Happy Wednesday Smarties. This month is really flying by – I know for some of you who have been coping with sick kids (it is that time of year), time is crawling but you have a great weekend of Smarty Events to look forward to. Once again, Charlotte delivers with a little something for everyone, family pet included. If you have events to share, please post in comments or email me at Courtenay@charlottesmartypants.com. Get out and enjoy the weekend!
Sunset Family Hayride
McDowell Nature Preserve
October 23, 5:30pm-7:00pm
Bring the family out to enjoy a fun hayride through McDowell Nature Preserve. See different habitats and learn about what critters can be found. For more information, contact Christopher.Horrigan@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov.
Simon Fashion Now
SouthPark Mall
October 23-24, Fri., Sat., noon-5pm
Simon Fashion Now™ presented by Land Rover Charlotte, a free, high-energy celebration of style at all price ranges, arrives at SouthPark on October 23 and 24. With a focus on fall fashion, Simon Fashion Now brings the drama and appeal of a runway fashion show experience to style-minded yet budget-savvy consumers, as well as showcasing the impressive array of products offered by SouthPark retailers. Simon Fashion Now at SouthPark will kick off on Friday, Oct. 23 with Trends & Friends Night, an evening of fashion, cocktails and bites, beginning at 5:00 p.m. in SouthPark’s Circle Court. The event will feature three runway shows at 5:30, 6:30 and 7:30 p.m. and Style Stops showcasing the latest fashion trends, all free of charge. Guests can also enjoy a silent auction to benefit Dress for Success Charlotte. Shoppers are encouraged to bring new or gently worn accessories for donation to the non-profit organization, which promotes the economic independence of disadvantaged women by providing professional attire, a network of support and the career development tools to help women thrive in work and in life. Simon Fashion Now continues on Saturday, Oct. 24 at Center Court with runway shows every hour from 1:00 – 5:00 p.m. and even more Style Stops. Unlike fashion week runway shows, each featured look will be available for immediate purchase at participating retailers.
Children’s Theatre of Charlotte’s “New Kid”
Children’s Theatre of Charlotte, Wachovia Playhouse
October 23-25, Fri., 7:30pm; Sat., 1:00pm; Sun., 2:00pm
This play by Dennis Foon tells the story of Nick, who moves to America with his parents. He feels isolated and confused. Eventually Nick gains a sense of belonging, even as he teaches his new friends a lesson about learning to celebrate differences. Ages 7 and up. Cost is $14-$18.
Fall Festivities Day
Discovery Place
October 24, 10:00am-6:00pm
Fall into fun and learn about the science behind leaves changing color and the cooling air.
Family Fun Day
Joseph-Beth Booksellers & Bistro
October 24, 11:00am-2:00pm
Join JB for a day full of Games, Face Painting, The Discovery Place Science Reach Team, The Nature Museum traveling animal exhibit, The Community School of the Arts and photographs with some of your favorite characters including The Cat in the Hat, Franklin and the Berenstain Bears.
Carolina BalloonFest 36
Statesville Regional Airport, Aviation Drive, Statesville
October 23-25, Gates open Fri. 3:00pm, Sat., 7:00am-8:00pm; Sun.,7:00am-6:00pm
Bring your lawn chairs and blankets to enjoy the sights and sounds of colorful hot air balloons. Taste local wine, stroll the Artisan Village and BalloonFest Market Place and enjoy great food. There’s also music and a Kid’s Fun Zone. Cost is $10 adults, $5 6-12, free 5 & under.
Christmas Made in the South
Cabbarus Arena & Events Center
October 23-25, Fri. and Sat., 10:00am-6:00pm, Sun., 11:00am-5:00pm
Find jewelry, painted tiles, pottery and fine art among the many exhibits of artists and craftspeople. Cost is $6 adults, free 12 and under.
Ghost Tales in the Dark
Historic Latta Plantation
October 23-24, 7:00pm, 8:00pm, 9:00pm
Lantern tours of the plantation at night- hear real ghost stories from volunteers, staff, and ghost hunting investigations! Sells out quickly so rsvp is required. Cost is $12 per person.
Great Outdoors Festival
Latta Plantation Nature Center
October 24, 11:00am-5:00pm
Spend the day at beautiful Latta Plantation Nature Preserve and Mountain Island Lake for the second annual Great Outdoors Fall Festival. Enjoy free activities including fishing, canoeing, kayaking, lots of children’s craft activities, guided trail walks, old fashion field games and much more. Vendors will be on hand to show you the latest and greatest in outdoor gear and equipment. For more information call 704-875-1391.
AutumnFaire
Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden
October 24-25, 9:00am-3:00pm
Art comes alive through this plant-based celebration. Activities for adults and children reflect the season in a variety of forms of arts and crafts based on and with plants. Cost is $5-$10. Members free.
Harrison United Methodist Church Fall Festival
Harrison UMC, 15008 Lancaster Highway, Pineville
October 24, 10:00am-4:00pm
Features live music, a silent auction, barbecue, hot dogs, caramel apples, T-shirts, face painting, kids games and pumpkins.
Haunted Homesite
Charlotte Museum of History
October 24, 6:00-9:00pm
Tour the historic grounds of the Hezekiah Alexander Homesite (for ages 10 and older). Inside the museum, enjoy hands-on activities, crafts and storytelling. Learn about the Day of the Dead. All are encouraged to come in costume and compete for prizes for the most unique, good, bad, and ugly costumes. Reservations required. Cost is $5 members, $7 nonmembers.
Victory Junction 5th birthday celebration
Take shuttle from Richard Petty Museum, 142 W. Academy St., Randleman
October 24, 1:00pm-4:00pm
Explore the facility, including kids’ favorite Jimmie Johnson Victory Lanes bowling alley and the Kurt Busch Super Dome, and enjoy games and camp activities. Cost is $5 donation for shuttle.
Frankenstring Magic Trick
Lowe’s
October 24, 10:00am-11:00am
Get your child ready for Halloween with this awesome Frankenstring magic trick kit! At most participating Lowe’s. Make sure you register online!
Barktoberfest
Canine Cafe Charlotte
October 24, 2:00pm-5:00pm
American Cancer Society will host its second annual Barktoberfest. Barktoberfest will include just-for-fun dog and Halloween costume contests and an $18 microchip clinic. In addition, dog treats will be provided by Canine Café and human treats from Salsarita’s Fresh Cantina and Blowing Rock Ale.
