Music & more
The Embers. Tonight at 7:30 p.m. at Faith 4th of July Celebration and July 5 as part of Brick Street Live — July 5, gates open 6 p.m.,, E. Fisher Street, tickets $5 at the gate or www.brickstreetlive.com, 704-637-5363.
Concert on the Square series kicks off in Downtown Mocksville — 6:30-8:30 p.m., Saturday, July 21: deejay, dance to beach music, line dance to 70s hits, do the wobble dance. Free, bring a chair. 101 N. Main St., next to Restaurant 101, 336-909-2263, www.historicdowntownmocksville.com
Phil Wickham, Moriah Peters perform live at free concert event — 7 p.m., July 27: Glee for God concert celebration at Christian City Church (C3), 300 Hwy 68 S, Greensboro. Doors open 6:15, www.GleeforGod.com, www.c3greensboro.com
Harrah’s Cherokee Event Center — • Gary Allan Country Throwdown Tour, July 14• Deejay Pauly D, July 20• Creed: Back Together Again! July 27• Comedian Bill Engvall, Aug. 3• Justin Moore, Aug. 24. Harrah’s Cherokee Event Center, 777 Casino Drive, Cherokee. www.ticketmaster.com or 800-745-3000.
This & That
Salisbury Ghost Walk tomorrow night — 8 p.m., Friday, June 29, adults $10, students $5, Meet at 130 W. Innes St., reservations/information 704-642-1734, boo@salisburyghostwalk. 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
Downtown Kannapolis Summer Entertainment Series — “Concerts in the Park” at Village Park: 7 p.m., Friday, June 29: Charlotte Symphony, also fireworks. Concerts begin at 7 p.m. Summer Series events open to the public, free admission unless otherwise stated. Complete summer schedule at www.cityofkannapolis.com or 704-920-4343.
‘Dream Big READ’ summer reading kickoff at Rowan Public Library branches— Children age 12-rising fifth-graders register at any location. Weekly programs through Aug. 2 except July 4th week, win prizes. Complete schedule on Sunday’s book page or www.rowanpubliclibrary.org or any RPL location — Headquarters, 704-216-8234; South Rowan Regional, 704-216-7728; East Branch, 704-216-7842.
Rowan Public Library Teen Summer Reading schedule — Weekly programs, prizes for reading. Get forms from www.rowanpubliclibrary.org or at any branch • 3:30-5 p.m., through Aug. 1, Tuesdays Headquarters, Wednesdays East Branch, Thursdays South Regional • Carolina Shadows: June 26–28. Casting a light on the Bizarre with Tim Sonefelt • Stargazing: July 10-12. How much do you know about the stars? • Crime Scene: July 17–19. CSI and Self Defense • Live Creatures: July 24–26. Nocturnal animals and more • Summer Concert and Prize Awards: August 1 • End-of-summer celebration, South Regional, for teens from all library locations
Phyllis Keels at Literary Bookpost, 110 S. Main St. — 1-3 p.m., Saturday, July 14: Local author’s books include “Lady of Daldriada” and “Emma and the Paper,” www.PhyllisKeels.com. www.literarybookpost.com, 704 630-9788, 110 S. Main St.
2012 Kannapolis cruise-in — 3:30-9:30 p.m., July 14. Information: Brenda Drye, 704-932-3808.
Historic Gold Hill Cruise-in —2 p.m. till dark, Saturday, July 21: 50/50 raffle, classic, antique cars, street rods, cycles. 740 St. Stephens Church Road. Facebook or goldhillmerchantsassociation@gmail.com
Gold Hill Ghost Walk — Registration 7:30 p.m. at the Arbor, July 28: Ghost Walk starts at 8 p.m. Guided walks $5, children under 6 free, see map on directional signs in village, 840 St. Stephens Church Road, Gold Hill.
GMKC ‘Gone Doggin’ Summer Agility Trials at Cabarrus Arena and Events Center— 8:30-5:30 p.m., Aug. 9-12: Canine competitors run the agility courses for big prizes. Fun for the entire family. Admission free to spectators, parking $5. Cabarrus Event Center, 4751 NC Hwy 49, Concord, www.greatermonroekc.org. 704-920-3976, Ticketmaster.com
Theater
Davidson Community Players present ‘Crazy For You’ — The new Gershwin musical comedy. Through June 30, $24. Duke Family Performance Hall, 207 Faculty Drive, Davidson College. 704 892-7953, www.davidsoncommunityplayers.org
Piedmont Players Youth Theatre presents ‘13 The Musical’ — July 12-15 and 20-22. Norvell Theater, 135 E. Fisher St., www.piedmontplayers.com, 704-633-5471.
