May
BIKE NITE Featuring live music, contests, prizes and giveaways, food and drink, vendors and a variety of custom bikes and choppers. Wednesdays, 6 p.m. Continues through Oct. 27. Quaker Steak and Lube, Concord.
HIKE FOR YOUR HEALTH 2-3 mile hike through the nature preserve. Wear comfortable shoes and bring water. Ages 12 years old and up. For more information or to register, call 704-336-7600 or 704-598-8857. Tuesdays, 5:15 p.m.-6 p.m. Continues through May 31. Free. Reedy Creek Nature Center, 2900 Rocky River Road. 704-598-8857.
WINDSTREAM POLE NIGHT Features NASCAR Sprint Cup Series drivers on the 1.5-mile superspeedway in single-car runs. Determines the lineup for the Coca-Cola 600. May 27. $12-$20; $1 for children ages 6-12 years old; free for children ages 6 years old and under. Charlotte Motor Speedway, 5555 Concord Parkway South, Concord. www.charlottemotorspeedway.com.
FOOD LION SPEED STREET FESTIVAL This annual festival features live entertainment, vendors and displays, food, activities for children, interactive exhibits, and special meet & greets and Q&A sessions with NASCAR drivers. For more information, visit www.600festival.com. May 27-29. Uptown Charlotte.
TECH-NET AUTO SERVICE 300 NASCAR Nationwide Series regulars will battle against various NASCAR Sprint Cup Series drivers in this 300-mile showdown. Sat., May 29, 2:30 p.m. $17 and up. Charlotte Motor Speedway, 5555 Concord Parkway South, Concord. www.charlottemotorspeedway.com.
CHARLOTTE HEMP FEST Festival features speakers, comedians, hemp samples, food and beer and live music by Scapegoat, One Big Love, Tropic Culture and more. For more information, visit http://charlottehempfest.org. Sun., May 30, 2 p.m.-2 a.m. $7-$10. 3746 N. Davidson St.
HONORING OUR HEROES PICNIC The Puerto Rican Cultural Society of Charlotte hosts this picnic, featuring the Battle of the “Arroz con Pollo” (rice and chicken) contest, music by DJ Stefan Soto, food, children’s activities and more. Sun., May 30, 1 p.m. Park Road Park Shelter #1, 6220 Park Road Park.
MEMORIAL DAY PROGRAM Join the Cornelius Parks, Arts, Recreation and Culture (PARC) Department and The American Legion Post 86 to honor veterans and those currently serving in the armed forces. American Legion Post 86 Commander John Washam will lead a ceremony that will include a keynote speaker, a twenty-one gun salute and patriotic songs from members of the Mt. Zion Choir. Sat., May 29, 11 a.m. For more information, visit www.corneliuspr.org/memorialdayevent.html.
COCA-COLA 600 Prestigious NASCAR 600 mile race. Sun., May 30. Charlotte Motor Speedway, 5555 Concord Parkway South, Concord. www.charlottemotorspeedway.com.
ODE TO ODONATA Hike will creep deep into the woodlands, along the small creeks and streams to document seldom seen species. All ages welcome. For more information or to register, call 704-336-7600 or 704-598-8857. Sun., May 30, 2 p.m.-4:30 p.m. Free. Reedy Creek Nature Center, 2900 Rocky River Road. 704-598-8857.
June
PIEDMONT HERB FESTIVAL For more information, visit www.piedmontherbfestival.com. June 4-5. Union County Agricultural Services Center, 3230 Presson Road, Monroe. 704-283-3822.
FIRST FRIDAY Live music by Chris Kollman. Benefits U.C.A.R.E. For more information, visit www.ucarenc.org/events. June 4. BlackFinn American Saloon, 210 E. Trade St. 704-971-4440.
