Bluegrass at Rowan Public Library — 7 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 10: Clay Lunsford and Wayne Henderson, Stanback Auditorium, 201 W. Fisher St., www.rowanpubliclibrary.org
Footlights series at the Davis Theater — 7:30 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 17: The Malpass Brothers, traditional country music from brothers who tour as Merle Haggard’s opening act. Part of the Footlights series at the Davis Theatre, 65 Union St. S., Concord, 704-920-2753, www.CabarrusArtsCouncil.org
Bon Jovi at Time Warner Cable Arena — Wednesday, March 5, Charlotte. Tickets start at $19.50. www.ticketmaster.com, 800-745-3000
Eric Clapton with The Wallflowers in Raleigh — Wednesday, April 3, PNC Arena (formerly RBC Center). Tickets start at $45, on sale Dec. 7 at 10 a.m. www.ticketmaster.com, 800-745-3000
See the 2013 Metropolitan Opera National Council auditions — 10:30 a.m., Saturday, Jan. 12: Forty aspiring opera singers to compete in the NC District auditions, held in Dana Auditorium, Queens University of Charlotte, 1900 Selwyn Ave., Charlotte. Public is allowed, $3 admission. For more information lesliepaliy@windsgream.net
‘One Night Of Queen’ at the Knight Theater — 7:30 p.m., Tuesday, April 1: Premier Queen tribute band, “One Night Of Queen,” performed by Gary Mullen and The Works. Tickets start at $34.50. 430 S. Tryon St., Charlotte.Tickets: 704-372-1000, www.carolinatix.org, www.blumenthalarts.org
Harrah’s Cherokee Event Center — • Styx, Jan. 18, 2013 • Little Big Town Tornado Tour, March 2 • Celtic Woman, April 26. Harrah’s Cherokee Event Center, 777 Casino Drive, Cherokee. www.ticketmaster.com or 800-745-3000.

New Studio Classes at Waterworks — Beginning Jan. 15: Open Figure Drawing, Handbuilding & Wheel Pottery, Drawing, Darkroom Skills, Composition; Tuesday and Thursday evenings. www.waterworks.org for full class descriptions/information. Register online or 704-636-1882. Waterworks Visual Arts Center is located at 123 E. Liberty St.
Learn to shag — Thursday shag dance classes resume Jan. 3, TJ’s High Rock Lake Restaurant and Lounge (formerly High Rock Boat and Ski Club), 275 Boat Club Lane • 7 p.m., Beginner I & II • 8 p.m. Intermediate/Advanced. Note: Beginner I students must preregister. $40/month, no partner is needed. Contact Tobitha Stewart at 704-202-9655, www.carolinashaglessons.com or Diane Harrington at 704-279-6168.
Stained glass classes — 6-8 p.m., Mondays, Jan. 7-Feb. 11: Lessons on using the copper foil method, by glass artist Yolonda Shimpock, owner of Celestial Glasworks, 664 N.Cannon Blvd., 704-796-2260 for details, www.celestialglasworks.com
Kalima Tribal Belly Dance Valentine workshops — Beginning 9 a.m., Feb. 2: “Dark Romance” workshops explore the darker side of love, at The Treehouse, 506 1/2 S. Salisbury Ave., Spencer. Then see dancers from around the region at The Looking Glass Artist Center, 507 N. Lee St., that evening 7:30 p.m. Also features the live music of Valentine Wolfe out of Charlotte. Details at www.KalimaTribal.com or Facebook.
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.
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.
Zumba fitness — • 5:30 p.m. Mondays beginning Jan. 7, Rufty-Holmes Senior Center, 704-216-7714 • 6:30 p.m. Tuesdays, First Baptist Church of Salisbury, old YMCA gym on Fulton St. • 6 p.m. Thursdays, $3 per person, St. Matthews Church Salisbury • J.F. Hurley Family YMCA’s aqua zumba, 10:15 a.m., Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Art classes with Patt — Adult (16+) local artist Patt Legg; studio located off Miller Road • noon-2 p.m. or 6-8 p.m. Tuesdays • OR 6-8 p.m. Wednesdays. All classes are ongoing, 2 hrs. in length, pay as you go ($40/2 hrs.) Call for material costs, what to purchase, to sign up. 704-232-6000, 704-856-8869. See samples www.pattlegg.com/

