SCarowinds
Carowinds
300 Carowinds Blvd., Charlotte, NC
Opening weekend! See website for schedule, Ages 13 and up
Summary: SCarowinds is upon us! Opening on Friday the 13th (spooky!), our 2019 Scarowinds season is sure to scare up a good time with returning fan-favorite attractions as well as three new shows and three new scare zones. To make sure you’re prepared for all the fear and fright, we’ve created a guide to help you survive the night.
See all the incredible deals and save serious cash this Scarowinds season!
Gripped Festival
Rock Hill BMX Supercross Track
1307 Riverwalk Pkwy, Rock Hill, SC
September 13-14, See website for schedule, All ages, $5-$10
Summary: From climbing walls, carnival rides & inflatables to edge of your seat racing, Gripped Festival has it all! Cycling fun at Gripped includes a BMX stunt show, vintage bicycles, bike rodeo, balance bike activities, and vendor fair!
Disney’s Aladdin
Blumenthal Performing Arts
130 N. Tryon Street, Charlotte, NC
September 10-29, See website for schedule, Ages, 6+, $30
Summary: Aladdin is brought to thrilling theatrical life in this bold new musical that will sweep you into an exotic world full of daring adventure, classic comedy and timeless romance. It’s an unforgettable experience that includes all the cherished songs from the Academy Award-winning score and more written especially for the stage.
C2 Obstacle Trail Run
YMCA Camp Thunderbird
One Thunderbird Lane, Lake Wylie, SC
September 14, 8:00am-12:00pm, All ages and abilities, $25-$50
Summary: The Steele Creek YMCA C2 Obstacle Trail Run is an outdoor camp adventure that tests your mental and physical ability to overcome and be resilient. Join us for an ideal team building event that reawakens your inner camp child and connects you with nature. Hit the trails and make your footprints count in support of the YMCA Annual Campaign; giving youth an opportunity to play, learn and grow in a safe and thriving environment. With the community’s support in 2018, the C2 Obstacle Trail Run reached record participation and raised over $44,000, providing hundreds of children the opportunity to participate in enriching, life-changing YMCA programs like preschool, after school, summer camp and sports.
Sounds of Summer
First Ward Park
301 E. 7th Street, Charlotte, NC
September 13, 7:00pm-10:00pm, All ages, Free
Summary: Keller and the Keels with Coddle Creek is self described as Appalachian Psychedelic Bluegrass. This “Award winning flat picker Larry Keel and his rock solid, in the pocket bass playing wife, Jenny Keel, make up two thirds of this super fun trio I started in 2004. With two albums recorded together the handful of gigs we play a year turn into acoustic picking parties. We vowed from the beginning that we wouldn’t do it often so that when we did, it would be special and it is.” –Kw
Matthews Food Truck Fridays
Stumptown Park
120 S. Trade Street, Matthews, NC
September 13, 5:00pm-9:00pm, All ages, Free admission
Summary: A variety of food trucks will roll into downtown Matthews on the second and fourth Fridays, April through September. Get dinner from up to 10 eclectic area trucks, relax in the park, listen to good music, let the kids play in bounce houses, and enjoy the downtown vibe! Be sure to like us on Facebook at “Matthews Food Truck Fridays” to see the line-up each week and keep up with your favorite food trucks.
30th Annual Gold Panning Competition
Reed Gold Mine
9621 Reed Mine Road, Midland, NC
September 14, 10:00am-3:00pm, All ages, $3-$15
Summary: Experienced gold panners and novices will compete for speed along historic Little Meadow Creek, site of the first documented gold discovery in the United States. Competitors will be issued gravity trap pans containing sand and four gold nuggets. They must remove as much sand as possible and leave all four nuggets and face penalties of nuggets are missing. The Pro and Amateur Division each will have an adult and junior (14 and under) category. Entry fees are $15 for adult and $10 for junior categories. The Amateur division fees are $5 for adults and juniors. Pros are contestants who have competed in any panning competition during the previous two years.
Oliver!