CONCAROLINAS 2010 Charlotte’s best convention for fans of sci-fi, fantasy, horror, gaming, anime, and more. Convention features a variety of comic book artists and other guests from films, as well as discussion panels, costume events, music performances, charity auctions, fan groups and more. June 4, 3 p.m.-12 a.m.; June 5, 9 a.m.-12 a.m.; June 6, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Hilton, University Place, 8629 JM Keynes Drive. For more information, visit www.concarolinas.org.
HEROES CONVENTION A comic book lover’s dream. Meet some of your favorite authors, including Bob Almond, Franco Aureliani, Mike Choi, Frank Cho, Bernard Chang, Keron Grant, Sanford Greene, Marcus Hamilton, Dexter Vines and many more. For more information, call Heroes Aren’t Hard To Find at 704-375-7462 or visit www.heroesonline.com. June 4-6. Charlotte Convention Center, 501 S. College St.
GIRLS’ DAY OUT Women’s clinics to include mountain biking, provided by the Dirt Divas, whitewater and flatwater kayaking, yoga, and more. In addition the raft barn will feature food, wine/beer sampling, cooking demonstrations, healthy living booths and more. June 5, 8 a.m.-3 p.m. U.S. National Whitewater Center, 5000 Whitewater Center Parkway. For more information, visit www.usnwc.org.
ANNUAL CATAWBA RIVER CANOE & KAYAK-A-THON Come paddle part of Mountain Island Lake to support conservation and win a new canoe. Paddlers are encouraged to sign up sponsors to raise money for the N.C. Wildlife Federation. All money raised is tax-deductible and will go to support N.C. Wildlife Federation’s ongoing conservation efforts to protect and enhance the wildlife and habitat of this beautiful state. June 5. Mountain Island Lake, 175 Steam Plant Road, Mount Holly. For more information and to register, visit www.ncwf.org.
CAROLINAS KIDNEY WALK Registration begins at 7:30 a.m. and the walk begins at 8:30 a.m. For more information or to register, visit www.kidneywalk.org. June 5. Knights Stadium, Fort Mill. 803-548-8050.
2010 KIDS TRIATHLON SERIES This third annual event takes swimming, biking and running to new levels. For more information, visit www.hffa.com/2010kidstri.html. June 5, 6 p.m.; July 17, 6 p.m. Huntersville Family Fitness & Aquatics, 11725 Verhoeff Drive, Huntersville. 704-766-2222.
DOG SPORTS DAY Features canines showing off their skills and abilities in a variety of competitions and instructional demonstrations (frisbee, agility, flyball, herding, tracking, weight-pulling, dock diving and water rescue). Included will be demonstrations by search and rescue dogs and canines used for therapy and rehabilitation. Visitors are welcome to bring their own pets to attempt these exercises as well. June 6, 2 p.m. U.S. National Whitewater Center, 5000 Whitewater Center Parkway. For more information, visit www.usnwc.org.
MURPHY’S DIRTY 30 HABITAT MUD VOLLEYBALL A mud volleyball tournament in which proceeds go to benefit the Habitat for Humanity. June 6. Metrolina Expo Center, 7100 Statesville Road. For more information and to register, visit www.habitatmudvolleyball.org.
TYPE/FACE: A LIVE MAGAZINE Mix, mingle, and enjoy a night of 3-D essays, features, opinions, photography, video, and interviews on a variety of topics that only Charlotte’s two premier magazines can bring. June 10, 7 p.m. $7-$10. Visulite Theatre, 1615 Elizabeth Ave. For more information, visit http://typefacelivemag.eventbrite.com.
TASTE OF CHARLOTTE Enjoy an array of culinary delights from Charlotte’s finest restaurants. Live entertainment. Held at Tryon Street in Uptown Charlotte. The festival spans five city blocks from Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard to 6th Street. Free admission. June 11, 11 a.m.-11 p.m.; June 12, 11 a.m.-11 p.m.; June 13, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Free admission; Coins must be purchased for food. For more information, visit www.tasteofcharlotte.com.
