Countdown to SCHOOL!!!

Yikes...my oldest starts "big school" 3 weeks from Tuesday...cannot believe it is almost "back to school" time already. If you're looking for great deals on school supplies, don't forget that this weekend is Tax Free Weekend in North Carolina and South Carolina. For a complete list of what is "tax-free" in NC click HERE, and for info on SC click HERE.  And if you're looking for more great deals on clothing, toys and gear to outfit your kids for the fall, the consignment sales are gearing up with The Posh Closet Sale, Charlotte Warehouse Sale, and the Lake Norman MOMs Sale all this weekend. Our complete list of consignment sales can be found HERE. Make it a great week!!

Blessings,
The Buzz


Monday, July 29

• Head to the Reedy Creek Nature Center this morning at 10am for Budding Adventures. More info...
• Catch a FREE storytime this morning at Chick-Fil-A Cotswold at 10:30am. More info...
• Studio Movie Grill at The Epicentre shows Shrek today (and every day through Friday) at 11am. $1 for kids, $2 for adults. More info...
• Head to the Cornelius library for Dinosaurs: Dig Into the Past this afternoon at 2pm. More info...
• The North County library hosts a LEGO Town NASCAR Race this afternoon at 3:30pm. More info...
• Charlotte Knights vs. Gwinnett Braves More info...

Tuesday, July 30

• Check out all the fun happening at the Charlotte Nature Museum this week. More info...
• Head to the Bettie Rae Thomas Center this morning at 10am for LEGO fun during Little Engineers. More info...
• The Scaleybark library hosts Fish the Magish this afternoon at 2pm. More info...
• And at the Myers Park library, you can learn all about Wiggling Worms this afternoon at 2pm. More info...
• Don't miss Bibliobop! this afternoon at Imaginon at 2:30pm. More info...
• It's time for the Jack in the Box Summer Shootout - Round 9  at Charlotte Motor Speedway at 5pm. Don't miss Grudge Match School Bus Races tonight!! More info...

Wednesday, July 31

• Check out Discovery Place Kids' Wonderful Wednesday: Stories About Dragons today at 11am and 2pm. More info...
• Ages 6 to 11 are invited to the South County library this afternoon at 3pm for Summer Tent Tales. Please register. More info...
• Head to the University City library this afternoon at 4pm for Rock Painting. More info...

Thursday, August 1 - (How is it August?!?!)

• Head to Barnes & Noble at the Arboretum this morning at 9:30am for Thursday Toddler Tales and a reading of Giraffes Can't Dance. More info...
• The Posh Closet Sale begins this morning at 10am at the South Charlotte Banquet Center. More info...
• Imaginon hosts Story Explorers this morning at 11:30am and this afternoon at 2:30pm. More info...
• Ages 6 to 11 are invited to check out the Beatties Ford library's NASA Thursdays at 2pm. Please register. More info...
• Paper Bird provides this music for tonight's River Jam at the US National Whitewater Center. More Info...

Friday, August 2

• Tax Free Weekend is today through Sunday. More info...
• The Charlotte Warehouse Sale begins this morning at 9am. More info...
• Head to the McDowell Nature Center this morning for the Preschool Pioneer Series at 10:30am. Today you'll be Looking Under Logs. Please register. More info...
• Check out Rookie Science today at Imaginon at 11am and 2pm. More info...
• Beat the heat with lunch (bring your own) and a movie at the North County library at 12pm. Today's movie is Treasure Buddies. More info...
• Don't miss the Family Campfire tonight at the McDowell Nature Center at 7pm. More info...
• Waxhaw hosts Lauren Light tonight as part of their Jammin' by the Tracks Summer Concert Series at 7pm. More info... 
• Looking for a "nighttime" activity for the family? Check out Night Insects tonight at 8:30 at the McDowell Nature Center. Please register. More info...
• Kannapolis hosts their Movies in the Park at Village Park tonight with a screening of Hotel Transylvania. More info...
• Charlotte Eagles vs. Richmond More info...

