Rowan County Concert Association presents The Hunt Family — 7:30 p.m., Saturday, March 5, world-ranked Irish step dancers with champion fiddlers; tickets $20, $18 and under $5. www.huntfamilyfiddlers.com. Keppel Auditorium, Catawba College campus, 2300 W. Innes S., 704-633-1474.
Piedmont Prime Time Community Band children’s concert — 10:30 a.m., Saturday, March 5, Old Courthouse Theatre, 49 Spring St. NW, Concord. Enjoy music, dress-up optional: “The Wizard of Oz,” “Star Wars’ “SpongeBob SquarePants,” baseball jerseys and caps (no cleats). The concert is free and children must be accompanied by an adult. 704-425-3508, 704-932-9438.
George Winston at the McGlohon — Doors 7 p.m./music 7:30, Tuesday, March 8, Blumenthal Performing Arts Center’s McGlohon Theatre, tickets start at $$29.50, 345 N. College St., Charlotte, 704-372-1000 or ww.carolinatix.org.
Leo Kottke at the McGlohon — March 15, Blumenthal Performing Arts Center’s McGlohon Theatre, tickets start at $22.50, 345 N. College St., Charlotte, 704-372-1000 or ww.carolinatix.org.
An evening with Rush — 7:30 p.m., June 8, Bi-Lo Center, Greenville, SC, tickets start at $40.50. www.ticketmaster.com, www.aeglive.com, 800-745-3000.
Theater
“Galumpha” at theDavis Theater — 8 p.m., Saturday, March 5: Acrobatics, visual effects, physical comedy, choregraphy, see www.galumpha.com, $33, Davis Theatre, 65 Union St. S., Concord, 704-920-2753, www.cabarrusarts council.org/davis-theatre.
Davidson Community Players Theater’s “Masterpiece” — through March 6, tickets $16/$15/ $10, Armour Street Theatre, 307 Armour St., 704-892-7953, www.davidsoncommunityplayers.org.
Old Courthouse Theatre’s Living Room Reading Series “Piece of My Heart”— 4 p.m., Sunday, March 13: True drama of six women who went to Viet Nam: five nurses and a country western singer booked by an unscrupulous agent to entertain the troops. Free admission, 704-788-2405, OCT main stage, www.oldcourthousetheatre.org.
Old Courthouse Theatre hosts “Paying Tribute” — 8 p.m., March 18-19; 2:30 p.m., March 20. A theatrical and musical celebration about and for the heros called veterans, told from the remembrances of the men and women who returned from duty, through music, dialogue, movement. Call 704-788-2405 to reserve a seat. 49 Spring Street NW, NC, www.oldcourthousetheatre.org.
Blue Man Group at Belk Theater — Apr. 19-24, tickets begin at $20, Belk Theater at Blumenthal Performing Arts Center, 130 N. Tryon St., Charlotte, 704-372-1000, www.BlumenthalCenter. org.
Hot Flash PlayersPerforming Arts Company — April 8-16, “Scarletdale,” written by Lexington’s own Jason Roland, a hilarious look at small town politics, beautification and beauty pageants written for the Hot Flash Players, presented as dinner theater at Tricia’s Catering, 408 Piedmont Drive, Lexington. Tickets $25 for dinner and play, 336-236-8007.
This & That
Big Band Dance with The Salisbury Swing Band at J.F. Hurley Family YMCA — 7-10 p.m., March 5, $5 entry fee, bring a snack to share. 828 W Jake Alexander Blvd., 704-636-0111.
“Luck of the Irish Day” craft/vendor sale — March 16. also “Souper Wednesday Lunch” to commemorate the day before St. Patrick’s Day, serving shepherd’s pie, $5 includes salad, entrée, drink, cookie. J.F. Hurley Family YMCA. 828 W. Jake Alexander Blvd., 704-636-0111.
Public notification of board meetings — The Rowan Arts Council Board of Directors is scheduled to meet on the first Thursday of every month except in the months of July, August, and December. Board meeting dates are as follows: March 3, April 7, May 5, June 2, Sept. 1, Oct. 6, Nov. 3.
