Theater
Piedmont Players Theatre presents “The Farnsworth Invention” — 7:30 p.m. June 2-4 and 8-11; 2:30 p.m. June 5. $12 adult, $10 student/ senior. Wednesday Value Night: June 8, all tickets $10. It’s 1929 ,and two ambitious visionaries race against each other to invent a device called “television.” Meroney Theater, 213 S. Main St. 704-633-5471, www.piedmontplayers. com.
“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.
Queen City Theatre Company presents Jonathan Coarsey in “Chess – The Musical” — 8 p.m., through 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.
Third annual ten-minute original play festival, “Route 66,” at Lee Street Theatre — 7:30 p.m., June 1-4: six world premieres by North Carolina playwrights, four of which are from Salisbury; admission $10, contains adult language and is best suited for mature audiences, Looking Glass Artist Collective, 405 N. Lee St., leestreettheatre@gmail.com, www.leestreet.org.
Davidson Community Players present ‘Ragtime’ — June 16-26, $22, Davidson Community Players’ Armour Street Theatre, 307 Armour St., Davidson. 704 892-7953, www.davidsoncommunityplayers.org.
Matthews Playhouse presents “The Sound Of Music” — June 10-26, adult tickets $17, Matthews Community Center, 100 McDowell St., Matthews, 704-846-8343, www.matthewsplayhouse.com.
Old Courthouse Theatre presents “Comedy of Errors” — June 16-26: Summer Youth Production, directed by Andy Rassler. Tickets $15/$12/$10, call 704-788-2405 to reserve a seat. 49 Spring Street NW, NC, www.oldcourthousetheatre.org.
“KidsWrite!” at Burning Coal Theatre, Raleigh — Burning Coal premiers four plays by North Carolina middle and high schoolers in a professional production this June, adult tickets $10. Burning Coal Theatre Company, 224 Polk St., Raleigh, 919-834-4001, www.burningcoal.com.
Carolina Actors Studio Theater presents “Neon Psalms” — June 16-July 16, Thursday, Friday, Saturday performances 8 p.m. It’s a sorry situation in an isolated trailer home in the desert of Boron, California. Luton Mears is obsessed with his turtles and Bonanza TV re-runs; his wife Patina is submerged in religion; and their grown daughter has moved back home and is on her way to establishing a bad reputation. New address: NODA@28 St., 2424 North Davidson, Charlotte, NC 28205. Reservations www.NCCAST.com, 704-455-8542.
Comedy
“Charlotte Squawks” at the Booth Playhouse — June 10-25: Broadway meets Saturday Night Live meets Charlotte, with “7-Year Bit©#,” its latest edition. Area actors, singers, dancers parody pop culture, politics, sports and the Queen City. Tickets start at $29.50. 130 N. Tryon St., Charlotte, 704-372-1000
Music & more
Jason Michael Carroll to kick off Kannapolis summer concert series —7 p.m. Saturday, June 4, Village Park Amphitheater, off Dale Earnhardt Boulevard between West A and C Streets, Kannapolis, free, 704-920-4343 www.cityofkannapolis.com.
Jazz Vespers at St. John’s —7 p.m., Saturday, June 11: Zach Bartholomew Jazz Trio with guest vocalist Diana Tuffin, free, 200 W. Innes St. Following the concert a special reception will be held at Pottery 101, 101 S. Main St.
Charlotte Folk Society — June 10: The Briarhoppers, a group born in the heyday of live-music radio. 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.
“Blues out Back” free summer concert — 6:30 p.m., Friday, June 10: Gaston County Museum hosts Abe Reid at 13th annual “Blues out Back” free summer concert series, on the lawn behind the museum, 131 W. Main St., Dallas, 704-922-7681 x 105, www.gastoncountymuseum.org.
Piedmont Choral Society’s 8th annual Patriotic Benefit Concert — 3 p.m., Sunday, June 26: A concert consisting entirely of patriotic music. Forest Hill United Methodist Church, 265 Union St. N., Concord. 704-699-6053.
Charlotte Bronze Handbell Ensemble “Curtain Warmer” concert —7:30 p.m., Monday, June 6: Under the direction of internationally-known clinician and composer Tim Waugh. Handbells, handchimes, cello, viola, percussion, piano. Sanctuary of St. Luke’s Lutheran Church, 3200 Park Road, Charlotte. Free. 704-847-4502.
