1573
September 6-28, See link for schedule, All ages, $14+ includes admission to aquarium
Summary: Sound the Octo-Alert! THE OCTONAUTS are diving under the sea at SEA LIFE Charlotte-Concord! Enjoy one on one meet and greet opportunities with Captain Barnacles and Peso from the hit TV show and Octo-themed activities throughout the day. Octonaut character meet and greets occur daily from 11:00am- 6:00pm in the SEA LIFE Education and Activity Room located next the Children’s Play area. Captain Barnacles and Peso will appear in rotation.

Southern Women’s Show
Charlotte Convention Center
501 S. College St., Charlotte, NC (800) 849-0248
September 11-14, See link for schedule, All ages, $6 – $12
Summary: We get excited about creating festive, entertaining and inspiring shows for you to enjoy with your family and friends. And while this website’s mission is to help you discover what you’ll experience there, the real excitement begins when you arrive.

Assurance UMC Children’s Consignment Sale
Assurance United Methodist Church
9700 Mt. Holly-Huntersville Road, Huntersville, NC (704) 391-9567
Summary: September 12-13, See link for schedule, All ages, Free
Items for sale include boys and girls clothing from newborn to size 16, nursery decor, strollers, toys, books, videos, baby accessories and maternity clothes.

Adventure Seekers Kids Night Out
Anne Springs Close Greenway
841 Springfield Parkway, Fort Mill, SC (803) 547-4575
September 12, 5:30pm – 9:00pm, Ages 7-14, $25, Registration required
Summary: Adventure Seekers Kids Night Out continues some of the outdoor adventures we did in camp and adds on fun new activities we can only do at night.  Drop off your child between 5:30 and 6 pm and enjoy a well-deserved evening off knowing your kids are having a night of their own.  We will start the evening with a pizza dinner, then do a series of different games and activities both inside the Adventure Center and outside on the Greenway.  Weather permitting we will build a fire for S’Mores, enjoy a night hike around Lake Crandall, play various night time games, and even practice our archery skills on the Indoor Range.  The night will end at 9 pm when you can pick up your child at the Adventure Center.

Cabarrus County Fair
Cabarrus Arena
4751 NC 49 N., Concord, NC (704) 786-7221
September 5-13, see schedule for times, All ages, $3-$7
Summary: Get on state of the art rides, watch live concerts, eat with your hands and enjoy lots of children entertainment. Stick around for pig racing.

Foodtruck Friday
Southend
1613 Camden Road Charlotte, NC
September 12, 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!

Discovery Place
301 N. Tryon Street, Charlotte, NC (704) 372-6261
Summary: Step into a world where science is brought to life through interactive exhibits and explosive experiments during daily programs. Connect with the past and visit the future with groundbreaking exhibitions, larger-than-life IMAX Dome films and hands on activities that let you explore more. Plan your visit today. Click on the links below for detailed information on special events, featured exhibitions, featured shows and IMAX.

Featured Exhibitions: For information on all exhibitions click here.
Featured Shows: For information on all featured shows click here.
IMAX: For information on all featured movies and showtimes click here.

Discovery Place Kids – Huntersville
105 Gilead Road, Huntersville, NC (704) 372-6261
Summary: Explore the theme of I CAN at Discovery Place KIDS-Huntersville. The children’s museum features developmentally-appropriate experiences that encourage imagination and offer the opportunity to build confidence while testing skills by trying new things. The exhibits, themed around a small town, allow children to learn through play.

Theme Areas: For a complete description of all nine theme areas click here.
Featured Shows: For a complete listing of all featured shows click here.
Current and Upcoming Events: For all current and upcoming events click here.

Charlotte Nature Museum
1658 Sterling Road, Charlotte, NC (704) 372-6261
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.

Featured Exhibitions: For complete details on exhibitions and exhibits click here.
Featured Shows: For a complete schedule of show times click here.

Children’s Theatre of Charlotte
located @ Imaginon
300 E. 7th Street, Charlotte, NC (704) 973-2800
To see the complete 2013-2014 schedule, special pricing and ways to save click here
Summary: Children’s Theatre of Charlotte has grown to become one of the top theatre and education organizations for young people in the United States. Nationally recognized for the breadth and strength of its programs, the Theatre serves 300,000 children and families a year with technically imaginative productions and wide-ranging education programs for young people.
Nothing is more valuable than the time you spend with your family. We are committed to providing your family with unforgettable memories that only live theatre can offer. On stage and in our classrooms, we will inspire wonder and excitement, nurture confidence and ignite imaginations.

