MAY
SPRING & SUMMER 2008 MAIN STREET MARKETPLACE May 2-June 27. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Boyd Plaza, Columbia, S.C. 803-779-4005 ext. 2042. www.citycentercolumbia.sc.
Pit Crew Challenge May 15: See why races are won and lost in the pits. A portion of the proceeds will benefit a charity of The NASCAR Foundation. $15. Live at 7 p.m. Time Warner Cable Arena, 333 E. Trade St. 704-688-9000. www.timewarnercablearena.com.
MindControl New 2XCD Release Tour On Star 69 May 16: DJs Peter Bailey and Richie Santana take you on a trip through the universe as they tag-team their way though a night of pulsating house music that will keep the party jumping. $15-$20. 10 p.m. Crave (inside Velocity), 935 S. Summit Ave. 704-333-0060. www.velocitync.com.
Mint After 5 May 16: Come enjoy the rooftop patio at the Mint Museum. Good drinks and great food from the area's best restaurants. $15. 6 p.m.-9 p.m. Mint Museum of Craft & Design, 220 N. Tryon St. 704-337-2000. www.mintmuseum.org.
Stamp and Postcard show May 17-18: Buy, sell and trade stamps, postcards and supplies for collectors. 10 a.m. Char-Meck Senior Center. 3925 Willard Farrow Drive. 704-531-6900.
Second Annual Benefit for the Percy Thornton Foundation May 23-25: Features musical performances, drink specials and more. $40. The Mint Juleps Club, 155 Hall Avenue, Southern Pines, N.C.
Kids Triathlon May 24: Family Fitness & Aquatics is pleased to announce fun activities for kids up to the age of 12. 6 p.m. Huntersville Family Fitness & Aquatics, 11725 Verhoff Drive, Huntersville. 704-766-2222. For more, visit:www.HFFA.com.
Teen Game Night May 29: Try your hand at trivia and other board games for teens in grades 6-12. 6 p.m.-8 p.m. Union Road Branch Library, 5800 Union Road, Gastonia.
Charity Begins at Golf May 31: The Charlotte Singles Golf Association presents a charity golf tournament to benefit Hospice and Palliative Care. $65. 8:30 a.m. Renaissance Park Golf Course.
Handmade Paper Greeting Cards May 31: Norma Suddreth teaches you how to make your own greeting cards. $70. 10 a.m.. Cheap Joe's Art Stuff, 4420 Monroe Road.
June
CAROLINA MUDCATS June 1-4: at Montgomery; June 6-10: Mudcats vs. Jacksonville; June 11-15: Mudcats vs. Birmingham; June 17-22: Mudcats at Chattanooga; June 24-29: Mudcats vs. Huntsville; June 30: Mudcats at Jacksonville. 919-269-2887. www.gomudcats.com. Raleigh, N.C
THE DIXON GALLERY AND GARDENS June 1: 2008 Memphis Flower Show-M3D On the Edge; June 5: Carnivorous Plants Workshop for children 8-12; June 7: Photography Workshop I-Point and Shoot Auto; June 13: Leaf Casting Workshop; June 14: Photography Workshop II-Digital SLR Cameras-Beyond Automatic; June 19: Art After Dark- The Third Man; June 28: BooksmART for children 6-12. 4339 Park Ave., Memphis, Tenn. 901-761-5250. www.dixon.org.
Mr. & Miss National Icon June 1: The most dragtastic pageant in the Carolinas. Enjoy the "ladies and gentlemen" as they strut their stuff. $20. 9 p.m. Warehouse 29, 1011 Arnold St., Greensboro N.C. www.mrandmissnationalicon.com.
Appalachian Summer Festival June 2: Summer auction opens. June 28: Ricky Scaggs & Kentucky Thunder. June 29: Broyhill Chamber Ensemble. June 30-July 2: Visual arts workshop for teens & adults. www.appsummer.org
Reedy Creek Nature Center June 3: P.L.A.N.T. Club: Ladybug Ladybug, 9:30 a.m.-11 a.m. June 7: Saturday Morning Nature Hikes, 10 a.m.-11 a.m. June 7: National Trails Day, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. June 11: Senior Excursions: Weymouth Woods Nature Preserve, 8 a.m.-1 p.m. ages 55 and up. $4. June 13: March of The Penguins, 7 p.m. June 13: Insects of the Night, 10 a.m.-12 p.m. June 21: Book Discussion Blessed Unrest, 8:30 p.m.-10 p.m. June 28: South Mountain State Park, 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Reedy Creek Nature Center, 2900 Rocky River Road. 704-598-8857.