‘Soul Man’ Will Downing at Knight Theater tonight — 7:30 p.m., R&B crooner and contemporary jazz; 430 South Tryon St., Charlotte. Tickets $45-$65, 704-372-1000 or carolinatix.org.
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.
American Idols Live — 7 p.m., Thursday, July 28, Time Warner Cable Arena, Charlotte. Tickets $45/65. 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 at LiveNation.com, The Hardee’s Thickburger Box Offices at the venues, Ticketmaster or charge by phone 800-745-3000.
Classes
Blue Ewe Yoga workshop — 3-5:30 p.m., Saturday, June 4: introducing the Ashtanga primary series with Andrea Dyer, owner/director of mind/body/fitness yoga in Greensboro. Ashtanga yoga offers challenging workout suitable for physically active people. Some experience with yoga recommended but not required. $30. Information/registration 704-639-0606. Blue Ewe Yoga Studio, 516 South Salisbury Ave., Spencer.
ARRRT week — 8:30 a.m.-12:30 June 27-July 1: Kids ages 8-12 reduce- reuse-recycle at Center for Faith & the Arts while creating works of art. Instructor: Crystle Lineberger, tuition: $30 includes materials and daily snack. Scholarships available. Information or to register, 704-647-0999 or faithart@bellsouth.net. 207 W. Harrison St.
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.
Creative painting workshops — 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., 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.
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.
Waterworks Visual Arts Center summer classes — Register for Waterworks Visual Arts Center Summer Classes. Spaces are limited, some classes are already full. Visit www.waterworks.org for a complete schedule. Call 704-636-1882 to register.
Classes at LGAC — For kids: “Being Creative -LGAC” for children ages 8-14, June 25 through Aug. 0. Each class runs from 9-11:30 a.m., costs $8, limited to 10 participants. All materials are furnished unless otherwise noted. At least two LGAC artist members will supervise each activity. Registration and payment by check or cash only must be made no later than one week prior to starting class date. Sponsored by LGAC and artists Ann Cooper, Cathy Matthews, Nancy Gaines, and Pamela Deal. • June 25, Polymer Clay Bead Jewelry: Make beads from polymer clay, bake them, construct a piece of jewelry. • July 2, Canvas Mosaic: Use various materials to create a work of art on canvas. • July 9,Wearable Art: Paint a t-shirt with acrylic paint and fabric medium suitable for wearing. All materials furnished except t-shirt: bring cotton or cotton-blend t-shirt. • July 16, Stamping Project: Learn to use stamps and ink, then design and assemble at least one greeting card and matching envelope.
For adults • 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.
Knitting and spinning — • Beginning knitting class, Saturday, June 4 and 11, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., $45 plus cost of materials • Learn to knit a sweater, Saturday, June 4, 1-3 p.m., $45 plus cost of materials includes punch card to schedule remaining hours of private instruction • Knitting socks, Saturdays, June 18 and 25, 2 sessions: 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. and 1-3 p.m., experience knitting in the round necessary • 704-431-4527 to register for all classes. TranqWool Knitting Provisions, 310 Mocksville Ave.
Bring-your-own-vase floral design — 2-3 p.m., Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday: Designing fresh cut flowers, $15 per class plus cost of flowers, call for reservations; instructor David Harrison, Harrison’s Florist, 1012 Holmes Ave., off Grove St. near RRMC, 704-636-4251.
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.
Chrismons Christian symbols classes — •New beginner, Saturday, June 4, 9:30-11:30 a.m.•Intermediate, Friday, June 3, 10:30-12:30•Advanced, Saturday, June 4, 9 a.m.-noon. Call 704-636-7790 for reservations or information. Rufty’s Chrismon Shop, 280 Furniture Drive, info@chrismons.com.
Festivals
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, Eddie Pennington, Harris Brothers, Bobby Ingano, Wayne Henderson and Friends, children’s events, rain or shine, free parking. $10, children 12 and younger free. www.waynehenderson.org, www.dcr.virginia.gov/state_parks/gra.shtml.
This & That
Big Band Dance at J.F. Hurley Family YMCA — 7 p.m., Saturday, June 4: Big Band Dance featuring The Hi-Liters, $5 entry fee, bring a snack to share. 828 W Jake Alexander Blvd., 704-636-0111.
Concord Book Club on Robert Goolrick’s “A Reliable Wife” — 5:30 p.m., Tuesday, June 7, registration requested 704-920-2053, Concord Library auditorium, 27 Union St., N.
