Festivals
Let’s Get Connected Day — 11 a.m.-1 p.m., May 21: eighth annual festival of faith at Kelsey Scott Park, 1920 Old Wilkesboro Road. Features the Community Choir under the direction of Dr. Phillip Burgess, Salisbury High drum and dance team under the direction of Sakinah Riley, presentations of art, essay contest winners, free hot dogs/hamburgers. Circle of Prayer at noon, dedication of fifth Peace Polewhich proclaims “may peace prevail on earth” in eight languages.Sponsored by The Covenant Community Connection, sub-group of Salisbury Rowan Human Relations Council.
Patterson Farm Strawberry Fest and Craft Show — 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Saturday, May 21: fresh strawberries, artisans, crafters, food, activities. Free admission to craft show and farmer’s market. Caldwell Road off Highway 150 between Salisbury and Mooresville at 10390 Caldwell Road, Mount Ulla. 704-797-0013 or www.pattersonfarminc.com.
Rural Hill presents NC Brewers and Music Festival — 10 a.m.– 8 p.m., May 14: Celebration of NC brewing and music, headlined by Chatham County Line and Eric Lindell, Charlotte’s own New Familiars, Moonshine Racers, Sol Driven Train, The Mantras, and Do it to Julia. Tickets include a sampling glass; onsite camping available, advance tickets $45 per person and “Under 21” or designated driver tickets $30 per person. On May 4 prices increase to the “at the gate rate” of $60 and $40. Information, tickets: www.NCBrewsMusic.com.
Fiddler’s Grove Ole Time Fiddler’s and Bluegrass Festival — May 27-29: 87th annual competition, Fiddler’s Grove Camground, Union Grove. Oldest fiddler’s competition in North America, includes competitions for bands and individuals, free workshops, on-site camping. Family-run, family-friendly. 828-478-3735, info@fiddlersgrove.com, www.fiddlersgrove.com.Joyfest 2011 — May 28: Celebration of Gospel Music at Carowinds Paladium Amphitheater features Kirk Franklin, Fred Hammond, Marvin Sapp, Canton Jones, comedian Sinbad, emcee Bone Hampton. Tickets at Ticketmaster outlets, 1-800-745-3000, Ticketmaster.com.
17th annual Wayne C. Henderson Music Festival and Guitar Competition — Saturday, June 18, Grayson Highlands State Park, Mouth of Wilson, Va., with the Boxcars, George Hamilton IV, April Verch Band, Harris Brothers, Bobby Ingano, Wayne Henderson and Friends, children’s events. $10, children 12 and younger free. www.waynehenderson.org, www.dcr.virginia.gov/state_parks/gra.shtml.
This & That
Big Band Dance with Salisbury Swing Band at J.F. Hurley Family YMCA — 7 p.m., Saturday, May 14: The Salisbury Swing Band and Big Band Dance, admission $5 at the door. Hits from the 40s through the present, plus beach music. 704-637-4476, www.salisburyswingband.com. 828 W Jake Alexander Blvd., 704-636-0111.
Faith 4th parade entry info— Deadline for entries Friday, June 17. Faith 4th parade is at 10 a.m., Monday, July 4: entry fee $25 (exemptions include Legion, Legion Auxiliary Post, Veteran organizations, military organizations. No late entries accpeted. Contact 704-279-2256.
“Make a Little Garden Out of Life” show — 9 a.m.-5 p.m., May 13-14: quilts, vendors, a raffle quilt, door prizes, guild bazaar. hosted by Kernersville’s Heart of the Triad Quilt Guild. Girl Scout Learning Center, 1203 Frances Daily Court, Colfax, a mile off I-40 just past Kernersville.
“Heart of the Artist” weekly discussions — 7 p.m. Tuesdays through June 21; sponsored by Blackwelder Park Baptist Church Kannapolis, at Oak Tree Coffee Co. coffeehouse, Cannon Village.Contact Vic Daniel vdaniel@thepark.cc, 980-621-1256 www.thepark.cc.