Paranormal weekend at haunted Gold Hill —7 p.m., April 8-9, $40, one-hour presentation on paranormal investigation using scientific methods, followed by four hours of investigation time at four different locations in the historic park; fundraiser hosted by Historic Gold Hill and Mines Foundation and Special Guest Investigators of Carolina Paranormal Society, North Carolina TAPS family team. www.HauntedGoldHill.com, 704-267-9439.
Comedy
“Laugh For The Cure” 10th anniversary event — Thursday, March 10: 6 p.m., hors d’oeuvres and silent auction; 7 p.m., live auction and PG stand-up comedy show. Blumenthal Performing Arts Center’s McGlohon Theatre, 345 N. College St., Charlotte, 704-372-1000. www.laughforthecure. com, www.carolinatix.org.
Festivals
14th annual Catawba Valley Pottery and Antiques Festival — 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Saturday, March 26, Hickory Metro Convention Center, I-40, Exit 125 Hickory, $6 adults, $2 children 12 and under. Ticket holders entered in drawing for door prizes. Bring a piece of pottery of unknown background, representatives from NC Pottery Collectors’ Guild on hand to offer expert opinions on possible background and history of individual collectors’ pieces. 828-322-3943, www.catawbahistory.org.
Cabarrus Earth Fest — 10 a.m.-2 p.m., April 16: Concord, Kannapolis, Cabarrus County’s second annual Viva Verde Earth Fest, North Cabarrus Park, in honor of Earth Day. www.vivaverde earthfest.wordpress.com.
15th annual Lexington Multicultural Festival — 10 a.m.–5 p.m., Saturday, May 7, Finch Park, Lexington. Family-friendly festival of ethnicities, customs and cuisine with Parade of Nations, five cultural villages, related cultural entertainment and second annual Butterfly Arts Initiative (thanks to welding students and staff at Rowan Cabarrus Community College more than 100 butterflies and other related items). 336-248-3960, www.lexingtonnc.net.
Night life
Brick Street Tavern, 122 E. Fisher St. — Tuesdays: open mic, performers of all types welcome, sign up as you arrive; 8 p.m. Wednesdays: team trivia; 9:30 p.m. Thursdays: plugged open mic night. www.thebrickstreettavern. com, 704-637-6047.
Fat Jack’s, 120 Military Ave. — 8 p.m. until, every Friday and Saturday night: karaoke with Mark Tomei.
High Rock Boat & Ski Club, 257 Boat Club Lane —Memberships available, open Wed.-Sat. www.theboatandskiclub.com. 704-633-0251.
Rick’s BBQ and Grill, 929 S. Main St. — Tonight, March 3: Monica Pleasants karaoke performance, plus karaoke every Friday and Saturday. 704-642-0050.
Smitty’s North Rown Bar-b-que 1205 N. Salisbury Ave., Spencer — 7-9 p.m., Thursdays: karaoke. 704-636-2122.
The Blue Vine, 209 S. Main St. — 9-midnight, March 4: Divided by Four, $5 cover; closed Saturday March 5 for private party. www.theblue vine.com. 704-797-0093.
The Inn, 1012 Mooresville Hwy 150 — March 5: Pandemic 911, Jeremiah Chambers. 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.
.H. Montgomery General Store — 6-8 p.m. Fridays: bluegrass jams. Historic Village of Gold Hill. www.HistoricGoldHill.com. 704-267-9439, 704-279-5674.
Old Stone Vino, 515 S. Main St., Kannapolis — 6:30-9 p.m. Tuesdays, Wednesdays: guitarist, singer, songwriter Marty DeJarnette. Fridays, Saturdays: various artists. 704-938-2337.
