Theater
Old Courthouse Theatre presents ‘110 in the Shade’ — 8 p.m., May 11, 12. Based on “The Rainmaker” by N. Richard Nash. $15/ $12/$10. 49 Spring Street NW, 704 788-2405, www.oldcourthousetheatre.org
Piedmont Players Youth Theatre’s ‘Cinderella’opens tonight — 7:30 p.m., May 10-12 and 18-20; 2:30 p.m., May 13 and 19: youth musical production. Adults $12, students/seniors $10. Norvell Theater, 135 E. Fisher St., www.piedmontplayers.com, 704-633-5471.
Mom gets in free at final performance of ‘Floyd Collins’— 2:30 p.m., Mother’s Day, May 13: Jonathan Coarsey in “Floyd Collins,” by Carolina Actors Studio Theater. Bring your Mom to the show and her ticket is on the house. NODA@28 St., 2424 North Davidson, Charlotte, NC 28205. Reservations www.NCCAST.com, 704-455-8542.
Old Courthouse Theatre’s Living Room Reading Series ‘Neil Simon’s The Dinner Party’ comedy — 4 p.m., Sunday, May 20: Free admission, 704-788-2405, OCT main theater, 49 Spring Street NW, Concord, 704-788-2405, www.oldcourthousetheatre.org
George Hamilton in ‘La Cage Aux Folles’ at the Blumenthal — May 29-June 3: also starring Christopher Sieber. Tickets $20-$99.50. Belk Theater at Blumenthal Performing Arts Center, 130 North Tryon St., Charlotte. 704-372-1000, BlumenthalArts.org
Festivals
Gold Hill Gold Rush Days — 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Saturday, May 12: Shops, artists, crafters, Three River Quilt Guild’s “Airing of the Quilts,” authhors, storytelling. 840 St. Stephen’s Church Road, goldhillmerchantsassociation@gmail.com
Village Fest music and craft festival — May 11-12: Cabarrus Events Association’s 33rd festival, downtown Kannapolis. Begins Friday 5 p.m. with Festival of the Arts, at 7 p.m. gospel group Karen Peck and New River. 9 a.m. Saturday, local dance studios perform until 11:30. 2 p.m., the Tim Clark Band. 7 p.m., Too Much Sylvia. Food, crafts, children’s entertainment. Bring a lawn chair. Brenda Drye at 704-932-3808.
Second annual NC Brewers and Music Festival — 11 a.m.- 10 p.m., Saturday, May 12: Steep Canyon Rangers, Sol Driven Train, The Black Lillies, Ryan Montbleau Band, Larry Keel and Natural Bridge, Old Man Markley and BIG Something. Historic Rural Hill, Huntersville. www.showclix.com/ event/210406
Let’s Get Connected Day — 11 a.m.-1 p.m., Saturday, May 19: music, food, dance, circle of prayer, dedication of peace pole. Performers: Overton Elementary Band, Mini Funk Factory, North Rowan Connections Choir, Kujamani Dance Team, Native Drummers. Ellis Park, 3541 Old Mocksville Road, Betty Jo Hardy 704-636-6119.
Three day Festival In The Grove — May 18-20• 8 p.m., Friday: outdoor movie “The End of the Spear,” also children’s movie 7 p.m. in church basement; free popcorn, soft drinks•6 p.m., Saturday: outdoor concert “One Road Home,”free homemade ice cream• 10:30 a.m., Sunday: outdoor worship• 6:30 p.m., Sunday: outdoor youth rally with bands “Broken Yesterday” and “Relentless Flood,” also CHAOS, youth drama troop from China Grove/Landis. Free popcorn, soft drinks, bring your own chair to each event. Christiana Lutheran Church, 6190 US Hwy 52, 704-279-4655.
