Pumpkin EVERYTHING!!

Like a lot of folks, I've been obsessed with Starbucks' Pumpkin Spice Latte for the last 10 years, and yes I get excited when pumpkin season rolls around. But this year I've noticed the pumpkins (and their lattes) came out even earlier, and there seems to be pumpkin EVERYTHING. At Trader Joe's alone today I saw the following: pumpkin bread, pumpkin cookies, pumpkin chai mix, pumpkin bar mix, pumpkin biscotti, pumpkin cereal bars, AND pumpkin yogurt (that was sold out, of course). Since it's clearly time for pumpkins, here are a few of my favorite area pumpkin patches (so you can have pumpkin porches, of course!!)

Hall Family Farm

Hodges Farm

Riverbend Farm

Carrigan Farms

Aw Shucks

The Hunter Farm

Blessings,
The Buzz


Monday, September 30

• Learn about Fall Flowers today at McDowell Nature Center's Preschool Explorer Series at 9:30am. More info...
• Don't miss Marvelous Monday Storytime this morning at 10am at Barnes & Noble - Carolina Place. Today they're reading a QCB favorite, Dragons Love Tacos. More info...
• Please note that Ray's Splash Planet will be CLOSED today through October 18th for their annual maintenance. More info...
• Charlotte Christian School hosts a National Christian College Fair this evening, 6:30-8:30pm. More info...

Tuesday, October 1

• Don't miss the FREE Library Storytimes near you today. More info...
• Today is Fall Homeschool Day at AW Shucks Farm. 9:30am-12:30pm. More info...
• Head to the Atherton Market today...open 10am-7pm. More info...
• If you live in Dilworth and have a toddler, check out the TOADs (Toddlers Out and About in Dilworth) playgroup this afternoon at 4pm. More info...

Wednesday, October 2

• Head to Discovery Place Kids for Wonderful Wednesday: Fun with Bats today at 11am and 2pm. More info...
• Disney on Ice: Let's Celebrate comes to Time Warner Cable today with shows through Sunday. More info...
• The Tom Sykes Rec Center hosts Grounded Yoga this afternoon at 2:45pm. More info...
• Celebrity chef Jamie Deen (you know, Paula's not-so-bad-looking son) will be at Barnes & Noble - Arboretum this evening at 7pm for an author event and cookbook signing. More info...

Thursday, October 3

• Head to the McDowell Nature Center this afternoon at 3:30pm to make Fairy Houses in their Nature Creations program. More info...
• Don't miss York County, SC's 9th Annual Blues & Jazz Festival, today though Saturday. More info...
• Plan a date night (or take the fam) and enjoy MET Live: Music on the Greenway, 6:30-9:30pm. Tonight's music is courtesy of Who Rescued Who. More info...
• Charlotte Latin School hosts an Admissions Open House for TK and Kindergarten this evening at 7pm. More info...

Friday, October 4

• If you homeschool, don't miss out on Rural Hill's 2013 Fall Homeschool Day today. More info...
• Check out the Mint Museum Uptown's newest exhibit, Worlds Fairs, now through January 19th. More info...
• Head to Waxhaw's First FRIGHTday today 5-9pm. More info...
• The Gaston County Museum presents Rainy and the Rattlesnakes - Bluegrass Concert this evening at 7pm. More info...