GOT TO BE NC FESTIVAL June 5-8: Taste a variety of food in N.C. Agriculture Food Expo, tour of antique farm equipment, antique tractor pull, horse pull, music, barbecue and other foods, games, rides, petting zoo. N.C. State Fairgrounds. Raleigh, N.C. www.ncagfest.com
57TH ANNUAL SUN FUN FESTIVAL June 5-9: Music, beauty pageants and fun in the sun. Myrtle Beach, S.C. 843-916-7221. www.SunFunFestival.com.
LOWES FOODS TASTE OF CHARLOTTE June 6-8: Enjoy an array of culinary delights as you choose from more than 100 samples from Charlotte's finest restaurants. Rain or Shine. www.tasteofcharlotte.com.
HAMMERHEADS SOCCER GAME June 7: The Wilmington Hammerheads play against the Pittsburgh Riverhounds; June 13: The Wilmington Hammerheads play against the Western Mass Pioneers; June 17: The Wilmington Hammerheads play against the Crystal Palace Baltimore. 7:30 p.m. 910-796-0076. Legion Sports Complex, 420 Raleigh St. Suite E., Wilmington, N.C.
Charlotte Dragon Boat and Asian Festival June 7: A wide variety of traditional Asian offerings and entertainment. Forty teams will compete in the fastest growing water sporting event. 11 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Ramsey Creek Park, 18441 Nantz Road, Cornelius. 704-896-9808. www.charlottedragonboat.com.
MECKLENBURG COUNTY 5TH ANNUAL VOLLEYBALL BASH June 7-8. Memorial Stadium. 704-336-7644. www.charlottevb.com.
2nd annual Run for Miracles June 7: RE/MAX at the Lake hosts this 5k run for charity. 8 a.m. 121 Rolling Hill Road, Mooresville. www.REMAXatthelake5k.com.
2008 Charlotte Memory Walk June 7: Come support the Alzheimer's Association of Western Carolina. 9 a.m. Freedom Park, 1900 East Blvd. 704-432-4280. www.alz.org/northcarolina.
SWEETGRASS CULTURAL ARTS FESTIVAL June 6-7: Celebrates the Gullah cultural heritage with performances and cuisine. Also, displays sweetgrass basketry, arts and crafts. Mt. Pleasant, S.C. 843-856-9732. www.sweetgrassfestival.com.
OLD TYME FESTIVAL June 7: Remember the past through arts, crafts, reenactments, antique tractors, children's games and more. The festival presented by Olive Branch City Park will benefit the DeSoto Sunrise Homes. 662-895-2600. Olive Branch, MS.
GRAPES BY THE BUNCH Choose from 120 wines to sample any 3 or more 2.5 ounce glasses. The Grape at South Park. 704-248-9463. The Grape at Northlake Mall. 704-509-9017. Charlotte, N.C. www.yourgrape.com.
Summer Kick Off June 7: Kickoff summer gardening season with the family as you explore flowers, herbs, and veggies. $5-$10. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden, 6500 S. New Hope Road, Belmont. 704-825-4490. www.DSBG.org.
Quaker Steak and Lube Summer Shootout Series June 10-Aug. 12: For the whole summer NASCAR fans young and old can come out every Tuesday night and race like their favorite drivers. $3-$7. Lowes Motor Speedway, 5555 Concord Pkwy, Concord. 704-455-3200. www.lowesmotorspeedway.com.
WIL-BEAR WRIGHT'S FESTIVAL OF FUN June 11: A day filled with fun activities for kids. Make and fly your own kite, try yo-yo stunts, get your face painted, demo new toys and more. Kitty Hawk Kites, Nags Head, N.C. 877-FLY-THIS. www.kittyhawk.com.