88th Old Time Fiddler’s and Bluegrass Festival, Fiddler’s Grove — May 25-27: Music competitions, workshops, storytelling, clogging, food, dancing. Advance tickets before May 15 $35, youth $15. After May 17 $50, youth $25. www.fiddlersgrove.com
Music & more
Charlotte Folk Society Gathering — 7:30 p.m., May 11: Member Showcase, back by demand: spotlighting talented member musicians. Free, donations appreciated. Great Aunt Stella Center, 926 Elizabeth Ave., Charlotte. www.folksociety.org
Faure’s ‘Requiem’ with orchestra — 7 p.m., Friday, May 18 and 3 p.m., Sunday, May 20: presented by The Piedmont Choral Society and the sanctuary choirs of Concord’s First Presbyterian Church and Central UMC. Held at First Baptist Church, 200 Branchview Drive, Concord. Free. 704-699-6053, kayy2000@gmail. com
Harrah’s Cherokee Event Center — • Kansas, May 12 • Natalie Cole, May 25 • The Band Perry, May 27 • k.d. lang, June 2• Foreigner, June 8• Gary Allan Country Throwdown Tour, July 14.Harrah’s Cherokee Event Center, 777 Casino Drive, Cherokee. www.ticketmaster.com or 800-745-3000.
This & That
Concord teen book club — 5:30 p.m., Tuesday, May 15, discussing “This Dark Endeavor” by Kenneth Oppel. Register at 704-920-2053, Concord Library teen area, 27 Union St., N.
Salisbury Rowan Quilters’ Guild presents ‘Sunny Days and Starry Nights’ — May 18-19: Quilt show at First Baptist Church, First Ministry Center, 223 N. Fulton St. 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m., Friday and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday. 200+ professionally judged traditional and modern quilts, Alzheimer’s Initiative Quilts, Challenge Quilts, other Fiber Arts. Sewing, quilting and fiber vendors. Demonstrations, silent auction, door prizes, Tea Room featuring fresh North Carolina strawberries. Admission $5, children 12 and under free.
Paranormal Investigation — Friday, May 18: $20 per person, Salisbury Wine Shop. Reservations and information: boo@salisburyghostwalk.com or 704-213-4232.
Gold Hill Photo and History Walk — 2 p.m., Saturday, May 19: Guided photo walk of the Historic Village of Gold Hill, registration 1 p.m. at The Arbor (behind The Bakery, 850 St. Stephen’s Church Road). $5/person for guided walk with history of each stop, tips for taking better photos, learn the history of the village of Gold Hill. Same day as Classic Car Cruise-in•Photo contest: email best photo from walk for chance to win $25 gift certificate at the Stamp Mill Cafe.
Historic Gold Hill Cruise-in —2 p.m. till dark, Saturday, May 19 and every third Saturday. Raffle, classic, antique cars, street rods, cycles. 740 St. Stephens Church Road. Facebook or goldhillmerchantsassociation@gmail.com
Historic Salisbury narrated trolley tour — 11 a.m. Saturdays, April through Oct. Tours begin/end at Visitor’s Center, 204 E. Innes St. $8 for adults, children 4 to 10 $5, under 4 free. 704-638-3100, www.visitsalisburync.com
Family laser show ‘Laser Country’ — 5 p.m., Saturday, May 19: Fast-paced, toe-tapping program for country music fans across the generations. Early days legends such as Johnny Cash, Patsy Cline blended with contemporary artists such as Rascal Flatts, Zac Brown Band. Doors open 4:30 p.m. Adults $3, 12 and under $2. Margaret C. Woodson Planetarium at Horizons Unlimited, park on Lilly Ave., 704-639-3004.
Rock laser show ‘Laseropolis’ — 7 p.m., Saturday, May 19: Mix of music, dazzling laser effects for fans of great rock bands of 70s, 80s, 90s. Familiar songs by REM, Future Sounds of London, Emerson Lake & Palmer, Creed, Nirvana, more. Viewer Discretion advised, some songs may contain lyrics and images inappropriate for young children. Doors open 6:30 p.m. Adults $5, 12 and under $3. Margaret C. Woodson Planetarium at Horizons Unlimited, 1636 Parkview Circle, park on Lilly Ave., 704-639-3004.