The Eloise MacDonald Playhouse
501 Queens Road, Charlotte, NC
September 6-22, See website for schedule,
Summary: This Tony Award-winning adaptation of the classic Dickens’ novel is widely hailed as a true theatrical masterpiece. Join young, orphaned Oliver Twist as he navigates the London’s underworld of theft and violence, searching for a home, a family, and — most importantly — for love. With spirited, timeless songs like “As Long as He Needs Me,” “Food, Glorious Food,” and “Where is Love,” Oliver! is a musical classic.
Pet Adaption Event
SouthPark Mall
First Saturday of every month, 11:00am-3:00pm,
4400 Sharon Road, Charlotte, NC
Summary: We bring a selection of dogs, puppies, cats and kittens to the mall for adoption. As long as the pets are spayed/or neutered prior to the event they can be adopted and go home the same day. We do provide a cat carrier for a $5 donation and leashes for a $1 donation, however, adopters are welcome to bring their own. Adoption prices may vary per pet. Adoption promotions at the shelter are honored at the mall event.
Claws Exhibit At SEA LIFE Aquarium
SEA LIFE Charlotte-Concord Aquarium
8111 Concord Mills Blvd., Concord, NC
Daily, see website for schedule, $11-$20 includes museum admission, children under 2 free.
Summary: Do you think you can come claw to claw with some of the world’s most amazing crabs? Come SEA for yourself at our exhibit – Claws. Discover the depths of the sea where you can meet the craziest crabs of all time. Dive into these crustacean’s habitats, learn crazy crabby facts, and much more!
Open Art Studio
Noah’s Art of SouthPark
5110 Park Road, Charlotte, NC
May 11-October 26 (every Saturday), 9:30am-10:15am, Ages 2-10, $10
Summary: Noah’s Art focuses on a process-oriented art experience. To aide in the development of each individual child’s talents and abilities, our instructors lead students through the process of creating art, at the same time, we give instruction in the use of art supplies, tools, and methods. Children in our classes learn to have confidence in their own creativity.
Saturday Yoga on The Greenway
Anne Springs Close Greenway
291 Dairy Barn Lane, Fort Mill, SC
June 1-October 26 (every Saturday), 10:00am-11:00am, All ages, $5, plus $5 for parking
Summary: Get your weekend started off right with a Saturday stretch with yoga instructor, Suzanne Braunlich. This yoga class focuses on bringing awareness to the mind, body, and breath through a variety of yoga poses at a gentle pace. Emphasis is on alignment and self-awareness for a safe practice. Develop and maintain
strength, flexibility and balance for your health and well-being. All are welcome, from beginners to seasoned yogis! Please bring your own yoga mat and water bottle.
Open Swim At The Quarry
Carrigan Farms
1226 Oakridge Farm Why, Mooresville, NC
Summary:The Quarry at Carrigan Farms is a natural, spring fed, body of water where swimming is enjoyed by many. Mined in the late 1960’s for its granite stone, once a spring was discovered, the quarry filled with water and is now a favorite spot for those wanting to cool off in the summer. At select times The Quarry is open to individuals. Cost is $15 per person and cash or check are accepted for payment, but not credit or debit cards. All attendees are charged admission, even if they do not wish to swim. Please note that we are ONLY open for open swim at the dates and times listed here: Open Swim Dates and Times – Click here.
The Adventures Of Mr. Potato Head
ImagineOn: The Joe and Joan Martin Center
300 E. 7th Street, Charlotte, NC
June 9-September 8, See website for schedule, Ages 3-8, Free
Summary: The much-loved MR. POTATO HEAD character will lead young visitors and parents on a number of fun and educational adventures. From jungle safaris to archeological digs, each activity will provide children with engaging learning experiences.
2nd Friday Street Festival
Oak Street Mill
19725 Oak Street, Cornelius, NC
The second Friday of May-October, 6:00pm-10:00pm, All ages, Free
Summary: The 2nd Friday Street Festival series is back and better than ever featuring a JAM-PACKED lineup of Live Bands, Food Trucks, Craft Breweries, Special Performances, Local Artists & Craftsmen, Kids Activities & Much More!
Rockin’ And Reelin” Movie And Concert Series
Pineville Lake Park
1000 Johnston Drive, Pineville, NC
June 21-September 20, Concerts start at 7pm; movies start at dusk, All ages, Free
Summary: Live music and movies on the lawn are the perfect combination for a summer of family fun.
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.
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
