Festivals
Carolina Renaissance Festival ó 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. through Nov. 22. Hwy 73 at Poplar Tent Road. Discount tickets online at RenFestInfo.com.
Fall 4 Christ Fest ó 3-7 p.m., Oct. 31. Rockwell Park. Games for kids, live music, door prizes, candy, food, hayride at 4 and 6 p.m. Free. Sponsored by The Rock Church, 795 Cannon St., Rockwell.
16th annual Native American Cultural Festival ó 11 a.m.-3 p.m., Nov. 7. Price-Bryan Amphitheatre, 200 N. Davie St., Greensboro. Bring lawn chair or blanket. Free. 336-373-2044. www.city-arts.org.
Rocky River Vineyards Fall Festival ó 11 a.m.-7 p.m., Nov. 7. Music, local artists, food vendors wine tastings. 11685 Reed Mine Road, Midland. 704-781-5035. www.rockyrivervineyards.com.
Western North Carolina Pottery Festival ó Nov. 7. Potters from 13 states. www.wncpotteryfestival.com.

Theater
“Smoke on the Mountain” Hot Flash Players ó Oct. 30, 31, Nov. 6, 7. Nov. 1-lunch at 1:30, show at 2:30 p.m. $25 advance, $35 at door. Dinner served at 6:30 p.m., show at 7:30. Tricia’s Catering, 408 Piedmont Drive, Lexington. 336-236-8007.
Lexington Youth Theatre: “Cinderella, the Enchanted Edition ó 7 p.m. Nov. 6; 3 and 7 p.m. Nov. 7; 2 p.m. Nov. 8. Smith Civic Center, 217 S. Main St., Lexington. $8 in advance, $10 at the door. 336-249-7875.
Rogers and Hammerstein’s “South Pacific” ó Nov. 10-15, Belk Theater, 130 N. Tryon St. Charlotte. www.blumenthalcenter .org. 704-372-1000.

Music & more

Willie Nelson ó 8 p.m., Oct. 30. Ovens Auditorium, Charlotte. www.ticketmaster.com.

Rock-a-buy for Ty, featuring Caleb Davis Band ó 8 p.m., Oct. 30. The Fillmore, Charlotte. benefit for Ty Gardner, unborn baby in need of surgery for tumor. Also, raffle for guitar autographed by Nickelback. www.livenation.com.
John Rutter’s “Requiem” ó11 a.m., Nov. 1. First United Methodist Church firstArts presentation for Feast of All Saints, in sanctuary. Church’s chancel choir under direction of Matthew Michael brown, with chamber orchestra. Featured solist: Tami Petty from New York. 704-636-3121.
Piedmont Prime Time Community Band “Band Classics with a Touch of Jazz” ó 4 p.m., Nov. 1. Kannapolis Performing Arts Center, A.L. Brown High School, 416 E. First St. Special guests: Rowan Big Band All Stars. Free. Please bring can of food for Cooperative Christian Ministries. 704-425-3508.
Rain: a Tribute to the Beatles ó Nov. 1, Belk Theater. 704-372-1000. www.blumenthalcenter.org.
Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band ó Nov. 3. Time Warner Cable Arena, Charlotte. www.ticketmaster.com. 800-745-3000.
Bach B Minor Mass-Oratorio Singers of Charlotte and Charlotte Symphony ó 8 p.m. Nov. 6 and 7, Belk Theater, Blumenthal Performing Arts Center, Charlotte. $15-$77, $12 for ages 25 and under. 704-972-2000. www.charlottesymphony.org.
Styx and Reo Speedwagon with Night Ranger “Can’t Stop Rockin 2009” ó 7 p.m., Nov. 12. Joel Coliseum, Winston-Salem. $31-$51. www.ticketmaster.com. 800-745-3000.

Comedy
Reduced Shakespeare Company: “The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged)” ó 7:30 p.m. Oct. 29; 8 p.m. Oct. 30 and 31; 3 p.m. Nov. 1. Tickets start at $24.50. Booth Playhouse, 130 N. Tryon St., Charlotte. www.blumenthalcenter.org. 704-372-1000.