Saturday, October 5

• Lace up your shoes for the Komen Charlotte Race For the Cure. More info...
• Check out the Hola Charlotte Festival today celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month. More info...
• Head to Huntersville for their Fall into Huntersville - Fall Festival today 10am-2pm. More info...
• Don't miss the Lake Norman Folk Art Festival today 10am-4pm. More info...
• Latta Plantation hosts their Fall Farm Festival today, 10am-4pm. More info...
• St. Ann's Catholic Church hosts their annual Fall Carnival today, 10am-6pm. More info...
• The Carolina Renaissance Festival kicks off today, and happens weekends through November 24th. More info... 
• Today is Star Wars Reads Day at Barnes & Noble - Morrison at 11am. More info..., and Carolina Place also at 11am. More info...
• Check out Lakeshore Learning's Free Crafts for Kids today 11am-3pm. Today the kids will make On The Farm Puppets. More info...
• The Mint Museum Randolph hosts Saturday Art Session: Incredible Intaglio Prints today 11am-3pm. More info...
• Discovery Place Kids hosts Leaf Man with special activities today at 11am and 2pm, and tomorrow at 2pm.  More info...
• The Harvey B. Gantt Center hosts a Family First Workshop today, 11:30am-1pm. More info...
• Historic Rosedale hosts a Victorian Funeral today and tomorrow, 1-4pm. More info...
• Kannapolis hosts the Kaleidoscope Cultural Arts Festival this afternoon, 1-5pm. More info...
• Take part in the Reedy Creek Eco Race this afternoon at 2pm. More info...
• Head to Bailey Road Park in Cornelius this evening for the 13th Annual All American Dog Show, 5-8pm. More info...
• Have some "big kids" that need to burn off some weekend energy? Head to the McDowell Nature Center tonight, 7-9pm, for Glowstick Capture the Flag. Registration required. More info...

Sunday, October 6

• Dan Nicholas Park hosts their Autumn Jubilee today 10am-6pm. More info...
• Check out the Lewis Farm Harvest Festival today, 1-6pm. More info...
• Head to the McDowell Nature Center today at 2pm for tie-dying with Natural Dyes. More info...
• Tarzan is on stage at the Children's Theatre of Charlotte through October 20. More info...

Save the Date:
October 12: Animals Around the World More info...
October 12: The Fresh Expo More info...
October 12: Fossil Day More info...
October 12: Bank of America 500 More info...
October 19: Stroller Roller & Hopebuilders 5K More info...
October 19: Christ Church Fall Festival More info...
October 29: Halloween at Winghaven More info...

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

NEW Consignment Sale & CWS returns with a Giveaway!!!

The Charlotte Warehouse Sale returns on Thursday with the sale going though Sunday. Fantastic NEW finds for both women and children!! The Charlotte Warehouse Sale is giving one lucky QCB reader a $50 gift certificate. Visit our Facebook Page and enter to win by Wednesday at noon!!

There's a great new consignment sale coming to town! Leftover Luxuries debuts in Charlotte October 18-27 at Atherton Mill, and they are looking to sell your gently used furniture, clothing and accessories. 

From the folks at Leftover Luxuries:
"Leftover Luxuries blurs the distinction between retail and re-sale. By hand-selecting each item and focusing on fine craftsmanship, we remove the stigma associated with consignment. There is always an eclectic assortment of items at all of our sale events.  Whether you are buying or selling, you can feel secure and confident in our services at each of our expertly staged, first class events."

At the Charlotte sale, they are looking to sell:

• Furniture	• Lighting	• Handbags
• Antiques	• Rugs	• Belts
• Mirrors	• Interior Design Accessories	• Shoes
• Paintings	• Designer and Vintage Clothing	• Jewelry/Accessories

If you would like more information on consigning, visit their website or email Heather@leftoverluxuries.com.

Make it a great week!!

Blessings,
The Buzz



Monday, September 23

• Head to Discovery Place to see National Geographic's Jerusalem in the IMAX Theater. More info...
• Lots of FREE Library Storytimes today at area libraries. More info...
• Check out Budding Adventures this morning at 10am at the Reedy Creek Nature Center. More info...
• Don't miss the Young Explorers Series - Magnificent Mammals at the Latta Plantation Nature Center at 10:15am. More info...
• Learn all about life cycles and adaptations this afternoon at Latta Plantation Nature Center's Nature Detectives. 1:30-3pm. More info...