NSSA member-authors booksigning — 2-4 p.m., Sunday, June 10: Bob Harris, How Sweet It Is!: From The Cotton Mill to the Crow’s Nest; Mark Johnson, Argyle Armada: Behind the Scenes of the Pro Cycling Life; Dave Ungrady, Born Ready: The Mixed Legacy of Len Bias; Doug Segrest: A Storm Came Up; Craig Greenlee: November Ever After•Super bowl rings, try them on. Jostens displays 28 rings created for National Football League Super Bowl champions. Literary Bookpost, 110 S. Main St., NSSA at www.nssafame.com, 704-633-4275.
Dance
Drumming and Dancing On Easy Street — 7:30 p.m., Friday, May 11: Drum circle, part of Downtown Salisbury’s Spring Night Out. Bring drum, rattle, tambourine, clapping hands, dancing feet and a chair to sit in. Open to all.
Fundraisers
Hills Worship Benefit Concert — 5-7 p.m., Saturday, May 12, North Hills Christian School grounds: free outdoor concert, food for sale, door prizes/raffles/silent auction. Proceeds go toward purchasing band equipment. http://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=SCB9bCWxmrs
Vendor fair/craft sale benefitevents — 10 a.m.-4 p.m., May 12 at Eastwood Baptist Church, 320 Cook St., Kannapolis•10 a.m.-4 p.m., May 26 at Unity United Methodist Church, 8505 Unity Church Road, Kannapolis• To benefit the Witherspoon family that lost everything in a house fire. Craft vendors, food, 50/50 raffle, silent auction, more.
Kannapolis Roller Girls fundraiser dinner — To go orders only, pick up between May 7-13, Fatz Cafe, Afton Ridge off 85 exit 54. Advance tickets $10, Tammy at 704-273-3989. Benefits the amateur roller derby team open to all women.
Concord car show for CCM — 8 a.m.-2 p.m., Saturday, May 12: AutoBarn Classic Cars car show at 325 McGill Ave.; all makes/ models of cars, trucks, motorcycles welcome. Proceeds benefit Cooperative Christian Ministry. Preregister $5, DOS $10. Plaques awarded for Best of Show, Best Engineered, Top 10 picks. Judging begins 10 a.m., awards 1:30 p.m. 50/50 drawing and giveaways, music deejay Clyde Waller. 704-788-2765, www.autobarnclassiccars.com
Hoofstock 2012— 2-7 p.m., Saturday, May 19: A day of music, peace and whinnies, with art, craft, food vendors. Friendly dogs on leashes welcome. Proceeds benefit Safe Haven Equine Rescue and Rietirement. Music by the Ramshackles, Linus Jones, Crystal Bright and the Silver Hnds, deejay Sound Ninja. $5 admission, 12 and under free. Held at Give Me Shelter Safe Haven Farm, 245 Cedar Ridge Lane, High Point, www.sherrnc. com
Night Life
The Blue Vine, 209 S. Main St. — 9-midnight, Friday, May 11: 6th Anniversary Bash at Spring Night Out (BV opened on Spring Night Out in 2006). Wine tasting, door prizes, music by the Shana Blake Band, $5 cover • 9-11:30 p.m., Saturday, May 12: Eden’s Gate, no cover. 704-797-0093, www.thebluevine.com
Buckshots Live Music Venue, 5658 S. Main St. — Wednesday, Open Jam Night•Thursday, Hot Rods and Harleys with deejay Fast Freddie • Friday, May 11: Greevace and guest Appalusha • Saturday, May 12: Troubadours; pool tourney/$5 buy in. Doors open 4 p.m., music begins around 8 p.m. 704-856-0227.