Saturday, August 3

• Lace up your shoes for the Blue 5K this morning at Bank of America Stadium. More info...
• The Harris YMCA hosts the McCarthy Kids' Triathlon this morning, 7:30-9:30am. More info...
• The Lake Norman Moms of Multiples Sale is today at Brawley Middle School. More info... 
• The Albemarle Road Rec Center hosts Community Explosion today 9am-5pm. More info...
• Head to the Reedy Creek Nature Center for Bird Bungalow this morning at 10am. More info...
• Get Set 4 Kindergarten this morning at 11am at the Matthews library. Please register. More info...
• Don't miss the fun of the Carolina Panthers Fan Fest today at Bank of America Stadium. More info...
• Check out Lakeshore Learning's Free Crafts for Kids today 11am-3pm. Today the kids will make a Ring Toss Game . More info...
• The only non sold-out show for Les Miserables: School Edition at Children's Theatre is this morning at 11am. Best for middle schoolers and up. More info...
• Discovery Place Kids hosts Seashell Science today with special activities at 11am and 2pm, and tomorrow at 2pm. More info...
• The Schiele Museum hosts Tools of Stone today 1-3pm with stone tool displays and demonstrations. More info...
• At the Reedy Creek Nature Center, you can learn all about Nocturnal Critters this afternoon at 2pm. More info...
• Overmountain Men plays tonight at the US National Whitewater Center's RiverJam. More info...
• Charlotte Hounds vs. Hamilton Nationals More info...

Sunday, August 4

• Spend the day checking out some of the great Center City Parks this afternoon. More info...
• Head to the Hickory Grove Rec Center this afternoon for African Drumming at 3:30pm. More info...

Save the Date:
August 5-9: Shark Week More info...
August 10: Concord Mills "Back to School" Event More info...
August 10: Monster Truck Bash More info...
August 10: Monkey Mania More info...
August 14-24: Pocket More info...
August 30: Grand Opening of Romare Bearden Park More info...
September 14: Rock & Read 5K More info...
September 19-22: Auto Fair More info...
September 20-22, 27-29: Day Out with Thomas More info...

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

It's SALE time!!! Plus...A GIVEAWAY!

This is what was happening in my master bedroom this weekend...tagging, sorting, more tagging. You see, consignment sale season is upon us, and I couldn't be happier. I say it all the time, but it truly is one of my favorite time of the year! Great deals on clothes, toys, gear and more.

www.charlottewarehousesale.com

And these days the sales aren't just for kids, and they aren't ALL consignment. Charlotte Warehouse Sale is an awesome sale that happens a number of times each year. All of the items at this sale are NEW...and let me tell you, there are some AMAZING deals to be had. I went to their last sale and racked up!! Deals that will be available at this sale include clothing by Calvin Klein, Free People, Tahari, Jessica Simpson, Polo by Ralph Lauren and so much more!! The sale is open to the public and there is no entrance fee. Purchases may be paid for with cash, debit card, or any of the major credit cards. For this sale, they have a NEW ADDRESS: Shoppes at Davis Lake - 8505 Davis Lake Parkway, Charlotte, NC 28269. Even better...the sale is during TAX FREE WEEKEND, August 2nd-4th!!

Sale Hours:

Friday, 8/2: 9am - 8pm

Saturday, 8/3: 9am - 7pm

Sunday, 8/4: 10am - 5pm (30% off everything that remains!)

 

Now for the BEST part...Charlotte Warehouse Sale is giving one lucky Queen City Buzz reader a $50 gift certificate for the sale!!! Find details about the giveaway on our Facebook Page. The giveaway begins Monday morning, and you have until 11:59pm on Thursday to enter. Winner drawn this Friday!!

 

And if you're wondering what other sales are happening in the coming weeks and months...find our sale list page HERE.

 

Blessings,

The Buzz

 

Monday, July 22

• Only a few spots left for today's Nature Story Corner at the Reedy Creek Nature Center at 10am. More info...
• Head to any Barnes & Noble store (Morrison, Arboretum, Carolina Place or Birkdale) this morning at 11am for The Day the Crayons Quit. More info...
• Catch a FREE storytime this morning at Chick-Fil-A Cotswold at 10:30am. More info...
• Studio Movie Grill at The Epicentre shows Follow That Bird today (and every day through Friday) at 11am. $1 for kids, $2 for adults. More info...
• Charlotte Knights vs. Indianapolis Indians More info...

Tuesday, July 23

• The Bettie Rae Thomas Recreation Center hosts an International Pot Luck Festival today 10:30am-12:30pm. More info...
• Head to Carolina Place Mall today at 11am for Family Fun Day featuring Magician Eddy Wade. More info...
• Barnes & Noble at the Arboretum hosts Read to Me with Scout at 3pm. More info...
• It's time for the Jack in the Box Summer Shootout - Round 8  at Charlotte Motor Speedway at 5pm. Don't miss School Bus Races tonight!! More info...
• Charlotte Knights vs. Indianapolis Indians More info...