Tuesday, September 24

• The new Bearden Park in uptown hosts their Music Box Lunch Series beginning today with music from Sabra Callas. 11:30am-1pm. More info... 
• Ages 4 to 6 are invited to Winghaven Gardens this afternoon at 1pm for Fabulous Fall Crops! Please register. More info...
• Ages 3 to 7 are invited to Barnes & Noble - Arboretum at 3pm for Come & Join the Circus: Hands On Learning Event. Space is limited so please sign up. More info...
• Check out Wii Gaming for ages 8 to 11 this afternoon at 3pm at Imaginon. More info... 

Wednesday, September 25

• Head to Discovery Place Kids for Wonderful Wednesday: Fall Art today at 11am and 2pm. More info...
• If you homeschool, head to the University City library at 1:30pm for Fun with Rocks! More info...
• Now that Bearden Park is open uptown, they are hosting Party in the Park on Wednesday evenings. Tonight's music provided by Shane Tracy. 5-8pm. More info...
• Barnes & Noble - Carolina Place hosts a Special Hands-On Learning Night tonight at 7pm for all ages. More info...

Thursday, September 26

• Ages 3 to 5 are invited to Winghaven Gardens for Hooray for Hummingbirds! this morning at 10am. Please register. More info...
• Join the Latta Homeschoolers to learn more about geocaching today, 10:30am-12pm at the Latta Plantation Nature Center. More info...
• Head to the McDowell Nature Center this afternoon to make Leaf Faces and Muddy Smiles during Nature Creations at 3:30pm. More info...
• Don't miss Stories with the Cookie Monster this afternoon at 5:30pm at Tom Sykes Rec Center. Registration required. More info...
• Plan a date night (or take the fam) and enjoy MET Live: Music on the Greenway, 6:30-9:30pm. Tonight's music is courtesy of Skate Rink Jukebox. More info...
• Humming House provides the music tonight for RiverJam at the US National Whitewater Center. More info...

Friday, September 27

• Don't miss A Day Out with Thomas for its final weekend at the NC Transportation Museum in Spencer. More info...
• The Music Box Lunch Series continues today at Bearden Park with music from Shane Tracy. More info...
• Take the family to the Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden for their Bug Ball this evening, 5:30-9pm. Registration required. More info...
• Get out of the kitchen tonight, and head to the Fall Food Truck Rally at Rural Hill. 5:30-9:30pm. More info...
• Are You Afraid of the Dark? is back this evening at the Reedy Creek Nature Center at 7:30pm. More info...
• Tweetsie Railroad's Ghost Train Halloween Festival kicks off this evening and continues Friday and Saturday evenings through November 2. More info...

Saturday, September 28

• The Hiddenite Celebration of the Arts is today, 9am-4pm. More info...
• The Arts & Science Council hosts the "Finding Your Part in Public Art" Scavenger Hunt today 9:30am-1:30pm. More info...
• Don't miss the UNCC International Festival today 10am-6pm. More info...
• Lots of fun to be had at the Indian Land Fall Festival today 10am-3pm. More info...
• Check out Lakeshore Learning's Free Crafts for Kids today 11am-3pm. Today the kids will Make Your Own Accordion Book . More info...
• Discovery Place Kids hosts Building Buddies with special activities today at 11am and 2pm.  More info...
• Ages 8 and up are invited to Barnes & Noble - Arboretum for LEGO Master Builder Academy: Robot this afternoon at 2pm. Please register. More info... 
• Head to a FREE Tennis Play Day this afternoon at Rama Swim & Racquet Club. 3-5pm. More info...
• The Railers provide the music tonight for the FINAL RiverJam of the season at the US National Whitewater Center. More info...

Sunday, September 29

• Check out the Animal Artists this afternoon at the McDowell Nature Center at 2pm. More info...
• Or head to the Reedy Creek Nature Center at 2pm for Animal Evidence ID. More info...

Save the Date:
October 5: Komen Charlotte Race for the Cure More info...
October 12: Bank of America 500 More info...
October 19: Stroller Roller & Hopebuilders 5K More info...
October 19: 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.

