Smarty Scoop is proudly sponsored by Discovery Place, Discovery Place KIDS – Huntersville and The Charlotte Nature Museum.
Shark Week at Discovery Place
June 27 – July 1, See website for schedule, All ages, $13 – $17
301 N. Tryon Street, Charlotte, NC
Summary: Dig for shark teeth, watch a shark dissection and even observe a live shark feeding. Visit with Discovery Place’s rare walking sharks (Hemiscyllium ocellatum), as well as the Japanese horn shark (Heterodontus japonicus). Both species share the unusual ability to “walk” along the bottom of the ocean floor using their pectoral and pelvic fins!
Carowinds
14523 Carowinds Blvd, Charlotte, NC
See website for schedule, special events and promotional offers!
Summary: Want to know what’s new at Carowinds for 2016. The list is long and exciting. Check it out
Harmony Hall Summer Concert Series
Carowinds
14523 Carowinds Blvd., Charlotte, NC
June 24 – July 22, See website for schedule and times, All ages
Summary: Looking for the perfect way to kick off the weekend? Come rock the house on the Harmony Hall patio stage for our Harmony Hall Summer Concert Series. Every Friday evening from June 24th through July 22nd, we will be featuring live music from fantastic bands, including the Cho-Cho Tumbleweed, Early Ray, Tony Barnes, Disco Natty Boh Trio and Back Porch Orchestra. In addition to the lively music, you can also enjoy sensational food and beverage specials.
WBT Skyshow Charlotte
Charlotte Knights Stadium
324 S. Mint Street, Charlotte, NC
July 4, Baseball game starts at 7:05pm, fireworks after the game, All ages, see website for ticket prices
Summary: Join WBT at every Friday night home game this season and enjoy free fireworks after the game! This week watch them take on the Lehigh Valley Ironpigs, first pitch is at 7:05pm!
Fun Family 4th of July
Matthews Station Street / Stumptown Park
120 South Trade Street, Matthews, NC
July 2, 5:30pm, All ages, Free
Summary: Bike/Wagon decorating (decorations provided), Vendors will be selling food and drinks, No pets. Concert begins at 7:00.
Waxhaw Independence Day Celebration
Downtown Waxhaw
July 2, 10:00am – 10:00pm, All ages, Free
Summary: Waxhaw is perhaps best known for the July 4th parade and fireworks show. The parade takes place on Main Street in Waxhaw beginning at 10 a.m. and is attended by over 12,000 enthusiastic revelers. The celebration continues with the Waxhaw Beach Party starting at 5 p.m. and culminates with a fireworks display at 9:30 p.m. The fireworks are launched at Jackson Station next to CVS and the beach party takes place across the street behind and next to the car wash.
USNWC Fourth of July Celebration
U.S. National Whitewater Center
5000 Whitewater Center Pkwy, Charlotte, NC
July 3-4, 3:00pm, All ages, $5 for parking
Summary: Celebrate America and get outside at the USNWC‘s 4th of July Festival, a two-day celebration featuring outdoor adventure, live music, and spectacular firework displays. Musical performances on the Belmont Abbey Island stage will take place in the afternoon and evening, followed by a stunning firework display over the world’s largest manmade whitewater river. Bring out your blanket or chairs, pick out a great viewing spot, and enjoy the show.
River Jam Concert Series
U.S. National Whitewater Center
5000 Whitewater Center Pkwy, Charlotte, NC
See website for schedule, 7:00pm – 10:00pm, $5 parking
Summary: Join us on Thursday and Saturday nights from May through September for River Jam, the USNWC’s weekly concert series. A talented line-up of national musical acts provide the perfect back drop for a fun summer evening outdoors. Bring your friends, enjoy our large food and craft beer selection, and take in the sights and sounds of River Jam.
Huntersville 4th of July Celebration
Birkdale Village
8712 Lindholm Drive, Huntersville, NC
July 4, 10:00am – 1:00pm, All ages, Free
Summary: Join Birkdale Village as we celebrate our nation’s 240th birthday with a gigantic family festival! Stage performances, face painting, balloon art, bounce houses, craft tables, bike decorating & patriotic bike ride, music, roaming entertainment and more! Plus, the annual Huntersville Fire Department water fight at 12:15 p.m.
Davidson’s Concert on the Green: Ted Vigil (John Denver Tribute)
Davidson Town Green
Main Street and Concord Road
July 3, 6:00pm – 8:00pm, All ages, Free
Summary: Ted is a singer, songwriter and a tribute artist. He was born in Seattle and raised in the Olympia area. He has been performing from the age of ten throughout school in concert, symphonic and jazz bands developing his talents as a drummer and singer.