Classes
Waterworks classes, session 2 ó Life Drawing II: 6:30-8:30 p.m., Tuesdays, Nov. 3-Dec. 15, for ages 18 through adult, beginners as well as repeat students. Students draw from nude models. Instructor-Don Moore. $100 member, $120 nonmember. Portrait Drawing: 6:30-8:30 p.m. Nov. 5-Dec. 17, ages 14 through adult, beginners and intermediate, instructor: Andrea Miller. $75 members, $90 nonmembers. ; “Prints Without the Press: 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 14, ages 14 through adult. Instructor: Catherine Tsintos, $50. 704-636-1882. www.waterworks.org.
Free design classes at Piedmont Floral Galleries ó 10 a.m.-noon, Oct. 31: “Bow Tying and Christmas Wreath Designs;” 10 a.m.-noon, Nov. 7: Designer Tree Swags, Drops and Garlands. 280 Furniture Drive. 704-636-7739.
Line dancing ó Mondays, Nov. 2 through Dec. 7. Beginners: 11 a.m.-noon and 6-7 p.m.; Hi-Beginner: 7-8 p.m. City Park Recreation Center. 704-216-2708.
Classes at Looking Glass Artist Collective, 405 N. Lee St. ó Beginning Watercolor: Individual workshops, 1-4 p.m. on Nov. 13 and 18, $35 each. LGAC, 405 N. Lee St. Must provide 15 x 18 piece of masonite or similar to tape the paper to, palette for mixing colors, assortment of brushes. Paper and paint are provided. To register, contact Cathy Matthews, 704-855-7952 or cat@catsfreestyleart.com; Composite stone sculpture: No sculpting experience needed, 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Nov. 17. LGAC, 405 N. Lee St. $80-all materials provided. Bring bag lunch. Soft drinks will be provided. Reservations required for these classes. Call Cathy Matthews704-855-7952 or email cat@catsfreestyleart.com.

Introduction to the Art of Mosaic ó 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Nov. 7, Robert Crum Studio, 116 E. Council St. $150. Supplies, tools and light lunch included. For adult beginners. Payment must be received no later than one week in advance to reserve spot. 704-797-0364.

This & That
Polka Dots Polka Party ó 7-9 p.m., Oct. 30. Looking Glass Artist Collective Black Box Theater, 405 N. Lee St. Music, dancing, $10. Brats and beer available. 704-636-3024. www.pokadotsband.com.

Artist reception at Wooden Stone, 106 S. Main St. ó 6-8 p.m. Oct. 30. Featured: “junk artist” John Morehead, painters David Rowland and Clyde Overcash, metal and jewelry artist John Bigelow, potter Brad Tucker, wood turning artist Johnny Butler. 704-212-5243. ws.salisbury@mac.com.
Antique Spectacular ó Nov. 6-8 at the Cabarrus Arena, Hwy 49, Concord. In conjuction with the NC Gun and Collectors Association Gun Show. www.charlotteantiqueshow.com.

15th annual Rural Hill Sheep Dog Trials ó Nov. 7 and 8. www.ruralhill.net.
Southern Christmas Show ó Nov. 11-22, The Park, Charlotte. www.SouthernChristmasShow.com. 800-849-0248.
Sesame Street Live-“Elmo’s Green Thumb” ó Nov. 12-15 at Bojangles’ Coliseum. www.sesamestreetlive.com.
56th annual Salisbury Antiques Show ó 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Nov. 13; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Nov. 14. Civic Center, 315 S. Martin Luther King Jr. Ave. $6 at door, $5 in advance. Lunch and dinner available. 704-633-5946. www.rowanmuseum .org. An Evening With Garrison Keillor ó 7 p.m., Nov. 22. Belk Theater, Blumenthal Center, 135 N. Tryon St., Charlotte. Tickets start at $24.50. www.BlumenthalCenter.org. 704-372-1000.

Night life
Benchwarmers, 113 E. Fisher St. ó 704-639-0604.The Blue Vine, 209 S. Main St. ó 9 p.m.-midnight Friday: Gigi Dover and Big Love, $5; 9-11 p.m. Saturday: Americana duo Rod Picott and Amanda Shires, no cover. 704-797-0093. www.thebluevine .com.
Brick Street Tavern, 122 E. Fisher St. ó Open mic 9:30 p.m. Tuesdays starting 9:30 p.m. Performers of all types welcome-sign up as you arrive. Oct. 31: Halloween with The Brubakers. 704-637-6047. www.thebrickstreettavern.com. Carriage Room, 2141 Statesville Blvd. ó Halloween Party, Oct. 31. Music by Cherokee. Best costume contest, voted by customers. First place $50 cash.
E.H. Montgomery General Store ó 7 p.m. Fridays: Community Night with bluegrass jam, Historic Village of Gold Hill. www.HistoricGoldHill. com. 704-279-5674, 704-267-9439.
Grove Inn, 1560 Hwy 29 South, China Grove ó 5-8 p.m., drink specials, deejay dance at 8 p.m. Every Friday: 9 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. karaoke/deejay dance with Avery Brothers. 704-855-9901.
High Rock Boat & Ski Club, 257 Boat Club Lane ó Oct. 30: deejay Ken McGee; Oct. 31: Divided By 4 Halloween party. Monday Night Football specials. Deejay every Friday and deejay or band every Saturday. 704-633-0251.
The Inn, 1012 Mooresville Hwy 150 ó Oct. 31: Stealing Starlight, bring Him in Breathing, That Kid With a Guitar, Cowards are Not Worthy of Graves. Open 7 p.m.-midnight Saturdays. Free refreshments, air hockey, foosball, pool. Public invited to jam or schedule their group to perform. 704-213-1467. www.inntheloop.blogspot.com.
Looking Glass Artist Collective Black Box Theater, 407 N. Lee St. ó Nov. 6: Miss Tess and the Bon Ton Parade; Nov. 7: Momentary Prophets. 704-633-ARTS.
Mimosa Restaurant, 117 N. Main St., China Grove ó 6 p.m. Nov. 1: Singer/guitarist Sabra Callas. No cover. 704-856-1200.