Wednesday, July 24

• Tickets for Imaginon's Terrific Tuesdays go FAST. Reserve TODAY (early) for the The Fettucini Brothers, the last Terrific Tuesday installment, on August 6th.  More info...
• Check out Discovery Place Kids' Wonderful Wednesday: Jack & The Beanstalk today at 11am and 2pm. More info...
• Rising K through 2nd graders are invited to the Independence library at 2pm to Get Set 4 School with Gus and Buster. More info...
• The Morrison library hosts The Fire Department this afternoon at 2pm for preschool and elementary ages. More info...
• Charlotte Knights vs. Indianapolis Indians More info...
• Charlotte Eagles vs. Los Angeles More info...

Thursday, July 25

• Don't miss the LAST Drop-In Day Camp of the summer this morning at the Gaston County Museum. 10:30am-12pm. More info...
• Today Barnes & Noble at the Arboretum hosts Rubber Band Race Cars! at 3pm. More info...
• Head to the Tom Sykes Rec Center (Dilworth Elementary) today at 5:30pm for Building with Bob the Builder. More info...
• Take the whole family to Veterans' Park in Kannapolis for David Crowe's Imusination in the Park at 6pm. More info... 
• Honey Island Swamp Band provides this music for tonight's River Jam at the US National Whitewater Center. More Info...
• Charlotte Knights vs. Indianapolis Indians More info...

Friday, July 26

• Skip cooking dinner and head to the Rural Hill Summer Food Truck Rally tonight 5:30-9:30pm. More info...
• The Barnes & Noble at Carolina Place hosts a Footloose Friday Pajamarama Storytime at 7pm. More info...
• Don't miss the Family Campfire at the McDowell Nature Center at 7pm. More info...
• Celebrate National Moth Week tonight at the Reedy Creek Nature Center. 7:30-9:30pm. More info...
• Check out Pineville's Rockin' & Reelin' series tonight and hear music from Rhythm Nation. More info...
• Waxhaw hosts The Horsefly Band tonight as part of their Jammin' by the Tracks Summer Concert Series at 7pm. More info... 
• Charlotte Knights vs. Gwinnett Braves More info...

Saturday, July 27

• Latta Plantation hosts Living History Saturday: Civil War  -  today 10am-4pm. More info...
• Be Wild About Animals! today at the Schiele Museum. 10am-2pm. More info...
• Check out Lakeshore Learning's Free Crafts for Kids today 11am-3pm. Today the kids will make a Cute-as-a-Cupcake Notepad . More info...
• Discovery Place Kids hosts The Three Billy Goats Gruff today with special activities at 11am and 2pm, and tomorrow at 2pm. More info...
• Don't miss the NoDa Roxx festival today with kids activities, music and artists. 12-8pm. More info...
• Celebrate National Dance Day today beginning at 1pm in Uptown. More info...
• The Reedy Creek Nature Center hosts Sssssssensational Snakes this afternoon at 2pm. More info...
• Become one of Nature's Artists this afternoon at 3:30pm at the McDowell Nature Center. More info...
• The Mike Strauss Band plays tonight at the US National Whitewater Center's RiverJam. More info...
• Head to Village Park in Kannapolis to hear Jim Quick & Coastline tonight as part of the Summer Concerts series. More info...
• Head to Carolina Place Mall for its final Movies at the Mall with a showing of Madagascar 3. More info...
• Lace up your shoes (and find your glow sticks)...it's time for The Electric Run this evening...almost sold out, so register NOW! More info...
• Charlotte Knights vs. Gwinnett Braves More info...
• Charlotte Eagles vs. Phoenix More info...

Sunday, July 28

• Hit the Spraygrounds to cool off today...summer is definitely in full force! Open 10am-8pm. More info...
• Charlotte Knights vs. Gwinnett Braves More info...

Save the Date:
August 2-3: Les Miserables: School Edition More info...
August 10: Concord Mills "Back to School" Event More info...
August 10: Monster Truck Bash More info...
August 10: Monkey Mania More info...
August 14-24: Pocket More info...
September 14: Rock & Read 5K More info...
September 19-22: Auto Fair More info...
September 20-22, 27-29: Day Out with Thomas More info...