Off The Vine June 12: Venture into the world of wines as you sample several delectable varieties. Relax to the music of Uncommon Jazz as you enjoy the night. $25-$30. 6 p.m.-10 p.m. Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden, 6500 S. New Hope Road, Belmont. 704-825-4490 or www.DSBG.org.
TWIN CITY RIBFEST June 12-14: Winston-Salem, N.C. 336-707-9188 www.twincityribfest.com.
JUNETEENTH FREEDOM & HERITAGE FESTIVAL June 13-15: The 15th annual Juneteenth Freedom Festival this year is a Tribute to African-Americans in entertainment. Memphis, Tenn. 901-385-4943. www.juneteenthmemphis.org.
USA TRACK & FIELD S.C. ASSOCIATION June 13-15: Junior Olympic Track & Field Championships. Winthrop University, Rock Hill, S.C.; June 21: Open Masters Track & Field. Winthrop University, Rock Hill, S.C.; June 21: Nike Outdoor Classic. NC A&T State University. Greensboro, N.C.; June 24-29: Youth Outdoor Track & Field Championships. UNC Charlotte, Charlotte, N.C.; June 28: USATF SC Open/Masters Track & Field Championships. Winthrop, Rock Hill, S.C. www.scusatf.org.
JUNETEENTH FESTIVAL OF THE CAROLINAS June 14-17: Celebration of humanity and universal freedom with cultural traditions and diversity through food, arts and music. Independence Park, 300 Hawthorne Lane. 704-336-2884. www.juneteenthofthecarolinas.com.
24TH ANNUAL LOBSTER FEST June 14: Presented by Church of the Servant with fresh Maine lobsters, cole slaw, corn on the cob and rolls. 12 p.m.-5 p.m. 4925 Oriole Drive, Wilmington, N.C. 919-395-0616. www.churchoftheservantwilmingtonnc.org.
Kids Triathlon June 14: Huntersville Family Fitness & Aquatics is pleased to announce fun activities for kids up to the age of 12. 6 p.m. Huntersville Family Fitness & Aquatics, 11725 Verhoff Drive, Huntersville. 704-766-2222. www.HFFA.com.
Havana Lake Nights June 14: Join the Young Affiliates of the Mint as they cruise Lake Norman and enjoy food from the best Latin restaurants, Salsa dancers and hand-rolled cigars. $50-$65. 6 p.m.
SPLASH DASH RACES June 14: 10 K Race. Camp Thunderbird, Lake Wylie, S.C. www.lakewyliesc.com.
TIME TRAVELERS CAMP June 16-20: Explore what it was like in the pioneer backcountry, the Revolutionary War and an 1800's cotton plantation. Historic Brattonsville, S.C. 803-329-2121.
MOUNTAIN BIKING CLINIC July 19: Learn bike handling skills at 10 a.m. in Colonel Francis Beatty Park, Charlotte, N.C. www.bikepasa.com.
Summer Solstice Celebration June 20: Celebrate the longest day of the year with a special family evening in the garden. Make flower garlands and release some ladybugs into the garden. $5-$10. 5:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m. Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden, 6500 S. New Hope Road. 704-825-4490. www.DSBG.org.
Mint After 5 June 20: Come enjoy the rooftop patio at the Mint Museum. Good drinks and great food from the area's best restaurants. $15. 6 p.m.-9 p.m. Mint Museum of Craft & Design, 220 N. Tryon St.
Heroes Convention June 20-22: A comic book lover's dream. Meet some of your favorite authors: Frank Cho, Al Feldstein, David Finch, Matt Fraction and others. $10-$20. Charlotte Convention Center, 501 S. College St. 339-6000. www.heroesonline.com.
DUB MAGAZINE CUSTOM AUTO SHOW & CONCERT June 21: The best place to see the newest cars, fully customized to their highest potential and some of the hip-hop world's to artists together on the main stage. 3 p.m.-9 p.m. Charlotte Convention Center, 501 S. College St. 704-339-6000. www.charlotteconventionctr.com.
FLEA MARKET June: Every Saturday and Sunday. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. N.C. State Fairgrounds. Raleigh. 919-829-3533.
MRS. SOUTH CAROLINA PAGEANT June 21: Newberry Opera House, 1201 McKibben Street, Newberry S.C. 803-276-5179. www.newberryoperahouse.com.