Cooper’s, The Gathering Place, 122 E. Fisher St. — 9 p.m., Saturday, May 12: Josh Sanders.704-754-4907.
DJ’s, 1502 W. Innes St., — 8:30 p.m., Thursday, Friday, Saturday: Live music. 704-638-9647, www.DJsRestaurant. com
Fat Jack’s Pub, 120 Military Ave., — 8 p.m., Friday, Saturday night: Karaoke. 704-638-8996.
The Fuel Depot Bar and Grill, 2168 Statesville Blvd. — •Tuesday, Open Mic •Wednesday, World Tavern Poker• Thursday, 8 ball tournament, deejay/ karaoke with Cherokee•Friday jam session with Monkey Wrench (free).
High Rock Boat & Ski Club, 257 Boat Club Lane — Friday, May 11: Deejay Butch Metcalf. Monday; Wednesday-Saturday.704-633-0251, www.theboatandskiclub. com
Christian Metal night at The Inn, 1012 Mooresville HWY 150 — 6 p.m., Saturday, May 12: $12 admission for seven bands: Headliner, The Great Commission. Also Keep It Secret Keep It Safe, Call Me Captain, Convictions, Serianna, We Are Defiance and xHONORx.• Free refreshments, air hockey, foosball, pool, wi-fi. Public invited to jam or schedule their group to perform. 704-213-1467, www.inntheloop.
Rick’s BBQ and Grill, 929 S. Main St. — 7 p.m. Thursdays: Karaoke performance• Bike Night 6-9 p.m. Mondays• Cruise-in 6-9 p.m. Tuesdays• Karaoke 7-close Friday-Saturdays. 704-642-0050.
Spencer Buffet, 1205 N. Salisbury Ave., Spencer — 6 p.m., Wednesdays: karaoke. 704-633-1200.
E.H. Montgomery General Store — Friday Night Bluegrass 6-10 p.m., open jam begins at 8 p.m. Historic Village of Gold Hill, www.HistoricGoldHill.com, Facebook at Historic Gold Hill, North Carolina, 704-267-9439.
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
Adult class at Pottery 101 — 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Wednesdays and 6:30-9 p.m. Tuesday or Wednesday evenings, June 12-Aug. 8 (no class week of July 4). All classes feature hand-building and wheel techniques, students not obligated to both but both processes will be demonstrated and available. Limited space, registration begins May 24. $200 includes 25# bag of clay, 8 classes and 5 hours of extra studio time. Additional studio time $5/hour. Pottery 101, 704-209-1632, pottery101nc@gmail.com, www.pottery-101.com
Children’s clay classes at Pottery 101 — For ages 6-14. $35 per class includes instruction, materials, firing. Payment due minimum three days in advance. 10a.m.-noon • May 19: Funny Fish • May 26: Clay Whistles • Pottery 101, 704-209-1632, pottery101nc@gmail. com, www.pottery-101.com
Summer ARTventures classes at Waterworks — Register now for Summer ARTventures classes. Visit www.waterworks.org to download brochure and registration forms or pick up during gallery hours. Variety of classes for kids aged 4 and up. Class sizes are limited. 123 E. Liberty St., Monday, Wednesday, Friday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Tuesday, Thursday 10 a.m-7 p.m, Saturday 11 a.m.-3 p.m., 704-636-1882, www.waterworks.org
Mind aerobics art class — 2-4 p.m., Mondays and Fridays, taught by artist Robert Toth: An introduction to drawing, pastel and sculpture. $10 per two-hour session. Rufty Holmes Senior Center, call 704-279-9301.
Creative Art Experiences for ages 5-18 — Art Lessons for children in your home, after school, evenings, weekends with Ingrid A. Erickson, K-12 Certified Art Educator and Artist. Lessons include papier mache animals, mask making, watercolor painting basics, observational and gesture drawing, printmaking, handmade paper and bookmaking, collage, clay, weaving, your requests. $15/hour, $10 each additional child. 413-884-4499 for appointment. Studio at Rail Walk Gallery, 409 N. Lee St. Email: ingridaerickson@yahoo.com with questions. Rail Walk Gallery, 409 N. Lee St.