Summer reading program at Rowan Public Library — Weekly programs June 13-July 28, themed “One World, Many Stories.” Pre-registration at all library locations for children age 12 months to rising fifth-graders. www.rowanpubliclibrary.org, 704-216-8234.
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.
Catawba’s Community Music program summer camps — Four-day camps and private lessons available, contact Erin Harper emharper@catawba.edu or 704-881-1565 for details, register at catawba.edu/communitymusic.
Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden in Belmont hosts worldwide knit in public day — 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Sunday, June 12: for knitters, crocheters and spinners; beginners can learn basic skills, experienced knitters can explore new stitches, all can enjoy knitting and chatting with fellow enthusiasts. See and feel the latest in plant-based yarns, see “fiber sources” in action – sheep, alpacas, angora rabbits. Knit something to benefit With Friends Maternity Home. Free with Garden admission, half price for those who bring knitting needles. Members free, adults, $12; seniors 60+, $11; children 4-12, $6. www.DSBG.org.
Blumenthal Performing Arts 7th annual Tony Awards viewing party — Doors open at 7 p.m., broadcast at 8 p.m., Sunday, June 12, admission is free: watch the live broadcast of the 65th annual Tony Awards on a 10×14-foot screen, during commercial breaks, chances to win tickets to a Duke Energy Broadway Lights Series show. McGlohon Theatre in Spirit Square, 345 N. College St., Charlotte. BlumenthalArts.org.
“Heart of the Artist” weekly discussions — 7 p.m. Tuesdays through June 21; written by Rory Nolan for artists by an artist, 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.
Fundraisers
Antique fire truck, car and tractor show fundraiser — 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Saturday, June 4: at Kannapolis Walmart, live entertainment, kids’ games, car registration begins 8 a.m., cars must be pre-1980, $15 car registration comes with hot dog, chips, soda. All proceeds beneift Levine’s Children’s Hospital.
Fundraiser and silent auction — Noon-4 p.m., Saturday, June 4: Featuring artist Tamiko Patterson (2008 transplant recipient), Mikoz Designs, at A Little Sumthin’ Sumthin’, 117 W. Innes St. Portion of the proceeds benefit the National Kidney Foundation.
Night LifeThe Blue Vine, 209 S. Main St. — 9 p.m.-midnight, Friday, June 3: Salisbury’s all-star classic rock band, Motel Soap, $5 cover. Open Saturday, 1 p.m.-midnight. www.thebluevine. com. 704-797-0093.
The Inn, 1012 Mooresville Hwy 150 — Saturday, June 4: Second Chance, 4Given souls.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.
Benchwarmers. 113 E. Fisher St. — 7-10 p.m. every Friday: Handful of Dave. 704-639-0604.
Brick Street Tavern, 122 E. Fisher St. — 10 p.m., Saturday June 4: Mike Smith. 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.
DJ’s, 1502 W. Innes St., — Live music Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays starting at 8:30 p.m. 704-638-9647.
Fat Jack’s, 120 Military Ave., — 9 p.m. – until, Friday June 3: The Moreheads (still Craven). 8 p.m. until, Saturday, June 4: karaoke with Mark Tomei. 704-638-8996.
High Rock Boat & Ski Club, 257 Boat Club Lane — Friday, June 3: Deejay Butch Adiemy. Saturday, June 4: Grandpa’s Marine Boat Owners Reunion, The South Bound 49 Band. Wednesday, June 8: Summer Beach Wednesdays with The Atlantic Groove Band. Memberships available, open Wed.-Sat. www.theboatandskiclub.com. 704-633-0251.
Philip’s Steak and Pasta House, 1504 Jake Alexander Blvd W. — Friday, June 3: Arm wrestling competition, registration starts at 7p.m., competition at 9 p.m., four weight classes, $25 prize for winner per weight class, 704-637-8844 for details or to pre-register, $5 entry fee. 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; Live music every Friday after 9 p.m., Saturdays 9 p.m.-until?, Karaoke with Cherokee, 704-637-8844.
Rick’s BBQ and Grill, 929 S. Main St. — 7-9 p.m., tonight: Al Bell, plus karaoke every Friday and Saturday, classic car show every Tuesday 6-9 p.m. 704-642-0050.
Smitty’s North Rowan Bar-b-que 1205 N. Salisbury Ave., Spencer — 7-9 p.m., Thursdays: karaoke. 704-636-2122.