Old Courthouse Theatre presents ‘The Diary of Anne Frank’ — Performances dates Feb. 7, 8, 9, 15, 16, 22, 23 at 8 p.m. and Feb. 10, 17, 24 at 2:30 p.m. By Frances Goodrich and Albert Hackett, adapted by Wendy Kesselman. Old Courthouse Theatre, 49 Spring Street NW, 704 788-2405, www.oldcourthousetheatre.org
Illusionist Jason Bishop at The Davis Theatre — 8 p.m., Friday, Feb. 1: The Jason Bishop Show, award-winning illusionist Jason Bishop’s stunning and original magic. $45, tickets at www.CabarrusArtsCouncil.org and Davis Theatre Box Office Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.- 4 p.m., in person or by phone, 704-920-2753. The Davis Theatre , 65 Union Street S, downtown Concord.
Carolina Actors Studio Theatre presents ‘Frost/Nixon’ — Jan. 3-27, Thursday, Friday and Saturday: 8 p.m.; select matinees 2:30 p.m.   Tickets at https://secure.ticketsage.net. CAST is located at 2424 N. Davidson St., Suite 113, Charlotte. Reservations 704-455-8542, www.nccast.com
‘Wicked’ returns — Broadway’s biggest blockbuster returns to Ovens Auditorium, Charlotte, March 13-31. Tickets go on sale tomorrow at 9 a.m., Friday, Dec. 7, at BlumenthalArts.org or 704-327-1000.

PPT set construction — 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Saturday-Sunday, Jan. 5-6: Construction for “To Kill a Mockingbird.” Lunch provided. No experience required. Meroney Theater, 213 S. Main St., 704-633-5471, PiedmontPlayers.com
Kalima Tribal Belly Dance girls’ night out — 6:30-8:30 p.m., Jan. 9: Second Wednesday ladies only event at The Blue Vine, 209 S. Main St., no belly dance experience necessary, for pricing see www.KalimaTribal.com or Facebook.
Concord Library events — • 6 p.m., Tuesday, Jan. 8: The Concord Book Club discusses “Major Pettigrew’s Last Stand” by Helen Simonson, registration requested at 704-920-2053. 27 Union Street, North, Concord. Information at 704-920-2050, www.cabarruscounty.us/library or Facebook.
Kalima Tribal Belly Dancing — 7:30 p.m., Feb. 2: See belly dancers from around the region, The Looking Glass Artist Center, 507 N. Lee St. Also featuring the live music of Valentine Wolfe out of Charlotte. Details at www.KalimaTribal.com or Facebook.

Piedmont Singles — 7:15 p.m., Friday Jan. 4: Bingo. 1908 Statesville Blvd., Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, no joining fee, donations appreciated, covered dish.

9th annual Charlotte Home & Landscape Show — Jan. 25-27: Thousands of square feet of exhibits, the latest in products and services, at Cabarrus Event Center & Arena, 4751 Highway

?Night Life
The Blue Vine, 209 S. Main St. — • 9-11:30 p.m., Friday, Jan 4: Bluegrass with Eden’s gate, no cover • 9-11:30 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 5: acoustic music of Danny Franklin, no cover • 704-797-0093, www.thebluevine.com
Cooper’s, The Gathering Place, 122 E. Fisher St.— • 8-11 p.m. every Tuesday: Open mic night. 704-754-4907.
DJ’s, 1502 W. Innes St. — 8:30 p.m., Thursday, Friday, Saturday: Live music. 704-638-9647, www.DJsRestaurant.com
ethos southern bistro and martini bar, 118 N. Main St. — 6:30-9:30 p.m., Friday, Jan. 4: • 6:30-9:30 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 5: 704-639-2600, www.ethosdining.com
Fat Jack’s Pub, 120 Military Ave. — 8 p.m. until, Friday, Jan. 4: open jukebox • 8 p.m. until, Saturday, Jan. 5: open jukebox. 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 — 7 p.m. every Thursday: shag lessons • 7 p.m. until, Friday Jan. 4: Shagging deejay Dana Grubb. www.highrocklakerestaurant.com
The Inn, 1012 Mooresville Hwy 150 — Friday, Jan. 4: • Saturday, Jan. 5: Heaven’s Thunder and True Identity • Free refreshments, air hockey, foosball, pool, wi-fi. Public invited to jam or schedule their group to perform. 704-213-1467, inntheloop.blogspot.com
Rick’s BBQ and Grill, 929 S. Main St. — 7 p.m., tonight, Jan. 3: Karaoke performance by Richard Gregory and Barry Ridenhour. Beach night karaoke and Bike Night 7-9 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.
Tamarac Marina, Bringle Ferry Road — “Karaoke on the Lake” 6-9 p.m. 704 636-1918.
E.H. Montgomery General Store — Friday Night Bluegrass Jam 7-9 p.m.: Open jam for all acoustic musicians. Historic Village of Gold Hill, www.HistoricGoldHill. com, Facebook: 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 — Friday, Jan. 4: Bubonik Funk. CarolinaTix, 704-372-1000, www.eveningmuse.com
The Double Door Inn, 1218 Charlottetown Ave., Charlotte — Friday, Jan. 4: Bob Margolin • Saturday, Jan. 5: Carolina Gator Gumbo with Jackomo. CarolinaTix, 704-372-1000, www.doubledoorinn.com
The Neighborhood Theatre, 511 East 36th St., Charlotte — • Friday, Jan. 4: The Chemist and Tribal X-Ing. www.neighborhoodtheatre.com
The Visulite, 1615 Elizabeth Ave., Charlotte — Friday, Jan. 4: Abbey Road Live! double album show • Saturday, Jan. 5: Revival, an Allman Brothers experience. CarolinaTix, 704-358-9200, www.visulite.com