Classes
Creative painting workshops — 9:30a.m.-12:30 p.m., Wednesdays starting March 16. Ongoing series, beginning to intermediate, traditional oil painting. $200 includes eight sessions; ask about scholarships and sliding scales. Registration/materials list: 704-245-6456. Instructor James E. Taylor, Contemporary Realism Studio, 211 S. Main St.

Center for Faith & the Arts memoir-writing workshop — Led by Jenny Hubbard, Writer-in-Residence at Center for Faith & the Arts. “Opening the Door,” 10 a.m.-noon, Tuesday, March 22, workshop for the writeralready in the process of composition; participants will be required to submit ahead of time two typed pages of the work in progress to be shared with the group. Limit 10; to reserve a spot, mail your pages and a check for $10 (made payable to Jenny Hubbard) to Center for Faith & the Arts, PO Box 4098, Salisbury, NC 28145-4098. Questions? 704-647-0999, or faithart@bellsouth.net. Center for Faith & the Arts, 207 W. Harrison St., lower level Haven Lutheran Church.
Children’s Saturday Workshop at Waterworks — Family SmARTs! Saturday, April 16, 11:30 a.m-1:30 p.m., ages 4-7 years with adult, Earth Day workshop for the family, learn about our planet while creating an “earthy” art project, dress for mess, fee is for one child and one adult. Instructor M.T. Sidoli, $25 per child/adult. 704-636-1882 (ext 202) www.waterworks.org.

Classes at LGAC — • Basics of crochet: 6:30-8:30 p.m., March 21, by Nancy Gaines, four basic stitches, materials, equipment included except scissors, pre-register/prepay $25 by March 17 to Nancy Gaines-Crochet, 405 N. Lee St., Salisbury, NC 28144. “Basics of crochet is taught every third Monday night with a different project each night • Watercolor classes: instructor Cathy Benfield Matthews, no experience needed; choose Mondays 1-3 p.m. or 5:30-7:30 p.m., or Saturdays 10 a.m.-noon, $35 each 2 hour session or $180 for 6, materials provided except brushes; email salisburyartists@gmail.com to reserve your space, www.catsfreestyleart.com. Looking Glass Artist Collective, 405 N. Lee St., 704-633-ARTS, www.salisburyartists.com
PPT spring youth drama workshops — Norvell Theater, 135 E. Fisher St., each $40 • Basic Dance Choreography for Auditions, Level 1: 6th-12th grade, March 14 and 18 OR March 15 and 17 • Basic Dance Choreography for Auditions, Level 2, 6th-12th grade, March 22 and 24 • Audition Techniques for a Play, Level I, 6th-8th grade, March 19 or 26 • Audition Techniques for a Play, Level I: 3rd-5th grade, March 19 or 26 • Audition Techniques for a Musical: 6th-12th grade, May 14 or 21 • 704-633-5471 for times, registration. www.piedmontplayers.com.
Introductory adult music-reading/performance class — “Make Time for Music,” 6:15-7:15 p.m., Tuesdays, March 22-April 19 •Noon-1 p.m., Wednesdays, March 23-April 20. Students required to attend the first week in order to participate. Open to beginners or to review previously-learned music skills. Instructor: Sarah Hall. Center for Faith & the Arts, 207 W. Harrison St., lower level Haven Lutheran Church. Registration required in advance. Tuition: 4 classes $30; 5 or more classes $35. Info: faithart@bellsouth.net, 704-647-0999.
Organ classes — Led by Dr. Phillip Burgess, organist/director of music, St. Luke’s Episcopal Church. Both workshops held in St. Luke’s sanctuary, 131 W. Council St. • “What do I do with my feet?” March 19, 9:30 a.m.-noon: Introduction for those playing the organ or wanting to learn, basic pedal technique, organ registrations, quick tips; all materials provided. • “What do I do with my hands?” March 19, 1:30-4 p.m.: Introduction to basic conducting for the non-conductor, topics covered: basic patterns, gestures, score study • Registration for each class $25, $15 required with pre-registration; send check payable to Phillip Burgess and information to: Dr. Phillip Burgess, St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, 131 W. Council St., Salisbury, NC 28144. Include name, telephone number, email address. Details: Dr. Burgess 704-633-3221. Sponsored by Center for Faith & the Arts.