Shag dance classes — Four-week sessions each monthat High Rock Boat & Ski Club and China Grove Methodist Church. Instructors are pro division dancers in Competitive Shag Association (carolinashaglessons.com). Available: Beginner, Beginner II, Intermediate/Advanced. $10/person; Contact Tobitha 704-202-9655 or tstewartrealtor@gmail.com; David or Diane Harrington 704-279-6168.
Zumba fitness — •6:30 p.m. Tuesdays, First Baptist Church of Salisbury in old YMCA gym on Fulton St. •6 p.m. Thursdays, $3 per person, St. Matthews Church in Salisbury •6 p.m., Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Christ United Methodist Church, Hwy 150, o2bamom@att.net for details.
Classical Method of Oils Painting with Patt — Beginner or intermediate ongoing classes Tuesdays 1-3 p.m., studio of Patt Legg. One-on-one teaching methods of the Old Masters. $40 per 2 hour session, pay as you go. 704-232-6000, www.PattLegg. com
Creative painting workshops — 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., ongoing series, beginning to intermediate, traditional oil painting. $200 for eight sessions; ask about scholarships and sliding scales. Registration/materials 704-245-6456. Instructor James E. Taylor, Contemporary Realism Studio, 211 S. Main St.
Watercolor classes at LGAC — Instructor Cathy Benfield Matthews, no experience needed; 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; reserve space at salisburyartists@gmail.com . Looking Glass Artist Collective, 405 N. Lee St., 704-633-ARTS, www.salisburyartists.com
Bring-your-own-vase floral design — 2-3 p.m., Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday: Designing fresh cut flowers, $5 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.
Singles
Piedmont Singles — 7:15 Fridays. Friday, May 11: Bingo. 1908 Statesville Blvd, Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, no joining fee, donations appreciated, covered dish.
Film
Free film at the Concord Library — 10 a.m., Saturday, May 19: Movie version of a novel by Norman Maclean that stars Brad Pitt and Craig Sheffer. Concord Library, 27 Union St., N., 704-920-2053.
Auditions
Lee Street Theatre’s 3rd Annual 10 Minute Play Festival — 7 p.m. Monday, May 14 and Tuesday, May 15 at the Black Box Theater, 405 N. Lee St. Performances June 6-9. Six 10-minute plays will be performed around the theme of “Six Feet Under.” Roles available for adults all ages. Auditions consist of cold readings from the scripts. Justin Dionne directs. Information: leestreettheatre@gmail.com
PPT youth for ‘13 – A Musical’ — By appointment only, Tuesday, May 21, 4 p.m. (25 slots); Wednesday, May 22, 4 p.m. (25 slots). Call 704-633-5471. Show dates July 12-22. Norvell Theater, 135 E. Fisher St., 704-633-5471, www.piedmontplayers.com
North Carolina Symphony 2012 Youth Concerto Competition — Auditions begin May 19: Preliminary round of Kathleen Price and Joseph M. Bryan Youth Concerto Competition, Meredith College, Raleigh. 919-789-5461, jmyers@ncsymphony.org or application form under competitions & awards at www.ncsymphony.org/ educationprograms
Call for vendors
Biker Blues Rally — Second Annual Tilley Harley-Davidson Biker Blues BBQ Rally and Kansas City BBQ Society sanctioned cook-off, Sept. 20-22: accepting vendor applications. Gary Moss 704-638-6044 or info@bikerbluesbbqrally.com or www.bikerbluesbbqrally.com under forms.
