Smarty Scoop is proudly sponsored by Discovery Place, Discovery Place KIDS – Huntersville and The Charlotte Nature Museum.
Charlotte Hounds vs. Boston Cannons
310 North Kings Drive, Charlotte, NC
May 23, Gates open @ 6:00pm, Faceoff @ 7:00pm
All ages, Parking $5, Ticket $13.41 and up
The Foxes will be passing out roster cards as you enter the Stadium. Hang on to them and get some autographs after the game! Post-Game Fireworks! Kids Zone – featuring the Carolinas HealthCare System Target Shot Booth and Brine lax walls. Dentistry of the Carolinas Tent – Stop by to learn more about basic dental services, custom mouthgaurds (same ones worn by the Hounds!) and swag. Post-Game Autographs – Fans are welcome to come down to the wall at the end of every game for autographs and high fives.
FRIDAY, May 22
Mint Hill Madness
Mint Hill Veterans Memorial Park
8850 Fairview Road, Mint Hill, NC
My 22-24, See website for times, All ages, Free
Summary: Mint Hill Madness is a festival to celebrate the founding of the Town. Mint Hill Madness has something for everyone in the family; delicious food; great music ranging from country to rock; a fantastic family carnival; an arts/crafts fair; an all-American parade; and of course, a spectacular firework show. Mint Hill Events Inc. has been working hard to plan another great event. So…ready, set….LET THE MADNESS BEGIN!
Summer Music Series at Blakeney
Blakeney Shopping Center at the Village Green
Friday, All summer long, 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Summary: Join us every Friday and Saturday night from April-August for free live music at the Village Green. The concerts run from 7-10pm and are fun for the whole family!
StoneCrest Summer Concert Series
StoneCrest Shopping Center – Fountain Stage
7900 Rea Rd, Charlotte, NC
All summer long, 7:00pm – 10:00pm, All ages, Free
Summary: Come out to StoneCrest Shopping Center every Friday and Saturday night this summer to enjoy their free Summer Concert Series.
Ballantyne Village: Art in the Village
Ballantyne Village
14825 Ballantyne Village Way, Charlotte, NC (704) 369-5000
May 22, 6:00pm – 9:00pm, All ages, Free
Summary: The Village welcomes the best in local art every fourth Friday of the month. Stroll through the gallery, meet the artists, and feed your soul as you find the perfect piece to take home and enrich your life.
Coca-Cola Speed Street
Uptown Charlotte, Charlotte, NC
May 21-23, See website for schedule, All ages, Free
Summary: For more than 30 years, the 600 Festival Association has been commemorating the May races at Charlotte Motor Speedway with spectacular family-oriented events that personify the tremendous growth of motorsports.
May Showdown
The Dirt Track at Charlotte Motor Speedway
5555 Concord Pkwy S, Concord, NC (800) 455-3267
May 22, 7:00pm, All ages, $10-$25
Summary: Dirt will fly when the World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series takes on The Dirt Track at Charlotte on May 22nd for the Circle–K Nos Energy Outlaw Showdown. Drivers will compete for prize money and prestige in winged, 850-horsepower open-wheel, sprint cars on the lightning-fast, four-tenths-mile clay oval.
Sesame Street Live: Make New Friends
Bojangles Coliseum
2700 E. Independence Blvd., Charlotte, NC (704) 372-3600
May 22-24, See website for times, All ages, See website for prices,
Summary: No matter where you’re from or where you’ve been, everyone is special – so join in! Elmo, Grover, Abby Cadabby, and their Sesame Street friends welcome Chamki, Grover’s friend from India, to Sesame Street. Together, they explore the universal fun of friendship and celebrate cultural similarities, from singing and dancing, to sharing cookies! Join the fun and make a memory with your friends and family!
Foodtruck Friday
Southend
1613 Camden Road Charlotte, NC
Every Friday, 5:00pm – 9:00pm, All ages, Free
Summary: Every Friday night, Charlotte’s favorite food trucks gather on the lot at the corner of Park and Camden in the Historic South End. These aren’t the roach coaches of yesteryear! The nationwide revolution of the food truck industry has hit Charlotte, and we’ve got an ever-growing community of trucks that cater to your every taste. From burgers to tacos to soul food to cupcakes to ice cream and everything in between…there’s something for everyone. Meeting every Friday night since February 2012, Food Truck Fridays have taken the city by storm. Periodically featuring entertainment as well, the crowds have swelled to over 1,000 each week. We’re family and dog-friendly, too! So bring a chair, bring a blanket, BYOB, bring the kids, take the dog…it’s a neighborhood night out in a relaxed, casual atmosphere. Most of the trucks accept credit cards as well as cash. Accessible by public transportation…take the light rail to Bland Station. A good time and great food are guaranteed!
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.
Children’s Theatre of Charlotte
located @ Imaginon
300 E. 7th Street, Charlotte, NC (704) 973-2800
To see the complete 2014-2015 schedule, special pricing and ways to save click here
Summary: Children’s Theatre of Charlotte’s home is ImaginOn: The Joe & Joan Martin Center, an amazing collaborative venture between the Theatre and the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library. It’s an amazing place for families – a really cool children’s library, plus two incredible theatre spaces for our productions, classrooms, computer labs, a Teen Loft and a lot more.