Last planetarium shows of the school year — 5 p.m., Saturday, May 21: “Laser Spirit,” celebrate the USA with patriotic music and full-color light images, a moving, beautiful, fast-paced laser light experience, artists include Lee Greenwood, Aaron Copeland, The Beatles, Kansas, others; this program is geared toward the entire family. Doors open 4:30 p.m., $3 adults, 12 and under $2 •7 p.m., Saturday, May 21: “Rock Laser Show – Laser U2:” The instrumental sounds of Bono and his band including Beautiful Day, The Fly, With or Without You, New Year’s Day, Where the Streets Have No Name, more. Doors open 6:30 p.m., $5 adults, $3 students 12 and under $3 • 1636 Parkview Circle, park and enter in the back of the building accessible from Lilly Ave. 704-639-3004.
Music & more
Grammy award-winning David Holt in concert — 7p.m., tonight, May 12, tickets $10, Stanly County Senior Center, 283 N. Third Street, Albemarle.
Charlotte Folk Society — May 13: Americana band The Steel Wheels. Free, family-friendly. After the hour-long concert join a song circle or a jam session, listeners welcome. The Charlotte Appalachian Dulcimer Club meets after the concert; visitors are invited to play on a “loaner” instrument. Great Aunt Stella Center, 926 Elizabeth Ave., uptown Charlotte. www.folksociety. org.
‘Bugs Bunny at the Symphony’ at the Belk Theater — May 19-20, Charlotte Symphony POPS: Bugs Bunny at the Symphony, Belk Theater at Blumenthal Performing Arts Center, 130 N. Tryon St., Charlotte, tickets start at $26.50, 704-372-1000 or ww.carolinatix.org.
Die Roten Punkte in Charlotte — July 14-16 at Duke Energy Theatre at Spirit Square, 345 N. College St., Charlotte. All tickets $34.50, on sale now at BlumenthalArts.org, 704-372-1000.
The Wiggles! come to Charlotte — 6:30 p.m., Wednesday, July 13: Anthony, Sam, Murray and Jeff at Time Warner Cable Arena, tickets start at $17.50, www.ticketmaster.com, 1-800-745-3000.
Elvis Costello and The Imposters at the Blumenthal — July 16, tickets start at $34.50, Belk Theater at Blumenthal PerformingArts Center, 130 N. Tryon 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.
Rascal Flatts at Verizon Amphitheatre — Friday, July 29, with Sara Evans, Easton Corbin, Justin Moore. Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre, Charlotte. Tickets go on sale 10 a.m., April 30 at LiveNation.com, The Hardee’s Thickburger Box Offices at the venues, Ticketmaster or charge by phone 800-745-3000.
Theater
Piedmont Players Youth Theatre presents “The Lion, the Witch, & the Wardrobe” — 7:30 p.m. May 12-14 and 18-21; 2:30 p.m. May 15 and 21. Adults $12, students/seniors $10, Wednesday Value Night: May 18 – all tickets $10; Norvell Theater: 135 E. Fisher St., www.piedmontplayers.com, 704-633-5471.
Queen City Theatre Company presents Jonathan Coarsey in “Chess – The Musical” — Launch party, 9 p.m., tonight, May 12 at Butter Charlotte, 950 Seaboard St., meet the cast and enjoy complimentary drinks, www.queencitytheatre.com for tickets. Show begins 8 p.m., May 19-June 11, Duke Energy Theatre at Spirit Square, 345 N. College St., Charlotte, tickets start at $24, special discounted performance, $14 Wednesday, May 25, www.carolinatix.org, 704-372-1000, www.queencitytheatre.com.
Carolina Actors Studio Theater presents “Agnes of God” — Through May 21. 1118 Clement Ave., off Central Avenue in Plaza-Midwood, Charlotte. Reservationswww.NCCAST.com, 704-455-8542.