27th Hickory Oktoberfest — Accepting applications for arts and crafts vendors for Oct. 12-14 event. 10×10 booth spaces, one craftsperson per booth. Early registration postmarked by Aug. 1: $100. Regular registration through Sept. 1: $150. Applications at www.hickoryoktoberfest. com
Call for parade entries
Faith Fourth of July Parade entries — Applications now being accepted: call James, Sylvia or Pam Alexander at 704-279-2256. Deadline June 18. For Faith Idol entry information, see Call for Musicians.
Call for musicians
Faith Idol contest — Entries now being accepted for Faith Idol contest. Age categories: 12 and under, 13-18, 19 and up (adult). Event held during Faith Fourth of July celebration. 704-279-2256 for more information. Deadline June 18. For parade entry information, see This and That.
Bluegrass musicians — Bluegrass jam open to all, Saturdays at Dixie’s Roasting Co., 102 S. Main St., China Grove. 704-857-9169.
Art
Local art at Tastebuds — Featuring artists Rachel Lee, Sharon Forthofer, Lisa Flippin, Phyllis Stiemel, Barbara Duffy, Norma Owen, Joyce Cavanagh-Wood. Free, open to the public May-June, Monday-Friday 7 a.m.-6 p.m., Saturday 8 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Tastebuds Coffee & Tea, 106 N. Main St., 704-245-4134.
Last weekend of High School exhibit at Waterworks Visual Arts Center, 123 E. Liberty St. — “Celebrating Rowan County’s Young Artists,” a rotating exhibition showcasing artwork from Salisbury-Rowan County’s public, independent, home-schooled students, now in its 29th year; features the works of nearly 800 students. Rowan Salisbury’s High School Exhibition ends May 12 •“Multiplicity” through May 12. Artists Juie Rattley III and David Kessler • Coming: Family Fun Day, May 19 • Free admission, donations appreciated. Monday, Wednesday, Friday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Tuesday, Thursday 10 a.m-7 p.m, Saturday 11 a.m.-3 p.m., 704-636-1882, www.waterworks.org
‘Paperless’ exhibit at SECCA — Southeastern Center for Contemporary Art, 750 Marguerite Drive, Winston-Salem. 336-725-1904, www.secca.org
Mint Museum of Art, 2730 Randolph Road, Charlotte — Threads of Identity: Contemporary Maya Textiles•The Transformed Self: Performance Masks of Mexico•The Shape of Life: Contemporary Native American Ceramics•Fashionable Silhouettes — all through through Dec. 31. Celebrating Queen Charlotte’s Coronation through Oct. 28. 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 — Surrealism and Beyond through May 13•Fairytales, Fantasy, & Fear through July 8•Colorbind: The Emily and Zach Smith Collection through Aug. 12•Matthew Weinstein through Aug. 18. 704-337-2000. www.mintmuseum.org
Reynolda House Museum of American Art, 2250 Reynolda Road, Winston-Salem — Exhibits: A Genius for Place through Aug. 5•Domestic Bliss: Art at Home in Britain and America, 1780-1840 through May 20•Modern Masters from the Smithsonian American Art Museum through Dec. 31. 336-758-5150, reynoldahouse.org
The North Carolina Pottery Center, 233 E. Ave., Seagrove — NC Student Ceramics Exhibit 1, High School: opening reception Friday, May 11, 5:30-7:30 p.m. • Permanent exhibition: traces NC pottery from pre-historic Native American work through 21st century. 336-873-8430, www.ncpotterycenter.org
Trips
YMCA cruise to Hawaii — Oct. 13: Eight day/seven night cruise to Hawaii, Louise Klaver, 704-636-0111, J.F. Hurley Family YMCA, 828 W Jake Alexander Blvd.
Charleston, W.Va. and Ohio Amish country — May 22-15, includes Blenko glass factory tour in W.Va. and an Amish wedding feast in Sugarcreek, Ohio. Davie County Senior Services, 336-753-6230.
