April Yocum

     I can’t be lieve that Labor Day is here already.  Most try to take a quick trip out of town but if you find yourself here in Charlotte this weekend you’ll find much to do.

       15th  Annual Festival of India

 This Saturday and Sunday come out for the India Festival held down town at Blumenthal Performing Arts Center.  Sample Indian culture and cuisine.  Enjoy classical and folk dances in this carnival  style atmosphere. You can watch yoga, wear a sari or get your hands painted with henna. I have attended this Festival  for the past two years and it is a wonderful time!  This event runs Saturday 12-7 and Sunday 12-6. There is a $5 admission fee and children under 10 are free. For more info go to www.indiafestival.net

  Charlotte Music Festival

  Don’t miss the Charlotte Music Festival held at Tremont Music Hall ( 400 W. Tremont Ave Charlotte NC 28203) There are more bands than I could names so check out the details on www.tremontmusichall.com . Call 803-665-2527 for ticket info.

  Matthews Alive ! Festival

  The Matthews Alive! Festival is a Labor Day weekend celebration dedicated to the support of local non-profit organizations through music,arts and community involvment.  This event runs from 9/4 to 9/7.  Go to http://www.matthewsalive.org/

   Brazilian Dance

   The Ife Cultural Center located at 200 Hampton Church Rd holds free Capoeira worshops on Sundays from 12pm to 2pm.  Samba workshops on Saturdays from 11am to 1:15pm. For more information and cost of Samba  workshop call 843-817-3215

 Peek -A- Boo  Couture

  Enter your child in the Cutest Kid/Teen this Sunday from 1 to 4 at 1315 East Blvd Suite 150 , Charlotte ,NC 28203. To participate , simply stop by between 1 and 4 this Sunday and choose  one  item from our Coutour Collection at 25% off and receive a FREE photo shoot with Richard Israel ( voted best kids/teen photogragher in 2008).  Your childs photo will be posted on the website. Who ever gets the most votes wins. For more details call 704-332-5338

   AS ALWAYS HAVE A SAFE AND HAPPY WEEKEND!

April

Check my blog every Wednesday afternoon for the latest Activities and Events going on in Charlotte.

 Movies under the Stars- Southpark

   This Friday is the last show in its series.  Come enjoy the music and activities at 6:00pm at 4400 Sharon Rd ,Charlotte 28211.  Kung Fu Panda will light up the 42 foot screen at 9:00pm. Don’t forget to pack the snacks, bring the lawn chairs and blankets. It’s a great way to enjoy the night under the stars for FREE!

  ALIVE  Comedy Club in NoDa

    Are you in the mood to laugh? Well, here is where you need to go.  ALIVE Comedy Club in North Davidson (2909 North Davidson Street ,Charlotte 28205) Shows run Friday and Saturday  night.  Jarrod Harris and Dave Stone will make you laugh until it hurts.  Check out www.matthewscomedyzone.com for pricing and details.

  Cedric the Entertainer

  Don’t miss this chance to see Cedric the Entertainer this Friday night at 8:00pm.  This is a great event for the whole family. Located at Bojangles Coliseum ( 2700 East Independence Blvd, Charlotte 28205) Prices range from $39.50 to $54.50.  Check out  the website for more details. www.bojanglescoliseum.com

 Rodney  Strong  Wine Tasting

   This Friday  at Gallery Restaurant ( 1000 Ballantyne Commons Parkway, Charlotte 28277) It all starts at 6pm for those of us 21 and over. Sample distinctive fine wine and see how it enhances food. Price $15.00 should be confirmed with restuarant.

   Salsa Dancing, Tapas and Wine Party

    This Friday night live life on the wild side at Queen City Ballroom ( 10403 Park Rd Suite 1 ,Charlotte 28210) Salsa Wheel lessons begin At 8:00pm followed by tapas and wine afterward. For more information call 704-541-5440.