The Lunch Project...



http://thelunchproject.org/

This week I had the pleasure of speaking with Rebecca Wofford, and learning more about her organization, The Lunch Project. The Lunch Project was founded in 2011 to provide a hot lunch to students at Lemanyata Primary School in Arusha, Tanzania (you or your family/group/church can sponsor a hot lunch that feeds 900 children for only $85!). Recently, The Lunch Project has grown into so much more, including service trips to the school in Tanzania, and the organization's amazing local education program, that YOU can help bring to your child's school!!

More on the local program from The Lunch Project folks...
The original mission of serving lunch to schoolchildren in Tanzania remains intact. However, in talking about the project in this community, we realized our strong mutual belief in inspiring children in the U.S. to engage in philanthropy and began the Education program in March 2012. The story of these children Rebecca met in Africa resonates with children here who want to connect globally with other children. They also have the hope that through this project, other children will have lunch at
school like they do.

Our goal is to inspire elementary-aged schoolchildren to engage in service and provide a skill set so they are prepared to do so. Through an age-appropriate educator-designed curriculum, we expose students to life beyond their immediate circumstances and engage them in creative-problem solving for global and local issues. Specifically, students learn about the Tanzanian culture and the Swahili language. Students also learn about some basic problems facing Tanzanians such as how to build a home with natural materials found on their land. Students then help the instructor figure out the components of our lunch program in Tanzania. Through this curriculum children become more globally aware of problems facing children in other countries and how these big problems may be solved through simple, logical steps. We hope they will be inspired to engage in philanthropy throughout their lives. Education Director Sarah Morgan has continued our mission beyond the school year through the Summer of Service program for families with children who want to engage in philanthropy. Families volunteer at local organizations through meet-ups and the children create a family project to raise money for The Lunch Project. Each SOS family’s goal is to raise enough money through their family project to support one day of lunch at Lemanyata Primary School. The Lunch Project will also work with families to become more philanthropic on an independent basis an outside of our established school and Summer of Service programs.

If you would like to sponsor a lunch, visit their website (linked to the picture, and the name above), and if you would like more information on the education program, please email Sarah Morgan (email linked in her name above). So inspiring to know that the Queen City has such awesome philanthropists!!

Blessings,
The Buzz

Monday, September 16

• The new exhibit, Families of Abraham, is now open at Discovery Place through January 12, 2014. More info...
• Registration is now open for Latta Plantation's Ghost Tales in the Dark happening in October. More info...
• Head to Nature Story Corner this morning at 10am at the Reedy Creek Nature Center. More info...
• Ages 3 to 5 are invited to the University City library at 1:30pm for Creating with Books. More info...

Tuesday, September 17

• The new Bearden Park in uptown hosts their Music Box Lunch Series beginning today with music from Randy Paul. 11:30am-1pm. More info... 
• If you homeschool, check out Latta Homeschoolers today 12:30-2:30pm at Latta Plantation Nature Center. More info...
• Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with Eschucha Y Muevete (Listen & Move) this afternoon at the Independence library at 4:30pm. More info...

Wednesday, September 18

• Head to Discovery Place Kids for Wonderful Wednesday: Toddler Art today at 11am and 2pm. More info...
• Check out the Charlotte Nature Museum's current puppet show, Don't Make a Pet of Me, showing Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. More info... 
• Now that Bearden Park is open uptown, they are hosting Party in the Park on Wednesday evenings. Tonight's music provided by The Matt Stratford Band. 5-8pm. More info...

Thursday, September 19

• Get FREE doughnuts today at Krispy Kreme if you participate in Talk Like a Pirate Day. More info...
• Today is FREE Queso Day at Moe's Southwest Grill locations.More info...
• The Auto Fair kicks off this morning at 8am at the Charlotte Motor Speedway. The fun continues through Sunday and kids 13 and under are FREE. More info...
• A great opportunity for homeschoolers today to Hike Crowders Mountain with the folks from McDowell Nature Center. Registration required. More info...
• Register to help out with Feeding Time! at the McDowell Nature Center this afternoon at 3:30pm. More info...
• Elementary students are invited to the University City library for Afternoon Adventures: Arrr You a Pirate? this afternoon at 4:30pm. More info...
• Plan a date night (or take the fam) and enjoy MET Live: Music on the Greenway, 6:30-9:30pm. Tonight's music is courtesy of Coconut Groove Band. More info...
• Sol Driven Train provides the music tonight for RiverJam at the US National Whitewater Center. More info...
• Tonight is the final Union Street LIVE in downtown Concord. Music provided by The Atlantic Groove Band. 6-9pm. More info...