Singles
Piedmont Singles ó Meets 7:15 p.m. Fridays, Gloria Dei Lutheran Church. No joining fee, donations appreciated. Contact Frances Ward 704-637-3241.
Highlighters Dance Club ó Oct. 30: Calvin Carter, covered dish, Halloween costume. First and third Fridays. Doors open 7 p.m., free line dance class 7:15 p.m. Open to singles 40 and over. Dress code. Heavy hors d’oeuvres served 8 p.m. BYOB. $10 members; $12 guests. Join for $20 and get in free the first night of joining. Non-smoking, dressy casual. American Legion Post 380, 4235 W. Tyvola Road, Charlotte. 704-548-9212. ssendecki@aol.com.
Zodiac Club ó Meets second and fourth Fridays. Doors open 7 p.m., food served 8 p.m., live band starts 8:30 p.m.Open to mature singles over 40. $10 members, $12 guests. Dress code-upscale casual. Smoke-free. American Legion Post 380, 4235 West Tyvola Rd. Call 704-752-8824 or contact taylorbt@msn.com. Visit www.charlottezodiacdanceclub.com

Call for artists
Bluegrass musicians ó Bluegrass jam open to all Saturdays at Dixie’s Roasting Co., 102 S. Main St., China Grove. 704-857-9169.
2nd Annual Art and Fine Crafts Christmas Sale ó 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Dec. 5. Looking Glass Artist Collective, 405 N. Lee St. 8×8 booths available, $45 for nonmembers, $30 for members. Call Jacqui, 704-633-5107.

Auditions
25th annual Putnam County Spelling Bee-Twin City Stage ó 7 p.m., Nov. 16. Arts Council Theatre, 610 Coliseum Drive, Winston-Salem. Bring prepared song with sheet music. 336-748-0857. www.twincitystage.org.
Nutcracker chorus ó Amadeus Youth Chorus holding auditions for children’s chorus that will be a part of the upcoming Nutcracker ballet performance presented by Salisbury Symphony and Piedmont Dance Theatre. Auditions in parish hall of St. Luke’s Episcopal Church on the corner of Church and Council Streets at 5 p.m. on Oct. 29. Children auditioning must have unchanged voices and the ability to sing on pitch. Not required to be a member of Amadeus to audition. Performances 6:30 p.m. Dec. 19 and 2:30 p.m. Dec. 20, Keppel Auditorium. Rehearsals 6:15-7 p.m. Dec. 8, 1-2:30 p.m. Dec. 19, and Thursdays at 5 p.m. during the month of November at St. Luke’s. Contact Sarah Hall, 704-637-7326 of sfhall@carolina.rr.com.

Seeking vendors
North Rowan Elementary Harvest Festival ó Arts and crafts exhibitors sought for Nov. 21 event. Booth space $30. 704-278-3782.

Art
Waterworks Visual Arts Center, 123 E. Liberty St. ó Gallery open 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Thursday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday. Groups may arrange guided tour. 704-636-1882. www.waterworks.org.

