Carolina Harbor Opening Day
Carowinds
14523 Carowinds Blvd, Charlotte, NC
May 18, 11:00am-5:00pm, starting at $45, kids 3-5 get free entry with a Pre-K pass
Summary: The charm of the Carolina coast meets the thrills of Carowinds at Carolina Harbor waterpark. As one of Carowinds newest additions, this massive waterpark features everything from giant water slides and wave pools to large play structures and a three-acre kids’ area. From mild to wild, Carolina Harbor is the coolest place to slide, splash, chill and dine.
NASCAR Gander Outdoors Truck Series North Carolina Education Lottery 200
Charlotte Motor Speedway
5555 Concord Pkwy. S., Concord, NC
May 17, 6:00pm-10:00pm, All ages, $26.75, Kids 13 and under Free!
Summary: The stars of the NASCAR Gander Outdoors Truck Series take on the high banks of America’s home for Racing, Charlotte Motor Speedway under the lights in 200 miles of exciting, tailgate-flying action. Drivers will also set the field for the Monster Energy NASCAR All-Star Race with white-knuckled, no-speed-limit qualifying that includes a mandatory four-tire pit stop. Don’t forget Kids 13 & Under Get In Free!
24th Annual Italian Festival
St. Philip Neri Catholic Church
292 Munn Road E., Fort Mill, SC
May 16-18, See website for schedule, All ages, Free
Summary: This event is fun for all ages and includes; a fun run and family walk, live music, a talent contest, a kid’s fun zone, wine tasting, live and silent auction and of course lots of incredibly delicious food.
Greater Charlotte Asian Festival
Ramsey Creek Park
18441 Nantz Road, Cornelius, NC
May 18, 9:00am-5:00pm, All ages, Free
Summary: Asian Pacific and Asian Americans of all ethnicities and languages come together to celebrate their heritage through many activities such as dancing, sharing traditional meals, observing and appreciating their rich history.
Green Jeans Consignment Sale
Lake Norman
500 S. Main Street, Mooresville, NC
May 14-19, See website for schedule, All ages, Free admission
Summary: Don’t miss the most talked about semi-annual consignment sale for women and teenage girls in Charlotte. Green Jeans shoppers have come to expect a huge selection of new and gently worn brand name, boutique and designer clothing, shoes, handbags, jewelry and accessories from petite to plus sizes, including maternity. Fashionistas of all styles and budgets enjoy this hugely popular and well-organized shopping event.
The Lego Challenge
Myers Park Branch Library
1361 Queens Road, Charlotte, NC
May 18, 2:00pm-3:00pm, Ages 6-12, Free
Summary: Learn mathematical concepts of sorting, building and geometry while developing problem solving and innovating skills.
Family Storytime: Daddies And Donuts
ImaginOn: The Joe & Joan Martin Center
300 E. 7th Street, Charlotte, NC
May 18, 9:15am-9:45am, All ages, Free
Summary: Invite your dad, grandpa, uncle or caregiver to this very special story time.
Uptown Flea
Uptown Charlotte
406 N. Tryon Street, Charlotte, NC
May 18, 10:00am-3:00pm, May 18, All ages, $1
Summary: 60 vendors to shop plus food from food trucks for purchase
Music On The Green Concert Series
The Green at Promenade on Providence
Corner of Providence Road and I-485
May 3-September 14, See website for schedule, 7:00pm-10:00pm, All ages, Free
Summary: The show is free and open to the public. Make sure to bring your chairs and blankets. Seating is first come first serve, and the concert is rain or shine.
Charlotte SHOUT
Various Locations in Uptown
April 29-May 11, See website for schedule and locations, All ages, Free
Summary: Charlotte SHOUT! is a celebration of art, music, food and ideas in Uptown Charlotte taking place April 29 – May 11. Kicking off with the Charlotte Jazz Festival, and culminating with a three-day convergence, this celebration will feature exceptionally curated programming from around the corner and around the world. This year, SHOUT! is the grand finale of CLT250, the year-long commemoration of Charlotte’s 250th anniversary. With 75+ concerts, installations, performances and everything in between, everyone can discover something inspiring.
BeachFest Matthews
Stumptown Park
120 S. Trade Street, Matthews, NC
May 10-11, See website for schedule, All ages, Free
Summary: Live beach music, food vendors, inflatables, carnival rides, and more!
Toddler Time At Altitude Park
Altitude Trampoline Park
3490 E. Franklin Blvd, Gastonia, NC
April 9-May 31, 10:00am-1:00pm, Ages 6 and under, $6.96
Summary: We love to have the little ones jump with us at Altitude Gastonia! We have a special Toddler Time (ages 6 and under) each weekday from 10:00am – 1:00pm at a discounted rate of $6.95. Parents can also jump for an additional $2.00! Altitude Trampoline Socks (required and not included in ticket prices): $2 per pair.
Pandas In IMAX
Discovery Place Science
301 N. Tryon Street, Charlotte, NC
March 30-May30, See website for schedule, $5-$10
Summary: Narrated by actress Kristen Bell, the film follows a researcher at Chengdu Panda Base in China where scientists are dedicated to protecting the species by breeding adult Giant Pandas in order to introduce the captive-born cubs into the wild.
Stonecrest Summer Concert Series
Stonecrest Shopping Center
7900 Rea Road, Charlotte, NC
March 30-September 28, 7:00pm-10:00pm, All ages, Free
Summary: Celebrate 20 years of music at Stonecrest with weekly family fun.
Carowinds
300 Carowinds Blvd., Charlotte, NC
See website for schedule and events
Explore: what’s new, calendar and hours, park map and directions
Play: rides and attractions, shows and entertainment, special events
Stay: camp wilderness, preferred hotels, special discounts, easy pay
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.
Charlotte Checkers
Bojangles’ Coliseum
2700 E. Independence Blvd., Charlotte, NC
2018-19 Schedule
YMCA of Greater Charlotte Event Calendar
19 Locations throughout the Greater Charlotte Area
Summary: Most people know their neighborhood “Y” because of its incredible sports, camps and fitness programs but the “Y” has so much more to offer. Spend some time (it will take a while) on the website and learn about all the opportunities the “Y” provides. I promise, you will be amazed.
Free Wednesday Evenings At The Mint Museum
The Mint Museum – Randolph
2730 Randolph Road, Charlotte, NC
The Mint Museum – Uptown
500 S. Tryon Street, Charlotte, NC
Every Wednesday from 5:00pm – 9:00pm, All ages
Summary:Enjoy free access to both Mint Museum locations every Wednesday night.
Bank of America’s Museums On Us Day
Various locations around Charlotte
The first Sunday and Saturday of every month, All ages, Free
Summary: Now in its 20th year, this distinctive program offers Bank of America and Merrill Lynch credit and debit card holders the opportunity to visit more than 150 of the most popular cultural institutions in the United States free of charge on the first full weekend of every month.
ImaginON: The Joe & Joan Martin Center
300 E. 7th Street, Charlotte, NC (704) 416-4630
See website for hours of operation
Summary: This collaborative effort between the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library and Children’s Theatre of Charlotte is a 102,000-square-foot facility recently ranked by Livability.com as the No. 1 children’s library in the United States. ImaginOn features two state-of-the-art theaters, a dedicated library space for kids 11 and under, four multi-use classrooms, a teen-only library, a multimedia production studio, and interactive exhibit space.
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
