Smarty Scoop is proudly sponsored by Discovery Place, Discovery Place KIDS – Huntersville and The Charlotte Nature Museum.
FRIDAY, May 1
South Carolina Strawberry Festival
Walter Elisha Park
345 N. White Street, Fort Mill, SC
May 1-2, See website for details, All ages, Free
Summary: The award winning South Carolina Strawberry Festival is definitely one you don’t want to miss! It is Fort Mill’s signature salute to spring! Join us in 2015 for a week of events and activities, culminating in the festival on May 1 and 2.
Foodtruck Friday
Southend
1613 Camden Road Charlotte, NC
Every Friday, 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.
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.
Children’s Theatre of Charlotte
located @ Imaginon
300 E. 7th Street, Charlotte, NC (704) 973-2800
To see the complete 2014-2015 schedule, special pricing and ways to save click here
Summary: Children’s Theatre of Charlotte’s home is ImaginOn: The Joe & Joan Martin Center, an amazing collaborative venture between the Theatre and the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library. It’s an amazing place for families – a really cool children’s library, plus two incredible theatre spaces for our productions, classrooms, computer labs, a Teen Loft and a lot more.
SATURDAY, May 2
South Carolina Strawberry Festival
Walter Elisha Park
345 N. White Street, Fort Mill, SC
May 1-2, See website for details, All ages, Free
Summary: The award winning South Carolina Strawberry Festival is definitely one you don’t want to miss! It is Fort Mill’s signature salute to spring! Join us in 2015 for a week of events and activities, culminating in the festival on May 1 and 2.
Girls on the Run 5K
Whitehall Corporate Center
3700 Arco Corporate Drive, Charlotte, NC
May 2, 7:30am; Race time, 9:00am, All ages, $15-$35
Summary: The Girls on the Run 5k is a celebratory event and is open to the public. We encourage anyone who wants to experience the impact of the the Girls on the Run program to participate in the 5k. We expect over 4,000 5k participants and over 7,500 total event attendees at the Girls on the Run 5k Series (North 5k & South 5k). All proceeds from the 5k benefits Girls on the Run of Charlotte serving Cabarrus, Lincoln & Mecklenburg Counties and help us to continue to positively impact the lives of thousands of girls in our community!
Horse Lover’s Day
Leatherman Lane
3175 Odell School, Concord, NC (336) 422-7604
May 2, Noon – 5:00pm, All ages, Free
Summary: We have had both children and adults alike take their FIRST horseback ride at our Horse Lovers Day events. We make new friends each year, both equine enthusiasts and people who had never been around horses before in their lives. We eat great food, shop for some great items, learn new horsemanship techniques and help some equine rescue organizations. THESE are only some of the reasons we put on this super fun, family friendly event for all of you! Thank you so much for making it such a great success!! We look forward to seeing you out here again soon for this, and other, fun events! If you are interested in being a vendor at Horse Lovers Day please contact us early, as space is limited and is already filling up!
Touch-A-Truck Family Fun Day
Christ the King Church
13501 South Tryon St., Charlotte, NC (704) 587-0073
May 2, 10:00am – 2:00pm, All ages, $5
Summary: UpStreet in partnership with CtK MOPS and MOMSnext will be hosting their second annual Touch a Truck family fun day on May 2, 10am to 2pm! Join us for a day filled with fun climbing on huge vehicles, jumping in the bounce house, going for hay rides, and much more! The entrance fee is $5 per child and includes all of the climbing, riding and jumping as well as an ice cream sundae for every child! Stay for lunch by pre-ordering a BBQ plate (extras will be available for those who didn’t order) and head inside for the MOPS/MOMSnext Silent Auction fundraiser! All money raised will go to support the MOPS, MOMSnext and MOPPETS programs at CtK.
Matthews Bike-In Movie
Stumptown Park
120 S. Trade St., Matthews, NC
May 2, 8:00pm, All ages, Free
Summary: BIKE! Charlotte is a multi-day celebration created to inspire families, friends and colleagues to break out the bicycle and integrate it into their daily routine. Whether used for transportation and/or recreation, the bicycle is an efficient, nonpolluting mode of travel that provides great health benefits and just plain fun to ride.