Piedmont Players Theatre presents ‘You Can’t Take It With You’ — July 26-Aug. 4. Meroney Theater, 213 S. Main St., 704-633-5471, ww
Fundraisers
Tonight: Ninth annual patriotic benefit concert — • 7 p.m., June 28 at Central UMC, 30 Union St, N, Concord • Also 3 p,m., Sunday, July 1 at First Presbyterian Church, 201 Vance Ave., Kannapolis • Presented by Piedmont Choral Society, concert consists of all patriotic music, proceeds go to Kitty City of Downtown Concord. Reception follows to honor military personnel. Free, love offering accepted. 704-699-6053, kayy2000@gmail.com
Second Cooleemee Music from the Porch concert — Saturday, July 7: Broke-N-Lonesome, Selenea Fowler Barker, Crucifixed. Benefit for the Cooleemee Historical Association, admission $5 at the gate, children 12 and younger free. The Cook Shack opens 5 p.m. for hot dogs, drinks. Music begins at 6 p.m. Bring lawn chair or blanket.
Festivals
30th annual China Grove Farmers Day — Friday, July 20: Singing in the Park • 9 a.m.-11 p.m., Saturday, July 21: Farmers Day Festival, downtown China Grove.
Night Life
The Blue Vine, 209 S. Main St. — 9 p.m.-midnight, Friday, June 29: funk/blues/classic rock/jam band Junque Gallery, $5 cover • 9:30-11:30 p.m., Saturday, June 30: Singer/songwriter series features 19-year-old Brooke McBride no cover. 704-797-0093, www.thebluevine.com
Fat Jack’s Pub, 120 Military Ave. — Friday and Saturday nights: Open juke box, come play your favorite songs with us. 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).
The Inn, 1012 Mooresville Hwy 150 — •Saturday, June 30: Jerry’s Bones and Jeremiah 18 •Free refreshments, air hockey, foosball, pool, wi-fi. Public invited to jam or schedule their group to perform. 704-213-1467, inntheloop. blogspot.com
The Loft at Benchwarmers, 113 E. Fisher St. — Tonight, June 28: Arpetrio, Stamper, Caibel• Saturday, June 30: National Hotel Sound System. Doors open 9 p.m., must be 18+, www.reverbnation.com /venue/theloftbenchwarmers
Rick’s BBQ and Grill, 929 S. Main St. — 7 p.m., tonight, June 28: Karaoke performance by Mickey Eller • 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.
The Evening Muse, 3227 N. Davidson St., NoDa Arts District, Charlotte — June 29: Doria Roberts, Bubonik Funk• June 30: Elenowen with Ryan Horne. CarolinaTix, 704-372-1000, www.the eveningmuse.com
The Double Door Inn, 1218 Charlottetown Ave., Charlotte — June 29: Chris Sanchez with Chuck Johnson & The Charleyhorse All-Stars • June 30: Groove 8, Curious Poses, CD release concert with Trinity Seed. CarolinaTix, 704-372-1000, www.doubledoorinn.com
The Visulite, 1615 Elizabeth Ave., Charlotte — June 29: Jill Andrews • June 30: Original Other People. CarolinaTix, 704-358-9200, www.visulite.com
Classes
Adult class at Pottery 101 — 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Wednesdays and 6:30-9 p.m. Tuesday or Wednesday evenings through 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
Salisbury Art Station summer classes — Classes for July 2-6 • Exploring Art, 9 a.m.-noon, ages 3-6 and 7-11• Art Studio, 1-4 p.m., ages 12 and up.
Classes for July 9-13 • All About Color, 9 a.m.-noon, ages 3-6 and 7-11 • Drawing and Painting, 1-4 p.m., ages 10 and up. • Different classes begin weekly for different age groups. $165 per week, email contact@salisburyartstation.com for complete list.
Summer ARTventures classes at Waterworks — Summer ARTventures classes. Visit www.waterworks.org for brochure, 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.
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
Card Making Class at the Ytonight — 6-8 p.m. every other Thursday evening, all supplies included. J.F. Hurley Family YMCA, 828 W Jake Alexander Blvd., Terri Dockins 704-636-0111.
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
Singles
Piedmont Singles — 7:15 Fridays. Friday, June 29: Bingo. 1908 Statesville Blvd., Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, no joining fee, donations appreciated, covered dish.
Auditions
Carolina Renaissance Festival auditions — 9 a.m.-noon, Saturday, June 30, Ballantyne Arts Center, 11318 North Community House Road, Charlotte. For details www.RenFestInfo.com
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: now accepting vendor applications. See www.bikerbluesbbqrally.com under forms for more information, contact Gary Moss 704-638-6044 or info@bikerbluesbbqrally.com
27th Hickory Oktoberfest — Now 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 musicians
E.H. Montgomery General Store, Gold Hill — Bluegrass jam open to all acoustic musicians.Refreshments available, Admission by donation. Every Friday night 7-9 p.m., 704-267-9439.