EastSquare Artworks, 122 E. Innes St. ó 704-798-0047. www.eastsquareartworks.com.Fine Frame Gallery, 105 S. Main St. ó Kenneth Koskela oil and ink works on display through Nov. 14. 704-647-0340.
Rail Walk Studios and Gallery, 409 N. Lee St. ó Exhibit by Rail Walk artists. Gallery open whenever the “open” flag is out. 704-431-8964. www.railwalkgallery.com.
Looking Glass Artist Collective Gallery, 407 N. Lee St. ó Shop featuring art and crafts for sale by members is open 2-6 p.m. Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, 1-5 p.m. Sunday, and during special events. 704-633-ARTS. www.salisburyartists .org.
Green Goat Gallery, 516 S. Salisbury Ave., Spencer ó 704-639-0606. www.greengoatgallery.com.
Depot Visual Arts Center, 103 W. Center Ave., Mooresville ó Artoberfest 2009, through Oct. 29. Gallery hours: 1-4 p.m. Tuesday-Sunday. 704-663-6661. www. mooresvilleartistguild.com.
Pfeiffer University, Grace and Cameron West Art Gallery ó Court Street Gallery, 134 Court St., Statesville ó Exhibit of pastels and collages of Betty Powell, on exhibit through Oct. 30. Gallery open 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday. www.iredellmuseums.org.
Mint Museum of Art, 2730 Randolph Road, Charlotte ó “Masterworks from the New Orleans Museum of Art.” “The Art of Affluence: Haute Coutre and Luxury Fashions 1947-2007,” through spring 2010; Open 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Tuesdays, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday. Admission $10 adults, $8 seniors and students, $5 ages 6 to 17, free for members and children 5 and younger. Free on Tuesdays 5-9 p.m. Admission also valid for Museum of Craft and Design on the same day. 704-337-2000. www.mintmuseum.org.
Mint Museum of Craft + Design, 220 N. Tryon St., Charlotte ó “American Quilt Classics, 1800-1980: the Bresler Collection.” Admission $10 adults, $8 seniors and students, $5 ages 6 to 17, free for members and children 5 and younger. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday, free hours Tuesdays 10 a.m.-2 p.m. 704-337-2000.
McColl Center for Visual Art, 721 N. Tryon St., Charlotte ó 704-332-5535. www.mccollcenter. org.
Reynolda House, Museum of American Art, Reynolda Road, Winston-Salem ó Open 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday, 1:30-4:30 p.m. Sunday. $10 adults, $9 seniors, students with ID and children free. 336-725-5150 or www.reynoldahouse.org.
Weatherspoon Art Museum, UNC-Greensboro, corner of Spring Garden and Tate Streets ó 336-334-5770. www.weatherspoon. uncg.edu.

Museums
N.C. Transportation Museum, Spencer ó Museum open 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Saturday; 1-5 p.m. Sunday. Train rides Monday through Saturday 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday 1-5 p.m. $6 adults, $5 children ages 3-12 and seniors ages 60 and up. Roundhouse Turntable rides at $1. Group rates available with advance notice. 704-636-2889 or 877-NCTMFUN. www.nctrans.org.
Rowan Museum, 202 N. Main St. ó “V for Victory: Uncommon Valor, Common Virtue,” displaying WWII items. Museum is 1854 courthouse that survived Stoneman’s raid. Displays and interpretive exhibits reflect life and history of Rowan County. Open 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Friday, 1-4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. $3 adults, $1.50 students, free museum members. 704-633-5946.

Utzman-Chambers House, 116 S. Jackson St. ó Open 1-4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. 704-633-5946.
Dr. Josephus Hall House, 226 S. Jackson St. ó 1820 house museum features furniture and decoratives from Hall family and others. Costumed docents provide tours. $3 adults, $1.50 students, free to members of Historic Salisbury Foundation. For group tours, call HSF office, 704-636-0103.
Old Stone House, Granite Quarry ó Open 1- 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. 704-633-5946.
Historic Rockwell Museum, 102 E. Main St. ó Museum open Sundays 2-4 p.m. and by appointment. For information call Ann Teague: 704-279-5783.
China Grove Roller Mill Museum óGuided tours 2-4 p.m. second Sunday of each month. Museum is operated by Historical Society of South Rowan. For special tours call 704-433-3912. www.hist-society-srowan.com.
Historic Gold Hill,NC/Gold Hill Mines Historic Park ó 19th Century Living History Interpretations and educational tours weekends April-October and weekdays by appointment. Interpretative displays reflect life in the 1800s gold mining boom town. Village merchants and interpreters dressed in period costume weekends. Free admission. www.HistoricGoldHill.com. 704-279-5674, 704-267-9439.
Fort Dobbs State Historic Site, 438 Fort Dobbs Road, Statesville ó 704-873-5882. www.fortdobbs. org.
Discovery Place, Charlotte ó Museum open 9 a.m-4 p.m. Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, noon-5 p.m. Sunday. 704-372-6261 or www.discoveryplace.org.
Old Salem, Winston-Salem ó 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Saturday, 12:30-5 p.m. Sunday. $21 adults, $10 children. 336-721-7300 or www.oldsalem.org.
The North Carolina Museum of History, 5 E. Edenton St., Raleigh ó 919-807-7943. www.ncmuseumofhistory.org.
The North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences, 11 W. Jones St., Raleigh ó Museum admission is free. 919-733-7450. www.naturalsciences.org.
N.C. Museum of Life and Science, 433 Murray Ave., Durham ó Museum is science-technology center of lifelong learning for people of all ages. $10.85 adult; $8.85 seniors 65 plus and military personnel with ID; $7.85 children age 3-12; free for children age two and younger. Train rides additional $2.50 per person, ornithopher rides $1. 919-220-5429, www.ncmls.org.
Children’s Museum of Winston-Salem, 390 S. Liberty St. ó Museum hours: 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday, 1-5 p.m. Sunday. $6 adults and children. 336-723-9111 or childrensmuseumofws.org.