FIESTA LATINA June 21: Hosted by the Hispanic Liasion of Chatham County, includes kids area, music, raffles, and the famed Fiesta Latina Queen and Miss Chiquita contest. Shakori Hills Farm, Pittsboro. 919-742-1448. www.evhnc.org.
World Class Mixed Martial Arts June 21: The first MMA event in the Q.C. First class match between Kevin "The Monster" Randleman and Jeff "The Snowman" Monson. $50-$500. 7 p.m. Time Warner Cable Arena, 333 E. Trade St. 704-522-6500. www.ticketmaster.com.
SOUTH CAROLINA REPTILE & EXOTIC ANIMAL SHOW June 21-22: Event presented by Repticon, offers a variety of vendors with reptiles, supplies, feeders, cages and other reptile merchandise. $5-$10. Jamil Temple, Columbia, S.C. www.repticon.com.
Summer Food Drive June 25: WSOC and Second Harvest Food Bank needs your help. Kids are out of school and more food is needed. Channel 9 anchors will be helping to take take your donations all day long. 10 a.m. 1901 N. Tryon St.
3rd Annual Veterans & Reservists Golf Classic June 27: Features a free 18 holes of golf and complimentary lunch at Renaissance Public Golf Course. All military veterans, National Guard, Reserves and active duty personnel invited to sign up through June 13. 704-357-3373. www.charlottepublicgolf.com
ISLAND HERITAGE FESTIVAL June 27-29: 3-day celebration of 10 programs honoring the history and culture of "Gullah People", and the historic treasures of their Sea Island home "James Island." Charleston, S.C. www.islandheritagefestival.com.
KIDSFEST June 13-Aug. 3: Creature Adventures starring the Kratt Brothers, stars of PBS' Zoboomafoo series. Learn about the animal world and have fun in the Great Smokey Mountains. Dollywood, 1020 Dollywood Lane, Pigeon Forge, Tenn. 1-800-dollywood. www.dollywood.com.
KITTY HAWK KITES KITEBOARDING COMPETITION June 28-29: Come see some of the best kiteboarders in the world right here on the Outer Banks. Kitty Hawk Kites Kiteboarding Center, Windmill Point, N.C. 877-fly-this. www.kittyhawk.com.
FUN FOURTH FESTIVAL June 28: Fun Fourth Freedom Run & Walk; June 29: Heritage Day at Blandwood Mansion; July 3: Fun Third Block Party at Youth Plaza; July 4: Fun Fourth Parade & Street Festival. Greensboro, N.C. www.aroundthepiedmonttriad.com/gsofestivals.
INSIDE PITCH June 28-29: Toy and hobby show. N.C. State Fairgrounds, Kerr Scott Bldg. 919-821-7400. Raleigh, N.C.
JULY
TWEETSIE RAILROAD Fireworks July 4: 300 Tweetsie Railroad Lane, Blowing Rock, N.C. 800-526-5740. www.tweetsie.com.
WENTWORTH MANSION AND CIRCA 1886'S SIZZLING SOUTHERN FOURTH OF JULY CELEBRATION July 4. Charleston, S.C. www.charlestoncvb.com.
WINERY'S SUMMER HOLIDAY WEEKENDS July 4-6. Biltmore Estate, Asheville, N.C. www.biltmore.com.
INDEPENDENCE DAY FIREWORKS AT CAROLINA BEACH July 3: Enjoy fireworks at the beach. Wilmington, N.C. www.pleasureislandnc.org.
INDEPENDENCE IN THE PARK July 4: Belk Tonawanda Park, Monroe, N.C.
CAROLINA MUDCATS July 4-7: Carolina Mudcats vs. Tennessee Smokies; July 14: 2008 Southern League All-Star Game; July 22-26: Carolina Mudcats vs. Huntsville Stars; July 27-31: Carolina Mudcats vs. Jacksonville Suns. Raleigh, N.C. 919-269-2887. www.mudcats.com.
Hilton Head FIRECRACKER 5000 ROAD RACE July 4: 24th Annual race and walk at the mall at Shelter Cove, 8 a.m. A portion of the proceeds benefits the Hilton Head Runners Club and others. 843-379-3440. www.bearfootsports.com.