SATURDAY, May 23
Mint Hill Madness
Mint Hill Veterans Memorial Park
8850 Fairview Road, Mint Hill, NC
My 22-24, See website for times, All ages, Free
Summary: Mint Hill Madness is a festival to celebrate the founding of the Town. Mint Hill Madness has something for everyone in the family; delicious food; great music ranging from country to rock; a fantastic family carnival; an arts/crafts fair; an all-American parade; and of course, a spectacular firework show. Mint Hill Events Inc. has been working hard to plan another great event. So…ready, set….LET THE MADNESS BEGIN!
Summer Music Series at Blakeney
Blakeney Shopping Center at the Village Green
Friday, All summer long, 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Summary: Join us every Friday and Saturday night from April-August for free live music at the Village Green. The concerts run from 7-10pm and are fun for the whole family!
StoneCrest Summer Concert Series
Stonecrest Shopping Center – Fountain Stage
7900 Rea Rd, Charlotte, NC
All summer long, 7:00pm – 10:00pm, All ages, Free
Summary: Come out to Stonecrest Shopping Center every Friday and Saturday night this summer to enjoy their free Summer Concert Series.
Blumenthal Performing Arts
130 N. Tryon Street, Charlotte, NC (704) 372-1000
To see the 2015 schedule click here
Summary: You can get all the best of the performing arts without buying a plane ticket to the Big Apple! Blumenthal Performing Arts is your source for all the best performing arts events in Charlotte and the Carolinas.
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.
Children’s Theatre of Charlotte
located @ Imaginon
300 E. 7th Street, Charlotte, NC (704) 973-2800
To see the complete 2014-2015 schedule, special pricing and ways to save click here
Summary: Children’s Theatre of Charlotte’s home is ImaginOn: The Joe & Joan Martin Center, an amazing collaborative venture between the Theatre and the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library. It’s an amazing place for families – a really cool children’s library, plus two incredible theatre spaces for our productions, classrooms, computer labs, a Teen Loft and a lot more.
SUNDAY, May 24
Mint Hill Madness
Mint Hill Veterans Memorial Park
8850 Fairview Road, Mint Hill, NC
My 22-24, See website for times, All ages, Free
Summary: Mint Hill Madness is a festival to celebrate the founding of the Town. Mint Hill Madness has something for everyone in the family; delicious food; great music ranging from country to rock; a fantastic family carnival; an arts/crafts fair; an all-American parade; and of course, a spectacular firework show. Mint Hill Events Inc. has been working hard to plan another great event. So…ready, set…. LET THE MADNESS BEGIN!
Coca Cola 600
Charlotte Motor Speedway
5555 Concord Pkwy S, Concord, NC (800) 455-3267
May 24, 6:00pm, All ages, $10 and up
Summary: See an amazing pre-race show honoring our Memorial Day military heroes and then enjoy the 56th running of the legendary Coca-Cola 600, NASCAR’s most challenging test of man and machine. Be sure to check out the giant, 10-acre Fan Zone with hours of race-related entertainment. Fans can enjoy everything from live music and interactive games to a Ferris Wheel, stilt walker and appearances by Lug Nut.
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.
Children’s Theatre of Charlotte
located @ Imaginon
300 E. 7th Street, Charlotte, NC (704) 973-2800
To see the complete 2014-2015 schedule, special pricing and ways to save click here
Summary: Children’s Theatre of Charlotte’s home is ImaginOn: The Joe & Joan Martin Center, an amazing collaborative venture between the Theatre and the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library. It’s an amazing place for families – a really cool children’s library, plus two incredible theatre spaces for our productions, classrooms, computer labs, a Teen Loft and a lot more.
MONDAY, May 25
USNWC Memorial Day Celebration
USNWC
5000 Whitewater Center Pkwy., Charlotte, NC (704) 391-3900
May 25, 9:00am – 10:00pm, All ages, Free (parking fee applies)
Summary: The USNWC is the ideal location to enjoy a long holiday weekend, and the Memorial Day Celebration gives you a reason to do just that. 5 and 8-mile trail races start the day, followed by a cornhole tournament and live music into the evening. Stick around to enjoy our firework display at dusk, capping off a fun-filled Memorial Day at the USNWC.
Memorial Day Family Kayaking
McDowell Nature Center
15222 York Road, Charlotte, NC (704) 588-5224
May 25, 1:30pm – 3:30pm, 10 and up, $15, Registration required
Summary: Paddle the border of the Carolinas with views of the Buster Boyd Bridge, Copperhead Island, and more. Search for wildlife and learn about the Nature Preserve as you relax and take in the beautiful scenery. All equipment and instruction provided. Children ages 5-8 are required to share a tandem kayak with an adult. Registration required. Meet at the waterfront programming area.
Charlotte Knights vs. Columbus Clippers
BB&T Ballpark
324 S. Mint Street, Charlotte, NC
May 25, 7:05pm, All ages, $11 and up
Summary: Arguably the best baseball stadium in the minor leagues… Come cheer on the knights and enjoy the amazing fireworks display after the game.