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.
Singles
Piedmont Singles — 7:15 p.m., Fridays, Gloria Dei Lutheran Church behind CVS, Statesville Blvd. Covered dish, no joining fee, donations appreciated. Contact Frances Ward 704-637-3241.
Highlighters Dance Club — Friday, June 3: live music by Magic. 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. $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 Friday, June 3. Oriental Shrine Club, 5010 High Point Rd., Greensboro. $10 at door. Business casual attire. Deejay Fast Freddie Thompson. 704-857-4650.
Auditions
Lee Street Theatre “Henry V” auditions — 7-10 p.m., June 6. Tongue-in-cheek performance;. performance dates July 10-16. Looking Glass Artist Collective, 405 N. Lee St., 704-754-2321.
Piedmont Players’ auditions for “The Prisoner of Second Avenue” — 7 p.m., June 14-15, third floor rehearsal hall of the Meroney Theater, auditions will consist of cold readings from the script. Show dates July 28-31 and Aug 3-6. 213 S Main St., 704-633-5471, www.piedmontplayers.com
Old Courthouse Theatre “On Golden Pond” auditions — 7-9 p.m., June 13-14. Performance dates Aug. 11-28. 49 Spring St. SW, Concord. www.oldcourthousetheatre.org.
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, deadline Wednesday, June 15, contact Pam Alexander 704-279-2256.
Call for vendors
Biker Blue & BBQ Rally — Sept. 22-24: with a KCBS barbecue cook-off; vendor applications at www.bikerbluesbbqrally.com or Tilley’s Harley-Davidson, Salisbury. Add’l info 704-638-6044.
Call for musicians
Call for musicians for Summerfest 2011 — June 18: seeking musicians interested in participating in day long festival. Music 10 a.m.-8 p.m., held in parking lot of NeelyD’s, Hickory. Call Neel Hudson at 828-397-7711.
Piedmont Choral Society — Community singers invited to join the choral society for the eighth annual Patriotic Benefit Concert Sunday, June 26. Rehearsals 7 p.m. Mondays, no audition or previous musical training needed, and no cost. Forest Hill UMC, 265 Union St. N., Concord, kayy2000@gmail.com or 704-699-6053.
Southern Piedmont Singers — 2 p.m. Sundays, new members accepted June 5 and 12, open to adults and youth ages 13 and up, only requirement is love of music and dedication to the choir. Now preparing pop, jazz, Broadway concert. N. Kannapolis United Methodist Church choir room, 1301 N. Main St., Damien Evans, director. 704-224-7148, southernpiedmontsingers @gmail.com.
Bluegrass musicians — Bluegrass jam open to all, Saturdays at Dixie’s Roasting Co., 102 S. Main St., China Grove. 704-857-9169.
Call for artists
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
Cabarrus Art Guild hosts Paul Keysar — 2 p.m., June 12: Oil painting still life demo and talk, www.PaulKeysar.com, free. Brick Wall Gallery, The Depot at Gibson Mill, 325 McGill Ave., Concord.
Home and garden
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
Waterworks Visual Arts Center, 123 E. Liberty St.— Summer exhibition “In The Details” features a variety of artists’ meticulous approaches, creating worlds in their artwork where every inch matters. Featured artists: woodcarver Dan Abernathy, fiber artist Nancy G. Cook, artist Michelle Heinz, clay artist Holden McCurry, artist Trena McNabb. Dare to Imagine Award winner R. Dean Crouch is also featured. Exhibition runs through Aug. 13. Admission free, donations appreciated. Gallery hours are M-F, 10-5; Tues, Thursday 10-7, Saturday 11-3. 123 E. Liberty Street, 704-636-1882, www.waterworks.org
Rail Walk Studios and Gallery, 409 N. Lee St. — Saturday, June 4: Faithful Friends Animal Sanctuary will receive a 10 percent donation of all Rail Walk studio artists sales and pet portrait commissions. Opening in the main gallery June 4 and continuing through July 30: “Glimpses of Carolina,” by the Plein Air Carolina artists. Open Saturdays 11 a.m.-5 p.m. or by appointment. 704-431-8964 www.railwalkgallery.com.
Mint Museum of Art, 2730 Randolph Road, Charlotte — “North Carolina Pottery: Diversity and Traditions;” “Chanel: Designs for the Modern Woman.” Open 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Tuesdays, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday. Admission $10 adults, , free for members and children 5 and younger. Free on Tuesdays 5-9 p.m. 704-337-2000. www.mintmuseum.org.