Knitting and crocheting — Finishing School, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Saturday, March 5, start and finish knitted garments like a professional; cast-on, bind off techniques, edging, sewing pieces together, lunch provided, $50. 704-431-4527 to register for all classes. TranqWool Knitting Provisions, 310 Mocksville Ave.
March Chrismons classes — Beginner, March 3, 10:30-12:30 •Intermediate, March 4, 10:30-12:30•New beginner, March 5, 9:30-11:30 a.m. •Advanced, March 5, 9 a.m.-noon. Call 704-636-7790 for reservations or information. Rufty’s Chrismon Shop, 280 Furniture Drive, info@chrismons.com.
Classes at the Y — “Introducing Scrapbooking,” 1-3 p.m., Tuesdays, $10 includes supplies for 2 pages. 828 W Jake Alexander Blvd., 704-636-0111.
Absolute beginner line dance — Tuesdays, no experience necessary, $12/month, teacher Cheryl Kluttz, Rufty Holmes Senior Center, Martin Luther King Ave., 704-633-3484.
“Express Yourself!”African drumming and dance workshop — 5:30 p.m. Saturdays for grades K-12, family participation encouraged, small donation appreciated. Conducted by Master Drummer Allen Boyd, sponsored by Sankofa Held at Salisbury high school auditorium, 704-637-6857.
Singles
Piedmont Singles — 7:15 p.m., March 4: music with Steve, dancing. Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, 1908 Statesville Blvd. No joining fee, donations appreciated, covered dish. Contact Frances Ward 704-637-3241.
Highlighters Dance Club — March 4: live music with Silver Hawk. First and third Fridays. Doors open 7 p.m., dancing 8-11 p.m., free line dance class 7:15 p.m. Open to singles 40 and over; former members who remarry are welcome. $10 members; $12 guests. Join for $20 and get in free the first night of joining. Non-smoking, dressy casual. Free set ups provided, bring your own snacks. Information 704-536-5561. American Legion Post 380, 4235 W. Tyvola Road, Charlotte. Information 704-536-5561.
Singles dance, Oriental Shrine Club — 8 p.m.-midnight, first Fridays, March 4. Oriental Shrine Club, 5010 High Point Rd., Greensboro. $10 at door. Business casual attire. Deejay Curtis Treece. 704-857-4650.
Film
Vietnam War films — 1-3 p.m. and 3-5 p.m., Saturday, March 12, two films about the Vietnam War, one a documentary about the children of Vietnam veterans who have served in Iraq. Parental guidance suggested. Free. Concord Library auditorium, 27 Union St., N, Concord. 704-920-2053.
Call for scripts
Lee Street Theatre’s third annual 10-Minute Play Festival — Now accepting original scripts from NC playwrights for June 2011 festival entitled “Route 66,” six comedies about travel to be produced. Postmark deadline March 31. Guidelines, rules, questions: Jenny Hubbard 51 College St., #403 Asheville, NC 28801 or jen4hubbard@ aol.com.
Call for vendors
J.F. Hurley YMCA “Luck of the Irish Day” craft and vendor sale — March 16, sign up now, $10 per table, 828 W Jake Alexander Blvd., 704-636-0111.
15th Lexington Multicultural Festival — Applications accepted for artisans, crafters, demonstrators, cultural exhibitors, vendors as well as community organizations, churches, youth groups or schools interested in participating in the parade May 7. Lexington Recreation and Parks Department, 336-248-3960, www.lexingtonnc.net.
Art and food for Art on Easy Street — 8th Annual Art on Easy Street, May 14. Applications available at www.rowanarts.org. Information: 704-638-9887, rac@ rowanarts.org.
J.C. Price Post 107 Memorial week celebration — Single and double spots available for May 27-June 5 event, permits required for food vendors; rental info Abe Daniels 704-640-1893; event info 704-636-2950 or 704-213-2397.
