Giveaway!!!

Did you get to Fort Wild last week at the Charlotte Nature Museum? No? Well this week you have chance to go "on The Buzz". Visit our Facebook Page for details on how to be entered into a drawing for 4 tickets to the Charlotte Nature Museum, including Fort Wild!! Enter between Tuesday morning and Thursday night.

Blessings,
The Buzz



Monday, June 25

• If your kids are not members of the Concord Mills Kidgits Club, they should be so they can take part in their Summer Camp for the next 4 weeks at 10am. Today's "camp" features Mr. Nigel & Friends!! More info...
• The Touring Theatre of North Carolina presents Birds of a Feather today and tomorrow at various branches of the Gaston County library. More info...

Tuesday, June 26

• Head to the Gaston County Museum this morning for Terrific Toddler Tuesday: Patriotic Party at 10am. More info...
• Preschoolers are invited to Dance A Story this afternoon at 2pm at the University City library. Please register. More info...
• Celebrate summer with a Summer Sing Along at 2pm at the Myers Park library. More info...
• Don't miss Story Explorers this afternoon at Imaginon at 4pm. More info...
• It's Round 3 of the Jack in the Box Summer Shootout at the Charlotte Motor Speedway. Don't miss the school bus races tonight! More info...
• Check out Super Science Night at Chick-Fil-A Cotswold today 5-8pm. More info...
• Tonight is opening night of Disney's Beauty & The Beast at the Belk Theatre. Shows through July 1st. More info...

Wednesday, June 27

• So, so, soooo many storytimes at the libraries today!! More info...
• Grey Seal Puppets presents A Show of Virtues today and tomorrow at various branches of the Gaston County library. More info...
• Head to the McDowell Nature Center at 3pm to explore Animals in my Backyard. More info...
• CPCC Summer Theatre presents Rapunzel at Pease Auditorium starting today with shows through July 14th. See page 7 of the arts guide. More info...

Thursday, June 28

• Head to the Independence library at 3pm for a special presentation, Discovery Place: Astronaut Adventure. Space is limited. More info...
• The Charlotte Symphony Orchestra headlines tonight at Pineville's Rockin' and Reelin' Summer Concert & Movie Series. More info...
• Gather for A Musical Evening by the Fire beginning at 6pm at the Reedy Creek Nature Center. More info...

Friday, June 29

• Let's Get Wet this morning at the McDowell Nature Center at 10:30am. More info...
• Check out Puppets on Parade this morning at Imaginon at 11:30am. More info...
• Boost your child's reading with PAWS to Read this afternoon at the Morrison Library at 3:45pm. Please register. More info...
• Don't miss the Charlotte Symphony's Stars & Stripes Salute this evening in Kannapolis. More info...
• Head to Belmont tonight for their Friday Night Live series. Tonight features The Tams followed by fireworks. More info...

Saturday, June 30

• Don't miss the Classic Frog Stomp this morning at 10am at the Reedy Creek Nature Center. More info...
• Today's Living History Saturday at Latta Plantation is all about Farm Life. Join the fun 10am-4pm. More info...
• Today at 2pm the Grey Seal Puppets present The Emperor's New Clothes at the Gaston County Public Library. More info...
• Beat the heat during Story Explorers this afternoon at 3pm at the Matthews library. Please register. More info...
• Check out the fun at the Red, White & Belmont festival this weekend. More info...
• Carolina Place Mall again presents Dinner and a Movie tonight. They will be screening Puss in Boots. More info...
• The Matthews Summer Concert & Movie Series screens Grease! tonight. More info...

Sunday, July 1

• Today is the 7th Annual Charlotte Folk Society Old-Time Music Jam & Ice Cream Social at Independence Park, 1-4pm. More info...
• Head out for a Nature Exploration Hike this afternoon at 1pm at the Latta Plantation Nature Center. More info...
• Summer Pops continue this evening at Symphony Park. Tonight's theme is 3 Great American Composers: Gershwin, Bernstein and Rodgers. More info...