FESTIVAL FOR THE ENO July 4, 5 & 6: Durham City Park, Durham, N.C. 10 a.m.- 6 p.m. 919-477-4549. www.enoriver.org.
FLEA MARKET July: Every Saturday and Sunday. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. State Fairgrounds, Raliegh. 919-829-3533.
FOURTH OF JULY FIREWORKS July 4. Lake Wylie, S.C.
FOURTH OF JULY FIREWORKS July 4. Myrtle Beach, S.C.
RED WHITE AND BOOM! July 4: Celebrate fourth of July in Center City with fireworks. 4 p.m.-10 p.m. Memorial Stadium, 310 Kings Drive. 704-332-2227.
Fourth Of July Celebration July 4: The town of Davidson will be having a family celebration with live music food, and the best fireworks show in the lake Norman area. 6 p.m.
4TH OF JULY CRUISE ABOARD THE HENRIETTA III July 4: Come aboard North Carolina's Largest Riverboat to celebrate Independence Day. Boards 30 minutes prior to cruise. Prepaid reservations required. Boarding begins at 6 p.m. Wilmington, N.C. 1-800-676-0162 or 910-343-1611. www.cfrboats.com.
4TH OF JULY RIVERFRONT CELEBRATION July 4: Featuring the Battleship Blast brought to you by the City of Wilmington and the Battleship North Carolina. Riverfront Park. 910-341-4602 or 910-251-5797. Wilmington, N.C.
THE LEXINGTON COUNTY PEACH FESTIVAL July 4: 9 a.m.-10:30 p.m. Gilbert Community Park, Columbia, S.C. 803-892-5207. www.lexingtoncountypeachfestival.com.
INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATION July 4: Manteo, Outer Banks, N.C.
LIVING HISTORY DAYS July 5, 12, 19, 26: Historic Brattonsville, McConnells, S.C. 803-684-2327. www.chmuseums.org.
MEMPHIS FARMER'S MARKET July 5: Red, White and Blueberries; July 12: Ah Shucks the Corns In; July 19: Ripe and Ready Tomatoes; July 26: My Melancholy Baby. Memphis, Tenn. 901-575-0580. www.memphisfarmersmarket.com.
CLASSY-CHASSIS CAR SHOW & COUNTRY FLEA MARKET July 5: Antique & Classic cars and motorcycles on the plantation at Historic Poplar Grove. Includes vendors, food and prizes. Poplar Grove Plantation, 10200 US Highway 17 N., Wilmington. 910-686-9518. www.poplargrove.com.
PURPLE MARTIN CRUISES July 6, 7, 13, 14, 20, 21, 27, 28: 7:30--10 p.m. Southern Patriot at Lake Murray Marina, Columbia, S.C. $27. 803-749-8594. www.lakemurraytours.com.
INDEPENDENCE DAY FESTIVAL July 7: Fireworks, food, games, crafts and live music from Edwin McCain, Devon Allman's Honeytribe, Jackson Crossing, Laura Blackley, Jony James Blues Band, Second Look Band & A Tribute to Elvis by John Greene presented by The Lodges at Eagles Nest. $20-$25. The Heart Rock Amphitheatre, Banner Elk, N.C. 828-898-8645. www.eaglesnestbe.com.
LATA 5TH ANNUAL SUNBURN OPEN July 10-13. Lexington County Tennis Complex, 425 Oak Drive, Lexington, S.C. 803-957-7676. www.lexingtoncountytennis.com.
A DAY IN POMPEII July 11-Jan. 4: Featuring information and objects from room-size frescoes, marble sculptures, gold coins, jewelry and other objects that were preserved. Discovery Place, 301 N. Tryon St. 704-372-6261. www.discoverypace.org/pompeii.
ANNUAL EAST COAST GOT-EM-ON CLASSIC KING TOURNAMENT July 11-13: Enjoy this long running fishing tournament in its 29th year. 910-458-5065. Carolina Beach, Wilmington, N.C. www.got-em-on.com.
The Battle of Hucks Defeat July 12-13: Come and see what war was like in the 1700's. This two day festival will have battle reenactments, military drills, music performance and firearms demonstrations. 10 a.m.-5p.m. Historic Brattonsville. 803-684-2327.