Old Courthouse Theatre’s Living Room Reading Series presents “Rabbit Hole”— 4 p.m., Sunday, May 22: Winner of the 2007 Pulitzer Prize and now an Oscar nominated movie, contains adult language not appropriate for those under 17. Free admission, 704-788-2405, OCT main stage, www.oldcourthousetheatre.org.
Blumenthal Performing Arts presents “Cats”— May 24-29, tickets begin at $20, Belk Theater, 130 N. Tryon St., Charlotte, 704-372-1000, www.carolinatix. org.
“Mamma Mia!” tickets on sale now— Show runs one week only: July 26-31, Belk Theater at Blumenthal Performing Arts Center, 130 N. Tryon St., Charlotte, tickets start at $30, BlumenthalArts.org, 704-372-1000.
Fundraisers
Dunbar Reunion Committee presents “Grand Slam” — May 13 and 15 at Looking Glass Artists Collective black box theater,405 N. Lee St. “Grand Slam” is a story about one of America’s greatest Negro baseball players, James Jones. Proceeds support Dunbar Reunion Committee, graduates of the now closed Dunbar school in East Spencer. 336-833-1537.
Cerebral palsy victim David Ring speaks at fundraiser — 7 p.m., Saturday, May 21, free rally benefiting Nazareth Children’s Home, a love offering will be taken. East Rowan High School auditorium, 175 Saint Luke Church Road.

Night Life
Benchwarmers. 113 E. Fisher St. — Friday, May 13: Kingpin. 9:30 p.m.-1:30 a.m., Saturday, May 14: Darrell Harwood and the CWB. 7-10 p.m. every Friday: Handful of Dave. 704-639-0604.
Brick Street Tavern, 122 E. Fisher St. — 10 p.m., Saturday, May 14: Chobie Badgio Band. 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. 704-638-8996.
High Rock Boat & Ski Club, 257 Boat Club Lane — Friday, May 13: Deejay Ervin Ellington. Wednesday, May 18: Boat Club Wednesday Summer Beach Night series: Carolina Breakers. Memberships available, www.theboatandskiclub.com. 704-633-0251.
Philip’s Steak and Pasta House, 1504 Jake Alexander Blvd W. — 8 p.m. Mondays Karaoke; 8 p.m. Tuesdays/Thursdays: Live Team Trivia; 7 p.m. Wednesdays: Texas Hold ’Em Tournament Style, second game follows; 9 p.m. Saturdays: Karaoke with Cherokee. 704-637-8844.
Rick’s BBQ and Grill, 929 S. Main St. — 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 p.m.-midnight, Friday, May 13: Celebrating Blue Vine’s fifth birthday, Friday the 13th and NSSA weekend with party band Mick and the Ultras (Mick Mixon is a sports announcer and the Voice of the Panthers), no cover, free munchies on the bar from 8-9 p.m., special giveaways all evening. 9-11:30 p.m., Saturday, May 14: Justin Dionne, Andrew Hodges, percussionist Duggan Murphy, no cover. www.theblue vine.com. 704-797-0093.
The Inn, 1012 Mooresville Hwy 150 — Saturday, May 14: Sound of Faith and Good Courage.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.
E.H. Montgomery General Store — 7-9 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.
Robin and Linda Williams And Their Fine Group at The Evening Muse, 3227 N. Davidson St., NoDa Arts District, Charlotte — Friday, May 13: of Prairie Home Companion fame, doors 7 p.m./ music 8 p.m., $22 advance, $25 DOS, CarolinaTix, 1-800-594.TIXX, 704-372-1000.
Tab Benoit with guitarist Anders Osborne at The Visulite, 1615 Elizabeth Ave., Charlotte — 9:30 p.m., Friday May 13, $22 advance, $25 DOS. CarolinaTix, 1-800-594-TIXX. www.visulite.com, 704-358-9200.