Carolina Raptor Center
6000 Sample Road, Huntersville, NC (704) 875-6521
Summary: Carolina Raptor Center is dedicated to environmental stewardship and the conservation of birds of prey through education, research, and the rehabilitation of injured and orphaned raptors. As a charitable 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, CRC relies on public financial support to fulfill our mission. Supporters can release a raptor, adopt a bird, make a charitable donation, purchase a membership or sponsor a capital improvement project. CRC’s environmental education programs reach approximately 40,000 students each year. Our Raptor Trail hosts more than 35,000 visitors a year. Visit our calendar page for event times or just come and enjoy our nicely maintained trails and see all the amazing birds of prey.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 13

20th Festival of India
Belk Theater
130 N. Tryon St., Charlotte, NC
September 13-14, Noon – 8:00pm & Noon – 7:00pm, All ages, $5 – $7
Summary: Festival of India is organized to showcase that diversity of culture and heritage to the larger community in the Carolinas and provides an excellent opportunity for cultural exchange in a fun setting. The festival exposes people here to the rich mosaic of different art, crafts, languages, couture and cuisine from the various regions of India in a festive setting. The result is to enhance the education of our fellow citizens about the rich heritage of an ancient civilization with the expectation of bringing different people together.

Rural Hill Amazing Maize Maze
Rural Hill
4431 Neck Road, Huntersville, NC (704) 875-3113
September 12 – November 2, See link for schedule, All ages, $7 – $15
Summary: This Fall starting September 12th and lasting until November 2nd! There’s more than enough fun and confusion for all! Get lost in our giant seven acre corn maze featuring over two miles of interconnecting paths. One of the largest in the Southeast, our maze is sure to please! Looking for an even bigger challenge? Traverse the maze in the dark during one of our famous Family Friendly Friday Night Mazes!

NHRA Carolinas Nationals
Z Max Dragway
5555 Concord Pkwy S, Concord, NC (704) 455-3267
September 12-14, See link for schedule, All ages, $20 and up, Kids 13 and under free with adult
Summary: The best drag racers in the world will compete head-to-head in the first event of the series’ Countdown to the Championship. The top 10 teams in each category that have qualified for this final leg of the championship battle will be looking for a strong run as they begin their final pushes for NHRA Mello Yello championship glory. Parking for this event is $5.

Meet The Octonauts 
SEA LIFE Charlotte-Concord Aquarium
8111 Concord Mills Blvd., Concord, NC (866) 229-1573
September 6-28, See link for schedule, All ages, $14+ includes admission to aquarium
Summary: Sound the Octo-Alert! THE OCTONAUTS are diving under the sea at SEA LIFE Charlotte-Concord! Enjoy one on one meet and greet opportunities with Captain Barnacles and Peso from the hit TV show and Octo-themed activities throughout the day. Octonaut character meet and greets occur daily from 11:00am- 6:00pm in the SEA LIFE Education and Activity Room located next the Children’s Play area. Captain Barnacles and Peso will appear in rotation.

Southern Women’s Show
Charlotte Convention Center
501 S. College St., Charlotte, NC (800) 849-0248
September 11-14, See link for schedule, All ages, $6 – $12
Summary: We get excited about creating festive, entertaining and inspiring shows for you to enjoy with your family and friends. And while this website’s mission is to help you discover what you’ll experience there, the real excitement begins when you arrive.

Assurance UMC Children’s Consignment Sale
Assurance United Methodist Church
9700 Mt. Holly-Huntersville Road, Huntersville, NC (704) 391-9567
Summary: September 12-13, See link for schedule, All ages, Free
Items for sale include boys and girls clothing from newborn to size 16, nursery decor, strollers, toys, books, videos, baby accessories and maternity clothes.

Cabarrus County Fair
Cabarrus Arena
4751 NC 49 N., Concord, NC (704) 786-7221
September 5-13, see schedule for times, All ages, $3-$7
Summary: Get on state of the art rides, watch live concerts, eat with your hands and enjoy lots of children entertainment. Stick around for pig racing.

USNWC River Jam
USNWC
5000 Whitewater Center Pkwy., Charlotte, NC (704) 391-3900
September 13, 7:00pm – 10:00pm, All ages, Free
Summary: One of the best nights out for the money. Great music, food and entertainment for the entire family.