CHARLOTTE ROLLER GIRLS ALL-STARS VS. Atlanta Rumble B’s Charlotte Roller Girls All-Stars will take on Atlanta Rumble B’s. June 12, 6 p.m. $4-$14. Grady Cole Center, 310 N. Kings Drive. 704-353-0200. For more information, visit www.charlotterollergirls.com.
RHYTHM & BREWS CHARLOTTE Festival brings together friends and supporters of Easter Seals UCP to enjoy local craft beers and live music from Simplified. Attendees will receive a tasting glass, local brews and light appetizers with ticket purchase. All proceeds will directly benefit programs and services for families living with disabilities. June 12, 6 p.m. $30 online or at the door for full ticket; $10 at the door for Simplified show only. Tyber Creek Pub, 1933 South Blvd. 704-343-2727. For more information, visit http://rhythmbrewsclt.eventbrite.com.
BERNIE’S TOURNIE Golfing event to raise research money for Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), often referred to as “Lou Gehrig’s Disease.” June 14. Ballantyne Country Club, 10000 Ballantyne Commons Parkway. 704-248-4383. For more information, visit www.berniestournie4als.com.
FIVB WORLD LEAGUE USA MEN’S VOLLEYBALL VS. EGYPT The FIVB World League is a men’s volleyball competition created in 1990. It consists of 16 teams from around the world competing over the course of seven weeks. The total prize purse for the event is more than $20 million, with the overall winner receiving $1 million for winning the final round. June 18, 7 p.m.; June 19, 7 p.m. $10 and up. Cabarrus Arena and Events Center, Concord. For more information, visit http://usavolleyball.org/events/2878.
SLAMCHARLOTTE POETRY SLAM Monthly slam competitions, featuring SlamCharlotte’s current Slammaster, Bluz. Contains adult language and content. June 18, 8 p.m. $10. McGlohon Theatre, 345 N. College St. 704-372-1000.
JUNETEENTH FESTIVAL OF THE CAROLINAS This celebration, commemorating the ending of slavery in the U.S., will feature music, drama, dancing, storytelling, a fashion show, drum circles, a fish fry, a health fair, children’s activities, workshops and more. June 17-20. Independence Park. For more information and for a detailed schedule, visit www.juneteenthofthecarolinas.com.
SOUTH END SOUL Two-day festival engages the creative community and invites visitors to experience events that celebrate the innovation of the district. Explore the restaurants, retail shops, nightlife venues of this historic neighborhood; also check out Red Bull Mania skating competition. June 18-19. Camden Road. For more information, visit www.findyoucenter.com.
5TH ANNUAL VETERANS & RESERVISTS GOLF CLASSIC This event features a free round of golf on a fine course plus free continental breakfast and lunch for those who qualify to play. June 24, 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Charles T. Myers Golf Course, 7817 Harrisburg Road. To register, visit www.charlottepublicgolf.com. 704-536-1692
July
RED, WHITE & BOOM/ US AIRWAYS FAMILY FUN FESTIVAL Family-friendly event with a spectacular fireworks show, as well as games, food, music, activities for children and prizes. July 4. 6 p.m.- 10 p.m. Memorial Stadium, 310 N. Kings Drive. For more information, visit www.findyourcenter.com.
REDROCKS, WHITEWATER, BLUEGRASS — 4TH OF JULY CELEBRATION Highlighted by a fireworks display and live bluegrass music. Other activities include whitewater rafting, kayak instruction, flatwater kayaking, hiking/trail running, mountain biking and eco-trekking. Fireworks start at 9 p.m. July 4. U.S. National Whitewater Center, 5000 Whitewater Center Parkway. For more information, visit www.usnwc.org.