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

Mix it up...Food Truck Friday/Sizzling Saturday

Papi Queso Food Truck

Making supper for the family in the summertime is tough. It's hot, so I really don't want to be using the stove, and my 1968 GM "Harvest Gold" oven makes my kitchen so hot that I might as well be cooking outside! We tend to eat at the pool a lot, but the hot dogs, quesadillas and freezer pops are getting a little old. If you're like me and you're looking to mix it up at supper time, check out Food Truck Friday (and their newly added Sizzling Saturday). On Fridays and Saturdays the corner of Camden and Park Avenue in SouthEnd is hopping. Usually about 10 food trucks serving everything from BBQ, to gourmet grilled cheese (see picture above), to ice cream are on hand to satisfy most any craving. Saturday is usually less crowded than Friday, but get there early if you can. Take your lawn chairs or a blanket and enjoy the fun!!

Oh...and check this out...

WOOHOO!!

 

Blessings,

The Buzz

 

Monday, July 15

• This is the last week to experience the fun going on at Concord Mills with their Kidgits Summer Camp activities at 10am. More info...
• Barnes & Noble at Carolina Place Mall hosts a Marvelous Monday Storytime with Out of this World Picture Puzzles to Search & Solve this morning at 10am. More info...
• Catch a FREE storytime this morning at Chick-Fil-A Cotswold at 10:30am (also there's a Cotswold School Summer Read-In today 10-11:30am). More info...
• Studio Movie Grill at The Epicentre shows Open Season today (and every day through Friday) at 11am. $1 for kids, $2 for adults. More info...
• Head to the North County library this afternoon at 3:30 for Afternoon Adventures: Action Painting. More info...

Tuesday, July 16

• The MINT Museums have new hours beginning today...they are now closed on Tuesdays, and offer FREE admission Wednesdays 5-9pm. More info...
• Rising Kindergartners are invited to the South County library at 12:15 for Get Set 4 Kindergarten. Please register. More info...
• Head to the North County library at 2pm for Rookie Science: Dirt Dwellers for elementary ages. More info...
• Don't miss After 2 on Tuesdays at the Main Street Children's Museum. More info...
• It's time for the Jack in the Box Summer Shootout - Round 7 at Charlotte Motor Speedway at 5pm. Don't miss Lawn Mower Races tonight!! More info...

Wednesday, July 17

• Tickets for Imaginon's Terrific Tuesdays go FAST. Reserve TODAY (early) for the African Drumming by Thomas Tillman show on July 30th.  More info...
• Check out Discovery Place Kids' Wonderful Wednesday: The Three Little Pigs today at 11am and 2pm. More info...
• Head to the Reedy Creek Nature Center at 11am for Survival: Fire Building. More info...
• The fun starts at 11am at the York County Museum for their Wonderful Wednesday Family Film: Ice Age 4. More info...
• Ages 6 to 11 are invited to the South County library at 3pm for a Fossil Dig. Please register. More info...
• Or head to the Matthews library for a Musical Petting Zoo on display 3:00-4:30pm. More info...
• Don't miss The Painted Word this evening at the MINT Museum Uptown. 7-8pm, and FREE! More info...

Thursday, July 18

• Ages 5 to 12 are invited to the FREE Drop-In Day Camp at the Gaston County Museum this morning 10:30am-12pm. Please register. More info...
• If you attended Part 1, Raising Backyard Chickens: Part 2 is today at Noon at the Armory Training Facility. More info...
• Head to the University City library at 2pm for Afternoon Adventures: Star Wars. Costumes optional. More info...
• Holy Ghost Tent Revival provides this music for tonight's River Jam at the US National Whitewater Center. More Info...

Friday, July 19

• Blackbeard's Queen Anne's Revenge exhibit opens today at the NC Transportation Museum. Through August 31. More info...
• Check out the Preschool Pioneer Series: Remarkable Reptiles this morning at 10:30am at the McDowell Nature Center. More info...
• Check out Imaginon's Rookie Science experiences today at 11am and 2pm. More info...
• Bring your lunch and escape the heat today at 12pm at the North County library with a showing of A Bug's Life. More info...
• Ages 6 to 11 are again invited to the South County library for Self Defense with ATA Karate at 2pm. Please register. More info...
• Don't miss the Family Campfire at the McDowell Nature Center at 7pm. More info...
• Head to Village Park in Kannapolis to see Back to the Future tonight as part of the Movies in the Park series. More info...
• Waxhaw hosts Smokin': Arena Rock at its Finest tonight as part of their Jammin' by the Tracks Summer Concert Series at 7pm. More info... 