Call for artists
Carolina Artists call for artists for the Student Art Expo — Home school students are invited to bring a piece of 2D artwork to the Salisbury Civic Center, 315 S. Martin Luther King Jr Ave., on Monday, March 21, 8 a.m.–8 p.m. Artwork must be clearly labeled with name, grade, and phone number. Opening of show will be Thursday, March 24 at 5 p.m., awards at 6 p.m. Show closes on Friday at 4 p.m. Info: Carol Dunkley 704-636-0633.
Concord-Kannapolis Earth Fest — Applications now available for enntries in second annual Viva Verde Earth Fest, April 16, North Cabarrus Park: Recycled Art Contest for K-12 students, winners receive laptops from Powerhouse Recycling for artwork made from materials that can be recycled and is open to all public, private and home school students• Photo Contest with five categories in both Student and Open Divisions. Each category winner receives $50, grand prize winner in the Student Division receives igital camera, grand prize winner of the Open Division receives $250• Entry deadline April 4. www.vivaverdeearthfest.wordpress.com, look for “Contests” tab at top of page.
Bluegrass musicians — Bluegrass jam open to all, Saturdays at Dixie’s Roasting Co., 102 S. Main St., China Grove. 704-857-9169.
Speakers and forums
Will Greene on “Civil War Soldiers” —7 p.m., Tuesday, March 8, presented by Rowan History Club in roundtable format followed by Q and A. Free. Rowan Museum Messinger Room, 202 N. Main St., 704-633-5946, rowanmuseum@carolina.rr.com.
“Perspectives on History” lecture series, Raleigh — Featuring nationally recognized scholars from the National Humanities Center •Sunday, March 20, 2 p.m. “Freedom Papers: One Family’s Struggle to Refuse Slavery and Secure Respect, 1785-1945,” Rebecca Scott, University of Michigan, tracing the history of a family across four continents and five generations • Sunday, April 3, 2 p.m. “Correspondent Lines: Poetry and Journalism in the U.S. Civil War,” Eliza Richards, UNC-Chapel Hill, during the Civil War, new technologies (telegraph, steam-powered printing press) gave Americans unprecedented access to the battlefield, changing our reactions to the news and our thinking about war itself. Lectures free, registration necessary at 919-807-7847. NC Museum of History, 5 E. Edenton St., across from the State Capitol, 919-807-7900, ncmuseumofhistory.org, Facebook.
Home and garden
51st Southern Spring Home & Garden Show — Through March 6: more than two dozen gardens and designer rooms inspired by a favorite popular novel; terraces and backyard havens, blooming flowers and shrubs, latest interior décor, home design, kitchen and bath, flooring, cabinetry, lighting and patio fireplaces, landscaping experts to meet and talk with. Tickets $10 at the door, children under 15 (excluding groups) free with paying adult. The Park Expo & Conference Center, 2500 E. Independence Blvd., Charlotte, www.southernspringhomeandgardenshow.com.
Art
“A Thousand Words: Photographs by Vietnam Veterans” — As part of the One Book One Community-Cabarrus Reads program, “A Thousand Words” on display at the Carolina Mall, 1480-120 US Hwy. 29 N., Concord, through March 16, containing reproductions of 60 photos taken by North Carolina Vietnam veterans during their tours of duty and a PowerPoint presentation with additional photos and quotes from the veterans. Free.
“Déjá vu” at Center for Faith & the Arts — “Déjá vu: return of the prize winners,” three winners from last year’s Abstraction and Beyond artist invitational return for a three-person show. Exhibit features art by Luther Sowers, Barbara Richmond and Stephen Hoke. Opening reception 5-7:30 p.m. Saturday, March 12 at the galleries located at 207 W. Harrison St. in the lower level of Haven Lutheran Church. Free. For information, contact faithart@bellsouth.net or call 704-647-0999.