Danstallations
Mint Museum Uptown
500 S. Tryon St., Charlotte, NC
May 2, 1:00pm – 3:30pm, Ages 8+, $6-$12
Summary: The collaboration will culminate in a combined event that will begin at Mint Museum Uptown, move to the Bechtler Museum, and end at the Gantt Center. Visitors will observe original pieces by Kinetic Works dancers, and then visit each partner museum to hunt for the works of art that served as inspiration. Kinetic Works dancers will perform three short, original pieces inspired by a work of art at the Mint, the Bechtler, and the Gantt. Following the performance, dancers and visitors will engage in a brief discussion, and armed with helpful hints, will visit each museum to find the inspirational work.
Family Fun Day
Keith Clinic Estramonte Chiropractic
402 E. Sugar Creek Road, Charlotte, NC
May 2, 11:00am – 3:00pm, All ages, Free
Summary: Bring family and friends to enjoy a day of wholesome activities such as: Karaoke contests, bounce houses, coloring contests, dunk-a-doctor, face painting and win prizes.
2015 Walk to Cure Arthritis
US Whitewater Center
5000 Whitewater Center Pkwy., Charlotte, NC
May 2, 8:00am, All ages, Free, Registration required
Summary: The event features a three-mile and one-mile course, with arthritis information and activities for the entire family, such as whitewater rafting, zip lines, rock climbing and high ropes courses. And we don’t want to leave any family members out… Wagger’s are welcome! Plan for a great day with the family and let’s raise funds to find a cure for arthritis! Every step counts, every dollar matters!
Blumenthal Performing Arts
130 N. Tryon Street, Charlotte, NC (704) 372-1000
To see the 2015 schedule click here
Summary: You can get all the best of the performing arts without buying a plane ticket to the Big Apple! Blumenthal Performing Arts is your source for all the best performing arts events in Charlotte and the Carolinas.
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.
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.
Children’s Theatre of Charlotte
located @ Imaginon
300 E. 7th Street, Charlotte, NC (704) 973-2800
To see the complete 2014-2015 schedule, special pricing and ways to save click here
Summary: Children’s Theatre of Charlotte’s home is ImaginOn: The Joe & Joan Martin Center, an amazing collaborative venture between the Theatre and the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library. It’s an amazing place for families – a really cool children’s library, plus two incredible theatre spaces for our productions, classrooms, computer labs, a Teen Loft and a lot more.
SUNDAY, May 3
MAY MOUNTAIN MADNESS- OPEN HOUSE
YMCA Camp Harrison
7901 S NC Hwy 18, Boomer, NC (800) 514-1417
May 3, 11:00am – 4:00pm, Free
Summary: Join us for a day of fun where you and your child will have the opportunity to experience Camp Harrison’s many adventures and activities! We will have several activities open like the zip line, The Dude Ranch, paddle sports, and hiking and more! What a better way to decide if your child wants to go to camp this summer than to experience it first hand? Information on Summer 2015 will be available and Directors will be there to answer your questions! If you are already signed up for camp this is a great chance to find out what to bring, how to prepare your camper, and all of the other details you are wondering about. This is a free day of fun! Bring your friends and family and enjoy our beautiful Camp Harrison together! We will start the day off at 11am in the Chapel with a worship service and praise band, then head to the dining hall for lunch. Activities will be open from 1-4pm with tours departing every half hour. Be sure to check in at the Dining Hall for an opportunity to enter into drawings and get some free goodies.
Davidson Concerts On the Green
Davidson’s Village Green
Main Street and Concord Road, Davidson, NC
May 3, 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. Concerts are free, open to the public, and are fun for all ages!
Charlotte Tour de Cure
Ballantyne Corporate Park
14135 Ballantyne Corporate Place, Charlotte, NC
May 3, 8:00am, All ages, $15, Registration required
Summary: Riders can expect amazing start and finish energy, fabulous food options at the rest stops, full lunch and live entertainment at the post-ride party, and much more! The Charlotte Tour de Cure offers several routes: 63 miles, 43 miles, 24 miles and 10 miles. Enjoy a beautiful ride through south Charlotte, or challenge yourself to complete 43 or 63 miles on the open roads into Union County.
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.
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.
Children’s Theatre of Charlotte
located @ Imaginon
300 E. 7th Street, Charlotte, NC (704) 973-2800
To see the complete 2014-2015 schedule, special pricing and ways to save click here
Summary: Children’s Theatre of Charlotte’s home is ImaginOn: The Joe & Joan Martin Center, an amazing collaborative venture between the Theatre and the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library. It’s an amazing place for families – a really cool children’s library, plus two incredible theatre spaces for our productions, classrooms, computer labs, a Teen Loft and a lot more.