Saturday, July 20

• Lace up your shoes for the James K. Polk 5K this morning in Pineville. More info... 
• Join a Parent and Me Tot Trot this morning at the Reedy Creek Nature Center at 9:30am. More info...
• Latta Plantation hosts Living History Saturday: Hide Tanning -  today 10am-4pm. More info...
• Kids' musician Steve Weeks plays this morning at Atherton Market at 10am, and it's FREE! More info...
• Check out Lakeshore Learning's Free Crafts for Kids today 11am-3pm. Today the kids will make Summer Fun Visors . More info...
• Beginning today and through July 28th, see K-9s in Flight: Frisbee Dogs at Tweetsie Railroad. More info...
• Discovery Place Kids hosts Build a Castle today with special activities at 11am and 2pm, and tomorrow at 2pm. More info...
• Ages 4 to 10 are invited to Try Ice Hockey for FREE at The Extreme Ice Center 12-1:30pm. More info...
• Don't miss Reedy Creek Nature Center's Meet and Greet with Live Animals this afternoon at 2pm. More info...
• Common Foundation plays tonight at the US National Whitewater Center's RiverJam. More info...
• As part of the Kannapolis Summer Entertainment Series, there is a Ballet Performance by Piedmont Dance Theater this evening in Village Park at 7pm. More info...
• Head to Carolina Place Mall for Radio Disney Movie Night with a showing of Wreck-It Ralph. More info...

Sunday, July 21

• Today is Sunday Fun Day: America the Beautiful at the Mint Museum Uptown. 1-4pm. More info...
• Join the Space Odyssey this afternoon at 2pm at the Reedy Creek Nature Center. More info...
• Head to Davidson for Concerts on the Green tonight at 6pm featuring the Rusty Know Band. More info...

Save the Date:
July 26: Summer Food Truck Rally More info...
July 27: National Dance Day More info...
August 2-3: Les Miserables: School Edition More info...
August 10: Concord Mills "Back to School" Event More info...
August 10: Monster Truck Bash More info...
August 14-24: Pocket More info...
September 14: Rock & Read 5K More info...
September 19-22: Auto Fair More info...
September 20-22, 27-29: Day Out with Thomas More info...

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

Rain, rain, GO AWAY!!!

Oh my!! My rain boots and raincoat are getting quite the workout in Charlotte so far this summer. Rained a couple of weeks ago, rained all week while I was away at the beach, and I came home to the Queen City to MORE rain!! At least the birds and the trees are happy!! I tried to include a number of "indoor" activities for this week, just in case Mother Nature keeps acting up. Make it a great week, and stay dry!!!

Don't forget to follow on Twitter where I'll post throughout the week. FOLLOW HERE

Blessings,
The Buzz

Monday, July 8

• Lots of fun going on at Concord Mills with their Kidgits Summer Camp activities at 10am. More info...
• Don't miss Nature Story Corner today at 10am at the Reedy Creek Nature Center. More info...
• Barnes & Noble at Carolina Place Mall hosts a Marvelous Monday Mustached Storytime this morning at 10am. More info...
• Catch a FREE storytime this morning at Chick-Fil-A Cotswold at 10:30am. More info...
• Head to Carowinds' Boomerang Bay this week for Return to Pirate Island with special kids' activities each day 11am-4pm. Today through Sunday. More info...
• Studio Movie Grill at The Epicentre shows Muppets Take Manhattan today (and every day through Friday) at 11am. $1 for kids, $2 for adults. More info...
• The Pinocchio Show is at CPCC's Halton Theater with shows at 10am through Saturday. More info...
• Charlotte Knights vs. Durham Bulls More info...

Tuesday, July 9

• Historic Brattonsville hosts Historic Tuesday today 10am-3pm. Please register. More info...
• This is the final week to enjoy FREE Family Activities at Concord Mills' Bass Pro Shop. Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays, Noon-5pm. More info...
• Head to the Schiele Museum this afternoon for Duke Power's FREE Tuesday, 4-8pm. More info...
• It's time for the Jack in the Box Summer Shootout - Round 6 at Charlotte Motor Speedway at 5pm. Don't miss Faster Pastor Bus Races & FIREWORKS tonight!! More info...
• Don't miss the FREE Summer Family Night tonight (and every Monday through August 13) at Chick-Fil-A at Cotswold. More info...
• Check out the Museum of York County this evening and Chill Out in the Ice Age! 5:00-9:30pm. More info...
• Charlotte Knights vs. Durham Bulls More info...