WWE PRESENTS SMACKDOWN! & ECW July 15: The Undertaker, Batista, Edge, Big Show, MVP, The Great Khali, Finlay, Kane, CM Punk, Chavo Guerrero. 7:30 p.m. $20-$70. Time Warner Cable Arena. www.ticketmaster.com. 800-495-2295.
Lake Norman Excursion July 19: Charity Fundraiser Cycling Event will be held to raise money for the Lake Norman American Red Cross Office. Lowe's Corporate Headquarters, 1000 Lowes Blvd., Mooresville www.lakenormanexcursion.com,
Kids Triathlon July 19: Huntersville Family Fitness & Aquatics is pleased to announce fun activities for kids up to the age of 12 as we award triathlon winners. 6 p.m. www.HFFA.com.
CAPITAL CITY STADIUM July 21: 2008 Coastal Plain League All-Star Fan Fest; July 22: 2008 Coastal Plain League All-Star Game. Columbia, S.C. 803-254-FISH. www.blowfishbaseball.com.
Forbidden Fruits July 24: Feel as if you are in Paradise as you sip delicious fruit inspired cocktails and listen to the Tsunami Wave Riders. Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden, 6500 South New Hope Rd., Belmont. 704-829-1252. www.Dsbg.org.
SUMMER CELEBRATION July 24-26: Features carnival rides, games and food. July 25: "Square Roots" performance; July 26: Center City Groove Band concert. Fireworks at 9:30 p.m. Stowe Park, Belmont, N.C. 704-825-8191. www.belmontparksandrec.com.
INTERGALACTIC BEAD & JEWELRY SHOW July 26-27: Metrolina Expo Trade Center, Bldg. # 3. 7100 Statesville Rd. 888-729-6904.
AUGUST
WINTHROP UNIVERSITY Aug. 1: Works from the University Collection. McLaurin Lewandowski Student Gallery, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Aug. 18-22, 25-29: 20th Annual Undergraduate Juried Exhibition. Rutledge Gallery, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Aug. 19-20: Opening Address. McBryde Main Hall and TDR 9:30 a.m.-11:30 p.m. Rock Hill, S.C. www.winthrop.edu.
PROMISE KEEPERS MANHOOD LET THE TRUTH BE TOLD CONFERENCE Aug. 1-2: $74.95-$89.95. Philips Arena, 1 Philips Drive. Atlanta, GA. 1-866-PROMISE. www.promisekeepers.org/conferences.
Wild Wings Hummingbird Banding Aug. 2: Get a chance to see hummingbirds up close and personal as you help catch and release them for research efforts. $5-$10. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden, 6500 South New Hope Rd., Belmont. 704-825-4490. www.Dsbg.org.
BREW AT THE ZOO Aug. 2: A beer fest complete with live music and the chance to walk through the zoo after hours. Riverbanks Zoo and Garden, 500 Wildlife Pkwy., Columbia, S.C. 803-779-8717. www.riverbanks.org.
CHARLOTTE CONVENTION CENTER Aug. 4-8: 2008 National Fine Arts Festival; August 15-16: Creating Keepsakes' Scrapbook Convention; August 15-17: Mid-Atlantic Fall Boat Show and Sale; August 17: The Bridal Showcase; August 21-24: AIA North Carolina: Being Green. 501 S. College St. 704-339-6000. www.charlotteconventionctr.com.
Animals at Night Aug. 15: Celebrate the end of summer at the garden. Enjoy food and fun with the family. 5:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m. Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden, 6500 South New Hope Rd., Belmont. 704-825-4490. www.DSBG.org.
Circle K Monster Truck Bash! Aug. 16: Come on over and see Charlotte's ONLY outdoor Monster Truck event. $10-$20. Lowes Motor Speedway. 704-455-3200. www.lowesmotorspeedway.com.
Joseph-Beth Booksellers Aug. 19: Bronte Bistro's Corks and Courses Dinner. 7 p.m. To RSVP, call 704-602-9810.
BEAUTIES OF AMERICA NATIONAL PAGEANT Aug. 21-24: Sheraton Hotel and Myrtle Beach Convention Center. www.beautiesofamerica.com.