PPT youth auditions for ‘The Jack Tales’— By appointment only. Monday, Jan. 7 at 4 and 5 p.m. (25 slots per time); Tuesday, Jan. 8 at 4 and 5 p.m. (25 slots per time). Call 704-633-5471. Show dates Feb. 19-March 2. Norvell Theater, 135 E. Fisher St., 704-633-5471, www.piedmontplayers.com
PPT’s Youth Theatre audition workshop — 9 a.m.-1 .p.m., Saturday, Jan. 5: Only 20 spots available. Call 704-633-5471 to sign up. $40. Norvell Theater, 135 E. Fisher St., PiedmontPlayers.com
Old Courthouse Youth Theatre ‘Charlotte’s Web’ — 4-6 p.m., Saturday-Sunday, Jan. 5-6, 2013, for actors 2nd-8th grade: a full-length play adapted from the book by E.B. White. Visit OCYTNC.org for information on audition and to download audition forms and audition pack. 49 Spring St. SW, Concord. www.oldcourthousetheatre.org, youth@oldcourthousetheatre.org
Old Courthouse Theatre Ayn Rand’s ‘The Night of January 16th’ — 7-9 p.m., Jan. 28-29: Cold read from the script. Show datesMarch 14-23. 49 Spring St. SW, Concord. 704-788-2405, www.oldcourthousetheatre.org
Old Courthouse Theatre ‘South Pacific’ — 7-9 p.m., Feb. 10-11, show dates April 25-May 12. 49 Spring St. SW, Concord. 704-788-2405, www. oldcourthousetheatre.orgfilm

MLK day — Limited number of non-profit organization vendor spaces available for Martin Luther King Jr. event; $50 fee for food vendor reservations, deadline Jan. 10. Activities begin after parade and televised showing of presidential inaugural address at the Civic Center on Martin Luther King day, Jan. 21. Call 704-636-2811 for more information/applications.
Carolina Bridal Fair at Cabarrus Arena — Bridal show is Feb. 10, exhibitors showcasing like merchandise or services will be limited, some categories already nearly full. www.carolinabridalfair.com or 704-920-3988 or 704-920-3994.

Open Bluegrass jam — Bluegrass jam open to all acoustic musicians.Refreshments available, admission by donation. E.H. Montgomery General Store, Gold Hill. Every Friday night 7-9 p.m., 704-267-9439.

Seeking artists — 6:30 p.m., Jan. 10: The Forming Artists’ Association of Hickory seeks artists for new artists group in the greater Hickory area. Share ideas, discover ways to promote, inspire, educate visual artists, elect officers, form committees. 18 Second St. SE, Hickory, contact Pat Flachbart 828-496- 2293, rakupatti@earthlink.net

Disney historian George Taylor — 7 p.m., Wednesday, Jan. 16, Morings Fine Art Center, 123 Sunset Ave., downtown Asheboro. Randolph Arts Guild, 336-629-0399, www.randolphartsguild.com
“Turn Your Radio On” presented by Ryan Dayvault — 7 p.m., Monday Jan. 7: a walk down memory lane, a cruise back in time, an evening of reminiscing on the history of our radio. Kannapolis History Associates, A L Brown High School social hall, 415 E. 1st St., Kannapolis.