Parks
Dan Nicholas Park, 6800 Bringle Ferry Rd. — Paddle boats, miniature golf, miniature trains, carousel, gem mine, playgrounds, 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 —May 12: Gold Rush Days: Shops, artists, crafters, Three River Quilt guild’s “Airing of the Quilts,” authors, storytelling. 840 St. Stephen’s Church Road, Gold Hill. goldhillmerchantsassociation@gmail.com
Gold Hill Rail Trail — Hiking, biking trail begins at Gold Hill Mines Historic Park, 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.
Tweetsie Railroad, Blowing Rock — May 10, 16, 17: Tweetsie Railroad transforms into the magical world of Letterland. Open Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, Memorial Day Monday. Starting June 1 open 7 days. Tweetsie.com, 877-TWEETSIE (877-893-3874)
Museums
N.C. Transportation Museum, 411 S. Salisbury Ave., Spencer — May 12: 6th Annual Carolina Classic Motorcycle Show • Thomas and Friends Play Date. NOTE: Thomas will not appear • See www.nctrans.org for details, also for train ride schedule and admission information with and without train rides. 704-636-2889, 877-NCTMFUN, www.nctrans.org
Rowan Museum, 202 N. Main St. — Black History exhibit “Back in the Day.” Monday-Friday, 1-4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Contributions accepted. 704-633-5946. www.rowanmuseum.org
Utzman-Chambers House, 116 S. Jackson St. —Artifacts of the late Honorable Spruce Macay, perhaps best known for instructing our country’s seventh president, Andrew Jackson. 704-633-5946.
Old Stone House, Granite Quarry —Two-story Georgian stone house completed in 1766. Open to the public Saturdays and Old Stone House Road in Granite Quarry. 704-633-5946, www.rowanmuseum.org
Dr. Josephus Hall House, 226 S. Jackson St. — 1820 house museum, costumed docents provide tours. 704-636-0103.
Historic Rockwell Museum, 102 E. Main St. — For special tours and info call 704-279-4979.
Price of Freedom Museum, Old Patterson School building, China Grove — Sundays 3-5 p.m. and by appointment. American war memorial dedicated to men and women of the armed services. Intersection of Weaver and Patterson Roads, 704-857-7474, www.priceoffreedom.us
China Grove Roller Mill Museum — Guided tours 2-4 p.m. second Sundays. 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 North Carolina. In the renovated old Kannapolis Jailhouse Building. 10 a.m.-noon, 2-4 p.m., Monday-Friday, admission free. 704-934-2320, www.NorthCarolinaMusicHallofFame.org
Historic Gold Hill,NC/Gold Hill Mines Historic Park — 19th century living history interpretative displays reflect life in the 1800s gold mining boom town. Free. 704-279-5674, 704-267-9439, www.HistoricGoldHill. com
Reed Gold Mine historic site, 9621 Reed Mine Road, off Highway 200 near Locust — Museum, visitor center, underground mine tour, operating stamp mill, panning area. Museum is free, panning tickets $2. 704-721-4653, www.nchistoricsites.org /reed/
Fort Dobbs State Historic Site, 438 Fort Dobbs Road, Statesville — The only North Carolina Historic Site associated with the French and Indian War (1754-1763) or Seven Years War. Free, 704-873-5882, www.fortdobbs. org
Reynolda House Museum, 2250 Reynolda Road, Winston-Salem — 336-758-5150, reynoldahouse.org
Historic Latta Plantation, 5225Sample Road, Huntersville — 1-4 p.m., May 19: Civil War Mustering event: 150th mustering anniversary of the Mecklenburg Grays. Free with regular site admission ($7 for adults, $6 for seniors, $5 for students, ages 5 and under free). Circa 1800 cotton plantation and living history farm, 704-875-2312, lattaplantation.org