Call for artists
‘Faces of Abundant Living’— Salisbury’s Abundant Living provides models for portraits for 2012 “Faces of Abundant Living” portrait exhibit. Portraits may be started at any time; work in the medium of your choice. Deadline Aug. 1. Once completed, portraits will be on exhibit at Waterworks Visual Arts Center beginning Aug. 24; an opening reception Sept. 20. In early November 2012 the portraits will be presented to family members to keep and cherish. To participate, call Abundant Living at 704-637-3940 or email bgarwood@aladc.net.
Home and garden
Daniel Stowe Botanical Gardensummer series —9 a.m. to 3 p.m., hands-on activities that illustrate how art and wildlife interact within the garden • Saturday, July 14: “Wild with Color” • Saturday, August 4: “Wild Wings.” Free with Garden admission. Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden, 6500 S. New Hope Road, Belmont. 704-825-4490, www.DSBG.org
Art
Last weekend for exhibit at Tastebuds — Featuring artists Rachel Lee, Sharon Forthofer, Lisa Flippin, Phyllis Stiemel, Barbara Duffy, Norma Owen, Joyce Cavanagh-Wood. Free, open to the public through 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.
St. John’s Lutheran Church, 200 W. Innes St. — Robert Doares original art work, 54 paintings and drawings, showing the life of Jesus Christ, entitled “Immanuel:God With Us,” through June, Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. For individual or group tour, call Marilyn Smith, 704-642-0731.
Rail Walk Studios and Gallery, 409 N. Lee St. — “A Round Paris” runs through July 28 • North Gallery: “Round,” Rail Walk artists explore “the round” • South Gallery, themes of Paris. Rail Walk gallery hours Saturdays only 11 a.m.-4 p.m. 704-431-8964, www.railwalkgallery.com
Waterworks Visual Arts Center, 123 E. Liberty St. — • Summer Exhibition – With a Discerning Eye: Realism to Abstraction, through Aug. 11; Artwork from five regional artists challenge the viewer to look beyond the obvious, to deepen their understanding of the realism in abstraction and the abstraction in realism. 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
Exhibits at SECCA — • Paperless • Light and Space: The Sculpture of Stanislav Libenský and Jaroslava Brychtová • Tracey Snelling: Woman on the Run. 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. $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 — 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 —• Swing Era Celebration Concert, 3 p.m., Sunday, July 1: Outdoor concert featuring Summer Festival Jazz Repertory Orchestra of UNCSA. Admission $15 non-members (includes admission to Reynolda House) •Exhibits: A Genius for Place through Aug. 5•Modern Masters from the Smithsonian American Art Museum through Dec. 31. 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 — Permanent exhibition: traces NC pottery from pre-historic Native American work through 21st century. 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Tuesday-Saturday, 336-873-8430, www. ncpotterycenter.org
Parks
Dan Nicholas Park, 6800 Bringle Ferry Road — 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, — Historic tours available by appointment: 704-267-9439, www.HistoricGoldHill.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 — Bob The Builder™ at Tweetsie Railroad July 13-15. NC’s first theme park features live shows, amusement rides, concerts, a three-mile Wild West steam locomotive adventure. Tweetsie.com, 877-893-3874.
Museums
Free museum admission for vets — Blue Star Museums initiative offers free admission to active duty military and families through Labor Day, 1,500+ museums including• Charlotte — Bechtler Museum of Modern Art, Levine Museum of the New South, Mint Museum of Art• Durham — Bennett Place State Historic Site, Historic Stagville, Nasher Museum of Art at Duke University• Greensboro — Greensboro Children’s Museum• Raleigh — Gregg Museum of Art & Design• Winston-Salem — Southeastern Center for Contemporary Art, Old Salem Museums & Gardens, Reynolda House Museum of American Art, SciWorks Science Center and Environmental Park• Complete list at www.nea.gov/national/bluestarmuseums/index2012.php?st=NC#list
N.C. Transportation Museum, 411 S. Salisbury Ave., Spencer — • July 14: N.C. Civil War Ironclads. Andrew Duppstadt presents Civil War transportation history with some of the most interesting vessels to take to the water, Bob Julian Roundhouse Orientation Room, 1 p.m. Regular museum admission applies • 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. — Exhibit honoring life and service of Salisbury’s Elizabeth Hanford Dole: “Elizabeth Hanford Dole: Home town girl, public servant, world citizen.” 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Friday, 1-4 p.m. Saturday-Sunday. Contributions accepted. 704-633-5946, rowanmuseum@fibrant.com, www.rowanmuseum.org
Utzman-Chambers House, 116 S. Jackson St. — Artifacts of the late Honorable Spruce Macay (1755–1808), lawyer and Superior Court judge, perhaps best known for instructing our country’s seventh president, Andrew Jackson. Open 1-4 p.m. Saturday. $3 adults, $1.50 students. 704-633-5946, rowanmuseum@fibrant.com, www.rowanmuseum.org
Old Stone House, Granite Quarry —Two-story Georgian stone house completed in 1766. Located on Old Stone House Road in Granite Quarry. 1-4 Saturday, Sunday, $3 for adults and $1.50 for students. 704-633-5946, rowanmuseum@fibrant.com, www.rowanmuseum. org
Dr. Josephus Hall House, 226 S. Jackson St. — 1820 house museum, costumed docents provide tours. $3 adults, $1.50 students. For group tours, call HSF office, 704-636-0103.