    Panthers -vs-Ravens

   If you’re a TRUE Panthers fan you won’t want to miss their Pre-Season game this Saturday at 8pm ( Bank of America Stadium 800 South Mint Street, Charlotte 28202)  If you have never been to a night game, don’t miss your chance!  I will be there there with my Peppers jersey on ,screaming ,yelling and cheering them on!  Hope to see you there. For more infrmation go to www.panthers.com 

  Dragon Fly Delight

This Saturday take a trip through the fields, forest and pond in search of these incredible insects.  Learn facts and folklore that the whole family will enjoy. Located at Reedy Creek Park ( 2900 Rocky River Rd, Charlotte) Activities go from 9-11. For more information call 704-336-7600 or go to www.parkandrec.com

   Golden Dragon Chinese Acrobats

   Hailing from Hebei and China, this group honors the 27 century old tradition of  Chinese Acrobats. For one night only at Winthrope University, Brynes Auditorium (701 West Oakland Ave, Rockhill SC 29733). The show starts at 8pm. Tickets are $10 and Winthrope students who show their ID get a discount. For more information call 803-323-2211.

  Yiasou Greek Festival 5K

   If you like to run you might as well run for a good cause.   The 5K Race is Sponsored by Presbyterian Orthopedic Hospital.  All the fun starts at 8am on Saturday morning at  Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church ( 600 East Blvd, Charlotte 28203). Each participant  will receive two free tickets to the Annual Greek Festival held on September 10-13. You can register for the race at  www.registration@runforyourlife.com or call 704-358-0717 for more info. 

    Southern Ideal Show/ Southern Kitchen and Bath Show

    This Saturday and Sunday at The Park ( Formally Charlotte Merchandise Mart)you can shop, compare prices on remodeling, landscaping and home decor and so much more.  Located at 2500 East Independence Blvd, Charlotte 28205.  Hours are Sat 10-9 and Sun 10-5.  Price: $9:00 at the door 15 and younger are free with a paying adult. Go to www.southernshows.com for more info. 

  As Always, have a Wonderful and Safe Weekend!

   April

    The Queen City and surrounding areas are packed with fun things to do this weekend!!!

    Civil War Infantry Weekend

   Visit with a variety of Civil War Soldiers as they demonstrate drills and  camp life. There will be firing demos as well.  This will be held at Historic Latta Plantation ( 5225 sample Rd, Huntersville NC 28078).  Saturday 10-4 and Sunday 1-4.  Adults $6.00 ;  Seniors , students $5.00.  Children 5 and under are free.

    Hummingbird  Festival

  This Saturday from 10 to 4  at the Reedy Creek Center ( 2900 Rocky River Rd, Charlotte  NC  28215).  It’s for the birds! Come enjoy crafts, nature walks , face painting , story telling as well as demonstrations in bird banding. This event is free but donations are appreciated.

   Stream Hike  at McDowell Nature Preserve

   If you are feeling outdoorsy and want to soak up the last few days of summer vacation outside then this is for you.  Cool down and discover salamanders, crawfish and water pennies and more as you explore the four seasons Creek. You will get wet! Comfortable water shoes are encouraged. Meet at McDowell Nature Center (15222 York Rd, Charlotte NC 28278) for this 3/4 mile hike on moderate terrain. Program starts at 1:30.

   Summer Saturdays at the White Water Center

   This Saturday continues the weekly concert series at the White Water Center (5000 Whitewater center Parkway , Charlotte NC 28214) Music starts at 6pm.  Come enjoy the view.

  Taste of Latin America Festival

   This free event will represent more than 20 Latin American Countries. There will be food , folklore and presentations. Located at Calvery Church ( 5801 Pineville-Matthews Rd , Charlotte NC 28226)  This event is Saturday only and runs from 3 to 7.:30pm

  Shrimp Boil and Oyster Roast

  If you find yourself out and about near Gastonia on Saturday swing by South Hampton Swim & Racquet Club. (2813 kendrick Rd , Gastonia NC 28056).  All the fun starts at 7:30pm and goes on until  9:30pm.  There will be live entertainment and lots of food. This is a benefit event for the Communities in Schools Program of Gaston County. What a great cause!  

  Have a Safe and Happy weekend!