Friday, September 20

• Don't miss A Day Out with Thomas this weekend and next at the NC Transportation Museum in Spencer. More info...
• The Rural Hill Amazing Maize Maze is now open in Huntersville! More info..., and so is the Aw Shucks Corn Maze & Pumpkin Patch in Monroe. More info...
• Special Needs children are invited to the Matthews library this morning at 10:15am for Sensory Storytime. More info...
• The Music Box Lunch Series continues today at Bearden Park with music from Roy Daye, Jr.. More info...
• Are you a Nicholas Sparks fan? He'll be at the Barnes & Noble - Arboretum today beginning at 12noon signing his book The Longest Ride. More info...
• The Mountain Island library hosts Creating with Books: Pinwheels for Peace this afternoon at 3:30pm. More info...
• Festival in the Park begins this afternoon at 4pm, with the fun continuing through Sunday at Freedom Park. Don't miss this 45+ year tradition! More info...
• Head to the McDowell Nature Center this evening, 6-8pm, for Campfire Cooking 101. More info...

Saturday, September 21

• Lace up your shoes for the 6th Annual 5K for Kids Cancer in Ballantyne. More info..., or the Showmar's 5K Benefiting Levine Children's Hospital. More info...
• Don't miss Hall Family Farms Opening Weekend...The Queen City Buzz's favorite fall family activity!!!More info...
• Enjoy the fun of the Lincoln County Apple Festival today 9am-4pm. More info...
• Take part in Birding for Beginners this morning at 10am at the Reedy Creek Nature Center. More info...
• The North County Regional library is hosting a Multicultural Gala today 10:30am-1:30pm. More info...
• Don't miss Curiosity Day with Curious George this morning at 11am at Barnes & Noble - Morrison. More info..., and also at 11am at the Arboretum location More info..., and the Carolina Place location. More info...
• Check out Lakeshore Learning's Free Crafts for Kids today 11am-3pm. Today the kids will make a Fall Window Decoration. More info...
• Your family can celebrate the Worldwide Day of Play today at the Main Street Children's Museum, 10am-4pm. More info...
• Discovery Place Kids also celebrates Worldwide Day of Play with special activities today at 11am and 2pm, and tomorrow at 2pm. More info...
• Olde Providence Racquet Club hosts a 10 & under Tennis Play Day this afternoon, 2-4pm and FREE. More info...
• Spend the night at the Latta Plantation Nature Center during their Fall Family Campout that begins today at 3pm. More info...
• The Blue Dogs provide the music tonight for RiverJam at the US National Whitewater Center. More info...

Sunday, September 22

• Head to the Schiele Museum this afternoon for Reptile & Amphibian Day today 1-5pm. More info...
• Check out Reedy Creek Nature Center's Autumn Equinox Hike this afternoon at 2pm. More info...
• Today is the First Day of Fall. Celebrate at the McDowell Nature Center at 3pm. More info...

Save the Date:
September 27-29: Day Out with Thomas More info...
September 27: Bug Ball More info...
September 27: Fall Food Truck Rally More info...

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

Fall is Coming...

Enjoyed the Greek Festival this weekend...looking forward to Festival in the Park that is just around the corner. With all these festivals, I feel like Fall is in the air...and hopefully the weather will feel that way soon. I'm ready for changing leaves, soups, stews, hot cocoa, earlier bedtimes (wink, wink), football games without roasting in the sun, etc. Bring it on, FALL!!