Historic Rosedale Plantation, 3427 N. Tryon St., Charlotte — 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Saturday, May 12: Historic Rosedale Arts Festival featuring the Carolina’s best artisans including potters, wood turners, jewelry makers and craftsmen from both Carolinas. Civil War National Register Federal house circa 1815. historicrose dale.org
Discovery Place, Charlotte, 301 N. Tryon St., Charlotte, — Where science amazes, educates and entertains • World Alive: aquarium, learning labs, rainforest • Think It Up: multi-sensory world of color, light, sound, creation • Project Build: the design behind everything from forts to pyramids to skyscrapers • Cool Stuff: learn the why of science • Discovery 3D Theatre: glasses required to experience the latest in digital filmmaking and state-of-the-art sound • 704-372-6261, www.discoveryplace.org
Discovery Place KIDS Huntersville, 105 Gilead Road — Children younger than age one free. 704-372-6261, discoveryplaceKIDS.org
Charlotte Nature Museum, 1658 Sterling Road, Charlotte — 704-372-6261, charlottenaturemuseum.org
Charlotte Museum of History, 3500 Shamrock Drive, Charlotte — Civil War Exhibit: Liberty on the Border. 704-568-1774, www.charlottemuseum.org
Town Creek Indian Mound’s 75th anniversary, Mount Gilead — NC’s only state historic site dedicated to American Indian heritage. Town Creek Mound Road approx. five miles east of Mt. Gilead, between NC 73 and NC 731. 910-439-6802, towncreek@ncdcr.gov, www.towncreek.nchistoricsites.org
Old Salem, Winston-Salem — Faithfully preserved buildings, costumed interpreters, craftsmen. 336-721-7300, www.oldsalem.org
NC Museum of Art, 2110 Blue Ridge Road, Raleigh —•El Anatsui: When I Last Wrote to You about Africa through July 29•Rhythms of the Heart: The Illustration of Ashley Bryan through Aug. 19•Reflections: Portraits by Beverly McIver through June 24 •Presence/Absence through May 27•John James Audubon’s The Birds of America, ongoing • Free general admission. Charge for some concerts, films, classes, performances. www.ncartmuseum.org
Contemporary Art Museum, 409 W. Martin St., Raleigh — •Chris Bradley Close One through May 28 • José Lerma The Credentialist, coming May 19-Sept. 2• $5 general admission. 919-513-0946, camraleigh.org
NC Museum of History, 5 E. Edenton St., Raleigh — Explore more than 14,000 years of the state’s history. Free admission• At the Speed of a Girl, Celebrating 100 Years of Girl Scouting, through July 29. 919-807-7900, ncmuseumofhistory.org or Facebook
NC Museum of Natural Sciences, 11 W. Jones St., Raleigh —Four floors of live animals, hands-on activities, exciting programs: look at the natural world through NC’s geography, prehistoric past, geology, plants, animals. 919-733-7450, www.naturalsciences.org
NC Museum of Life and Science, 433 Murray Ave., Durham — Indoors: Sit inside a real Apollo Space Capsule, explore a full-scale Lunar Lander, touch a 13-foot tornado, see 75+ animal species of Carolina wildlife •Outdoors: Explore the Wild, a 6-acre outdoor science center expansion linking people with plants, animals, interactive exhibits. Train and ornithopter rides small add’l cost. 919-220-5429, www.ncmls.org
Children’s Museum of Winston-Salem, 390 S. Liberty St. — Climbing Lobby, Amazing Library, Build it!, Surprise Garden, The Enchanted Forest, Animal Alphabet, Amazing Airways, Krispy Kreme Doughnut Factory, Food Lion Supermarket. 336-723-9111, childrensmuseumofws.org
Natural Science Center of Greensboro, 4301 Lawndale Drive — A hands-on science museum, animal discovery zoological park and a state-of-the-art OmniSphere Dome Theater, NC’s only 40 foot digital dome experience. 336-288-3769, www.natsci.org
Greensboro Children’s Museum, 220 N. Church St. — • Green Acres Gala, Friday, May 18, 7-11 p.m., tickets on sale now. Hands-on, interactive museum for children (infancy to 10 years of age) and families. 336-574-2898, www.gcmuseum.com