Smarty Scoop is proudly sponsored by Discovery Place, Discovery Place KIDS – Huntersville and The Charlotte Nature Museum.
Countdown to Kindergarten
Discovery Place KIDS
105 Gilead Road, Huntersville, NC
August 19, 5:00pm, Free
Summary: This annual event focuses on kindergarten readiness and celebrates a child’s entrance into formal education. Enjoy FREE Museum admission as community partners offer skill-building activities and information that children and parents will need in preparation for their first day of school.
Old Town Cornelius Jazz Festival
Smithville Park
19710 Ferry Street, Cornelius, NC
August 20, 4:00pm – 9:00pm, All ages, Free
Summary: Festivities include an evening filled with local jazz bands, food trucks, craft beer, and children’s activities.
80’s Back to School Skate Party
Kate’s Skating Rink
14500 Independence Boulevard, Indian Trail, NC
August 21, 5:00pm – 8:00pm, All ages, $11.24
Summary: Bring your entire family as this will be an evening to remember before we send the kids back to school. We will have a DJ, Live Performances by none other than the DRC Cheer and Dance Team and Tons of Giveaways.
Main Street Dance Recital and Mary Poppins The Musical
Halton Theater – CPCC
1206 Elizabeth Ave., NC
August 20, 1:00pm, See website for ticket prices
Summary: This practically perfect musical is based on the books by P.L. Travers and the classic Walt Disney film. Disney and Cameron Mackintosh’s “Mary Poppins” is an enchanting mixture of irresistible story, unforgettable songs, and breathtaking dance numbers.
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.
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!
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.
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.
Carolina Panthers
Bank of America Stadium
800 South Mint Street, Charlotte, NC
704-358-7800
2016 Preseason August 11 – September 2, 2016 Regular season September 8
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
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