CHARLOTTE ROLLER GIRLS ALL-STARS VS. CAPE FEAR ROLLER GIRLS Charlotte Roller Girls All-Stars will take on the Wilmington-based Cape Fear Roller Girls. July 10, 6 p.m. $4-$14. Grady Cole Center, 310 N. Kings Drive. 704-353-0200. For more information, visit www.charlotterollergirls.com.
LEGENDS Million A Legends Cars race with a $1 million purse. July 15-17. Charlotte Motor Speedway, 5555 Concord Parkway South, Concord. www.charlottemotorspeedway.com.
THE RIVER BOUND RACE SERIES The four-race series will take place on the 400 acres/14 mile trails at the Whitewater Center. This is a fundraising event for the N.C. Outward Bound Scholarships. For more information, visit the official race site at www.riverboundrace.com. July 17; Sept. 25. U.S. National Whitewater Center, 5000 Whitewater Center Parkway.
VINTAGE SUMMER SOIREE-BRIDAL SHOW Wedding planning event, featuring fashion shows, cakes, food, prizes and wedding professionals. July 18, 1 p.m. Vintage Motor Club, 25 McGill Ave. NW, Concord. For more information, visit www.vintagesummersoiree.blogspot.com
WEDDING GUIDE SUMMER EXPO 2010 This wedding showcase features Charlotte area wedding professionals with a variety of plans for weddings. June 27, 1 p.m.-4 p.m. $5-$10. Hilton, University Place, 8629 JM Keynes Drive. For more information, visit www.charlottebridalshow.com.
August
CHARLOTTE ROLLER GIRLS ALL-STARS VS. PHILLY INDEPENDENCE DOLLS In the final home bout of 2010 Charlotte Roller Girls All-Stars will take on the Independence Dolls of the Philadelphia-based Philly Roller Girls. Aug. 14, 6 p.m. $4-$14. Grady Cole Center, 310 N. Kings Drive. 704-353-0200. For more information, visit www.charlotterollergirls.com.
FOOD LION AUTO FAIR Features more than 50 car club displays, as well as vendors with a variety of automotive parts and memorabilia, and autograph sessions with NASCAR stars. Aug. 26-29. Charlotte Motor Speedway, 5555 Concord Parkway South, Concord. www.charlottemotorspeedway.com.
SOUTHERN IDEAL HOME SHOW Talk to experts about remodeling, decorating and landscaping ideas during this special show, which has all you need to know about everything from home decor to building and home improvement. Aug. 27, 12 p.m.-8 p.m.; Aug. 28, 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; Aug. 29, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. $9; $7 for seniors; Free for ages 15 years old and under with a paying adult. The Park (formerly The Charlotte Merchandise Mart), 2500 Independence Blvd. For more information, visit www.southernshows.com.
September
GIRLS GONE ITALIAN: A FUN & EDUCATIONAL EVENING FOR WOMEN Make new friends and learn about women- related topics from expert guest speakers. Get introduced to holistic medicine, get advice from a life & career coach, and much more. Thu., Sept. 9, 6-8 p.m. Free (a’la carte menu & wine specials available). Vintage Wine Cellar, 12206 Copper Way. 704-543-3977.
BLUES, BREWS & BBQ Approximately 60 teams compete for prizes for best barbecue. The festival features blues music, an array of beer samples and barbecue. Held in Uptown Charlotte. For more information, visit www.bluesbrewsandbbq.com. Sept. 10; Sept. 11.
SOUTHERN WOMEN’S SHOW The events offers an array of vendors selling jewelry, clothes, children’s toys, household items and more. In addition, the event includes samples and coupons, cooking ideas and lifestyle tips. There will also be fashion shows, celebrity guests and prizes. For more information, visit www.southernshows.com. Sept. 17, 10 a.m.-8 p.m.; Sept. 18, 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sept. 19, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. $7-$9; $5 for ages 6-12 years old; Free for children ages 6 years old and under with a paying adult. The Park (formerly The Charlotte Merchandise Mart), 2500 Independence Blvd.
This article appears in May 25-31, 2010.