Salisbury Symphony’s Big Band Bash — 7:30 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 5: Salisbury Symphony’s fundraiser, featuring big band music, hors d’oeuvres, champagne, dancing. $75/ticket; free dance lessons for ticket holders. Hedrick Auditorium & Crystal Ballroom, Catawba College. 704-637-4314 or salisburysymphony.org
Gay fundraiser dance — 10p.m.-2 a.m., Jan. 11: To benefit Salisbury Pride, $5 cover. ethos, 118 N. Main. St., 704-639-2600, www.ethosdining.com

9th annual Charlotte Home & Landscape Show — Jan. 25-27: Thousands of square feet of exhibits, the latest in products and services, at Cabarrus Event Center & Arena, 4751 Highway 49 N., Concord, 704-920-3976. Meet Ahmed Hassan of DIY Network’s “Yard Crashers.” Time and ticket info at www.charlottehomeandlandscapeshow.com

Rail Walk Studios and Gallery, 409-413 N. Lee St. — • Through Jan 26,2013. “A Sense of Place,” A Fine Arts Photography Exhibition by Elizabeth McAdams. Photos of Salisbury, Gold Hill, Concord, Mt. Pleasant, Mocksville, Elkin. Regular hours Thursday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.and by appointment 704- 431-8964, www.railwalkgallery.com
Waterworks Visual Arts Center, 123 E. Liberty St. —• Art of Faiths – Religions of the World: Diversity and Tolerance, through Feb. 9. Seven contemporary artists express their personal relationships to their faiths in photographs, paintings, mixed media • 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
Local artist exhibit at SECCA — Frank Selby: Misunderstanding. Curated by Steven Matijcio. Through Feb. 10, 2013. Southeastern Center for Contemporary Art, 750 Marguerite Drive, Winston-Salem. 336-725-1904, www.secca.org
Mint Museum Uptown at Levine Center for the Arts, 500 South Tryon St., Charlotte — 704-337-2000, www.mintmuseum.org
Mint Museum of Art, 2730 Randolph Road, Charlotte — $10 adults, free for members and children 5 and younger. Free on Tuesdays 5-9 p.m. 704-337-2000.
Reynolda House Museum of American Art, 2250 Reynolda Road, Winston-Salem — • “Romare Bearden: A Black Odyssey” on view through Jan. 13, 2013. One of the most powerful and original artists of the 20th century created a cycle of collages and watercolors based on Homer’s epic poem “The Odyssey” • “The Armory Show: One Hundred Years Later,” celebrating 100th anniversary of the original groundbreaking New York City show. The work of American artists like George Bellows, Robert Henri and John Sloan was considered progressive, but the work of European artists like Paul Cézanne, Marcel Duchamp, Pablo Picasso and Paul Gauguin truly shocked exhibition visitors. Through June 23, 2013, will feature important works by Bellows, Henri and Sloan, along with Mary Cassatt, Childe Hassam, Alfred Maurer, Maurice Prendergast and others. Managing Curator Allison Slaby reynoldahouse.org. • Masterpieces by Mary Cassatt, Frederic Church, Jacob Lawrence, Georgia O’Keeffe, Gilbert Stuart. 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

YMCA trips to Broadway shows — • Reserve seats for Broadway shows: Les Miserables, Feb. 12, $95 a seat, best seats $40 each to hold. Pay in full by Nov. 10 • Wicked, March 14, $100 a seat, best seats $40 each to hold. Pay in full by Jan. 2 • Lion King, Sept. 1, $100 a seat, best seats $40 each to hold. Pay in full by Jan. 10 • Sign up at front desk. Buses leaves from J.F. Hurley Family YMCA, 828 W Jake Alexander Blvd. Louise Klaver, 704-636-0111, lklaver@ rowanymca.com

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.