Looking Glass Artist Collective, 405 N. Lee St. — Through March 11: Student art show featuring students from at least five schools. Cindy Morgan, Curator. Gallery hours: noon-4 p.m. Thursday-Saturday and during special events. salisburyartists@ gmail.com.
Rail Walk Studios and Gallery, 409 N. Lee St. — The RED Show through March 26: Vibrant group show featuring Rail Walk studio artist interpreting the color red has been has been held over. Open to the public-Saturdays 11a.m.-5p.m. or by appointment or by chance if the green open flag is out. 704-431-8964. www.railwalkgallery. com.
Waterworks Visual Arts Center, 123 E. Liberty St.— Two solo exhibitions and a group show: NC artist Katie Claiborne and SC artist Susan Lenz exhibit in Stanback Gallery Hall and the Osborne and Woodson Galleries. • You and Me, a group multi-media show featuring the works of eleven regional artists exploring the question of individualism through self-portraiture, exhibits in the Norvell Gallery • 28th annual youth exhibition “Celebrating Rowan County’s Young Artists,” in the Young People’s Gallery, features the works of nearly 800 students representing Salisbury-Rowan County’s private, independent and home schools, and public elementary, middle, and high schools. First exhibition of the three-month rotation: Independent and Home Schools through March 12. Reception to honor the students, families, school administrators, art specialists held during each exhibition rotation. For schedule details www.waterworks. org, 704-636-1882.
Waterworks artists EXPO 2011 — April 7-9, three-day juried art show to promote and encourage relationships between artists and collectors, enhance the presence of art in our community, and enrich the community’s experience in the arts. www.waterworks.org, 704-636-1882.
Grace and Cameron West Art Gallery, Pfeiffer University, Misenheimer — Through March 25: exhibiting works of last year’s “Emerging Artists” recipients Everitt Clark and Albemarle’s Heidi Ramseur. Artists’ reception 6–8 p.m., Friday, March 18, free and open to the public. Gallery hours: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Friday. 704-463-3160. joshua.cross@pfeiffer.edu.
Mint Museum of Art, 2730 Randolph Road, Charlotte — 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. 704-337-2000. www.mintmuseum.org.
Reynolda House Museum of American Art, 2250 Reynolda Road, Winston-Salem — Trains that Passed in the Night: The Photographs of O. Winston Link on exhibit. House, gardens and village feature public garden, dining, shopping,walking trails. 336-758-5150, reynoldahouse. org.
The North Carolina Pottery Center, 233 E. Ave., Seagrove — Through April 30: “Tea Time: Series I (Teapots and Tea cups),” featuring functional NC teapots and tea cups, handmade by more than 70 potters from across the state. Gallery hours: 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Tuesday-Saturday, 336-873-8430, www.ncpotterycenter.org.
Trips
Southern Spring Show — March 4, $25 ticket/transportation, contact Barbara Franklin, J.F. Hurley YMCA, for details, 704-636-0111.
Cirque du Soleil — March 20, $85 ticket/transportation to Charlotte Motor Speedway’s ‘Under the Big Top,’ contact Barbara Franklin, J.F. Hurley YMCA, for details, 704-636-0111.
Steps of St. Paul and the Book of Revelation Alive Cruise — November 2011, contact Barbara Franklin, J.F. Hurley YMCA, for details, 704-636-0111.
Parks
Dan Nicholas Park, 6800 Bringle Ferry Rd. — Paddle boats, miniature golf, miniature trains, carousel, gem mine, playgorunds, camping, picnic shelters, splash pad, petting zoo. 704-216-7800. www.dannicholas.net.
Ellis Park, 3541 Old Mocksville Road — 26 acres of ball fields, tennis courts, volleyball court, shelters, playground, event center, walking trail. 704-216-7783.
Sloan Park, 550 Sloan Road, Mt. Ulla — Off NC Hwy 150 approximately 10 miles west of Salisbury.Features Kerr Mill, an 1823 grist mill.
