Happy 4th Smarties! This may be one of my favorite holidays. I love all things patriotic and the chance to celebrate the freedom of our country and to recognize those who fought for and continue to fight for those freedoms. Enjoy the day and then plan for the weekend. There are several great events this weekend and if you would like to attend the International Collectables and Antique Show at Metrolina, I have 6 passes for you. In the comments below, leave your email address and one of your favorite Charlotte events. I will select the winners and notify by email. Get out and Enjoy!
International Collectables and Antique Show
Metrolina Expo
July 5-8, Thurs.-Sat., 9:00am-5:00pm; Sun., 10:00am-4:00pm
Collectibles and Antiques to our Flea Market Street: home decor, fine antiques, furniture, collectibles, antique guns, art, jewelry, rugs, crafts, vintage toys & games, silver, pottery, china, silver, salvage items, outdoor decor, vintage instruments, fresh produce and more!
Red, White & Blue
McDowell Nature Center
July 6, 10:30am-11:15am
Come and learn about the American Flag. Listen to a story and make a flag of your own to take home. Meet at Medium Shelter. Best for ages 4-6. Cost is $3.
Bright Blessings USA
The Giving Village, 608-A Matthews Mint Hill Rd, Matthews, NC
July 6, 10:00am-11:00am
Bring the kids to The Giving Village and participate in activities to help local homeless children. Space is limited & advance registration is required. Sign up today! Cost is $10.
Rapunzel (for Kids)
Pease Auditorium, Central Piedmont Community College
July 6-8, Fri.-Sat., 10:00am; Sun., 2:30pm
Will Rapunzel be rescued from the tower? Can a prince persevere over evil? How can Rapunzel convince the witch that it’s OK to be unique? Come find the answers to all these questions when “Rapunzel” comes to the Pease Auditorium. Cost is $7-$10.
Learn & Grow Discovery Farm
Patterson Farm
July 6-7, 9:00am-1:00pm
Children will learn where their food comes from as they “work” the farm through 15 interactive learning stations. Through fun simulations, they’ll learn to “milk” a cow, “harvest” honey & produce, “gather eggs” from the coop, and feed the animals. Cost is $8, under 2 is free.
National Geographic Crittercam
Discovery Place
Through September 16
What do wild animals do when humans aren’t around? Take a rare peek into the private lives of animals through Crittercams, imaging devices worn safely by wildlife. Designed to help researchers learn how animals live, eat and care for their young, these tools enable us to better understand how to protect the very animals that wear them. Take a wild ride as you experience the world from an entirely new perspective – dive deep with penguins, hunt with lions, lurk with crocodiles and much more.
Meet Spider-Man
Adventure Landing, 10400 Cadillac St.
July 7
Come See Your Favorite Super Hero, Spider-Man! Enjoy a FREE meet & greet with great photo opportunities!
Spider-Man will be at the park from 3pm-6pm. See the movie, then see the man!
Live Animal Talk
McDowell Nature Center
July 7-8, Sat., 2:00pm-2:30pm, 4:15pm-4:45pm; Sun., 4:15pm-4:45pm
What does a snake feel like? Can turtles trade shells? Discover these answers and more while you get up close to several resident animals of McDowell Nature Center, the Preserve, and possibly your backyard. Cost is free.
4th of July Fireworks
U.S. National Whitewater Center
Live music starting at 4pm. Fireworks follow the concert. $5 parking.
WBT Skyshow 2012
Charlotte Knights play the Gwinnett Braves at 7pm Firework show after the game. $8-$14.
Lake Wylie
Fireworks at Lake Wylie near the Buster Boyd Bridge around 9:45pm
Presbyterian Hospital July 4th Spectacular
Center City Charlotte and Presbyterian Hospital host the 4th annual firework show in uptown Charlotte 6pm.-10pm with fireworks beginning around 9:30pm
Carowinds
All military servicemen get in to the park for free with a valid military ID. Special flag performance, brass brigade band, picnic, fireworks and more.
Queen’s Landing Fireworks
Queen’s Landing Mooresville will host a concert and the Lake Norman firework display. Fireworks begin around 9:15pm