NC Transportation Museum, 411 S. Salisbury Ave., Spencer — • See www.nctrans.org for train ride schedule and admission information with and without train rides. 704-636-2889, 877-NCTMFUN, www.nctrans.org
Spencer Doll and Toy Museum, 108 4th St., Spencer — Museum features antique, vintage, modern collectible dolls, antique, vintage toys, train set, model tractor trailers, John Deere vehicles. Just steps from the NC Transportation Museum • 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday. $5 adults, $4 seniors, $3 children. 704-762-9359, www.spencerdollandtoymuseum.com
Rowan Museum, 202 N. Main St. — “Where’s The Fire?” Exhibit honoring the history of firefighting in Rowan County; participating departments: Army Air National Guard, Rowan Fire Marshal Office, Rowan County Emergency Services, East Spencer, Woodleaf, Spencer, Bostian Heights, Mt. Mitchell, Cleveland, Faith, Ellis, South Salisbury, Franklin, Pooletown, Granite Quarry, City of Salisbury, Locke, Union, West Rowan, China Grove, Rockwell City, Rockwell Rural and Richfield/Misenheimer. 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
Dr. Josephus Hall House, 226 S. Jackson St. — 1820 house museum, costumed docents provide tours 1-4 p.m.,Saturday- Sunday, tickets $3 adults, $1.50 students. 704-636-0103, www.historicsalisbury.org For group tours, call HSF office, 704-636-0103, http://www.historicsalisbury.org
Historic Rockwell Museum, 102 E. Main St. — Sundays 2-4 p.m., special tours and info 704-279-4979. Free.
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. 704-433-3912. www.hist-society-srowan.com
NC Music Hall of Fame Museum, 109 West A St., 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, www.HistoricGoldHill. com
Reed Gold Mine historic site, 9621 Reed Mine Road, off Highway 200 near Locust — Southeastern Cabarrus County,12 miles southeast of Concord, at 9621 Reed Mine Road, Midland. Museum, visitor center, underground mine tour, operating stamp mill, panning area. Museum is free. 704-721-4653, www.nchistoricsites.org/reed/
Gregory Creek Homestead and walking trails, 1335 Museum Road, Statesville — Statesville’s heritage site. 704-873-4734, www.iredellmuseums.org.
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). 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. 336-758-5150, reynoldahouse.org
Historic Latta Plantation, 5225 Sample Road, Huntersville — Circa 1800 cotton plantation and living history farm with endangered breeds of historic livestock. The last remaining Catawba River Plantation open to the public. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturdays • Civil War Winter Quarters Jan. 5: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. and Jan. 6: 1-4 p.m.: See how Civil War soldiers survived brutal winters encamped with the armies, how families survived at home without them, and more! Free with regular site admission. $7 adults, $6 seniors, $5 students, 5 and under free. 704-875-2312, lattaplantation.org
Historic Rosedale Plantation, 3427 N. Tryon St., Charlotte — Civil War National Register Federal house circa 1815. historicrose dale.org
Discovery Place, Charlotte, 301 N. Tryon St., Charlotte — • Monday–Friday: 9 a.m.–4 p.m. • Saturday: 1 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 • See website for scheduled labs for kids, admission pricing. 704-372-6261, www.discoveryplace.org
Discovery Place KIDS Huntersville, 105 Gilead Road — $8 adults, children age 1-13; children under age one free. Events and activities free with admission. Event schedule at 704-372-6261, discoveryplaceKIDS.org
Charlotte Nature Museum, 1658 Sterling Road, Charlotte — $6 ages two and older, younger-than-two free, free parking. Event schedule at 704-372-6261, charlottenaturemuseum.org
Town Creek Indian Mound, Mount Gilead — NC’s only state historic site dedicated to American Indian heritage. Town Creek Mound 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, historical garden and horticultural programs. $21 adults, $10 children. 336-721-7300, www.oldsalem.org
NC Museum of Art, 2110 Blue Ridge Road, Raleigh — • Free general admission. Charge for some concerts, films, classes, performances. 919-839-NCMA, www.ncartmuseum.org
Contemporary Art Museum, 409 W. Martin St., Raleigh — • $5 general admission. 919-513-0946, camraleigh.org
NC Museum of History, 5 E. Edenton St., Raleigh — New video series: “North Carolina, Long Story Shorts,” entertaining, educational, free. On-demand streaming video format at www.ncmuseumofhistory.org. Under “Education” link, click “Videos on Demand,” register, watch. Appropriate for all audiences. Explore more than 14,000 years of the state’s history. Free admission. 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, more. Adults and children over 1 year old: $7. 336-723-9111, childrensmuseumofws.org
Natural Science Center of Greensboro,4301 Lawndale Drive — 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. $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+ $8. 336-574-2898, www.gcmuseum.com