Historic Rockwell Museum, 102 E. Main St. — Special tours and info 704-279-4979. Free. Sundays 2-4 p.m. and by appointment.
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. Free. 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.Operated by Historical Society of South Rowan. Free. Special tours 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, open Tuesday-Saturday 9 a.m.-5 p.m. 704-873-5882, www.fortdobbs.org
Reynolda House Museum, 2250 Reynolda Road, Winston-Salem — House, gardens and village feature public garden, dining, shopping,walking trails. Project See Yesterday Today uses QR codes in eight locations; when scanned with a smartphone, see web page with archival information and an image about the location. Through Aug. 5, reynoldahouse.org/seeyesterday 336-758-5150, reynoldahouse.org
Historic Latta Plantation, 5225Sample Road, Huntersville — Living History Saturdays bring history to life• June 30- Farm Life• July 7- Gold Panning- you can try too• July 14- Backcountry Life• July 21-22• Civil War with the 49th NC Troops• July 28- Michael Twitty, culinary historian, historic interpreter, Jewish educator, tells stories of enslaved people and their foodways • Aug. 4- Gold Panning• Aug. 11- Beekeeping Circa 1800 cotton plantation and living history farm,the last remaining Catawba River Plantation open to the public.704-875-2312, lattaplantation.org
Historic Rosedale Plantation, 3427 N. Tryon St., Charlotte — July 12: Relish Carolina, An Evening at a Southern Plantation. Reserve a spot at the 160 foot farm table which will canvas the bountiful garden and grounds of Historic Rosedale Plantation. Benefit dinner prepared by Chef John Cornely, served family style. Civil War National Register Federal house circa 1815. historicrose dale.org
Discovery Place, Charlotte, 301 N. Tryon St., Charlotte, — Summer hours through Sept. 3 • Monday-Friday: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. • Saturday: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. • Sunday: noon-5 p.m. 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: explore the design behind everything from forts to pyramids to skyscrapers • Cool Stuff: learn the why of science • Discovery 3D Theatre: glasses required, the latest in digital filmmaking, state-of-the-art sound • 704-372-6261, www.discoveryplace.org
Discovery Place KIDS Hunters-ville, 105 Gilead Road — $8 adults, children age 1-13; children under age one free. 704-372-6261, discoveryplaceKIDS.org
Charlotte Nature Museum, 1658 Sterling Road, Charlotte — $6 ages two and older, younger-than-two free, parking is free. 704-372-6261, charlottenaturemuseum.org
Charlotte Museum of History, 3500 Shamrock Drive, Charlotte — Civil War Exhibit: Liberty on the Border. Travel through a timeline, stopping at educational stations along the way. 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 Indian Mound interprets the history of the American Indians who once lived here. 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, Museum of Early Southern Decorative Arts, award-winning historical garden and horticultural programs. $21 adults, $10 children. 336-721-7300, www.oldsalem.org
NC Museum of Art, 2110 Blue Ridge Road, Raleigh —•Reflections: Portraits by Beverly McIver through June 24 •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 •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 — • José Lerma The Credentialist, Through 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• At the Speed of a Girl, Celebrating 100 Years of Girl Scouting, through July 29. Admission free. Across from the State Capitol. 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, programs: look at the natural world through NC’s geography, prehistoric past, geology, plants, animals. Free general admission, cover charge for special exhibits and 3D Theater. 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. $14 adults, $10 children ages 3-12. Train and bungee 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. Adults and children over 1 year old: $7.336-723-9111, 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. General admission includes admission to the Museum and Animal Discovery. $8 adults $8, $7 children ages 3-13.336-288-3769, www.natsci.org
Greensboro Children’s Museum, 220 N. Church St. — Hands-on, interactive museum for children (infancy to 10 years of age) and families. Adults $8/ Children 12 months and older $8. 336-574-2898, www.gcmuseum.com