Blessings,
The Buzz

Monday, September 9

• Don't miss FREE Chick-Fil-a Breakfast all this week...sign up on the website to reserve your meal. More info...
• The new Keystone Montessori School is holding an Open House today at 9am. Learn more about this new option for educating your children. More info...
• The Cabarrus County Fair continues this week, today through Saturday...don't miss the fun!! More info...
• Join Budding Adventures this morning at 10am at the Reedy Creek Nature Center. More info...
• The Latta Plantation Nature Center hosts the Young Explorers Series, and today is all about Busy Beavers at 10:15am. More info...
• Be a Nature Detective this afternoon, 1:30-3pm, at the Latta Plantation Nature Center. More info...

Tuesday, September 10

• Don't miss Family Fun Day today at 11am at Carolina Place Mall. Today features Grey Seal Puppets, Funny Photos, and Macaroni Kid crafts. More info...
• The new Bearden Park in uptown hosts their Music Box Lunch Series beginning today with music from Gabriel Bello. 11:30am-1pm. More info... 
• Head to the Schiele Museum this afternoon, 4-8pm for their Free Tuesday sponsored by Duke Energy. More info...
• Today you can Chill Out in the Ice Age at the York County Museum, 5:00-9:30pm. More info...

Wednesday, September 11

• Did you know that you can get BOGO Sundaes at Baskin-Robbins on Wednesdays? Find a location near you!
• Head to Discovery Place Kids for Wonderful Wednesday: Recycled Art today at 11am and 2pm. More info...
• Now that Bearden Park is open uptown, they are hosting Party in the Park on Wednesday evenings. Tonight's music provided by The Extraordinaires. 5-8pm. More info...

Thursday, September 12

• The Barnes & Noble - Arboretum hosts Thursday Toddler Tales! at 9:30am. More info...
• Head to the McDowell Nature Center this afternoon at 3:30pm for Nature Creations. More Info...
• Space is limited for the Morrison library's Creating With Books this afternoon at 4pm. Please register. More info...
• Plan a date night (or take the fam) and enjoy MET Live: Music on the Greenway, 6:30-9:30pm. Tonight's music is courtesy of Mac Arnold & Plate Full O'Blues. More info...
• Bob Margolin provides the music tonight for RiverJam at the US National Whitewater Center. More info...

Friday, September 13

• Head to Superior Play Systems for their FREE Open Play today (and every Friday), 10am-1pm. More info...
• The Music Box Lunch Series continues today at Bearden Park with music from Carrie Marshall. More info...
• Head to Pineville for their final show of the Rockin' and Reelin' Concert & Movie Series. Tonight's music is provided by Joystick, a 70s and 80s Pop/Rock band. More info...
• Check out Gaston County Museum's Blues Out Back Series tonight featuring music from Boo Hanks. 6:30-8pm. More info...
• Don't miss the fun at the Reedy Creek Nature Center tonight for Stars & Dough Boys at 7:30pm. More info...

Saturday, September 14

• Lace up your shoes for the 4th Annual Rock & Read 5K in Plaza Midwood this morning. More info...
• Take part in a Parent & Me Tot Trot this morning at 9:30am at the Reedy Creek Nature Center. More info...
• Head to the Charlotte Nature Museum today for Scales & Tails, 10am-1pm. More Info...
• The Gaston County Museum hosts Preschool Preview Program: Life in the 1800s this morning at 10am. More info...
• Don't miss Family Fun Day today 10am-4pm at Sports Junction is Harrisburg. More info...
• Historic Brattonsville presents By the Sweat of Our Brows, 10am-3pm. More info... 
• The McDowell Nature Center hosts Fill the Bill this morning at 10am. Please register. More info...
• Check out Lakeshore Learning's Free Crafts for Kids today 11am-3pm. Today the kids will make a Wise Little Owl. More info...
• Discovery Place Kids celebrates Creative Concoctions with special activities today at 11am and 2pm. More info...
• The Schiele Museum wants you to join them to Celebrate the Mammals today at 11am and 2pm. More info...
• The 19th Annual Festival of India is today and tomorrow, 12-7pm at Belk Theater in uptown Charlotte. More info...
• Southpark's Symphony Park is home to the Sunset Jazz Festival happening today, 2-9pm, and FREE. More info... 
• Kilgo United Methodist Church hosts their final Movies on the Lawn of the season this evening. More info...
• Jared Allen & Company provides the music tonight for RiverJam at the US National Whitewater Center. More info...