Save the Date:
July 13 & 14: HINTS Bookfair More info...
July 20-22, 27-29, & August 4-5: Dinosaur Train More info...
September 28: Fresh Beat Band - Live! More info...
October 27: Christ Church Fall Festival More info...

Have an event or happening that The Queen City Buzz should know about? Email queencitybuzz@gmail.com with details.

Go WILD this week!!

I had the awesome opportunity to preview Fort Wild at The Charlotte Nature Museum last week before it opened. It was built with a grant from the National Wildlife Federation, and it is awesome. Definitely a MUST do activity this summer!! Here are a couple of peeks...

One of the vegetable gardens

The teepee

The bird blind

The pretend play space...these camp kids had created a farmers' market!

Blessings,
The Buzz


Monday, June 18

• Check out Crafty Kids Camps at The Wine Palette starting today. More info...
• Children ages 4 and up are invited to A Walk in the Woods at the Kannapolis Library at 11am. Please register. More info...
• There's still room in the afternoon session of the Insect Mania! camp at the McDowell Nature Center for ages 4 to 6. More info...
• Charlotte Knights vs. Columbus Clippers More info...

Tuesday, June 19

• Check out Hikes for Tykes today at 10am at the Reedy Creek Nature Center. More info...
• Head to the Mountain Island Library and join in the fun at the Kids Activity Table, 1-4pm. More info...
• It's Beach Party Night tonight at the Chick-Fil-A at Cotswold, 5-8pm. More info...
• University City Library hosts Dragon Magic Reading Program with Greg Zelnick at 6pm. More info...
• Don't miss the Jack in the Box Summer Shootout - Round 2 beginning at 5pm at the Charlotte Motor Speedway. Tonight is Team Spirit Night & Mascot Mania. More info...
• Need an excuse not to cook? Take part in Dine Out for Kids and support Communities in Schools. More info...
• Charlotte Knights vs. Columbus Clippers More info...

Wednesday, June 20

• The South County Library presents A Walk in the Woods: Bats this afternoon at 3pm; tomorrow, too! Please register. More info...
• Or check out Scared of the Dark at 3pm at the Scaleybark Library. More info...
• Head to the Bettie Rae Thomas Rec Center tonight at 6pm for Shorty Sporty for your little ones. More info...
• Charlotte Knights vs. Columbus Clippers More info...

Thursday, June 21

• Today is Go Skate Boarding Day. Check out the fun at Grayson Skate Park. More info...
• Head to the University City Library today at 3pm for Cara Zara, the Hula Hooper. More info...
• Are you a fan of The Happiest Baby or The Happiest Toddler series by Dr. Harvey Karp? Check out Parents Night Out with Dr. Harvey Karp at several area movie theatres this evening. More info...
• Charlotte Knights vs. Columbus Clippers More info...

Friday, June 22

• Tweetsie Railroad is the place to be to Meet Dora & Diego this weekend! More info...
• Space is limited for this afternoon's screening of Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory at the Morrison library at 2pm. Please register. More info...
• The Lincoln Theatre Guild presents Grease! with shows through July 1. More info...
• The 3rd Annual Uptown Charlotte Jazz Fest kicks off tonight at 7pm. More info...
• Head to Village Park in Kannapolis this evening for a screening of How to Train Your Dragon. More info...
• The Fantastic Shakers play tonight at the Rockin' & Reelin' Summer Concert & Movie Series in Pineville. More info... 