Mint Museum Uptown at Levine Center for the Arts, 500 South Tryon St., Charlotte — “Attitude and Alchemy: The Metalwork of Gary Noffke;” “From New York to Corrymore: Robert Henri and Ireland.” Same hours, admission as above. 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 , through June 19•“Thomas Hart Benton, America’s Master Storyteller,” features large-scale oil masterpiece, “Bootleggers.” Through July 31. House, gardens,village, 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. Rail Trail for hiking, biking. www.HistoricGoldHill.com.
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.
Tweetsie Railroad, Blowing Rock — June 3-12: Thomas the Tank Engine at Tweetsie. Open seven days a week. Tweetsie.com, call 877-TWEETSIE (877-893-3874), Facebook, Twitter @TweetsieRR.
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. — Current exhibit: “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.
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.
China Grove Roller Mill Museum — Guided tours 2-4 p.m. second Sunday of each month. For special tours call 704-433-3912. www.hist-society-srowan.com.
NC Music Hall of Fame Museum, 109 West A Street, Kannapolis — Honors musicians, singers, songwriters and producers from the state of North Carolina who have made great contributions to American music, more than 50 major inductee exhibits including Randy Travis, Charlie Daniels, Roberta Flack, John Coltrane, Andy Griffith, Shirley Caesar, Doc Watson, Chairmen of the Board, Earl Scruggs, Maurice Williams. Located in the renovated old Kannapolis Jailhouse Building. 10 a.m.-noon, 2-4 p.m., Monday-Friday. Admission free, donations appreciated. 704-934-2320, www.NorthCarolinaMusicHallofFame.org.
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. 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.
Fort Dobbs State Historic Site, 438 Fort Dobbs Road, Statesville — The only N.C. Historic Site associated with the French and Indian War (1754-1763), Free and open to the public Tuesday through Saturday 9 a.m.-5 p.m. 704-873-5882, www.fortdobbs.org.
Historic Latta Plantation, Sample Road, Huntersville — Summer camp programs now regisering; choose Farm Camp, Civil War Soldier Camp, 53rd Call To Arms Camp, Revolutionary War Soldier Camp, Miss Jane’s Academy or Historic Encounters Camp. Go to www.lattaplantation.org and click on summer camps. 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. www.historicrose dale.
Discovery Place, Charlotte, 301 N. Tryon St., Charlotte, — IMAX[0xae] Dome Theatre temporarily closed for upgrades June 1-10; during this time visitors can visit the Museum’s Discovery 3D Theatre, a digital movie theatre offering short-form 3D films appropriate for all ages •Extended summer hours through Sept. 5: Monday–Friday 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sunday: noon–5 p.m. •Marine Mammal Day, Saturday, June 8 •Exhibition “Life, A Journey Through Time,” photographic celebration of the wonder of life on earth through the imagery of acclaimed wildlife photographer Frans Lanting. 704-372-6261, 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. 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 — 10 a.m.-1 p.m., June 18: Farm Day: Learn about local farm life with a visit to the museum’s little farm in the big city. Activities free with museum admission. $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.
Town Creek Indian Mound, southern Montgomery County —NC’s only state historic site dedicated to American Indian heritage; visitor center features interpretive exhibits, audiovisual displays. Tour groups welcome. Tuesday-Saturday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Sunday, 1-5 p.m. Located on Town Creek Mound Road approx. five miles east of Mt. Gilead, between NC 73 and NC 731. www.towncreek. nchistoricsites.org.
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.
NC Museum of Art, 2110 Blue Ridge Road, Raleigh — Exhibit “Mirror Image,” exploring womanhood from the perspectives of 13 female artists. North Carolina Gallery, East Building, admission to exhibition is free. 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.
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. 919-513-0946, camraleigh.org.
NC Museum of Natural Sciences, 11 W. Jones St., Raleigh —Open until 9 p.m. on the first Friday of every month: visitors can see a (classic) sci-fi or horror movie (arrive early for a film short from the A/V Geek archives), wander through exhibits, enjoy snacks from the Acro Café, groove to live music with museum curator of the blues Steve Harvell. Free, family-friendly, social event. 919-733-7350, ext. 379 or naturalsciences.org. General admission is free. Reg hours: Mon-Sat., 9 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sun., Noon-5 p.m.
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.