Sunday, September 15

• If you're a member of Discovery Place Kids then you are invited to their Teddy Bear Picnic today, 10am-12pm. Registration required. More info...
• Take part in a Piedmont Prairie Hike this afternoon at 2pm at the Latta Plantation Nature Center. More info... 
• The Main Street Children's Museums hosts OWL Book Club with Tameka Fryer Brown this afternoon at 3pm. More info...
• Don't miss Concerts on the Green tonight in Davidson featuring the Davidson Symphony & Jazz Ensemble. 6-8pm. More info...

Save the Date:
September 19-22: Auto Fair More info...
September 20-22: Festival in the Park More info...
September 20-22, 27-29: Day Out with Thomas More info...
September 22: Reptile & Amphibian Day More info...
September 27: Bug Ball More info...

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

YIASOU Festival Time...and TICKET Giveaway!!

I have lived in Charlotte since Kindergarten. I love this city and all it has to offer. I love the culture here, and the diversity of it. I love that there are festivals all over the Charlotte area celebrating all the many cultures that call The Queen City home. BUT...my favorite of these festivals is coming this week, and I am SO excited. The 36th Annual Yiasou Greek Festival (I've probably attended at least 25 of them) starts Thursday in Dilworth at the Holy Trinity Cathedral on East Blvd. Voted Charlotte Magazine's 2013 Best of the Best (BOB) for Best Festival. Trust me...you DO NOT want to miss this one!!

From the festival organizers:

The 36^th Annual Yiasou Greek Festival has become one of Charlotte’s largest and most anticipated cultural events of the year. Our festival features cultural exhibits, authentic Greek cuisine, pastries, entertainment, art, shopping, lectures, and much more.   This four day feast is hosted by The Holy Trinity Cathedral Parish in Charlotte, NC at 600 East Boulevard.  Please join us Thursday September 5th through Sunday September 8th, to celebrate the culture, language and traditions of the Greek people. It is always our joy and pleasure to extend our Filoxenia (hospitality) to our festival guests. Yiasou!

Thursday, September 5th, 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Friday and Saturday, September 6th and 7th, 11:00am to 10:00pm,

Sunday, September 8th, 12:00 p.m. to 8:00pm

 

 

To make it even more exciting, the folks at the Yiasou Greek Festival are giving away FIVE (yep, 5) family 4-packs of tickets to lucky Queen City Buzz readers. Head to our Facebook page for more details, and enter by NOON on Wednesday for your chance to win!!

 

Blessings,

The Buzz

Monday, September 2 - Happy Labor Day!

• Today is the final day of the Matthews Alive Festival. Festivities 9am-5pm. More info...
• Head to the McDowell Nature Center at 10:30am to learn all about Creative Snacking. Please register. More info...
• Don't miss Boating Fun! this morning at 10:30am at the Reedy Creek Nature Center. More info...
• The 2013 Labor Day Parade will step off from Tryon and Ninth Street at 11am. More info...

Tuesday, September 3

• Take note: Discovery Place, Discovery Place Kids, and Charlotte Nature Museum are closed today and tomorrow for staff development. More info...
• Storytimes are BACK at the Charlotte Mecklenburg libraries beginning today! More info...
• Head to the Morrison Barnes & Noble location for A Special Rosh Hashanah Toddler Tuesday Storytime at 10am. More info...
• The new Bearden Park in uptown hosts their Music Box Lunch Series beginning today with music from Natty Boh Duo. 11:30am-1pm. More info... 
• Join the American Girl Book Club at the Mint Hill library this afternoon at 4pm. Dolls welcome! Please register. More info...