Saturday, June 23

• Check out Living History Saturday: Open Hearth Cooking today at Latta Plantation, 10am-4pm. More info...
• Today is Open Studio Saturday at the McColl Center for Visual Art. More info...
• Don't miss the Charlotte Bayou Festival today 12-8pm at Independence Park. More info...
• Make sure the little ones are prepared during Get Set 4 Kindergarten today at the Matthews Libary at 3pm. Please register. More info...
• The Charlotte Motor Speedway is the place to be for the Faith, Family & Freedom Concert beginning at 6pm. More info...
• Head to Stories Under the Stars tonight at 7pm at the Kannapolis Library. More info...
• Carolina Place presents Dinner & Movie...tonight's movie is We Bought a Zoo. More info...
• Chairmen of the Board (one of my FAVES) headlines the Summer Concert & Movie Series tonight in Matthews. More info...
• Tonight is the National Wildlife Federation's Great American Backyard Campout. More info...

Sunday, June 24

• Summer Pops continue this evening at Symphony Park. Tonight's theme is Vive la France. More info...

Save the Date:
July 13 & 14: HINTS Bookfair More info...
July 20-22, 27-29, & August 4-5: Dinosaur Train More info...
September 28: Fresh Beat Band - Live! More info...
October 27: Christ Church Fall Festival More info...

Have an event or happening that The Queen City Buzz should know about? Email queencitybuzz@gmail.com with details.

Summertime, Summertime...

This week I discovered a new blog, by way of one of my favorites, Hands Free Mama. This blog had a great list of things to do with the kids over the summer. 10 Things Every Child Should Experience in Summer are all basically FREE things to do, that most likely all of us did all the time growing up. They are basic, easy and FUN, and a great way to get your summer started. For those of you with CMS students, congrats on completing another year. Kick back, relax and ENJOY!! Have a great week.

Blessings,
The Buzz

Monday, June 11

• Check out Mad Science Summer Camp beginning today at the Tom Sykes Rec Center. More info...
• Head to the McDowell Nature Center for Storytime Under a Tree this morning at 10:30am. More info...
• Don't miss the Mobile Learning Adventure today at the South County Library, 10am-3pm. More info...

 

Tuesday, June 12

• Head to Patterson Farm in Mount Ulla for Learn & Grow Discovery Farm. Tuesdays through Saturdays until July 28th. More info...
• Love being on the water? Head to Queen's Landing for a Storytime Cruise. Every Tuesday and Thursday morning this summer! More info...
• Check out the Davidson Library Open House, with special events all day long. More info...
• Tickets to today's Terrific Tuesday performances are already gone, so get online and reserve yours for next week's show!! More info...
• The Summer Shootout Series at the Charlotte Motor Speedway begins today at 5pm. More info...

Wednesday, June 13

• Love Peanuts by Charles Schultz? Head to the Museum of York County for You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown today at 11am and 1pm. More info...
• $1 Movies start today during Regal Cinema's Summer Movie Experience. More info...
• The Cornelius Outdoor Cinema Series kicks off tonight with a screening of Hugo at Kenton Place. More info...
• The Savory Spice Shop in Southend hosts a Kids Cooking Class today at 4pm for school-age children. Please register. More info...

Thursday, June 14

• Ages 4-6 are invited to Playcation: By the Sea at 9:30am. Registration required. More info...
• Lots of local places are helping to host the World's Largest Swim Lesson 2012. Check out the list, and find one close to you! More info...
• Create A Gift From the Garden for Dad today at Winghaven Gardens at 3:30pm. For ages 5 to 8; please register. More info...
• It's time again for the Juneteenth Festival of the Carolinas. The fun begins today and goes through Sunday. More info...
• Check out Movies on the Green at The Promenade on Providence. Tonight they are showing Hugo. More info...
• This is the last week to see The Tempest during Shakespeare at The Green 2012. More info...
• Charlotte Knights vs. Indianapolis Indians More info...
• Charlotte Style Exchange and The Charlotte Warehouse Sale are hosting a Girls' Night Out tonight in Huntersville! More info...

Friday, June 15

• Head to the children's department at the Morrison library for Literacy Activities, 10am-12pm. More info...
• Limited spots remaining for From Page to Screen: Hugo at the Hickory Grove library at 1pm. More info...
• Elementary ages are invited to Imaginon this afternoon for Afternoon Adventures at 2:30pm. More info...
• Charlotte Knights vs. Indianapolis Indians. More info...