Classes
Painting workshops — 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Saturday, May 14: “New Sparkles for Pastel” workshop with Walter Stanford, a featured Waterworks artist this past winter. $100 with some materials provided • 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Wednesdays: oil painting workshops with break for lunch, admission by ticket, 8 for $240, with a sliding scale by need and/or portfolio, all levels of skill welcome • 704-245-6456 for information and registration, instructor James E. Taylor, Contemporary Realism Studio, 211 S. Main St.
“Loosen Up!” workshop — 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m., May 14 and 21: Bring your choice of art medium and a bag lunch and join artist Phyllis Steimel in learning to “loosen up” and have fun with painting. One Saturday workshop $40 member, $55 non-member; both Saturdays $75 member, $90 non-member. Waterworks Visual Arts Center, 123 E. Liberty St., 704-636-1882 to register, deadline Friday, May 6.
Oil classes the old master way — 1-3 p.m., Tuesdays: adult classes in oils, beginner or intermediate, learning the technique of the masters of the 16th/17th centuries. $45 per session, 704-232-6000 for materials list, info, registration. Limited number of students. Patt’s studio, 409 N. Lee St., Rail Walk Arts District.
Waterworks Visual Arts Center summer classes — Registration open for summer classes, space limited, some classes already full. www.waterworks.org for complete schedule. Call 704-636-1882 to register.
Watercolor class at LGAC — 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.
Mindful Living class — 7-8:30 p.m., Thursdays through May 26: “Awakening to Life” for those interested in beginning or continuing a meditation practice of sitting mindfully. Bring cushion or mat. Cost $10. Center for Faith & the Arts, lower level of Haven Lutheran Church, 207 W. Harrison St. Register 704-639-8971 before 8 p.m., mindfullivingsalisburync.vpweb.com.
Singles
Piedmont Singles — 7:15 p.m., Friday, May 13: Bingo with Jim Holshouser as caller. Meet at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church behind CVS, Statesville Blvd. Covered dish, no joining fee. Contact Frances Ward 704-637-3241.
Zodiac Club — Friday, May 13: Music by Magic. Second and fourth Fridays, alternate fifth Fridays. Doors 7 p.m., band 8 p.m. Free soft drinks, water, snacks welcome. Covered dish dinner on fifth Friday dance night. $12 guests, $10 members, join for $20 with free admission on the night you join. American Legion Post 380, 4235 W. Tyvola Road, Charlotte, 704-752-8824.
Auditions
Faith Idol competition — Registration deadline Wednesday, June 15 for the Faith Idol Competition, held during the Faith 4th of July Celebration; categories are • 12 and under • age 13 – 18 • adult (19 and up). Registration fee $10, contact Pam Alexander 704-279-2256.
“How to Audition for Musicals”— Tips for auditioning for musical theater, call Piedmont Players Theatre to reserve space in either May 14 or May 21 workshop, scholarships available. Call 704-633-5471.
Call for vendors
Strawberry Fest and Craft Show at Patterson Farm — May 21, artisans, crafters, food vendors. Contact 336-247-1899, www.simply-yummy.com/events.
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
Call for works in black and white — Center for Faith & the Arts seeks works for summer invitational art show, “The Art of the Silhouette-Exploratory Media in Black White.” Works accepted in 2D and 3D media, but must be black and white and include an underlying theme of one or more of the following: grief, despair, forgiveness, acceptance. Submit a digital photo and description via email. Submission deadline: June 1. Drop off for selected works June 17, 18, 20. Opening reception Friday, June 24. Exhibit June 24-Aug. 13. Entry fee $15 for one piece, $25 for two pieces. Prizes: $75 first prize, $65 second prize, $50 third prize. 704-647-0999. faithart@bellsouth.net.
Call for artists, crafters for Summerfest 2011 — June 18: seeking artists, crafters interested in participating in day long festival. Crafters area open 8 a.m.-5 p.m., held in parking lot of NeelyD’s, Hickory. Spaces are limited, call Neel Hudson at 828-397-7711.