Rockin’ and Reelin’ Movie and Concert Series
Pineville Lake Park
1000 Johnston Drive, Pineville, NC
May 20 – September 16, See website for schedule and times, Free
Summary: Lawn chairs, blankets and picnic baskets welcome.
Summer Concert and Movie Series
Stumptown Park
120 S. Trade Street, Matthews, NC
See website for schedule, 7:00pm – 10:00pm, All ages, Free
Summary: Pre-movie activities begin at 7pm. Movies will begin at approximately 8:30pm or dusk. Vendors will be onsite selling dinner food, treats, and drinks. No pets please.
Cornelius Outdoor Cinema Series
Ramsey Creek Park
18441 Nantz Road, Cornelius, NC
See website foe schedule, 8:30pm, All ages, Free
Summary: The unique “Boat-In” movies at Ramsey Creek Park, co-hosted by the Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation Department, will give spectators the opportunity to view the movie from land or from the lake. Boaters will be able to watch the movie from their boats and receive audio via boat radio or handheld radio.
Charlotte Knights Baseball
BB&T Stadium
324 South Mint Street, Charlotte, NC
See website for season schedule and ticket prices
Charlotte Independence
Ramblewood Soccer Complex
10200 Nations Ford Road, Charlotte, NC
See website for ticket prices
Charlotte Hounds Lacrosse
American Legion Memorial Stadium
310 N. Kings Dr, Charlotte, NC
See website for season schedule and ticket prices
Summer Pops: Symphony Swings
Symphony Park (beside SouthPark Mall)
4400 Sharon Road, Charlotte, NC
July 1, 8:15pm – 9:45pm, All ages, $12
Summary: An annual Charlotte tradition, Summer Pops is a five-concert series that takes place at Symphony Park at SouthPark Mall each Sunday evening in June, plus a special July 1st “Celebrate America” program featuring favorite patriotic songs and post-concert fireworks. Gather the whole family, pack a picnic and head out to the event Charlotte magazine named one of “50 Things Every Charlottean Should Do.”
The Tempest: A Teen Performance Experience
Children’s Theater
300 E. 7th Street, Charlotte NC
July 1-2, 7:30pm, Ages 12 and up, $8 – $12
Summary: One of William Shakespeare’s most magical plays, “The Tempest” begins with a raging storm that strikes a ship carrying the King of Milan, his son Ferdinand and Antonio, the Duke of Milan. The party is shipwrecked on a remote island ruled by the sorcerer Prospero, the rightful Duke of Milan, who has conjured the storm to enact revenge against his brother, Antonio, to restore his daughter Miranda to her rightful place in Milan.
Disney’s Aladdin, Jr.
Halton Theater
Central Piedmont Community College
1206 Elizabeth Ave, Charlotte, NC
June 29 – July 9, See website for schedule and ticket prices, All ages
Summary: Welcome to Agrabah, City of Enchantment and the fantastic tale of the street rat who became a prince! All of your favorite characters from the hit Disney film – Aladdin, Jasmine, Iago, Jafar, the Genie, and more.
Food Truck Fridays at Plaza Midwood
Central Avenue (Behind the Light Factory)
1817 Central Ave, Charlotte, NC
Every Friday, 5:00pm, All ages, Free
Summary: We are thrilled to announce that Food Truck Friday’s new location will be behind The Light Factory, 1817 Central Ave, Charlotte, NC 28205, in Plaza-Midwood. This is right across the street from the Harris Teeter, a perfect location for the many residents of the area who love to stroll through the neighborhood. Family friendly, this location is sure to become a favorite Friday night destination for Charlotteans. We’re looking at an April 1 start date, but keep your eyes on our Facebook page (Food Truck Friday Charlotte) and Twitter (@FTFCharlotte) for updates. We look forward to seeing you there!
Matthews Food Truck Fridays
Stumptown Park
120 S. Trade Street, Matthews, NC
May 6, 6:00pm – 9:00pm, All ages, Free
Summary: Matthews Food Truck Fridays” in Matthews, NC. We’re back every Friday night starting in March 2016. No pets or alcohol.
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.
The Schiele Museum of Natural History
1500 East Garrison Blvd, Gastonia, NC (704) 866-6900
Summary: The natural wonders of North America and North Carolina coupled with the rich history of our region are all reflected in The Schiele’s exceptional exhibitions and diverse programming. Whether you’re indoors or out, with the kids or your colleagues, by bringing you a lot closer to nature, The Schiele will bring you a little closer to yourself.
Featured Exhibits: For a complete listing click here
Planetarium: For a complete schedule click here
Events Calendar: For all events click here