Saturday, June 16

• Head to Historic Brattonsville for Living History Saturday, 10am-4pm. More info... 
• Don;t miss the animal fun today at Farm Day at the Charlotte Nature Museum, 10am-1pm. More info...
• Celebrate Dad at Dad's Day Out today at Squirrel Lake Park in Matthews. 11am-2pm and FREE! More info...
• Today is Family Day at The Bechtler, 12-4:30pm. More info...
• Concord Mills hosts Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest today at noon at the food court. More info...
• Enjoy Rock the Park Fest today at Carowinds. More info...
• Pinkalicious The Musical comes to Matthews today! More info...
• Check out Beatles Tribute Night tonight at Knight Theatre. More info...
• The Muppets will be the movie showing tonight as part of Matthews' Summer Concert & Movie Series at Stumptown Park. More info...
• Charlotte Speed Demons vs. Columbia Miss-B-Havers More info...
• Charlotte Knights vs. Indianapolis Indians More info...
• Charlotte Hounds vs. Boston Cannons More info...

Sunday, June 17 - Don't forget...it's Father's Day!!

• Check out the Mint Museum Uptown's Sunday Funday: Hammer Time today beginning at 1pm. More info...
• Celebrate Father's Day on the Catawba Queen with special Father's Day Cruises today. More info...
• Summer Pops continue this evening at Symphony Park. Tonight's theme is Symphonic Passion. More info...
• Charlotte Knights vs. Indianapolis Indians More info... 

Save the Date:
June 23: Pinkalicious The Musical More info...
July 13 & 14: HINTS Bookfair More info...
July 20-22, 27-29, & August 4-5: Dinosaur Train More info...
September 28: Fresh Beat Band - Live! More info...
October 27: Christ Church Fall Festival More info...

Have an event or happening that The Queen City Buzz should know about? Email queencitybuzz@gmail.com with details.

5!!!

My oldest turns 5 this week. How is that possible? How can he possibly be 5 years old? And how I can possibly be old enough to have a 5 year old?? He the funniest and smartest 5 year old I know (I'm just a little biased), and keeps his mama on her toes from morning til night. Happy birthday Charlie Bug!!!

Blessings,
The Buzz


Discovery Place is seeking Summer Camp supplies to be used for creative Camp experiences at Discovery Place, Charlotte Nature Museum and Discovery Place KIDS. Discovery Place Inc. Camps balance structured, content-based activities with hands-on fun, encourages lifelong love of education and place an emphasis on science, technology engineering and math (STEM).

Supplies needed at the Museums include:
·        Discovery Place (301 N. Tryon St.)— Soda bottles (all sizes), paper towel tubes, toilet paper tubes, milk carton and gallon containers, egg cartons, cereal boxes (and other assorted cardboard boxes) and Altoid tins.
·        Charlotte Nature Museum (1658 Sterling Rd.) — Plastic liter bottles,shoe boxes and glass baby food jars.
·        Discovery Place KIDS (105 Gilead Rd.; Huntersville) — Mittens, newspaper,plastic bottles (all sizes), milk cartons and plastic jugs, plastic water bottles, soda bottles (all sizes) and egg cartons.

Summer Camp donations can be dropped off at any of the Museums. All items should be clean and ready to be reused. For more information please call 704.372.6261 x300 or email info@discoveryplace.org. 

Monday, June 4

• Saving you a trip...all Charlotte Mecklenburg Libraries are CLOSED today as they change over the server. More info...
• Head to the Gaston County Library this week to see Red Herring Puppets present Aesop's Fables. Multiple performances at multiple locations. More info...
• It's the last week of school for CMS...hit the Spraygrounds today if you're already on summer vacation before they get more crowded next week! More info...
• Milkshake Mondays begin today at Chick-Fil-A. Buy a large shake and get a FREE chicken sandwich between 2 and 5 pm. More info...
• Charlotte Knights vs. Gwinnett Braves More info...