Artists sought for Art in the Shop — Art in the Shop is seeking artists interested in showing at the 13th Annual Art in the Shop in Bethlehem, NC, Oct 1., encompassing bonsai, sculpture, paintings, photography, jewelry, pottery, garden art. Quality original artwork and fine crafts only, no kits accepted. Cost$40 by July 31, $50 Aug. 1-Sept. 15. 828-632-0106, www.artintheshop.net, blsinclair1@bellsouth.net.
Speakers and forums
War Between the States lecture — 7 p.m., Friday, May 20: Dr. Gary Freeze, history professor and author, presents lecture “North Carolina Secedes,” Tom Smith Auditorium, Ketner Hall, Catawba College. Sponsored by the NC Division of the United Daughters of the Confederacy Sesquicentennial Committee. Free. Sue Curtis, 704-637-6411, southpaws@salisbury.net.
Home and garden
Rowan Rose Society’s annual Rose Show — Saturday-Sunday, May 21-22, at new location, Salisbury Mall. Area rose growers may enter roses between 6:30-10 a.m. Saturday morning. Show features hundreds of roses as well as arrangements. 704-633-7024.
Davidson County Master Gardeners’ annual garden tour — 10 a.m.-4 p.m., May 21 and 1-5 p.m.,May 22: High Rock Lake area, east side of the lake off Hwy 8. Advance tickets $10 Agricultural Extension Building, 301 E. Center Street, Lexington, 336-242-2087.
Salisbury Symphony’s Festival of Summer Gardens — June 25 -26, tickets $12 in advance, $15 tour days. Perennial tour of eight country gardens, three historic gardens. Music by Salisbury Symphony Children’s Strings and local musicians. Sunday: Learn the art of planting in container gardens, learn from master gardeners and watch Plein Air artists at work. Lunch at Carolina Lily, $16, must be pre-ordered. Reserved tickets at Visitors Bureau, 704-638-3100, www.salisburysymphony. org, 704-603-4652 or 704-645-8300.
Art
Purple Shoe Exhibit — A moving statewide memorial honoring homicide victims and friends and family members, on loan from the Family Violence Coalition of Yancy through May. Sponsored locally by Spencer Woman’s Club and Family Crisis Council of Rowan. Exhibit is at Spencer Library, Fourth Street.
Second Saturday Art Walk — Saturday, May 14: participating Salisbury/Spencer galleries show works of local artists. Sponsored by Rowan Arts Council, 704-638-9887, www.rowanartcrawl.com. Maps and brochures at www.rowanartcrawl or the Rowan Arts Council, 704-638-9887.
Waterworks Visual Arts Center, 123 E. Liberty St.— 28th annual youth exhibition “Celebrating Rowan County’s Young Artists,” in the Young People’s Gallery, features the works of nearly 800 students. The high school exhibition is currently on display • 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 •www.waterworks. org, 704-636-1882.
Rail Walk Studios and Gallery, 409 N. Lee St. — “It’s Hip to be Square,” group show featuring Rail Walk Studio artists through M ay 28. Gallery open to the public Saturdays 11 a.m.-5 p.m., by appointment or by chance if the green open flag is out. 704-431-8964. www.railwalkgallery.com.
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 photograhs of O. Winston Link depicting the end of the steam railroading era with photos of the rural landscapes of Virginia and North Carolina that these trains passed through, through June 19•“Thomas Hart Benton, America’s Master Storyteller,” features large-scale oil masterpiece, “Bootleggers,” alongside three lithographs based on scenes the artist created for the mural program of the Missouri State Capitol Building that re-tell familiar stories. Through July 31. House, gardens and village feature public garden, dining, shopping,walking trails. 336-758-5150, reynoldahouse.org.
Parks
Dan Nicholas Park, 6800 Bringle Ferry Rd. — Paddle boats, miniature golf, miniature trains, carousel, gem mine, playgorunds, family 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, 411 S. Salisbury Ave., 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. — “When We Fought Ourselves-1861-1865,”remembering the events that changed America 150 years ago with a local emphasis on events taking place in Rowan County. Museum hours Monday-Friday, 1-4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Contributions accepted. 704-633-5946. www.rowanmuseum.org.