Gold Hill Mines Historic Park 735 St. Stephens Church Road, Gold Hill — Historic tours available by appointment. Information about tours: 704-267-9439; rentals: 704-279-5777. www.HistoricGoldHill.com.
Gold Hill Rail Trail — Hiking, biking trail begins at Gold Hill Mines Historic Park at Miner’s Field, continues into Cabarrus County. 704-267-9439.
Dunn’s Mountain Nature and History Preserve, 1640 Dunn’s Mtn. Road — Trail walks, overlooks, see 120 miles in most directions, blacksmith shop display, Saturday-Sunday shuttle service, 704-216-7803.
Museums
N.C. Transportation Museum, Spencer —Museum open 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday; 1-4 p.m. Sunday. Train rides Saturday 11 a.m. and 1 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. — “With These Hands,” annual Black History Exhibit showcasing the arts and crafts of local black citizens from past and present. Museum hours Monday-Friday, 1-4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Contributions accepted. 704-633-5946. www.rowanmuseum.org.
Dr. Josephus Hall House, 226 S. Jackson St. — 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 —Open 1-4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. $3 adults, $1.50 students, museum members free. 704-633-5946.
China Grove Roller Mill Museum —Guided 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 — 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. 704-279-5674, 704-267-9439. www.HistoricGoldHill. com.
Historic Latta Plantation, Sample Road, Huntersville — Art of the Blacksmith, March 5 (10 a.m.-4 p.m.), March 6 (1-4 p.m.): 19th century blacksmiths on the grounds providing demonstrations. Visitors can also tour the plantation house, grounds and outbuildings. Free with regular admission, $7 adults, $6 seniors, $5 students, ages 5 and under free. www.lattaplantation.org, 704-875-2312.
Historic Rosedale Plantation, 3427 N. Tryon St., Charlotte — Civil War National Register Federal house circa 1815, excellent example backcountry NC federal period architecture. Originally part of 911-acre plantation. $5 adults, $4 students and seniors. Groups of 10 or more $4 per. Guided tours 1, 2 and 3 p.m. Thursday-Sunday. 704-335-0325. www.historicrose dale.
Discovery Place, Charlotte, 301 N. Tryon St., Charlotte, — “Arabia” the story of an extreme desert environment that has become one of the most powerful yet least understood regions on Earth, IMAX Dome Theatre. Exhibits and interactivity: A World Apart, World Alive, Think It Up, Explore More Stuff Lab, more. Museum hours: 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.
Discovery Place KIDS Huntersville, 105 Gilead Road, Huntersville — Open 9 a.m.–5 p.m., Tuesday-Saturday, noon-5 p.m., Sunday, closed Monday. Admission $8 for adults and children age one and older, children younger than age one and Members are free. Discounts available for groups of 15 or more. discoveryplaceKIDS. org, 704-372-6261.Charlotte Nature Museum, 1658 Sterling Road, Charlotte — $6 ages 2 and older; younger than 2 and members are free. Parking is free. Tuesday-Thursday 9 a.m.–5 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m. -5 p.m.; Sunday noon–5 p.m.; closed Monday. www.charlottenaturemuseum.org.
NC Museum of Art, 2110 Blue Ridge Road, Raleigh — General admission $15, students, seniors, military, groups of 10 or more $12. Children 7-12 $7.50, children six and under free. www.ncartmuseum.org.
NC Museum of History, 5 E. Edenton St., Raleigh — • Poetry Out Loud state high school finals, Saturday, March 5: semifinals, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.; finals, 7-9 p.m. • History á la Carte: The Battle of Bentonville, 12:10-1 p.m., Wednesday, March 9, bring lunch, beverages provided, on a Johnston County farm in 1865, Confederate troops attempted to halt Union general William T. Sherman’s march through the Carolinas. Learn about that battle and the family who cared for the wounded • Across from the State Capitol. 919-807-7900 or ncmuseumofhistory. org or Facebook.
NC Museum of Life and Science, 433 Murray Ave., Durham — $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, ornithopter rides $1. 919-220-5429, www.ncmls.org.