Wednesday, September 4

• Head to the Main Street Children's Museum for Wee Wednesdays today (and each Wednesday) at 10:30am. More info...
• New Fall programs are starting through the Mecklenburg County Parks & Rec Department. Today, check out KidzArt at the Tom Sykes Rec Center at 2:45pm. More info...
• Elementary students are invited to check out the Scaleybark library this afternoon for Learning with LEGOs at 4:30pm. More info...
• Now that Bearden Park is open uptown, they are hosting Party in the Park on Wednesday evenings. Tonight's music provided by Peace & Love. 5-8pm. More info...

Thursday, September 5

• Ages 4 to 6 are invited to the Latta Plantation Nature Center for Woodland Sprites Preschool this morning 9am-12pm. Please register. More info...
• Grandpa Tree presents Autumn Woods at the Charlotte Nature Museum. Tuesdays and Saturdays at 3pm, and Thursdays and Sundays at 4pm. More info...
• Head to the McDowell Nature Center this afternoon at 3:30pm for a Nature Scavenger Hunt. More info...
• The Schiele Museum hosts their Educator's Open House today 4-7pm with FREE admission for public and private school teachers and their families. More info...
• Tone Blazers provides the music tonight for RiverJam at the US National Whitewater Center. More info...

Friday, September 6

• Get your car seats checked today at the FREE Britax Checking Station at their HQ in Fort Mill. 8:00-11:30am. More info...
• Special needs children and families are invited to the Matthews library at 10:15am for Sensory Storytime. More info...
• The Music Box Lunch Series continues today at Bearden Park with music from Matt Stratford. More info...
• Head to Discovery Place's IMAX Theater to see Animalopolis...only showing through September 20th. More info...
• The Cabarrus County Fair begins today and runs through the 14th. More info...

Saturday, September 7

• Don't miss the Big Red Shoe 5K & Festival today at the Cornwell Center at Myers Park Baptist Church. More info...
• Join the Young Naturalist Club of Mecklenburg County this morning at the Reedy Creek Nature Center at 9am. More info...
• Today is Arthropod Day at Discovery Place! More info... 
• If you're an educator enjoy Educator Saturdays with FREE admission for you and a guest to Discovery Place, DP Kids Huntersville, DP Kids Rockingham and the Charlotte Nature Museum. Saturdays in September. More info...
• Head to the Reedy Creek Nature Center today at 11am for Turtles, Tortoises, and Terrapins, Oh My! at 11am. More info... 
• Check out Lakeshore Learning's Free Crafts for Kids today 11am-3pm. Today the kids will make a Make & Play Guitar. More info...
• Discovery Place Kids celebrates Grandparents Day with special activities today at 11am and 2pm, and tomorrow at 2pm. More info...
• Head to the Davidson library this afternoon at 2pm for their Science Saturday Book Club for Kids. Please register. More info...
• Learn all about camping (and camp overnight) at McDowell Nature Center's Camping 101 that begins today at 3pm. More info...

Sunday, September 8

• Did you know that September is National Mushroom Month? Celebrate at the Mushroom Meander Hike at the McDowell Nature Center at 2pm. More info...
• Learn about (and fish for) Fantastic Fish this afternoon at the Latta Plantation Nature Center. 2-4pm. More info...
• Head to the Reedy Creek Nature Center this afternoon at 2pm for Flippin' Frogs and Slinky Salamanders. More info...
• Celebrate Grandparents Day this afternoon at the McDowell Nature Center. 3-4pm. More info... 

Save the Date:
September 9-14: FREE Chick-Fil-a Breakfast More info...
September 14: Rock & Read 5K More info...
September 14-15: Festival of India More info...
September 19-22: Auto Fair More info...
September 20-22, 27-29: Day Out with Thomas More info...
September 22: Reptile & Amphibian Day More info...
September 27: Bug Ball More info...

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