Carolina Raptor Center
6000 Sample Road, Huntersville, NC (704) 875-6521
Summary: Carolina Raptor Center is dedicated to environmental stewardship and the conservation of birds of prey through education, research, and the rehabilitation of injured and orphaned raptors. As a charitable 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, CRC relies on public financial support to fulfill our mission. Supporters can release a raptor, adopt a bird, make a charitable donation, purchase a membership or sponsor a capital improvement project. CRC’s environmental education programs reach approximately 40,000 students each year. Our Raptor Trail hosts more than 35,000 visitors a year. Visit our calendar page for event times or just come and enjoy our nicely maintained trails and see all the amazing birds of prey.

Discovery Place
301 N. Tryon Street, Charlotte, NC (704) 372-6261
Summary: Step into a world where science is brought to life through interactive exhibits and explosive experiments during daily programs. Connect with the past and visit the future with groundbreaking exhibitions, larger-than-life IMAX Dome films and hands on activities that let you explore more. Plan your visit today. Click on the links below for detailed information on special events, featured exhibitions, featured shows and IMAX.

Featured Exhibitions: For information on all exhibitions click here.
Featured Shows: For information on all featured shows click here.
IMAX: For information on all featured movies and showtimes click here.

Discovery Place Kids – Huntersville
105 Gilead Road, Huntersville, NC (704) 372-6261
Summary: Explore the theme of I CAN at Discovery Place KIDS-Huntersville. The children’s museum features developmentally-appropriate experiences that encourage imagination and offer the opportunity to build confidence while testing skills by trying new things. The exhibits, themed around a small town, allow children to learn through play.

Theme Areas: For a complete description of all nine theme areas click here.
Featured Shows: For a complete listing of all featured shows click here.
Current and Upcoming Events: For all current and upcoming events click here.

Charlotte Nature Museum
1658 Sterling Road, Charlotte, NC (704) 372-6261
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.

Featured Exhibitions: For complete details on exhibitions and exhibits click here.
Featured Shows: For a complete schedule of show times click here.

Children’s Theatre of Charlotte
located @ Imaginon
300 E. 7th Street, Charlotte, NC (704) 973-2800
To see the complete 2013-2014 schedule, special pricing and ways to save click here
Summary: Children’s Theatre of Charlotte has grown to become one of the top theatre and education organizations for young people in the United States. Nationally recognized for the breadth and strength of its programs, the Theatre serves 300,000 children and families a year with technically imaginative productions and wide-ranging education programs for young people.
Nothing is more valuable than the time you spend with your family. We are committed to providing your family with unforgettable memories that only live theatre can offer. On stage and in our classrooms, we will inspire wonder and excitement, nurture confidence and ignite imaginations.

Nothing is more valuable than the time you spend with your family. We are committed to providing your family with unforgettable memories that only live theatre can offer. On stage and in our classrooms, we will inspire wonder and excitement, nurture confidence and ignite imaginations.

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 14

20th Festival of India
Belk Theater
130 N. Tryon St., Charlotte, NC
September 13-14, Noon – 8:00pm & Noon – 7:00pm, All ages, $5 – $7
Summary: Festival of India is organized to showcase that diversity of culture and heritage to the larger community in the Carolinas and provides an excellent opportunity for cultural exchange in a fun setting. The festival exposes people here to the rich mosaic of different art, crafts, languages, couture and cuisine from the various regions of India in a festive setting. The result is to enhance the education of our fellow citizens about the rich heritage of an ancient civilization with the expectation of bringing different people together.

Rural Hill Amazing Maize Maze
Rural Hill
4431 Neck Road, Huntersville, NC (704) 875-3113
September 12 – November 2, See link for schedule, All ages, $7 – $15
Summary: This Fall starting September 12th and lasting until November 2nd! There’s more than enough fun and confusion for all! Get lost in our giant seven acre corn maze featuring over two miles of interconnecting paths. One of the largest in the Southeast, our maze is sure to please! Looking for an even bigger challenge? Traverse the maze in the dark during one of our famous Family Friendly Friday Night Mazes!

NHRA Carolinas Nationals
Z Max Dragway
5555 Concord Pkwy S, Concord, NC (704) 455-3267
September 12-14, See link for schedule, All ages, $20 and up, Kids 13 and under free with adult
Summary: The best drag racers in the world will compete head-to-head in the first event of the series’ Countdown to the Championship. The top 10 teams in each category that have qualified for this final leg of the championship battle will be looking for a strong run as they begin their final pushes for NHRA Mello Yello championship glory. Parking for this event is $5.