Tuesday, June 5

• Ages 3 to 5 are invited to Winghaven Gardens today (and tomorrow) at 10am for Breakfast with the Birds. Please register. More info...
• Head to the Billy Graham Library for their 5th Anniversary Celebration. More info...
• Today is Dentist Day at Discovery Place Kids. More info...
• WooHoo...Library Storytimes are back after their May hiatus!! More info...
• Starting next week enjoy Terrific Tuesdays at Imaginon. FREE tickets can be reserved in advanced, so check the schedule now! More info...

Wednesday, June 6

• Head to the Naomi Drennan Rec Center today for their Out of School Bash and explore what the Parks & Rec department has planned for the summer. More info...
• Check out Growing Up Wild, the current puppet show at the Charlotte Nature Museum. Shows throughout the week, and today at 10:30am and 4pm. More info...
• The Children's Theatre of Charlotte has announced their show line-up for their 65th (!) season. Tickets are on sale now. More info...

Thursday, June 7

• The Charlotte Nature Museum holds Animal Feedings & Encounters throughout the week. Today they are at 11:30am and 2pm. More info...
• Head to the Reedy Creek Nature Center at 1pm for Nature Story Corner. More info...
• Have a favorite Queen City business? Vote for them in the Charlotte Business Journal's Social Madness competition going on now. More info...

Friday, June 8

• Take the little ones to the McDowell Nature Center at 10:30am for Lovely Ladybugs. More info...

• Yum, Yum!! Taste of Charlotte kicks off today at 11am and goes all weekend! More info...
• Support a great cause this afternoon at the Garden 2 You Farmer's Market at the Marion Diehl Rec Center. 1-5pm. More info...
• Head to the Blakeney Shopping Center for their Family Fun Fest today 4-9pm. More info...
• The Charlotte Symphony plays tonight at Stumptown Park as part of Matthews' Summer Concert & Movie Series. More info...
• Head to Kannapolis for Movies in the Park at Village Park. Tonight they are showing Cars 2 with music before the movie. More info...
• The Reedy Creek Nature Center hosts a Full Moon Hike tonight at 8pm. More info...

Saturday, June 9

• Learn all about Bizarre Birds this morning at 10am at the Reedy Creek Nature Center. More info...
• Today is Marine Mammal Day at Discovery Place. More info...
• Join the fun at the Summer Extravaganza at the Naomi Drennan Rec Center. 10:30am-5pm. More info...
• Carolina Place Mall and Radio Disney are teaming up for Brave Day in anticipation of the release of Disney's Brave. More info...
• Head to the James K. Polk Historic Site for The Art of Music in the Mid-Nineteenth Century. More info...
• Check out Turtles on the Twos today at the Charlotte Nature Museum at 2:22pm. More info...
• Go see the Charlotte Roller Girls in a double-header tonight at the Grady Cole arena beginning at 6pm. More info...
• Up for a night time adventure? Take part in the Amphibian Night Hike tonight at the Cowan's Ford Wildlife Refuge at 8pm. More info...

Sunday, June 10

• Bug lovers at your house? Learn about Creepy Crawlies today at the Latta Plantation Nature Center at 1pm. More info...
• Head to Discovery Place to check out their newest exhibition, National Geographic Critter Cam. More info...
• It's Summer Pops time with the Charlotte Symphony at Symphony Park at Southpark. Tonight is the Symphony Park Serenade. More info...

Save the Date:
Starting June 12: Regal $1 Summer Movies More info...
June 16 & 23: Pinkalicious The Musical More info...
July 20-22, 27-29, & August 4-5: Dinosaur Train More info...
September 28: Fresh Beat Band - Live! More info...
October 27: Christ Church Fall Festival More info...

Have an event or happening that The Queen City Buzz should know about? Email queencitybuzz@gmail.com with details.