Smarty Scoop is proudly sponsored by Discovery Place, Discovery Place KIDS – Huntersville and The Charlotte Nature Museum.
Circle K Back-To-School Monster Truck Bash
The Dirt Track at Charlotte Motor Speedway
5555 Concord Mills Pkwy South, Concord, NC
August 13, 6:00pm – 9:00pm, All ages, $10-$25
Summary: Sparks will fly as the metal-mashing machines of the Circle K Back-to-School Monster Truck Bash return to The Dirt Track at Charlotte for a night of high-flying action on the most diabolical outdoor course on the planet. Fans can come early to grab a photo beside the massive five-ton machines, meet the drivers who power the 2,000-horsepower beasts and enjoy all the pre-race festivities at The Dirt Track.
KidzBop Kids Life of the Party Tour
Charlotte Metro Credit Union Ampitheatre
1000 NC Music Factory Blvd., Charlotte, NC
August 14, 4:00pm, All ages, $35+
Summary: KIDZ BOP records kid-friendly versions of today’s biggest pop music hits sung by kids, for kids. Over the past 15 years, KIDZ BOP has created the #1 music brand for kids, selling more than 16,000,000 albums. Since 2001, families have welcomed KIDZ BOP into their homes and cars, making KIDZ BOP a fun and safe part of their daily lives.
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
Dine-in Movies
Carowinds
14523 Carowinds Blvd., Charlotte, NC
June 15 – August 30, See website for schedule and times, All ages
Summary: Treat your family to a movie night at Harmony Hall. When you’re finished screaming on our rides, snuggle in tight and prepare to laugh as we show family favorites on our big screen. Show starts at 8:00 p.m.
Food and beverages are available for purchase.
Bands, Brews & BBQs
Carowinds
14523 Carowinds Blvd, Charlotte, NC
Summary: Every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from July 29 – August 14 we’ll be doing it up right. You’ll be able to sample BBQs and craft beers from all over – all while relaxing to live music at the Harmony Hall Patio Stage.
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.
The Outsiders
Armour Street Theatre
307 Armour Street, Davidson, NC
August 12-14, See website for schedule and ticket prices, Ages 10+
Summary: This stage adaptation deals with real people, seen through the eyes of young Ponyboy, a Greaser on the wrong side of life, caught up in territorial battles between the have-it-made rich kids the Socs and his tough, underprivileged Greaser family and friends.
2nd Friday Street Festival
Oak Street Mill
19725 Oak Street, Cornelius, NC
August 12, 6:00pm – 10:00pm, All ages, Free
Summary: This event will feature many of the area’s most talented and innovative artists and craftsmen while showcasing a fabulous lineup of entertainment including local bands, performance groups, live art demonstrations and much more. Area businesses will be out to impress, offering special sales and incentives to event guests, who can also enjoy a variety of food & drinks from local breweries and food trucks.
Promenade On Providence Music and Movies
On the Green
10844 Providence Rd, Charlotte, NC
August 12-13, 7:00pm – 10:00pm, All ages, Free
Summary: Bring family and friends to enjoy live music or watch a movie. Check the website for musicians and movie titles.
SouthPark Movies Under the Stars
SouthPark Symphony Hall
4400 Sharon Road, Charlotte, NC
August 5, 12, 19, 26, 7:00 – 10:00, All ages, Free
Summary: Enjoy a movie with friends and family under the stars. Snacks available for purchase.
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
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
See website for schedule, 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