Utzman-Chambers House, 116 S. Jackson St. — Open 1-4 p.m. Saturday. $3 adults, $1.50 students, museum members free. 704-633-5946.
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.
Historic Rockwell Museum, 102 E. Main St. — For special tours call 704-279-4979. Museum open Sundays 2-4 p.m. and by appointment. For information call Ann Teague: 704-279-5783.
Price of Freedom Museum, Old Patterson School building, China Grove — Sundays 3-5 and by appointment. American war memorial dedicated to men and women of the armed services. Intersection of Weaver, Patterson Roads. www.priceoffreedom.us, 704-857-7474.
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.
Reed Gold Mine historic site, 12 miles southeast of Concord — Tuesday-Saturday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., closed Sunday, Monday and major holidays, admission free. Part of Division of State Historic Sites, Office of Archives and History,704-721-4653, reed@ncdcr. gov.
Historic Latta Plantation, Sample Road, Huntersville — 10 a.m.-4 p.m., May 21-22: Relive WWII as the Allied and Axis forces battle across the plantation grounds, visit Allied and Axis camps, hear uniform and gear talks, watch weapon, combat, hospital, patrol, and ration demos, tour the house, visit the animals, and more. Main battle 2 p.m. each day. Admission $7 per person, ages 5 and under free. Free admission to World War II veterans, $2 off to all other veterans and active duty military. www.lattaplantation. org. 704-875-2312.
Discovery Place, Charlotte, 301 N. Tryon St., Charlotte, — “Born to be Wild” at IMAX[0xae] Theatre: follow young orphaned elephants and orangutans from birth to their rebirth into the wild. Also, “Tornado Alley” narrated by Bill Paxton (Twister, Titanic), continues.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 — Open 9 a.m.–5 p.m., Tuesday-Saturday, noon-5 p.m., Sunday, closed Monday. $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.
Old Salem, Winston-Salem — 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.
Contemporary Art Museum, 409 W. Martin St., Raleigh — 11 a.m. – 6:30 p.m., Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, closed Tuesday. 12 p.m. – 5 p.m., Saturday-Sunday. First and third Friday of the month open until 9 p.m. $5 general admission, wheelchair accessible. 919-513-0946, camraleigh.org.
NC Museum of Art, 2110 Blue Ridge Road, Raleigh —“Mirror Image,” explores what it means to be a woman; 13 North Carolina female artists. North Carolina Gallery, East Building, free admission. Meet the Artists: 7 p.m., Friday, June 24, free. 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/rockwell.
NC Museum of History, 5 E. Edenton St., Raleigh — “The Story of North Carolina,” journey of the state’s rich history. Highlights: American Indian life, European settlement, piracy, the American Revolution; Robson House, the state’s fourth-oldest existing dwelling, will show how most North Carolinians lived on family farms in the early 1800s • Small exhibit “Legends of Racing” features cars driven by Ned Jarrett, Richard Petty, Dale Earnhardt, Sam Beam. • Exhibit: The Photography of Lewis Hine: Exposing Child Labor in North Carolina, 1908-1918, photographs by National Child Labor Committee staff photographer Lewis Hine. Across from the State Capitol. 919-807-7900 or ncmuseumofhistory. org or Facebook.
NC Museum of Natural Sciences, 11 W. Jones St., Raleigh — 1:30 and 2:30 p.m., Saturday, May 14: Readings by children’s book author Molly Bang (The Grey Lady and the Strawberry Snatcher; Ten, Nine, Eight; When Sophie Gets Angry—Really, Really Angry); a fun children’s science activity will follow. This event is free and open to the public. For information call 919-733-7350. 1 a.m.-5 p.m.Museum admission is free. 919-733-7450. www.naturalsciences. org.
Children’s Museum of Winston-Salem, 390 S. Liberty St. — 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.