Southern Women’s Show
Charlotte Convention Center
501 S. College St., Charlotte, NC (800) 849-0248
September 11-14, See link for schedule, All ages, $6 – $12
Summary: We get excited about creating festive, entertaining and inspiring shows for you to enjoy with your family and friends. And while this website’s mission is to help you discover what you’ll experience there, the real excitement begins when you arrive.

Meet The Octonauts 
SEA LIFE Charlotte-Concord Aquarium
8111 Concord Mills Blvd., Concord, NC (866) 229-1573
September 6-28, See link for schedule, All ages, $14+ includes admission to aquarium
Summary: Sound the Octo-Alert! THE OCTONAUTS are diving under the sea at SEA LIFE Charlotte-Concord! Enjoy one on one meet and greet opportunities with Captain Barnacles and Peso from the hit TV show and Octo-themed activities throughout the day. Octonaut character meet and greets occur daily from 11:00am- 6:00pm in the SEA LIFE Education and Activity Room located next the Children’s Play area. Captain Barnacles and Peso will appear in rotation.

Davidson Concerts On the Green
Davidson’s Village Green
Main Street and Concord Road, Davidson, NC
May – September (every Sunday), 6:00pm – 8:00pm, All ages, Free
Summary: Our Concerts on the Green are a summer family favorite! Concerts take place the first and third Sunday evenings of the month from to 6:00-8:00 p.m. on the town green in front of the Davidson Public Library, at the intersection of Main Street and Concord Road. Attendees are encouraged to bring friends and family, comfy chairs or a blanket, a picnic, and to come early to find seats. Make it a date night in Davidson: Visit some of our local restaurants and shops, stroll over to the town green to enjoy some great music, take a pedicab ride around town, and enjoy dessert or a beverage.

Carolina Raptor Center
6000 Sample Road, Huntersville, NC (704) 875-6521
Summary: Carolina Raptor Center is dedicated to environmental stewardship and the conservation of birds of prey through education, research, and the rehabilitation of injured and orphaned raptors. As a charitable 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, CRC relies on public financial support to fulfill our mission. Supporters can release a raptor, adopt a bird, make a charitable donation, purchase a membership or sponsor a capital improvement project. CRC’s environmental education programs reach approximately 40,000 students each year. Our Raptor Trail hosts more than 35,000 visitors a year. Visit our calendar page for event times or just come and enjoy our nicely maintained trails and see all the amazing birds of prey.

Discovery Place
301 N. Tryon Street, Charlotte, NC (704) 372-6261
Summary: Step into a world where science is brought to life through interactive exhibits and explosive experiments during daily programs. Connect with the past and visit the future with groundbreaking exhibitions, larger-than-life IMAX Dome films and hands on activities that let you explore more. Plan your visit today. Click on the links below for detailed information on special events, featured exhibitions, featured shows and IMAX.

Featured Exhibitions: For information on all exhibitions click here.
Featured Shows: For information on all featured shows click here.
IMAX: For information on all featured movies and showtimes click here.

Discovery Place Kids – Huntersville
105 Gilead Road, Huntersville, NC (704) 372-6261
Summary: Explore the theme of I CAN at Discovery Place KIDS-Huntersville. The children’s museum features developmentally-appropriate experiences that encourage imagination and offer the opportunity to build confidence while testing skills by trying new things. The exhibits, themed around a small town, allow children to learn through play.

Theme Areas: For a complete description of all nine theme areas click here.
Featured Shows: For a complete listing of all featured shows click here.
Current and Upcoming Events: For all current and upcoming events click here.

Charlotte Nature Museum
1658 Sterling Road, Charlotte, NC (704) 372-6261
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.

Featured Exhibitions: For complete details on exhibitions and exhibits click here.
Featured Shows: For a complete schedule of show times click here.

Children’s Theatre of Charlotte
located @ Imaginon
300 E. 7th Street, Charlotte, NC (704) 973-2800
To see the complete 2013-2014 schedule, special pricing and ways to save click here
Summary: Children’s Theatre of Charlotte has grown to become one of the top theatre and education organizations for young people in the United States. Nationally recognized for the breadth and strength of its programs, the Theatre serves 300,000 children and families a year with technically imaginative productions and wide-ranging education programs for young people.

Nothing is more valuable than the time you spend with your family. We are committed to providing your family with unforgettable memories that only live theatre can offer. On stage and in our classrooms, we will inspire wonder and excitement, nurture confidence and ignite imaginations.