Wednesday, July 10

• Tickets for Imaginon's Terrific Tuesdays go FAST. Reserve TODAY (early) for the The Carolina Raptor Center show on July 23rd.  More info...
• School age children are invited to Imaginon for Story Explorers this morning at 11am. More info...
• Check out Discovery Place Kids' Wonderful Wednesday: The Princess and The Frog today at 11am and 2pm. More info...
• Register to see The Nature Lady this afternoon at the South County library at 3pm. More info...

Thursday, July 11

• Don't forget that the Spraygrounds are open and FREE, everyday 10am-8pm, weather permitting, of course. More info...
• Ages 3 to 8 are invited to the University City library for Dance A Story this afternoon at 1pm or 2pm. Space is VERY limited, so register NOW!! More info...
• Head to Imaginon this afternoon at 3pm for Wii U Gaming - Free Play. More info...
• Kannapolis hosts Thursdays on Main tonight with the Coconut Groove Band at Veteran's Park. 6-9pm. More info...
• Town Mountain provides this music for tonight's River Jam at the US National Whitewater Center. More Info...
• Providence Day School's Summer Stagefest presents The Wizard of Oz with shows tonight though Sunday. More info...

Friday, July 12

• Today is Cow Appreciation Day at Chick-Fil-A...dress like a cow and get FREE food!! More info...
• This weekend you can Meet SpongeBob and Patrick at Tweetsie Railroad! More info...
• There's a Fabulous Friday PajamaRama Storytime tonight at the Barnes & Noble at Carolina Place. They'll be reading Another Night at the Museum at 7pm. More info...
• The Amazing Spider Man will be showing tonight as part of Pineville's Rockin' & Reelin' Concert & Movie Series. More info...
• Waxhaw hosts Craving Jane tonight as part of their Jammin' by the Tracks Summer Concert Series at 7pm. More info...  
• Head to the Family Campfire at the McDowell Nature Center tonight at 7pm. More info...
• Lace up your shoes for Concord's Streetlight 5K this evening at 7:30pm. More info...

Saturday, July 13

• Head to Discovery Place and Explore Nano! today 10am-4:30pm More info...
• Latta Plantation hosts Living History Saturday - Honeybees today 10am-4pm. More info...
• The Albemarle Road Recreation Center hosts Youth Sports Expo Day today 10am-1pm. More info...
• Don't miss the Schiele Museum's Clash of the 'Bots today 10am-4pm. More info...
• You can witness the Battle of Huck's Defeat at Historic Brattonsville. Today 10am-4pm, and tomorrow 10am-3pm. More info...
• Check out Lakeshore Learning's Free Crafts for Kids today 11am-3pm. Today the kids will "Make-a-Bug Wooden Spoon". More info...
• Discovery Place Kids hosts The Gingerbread Man today with special activities at 11am and 2pm, and tomorrow at 2pm. More info...
• Mipso plays tonight at the US National Whitewater Center's RiverJam. More info...
• As part of the Kannapolis Summer Concert Series, Darrell Harwood and Gal Friday Band play this evening at Village Park. More info...
• Lady Eagles vs. Central SC More info...
• Charlotte Eagles vs. Wilmington More info...

Sunday, July 14

• Lace up your shoes (and get your suit and bike ready) for today's Ramblin' Rose Rock Hill Tri at the Rock Hill Aquatic Center. More info...
• Head to the McDowell Nature Center this afternoon for a Family Nature Hike at 3pm. More info...

Save the Date:
July 16: The Greatest Journey More info...
July 26: Summer Food Truck Rally More info...
September 14: Rock & Read 5K More info...

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

Happy Independence Day Week!!

Bloggin' from the beach this week...it's raining...seems we brought it here from Charlotte!! Love it down here where I feel a little bit away from reality, but I have to say that I'm a little sad to be missing all of the awesome kid and family-friendly activities that The Queen City has to offer this week. Lots of fun for Independence Day on Thursday, but an all around FUN FILLED week. Lots to do everyday...enjoy!!

If you're on Twitter, follow us...www.twitter.com/queencitybuzz

Blessings,
The Buzz

Monday, July 1

• Lots of fun going on at Concord Mills with their Kidgits Summer Camp activities at 10am. More info...
• If you have a student at Cotswold, this morning is the Summer Read-In at the Cotswold Chick-Fil-A at 10am. More info...
• Head to Reedy Creek Nature Center for Budding Adventures this morning at 10am. More info...
• Catch a FREE storytime this morning at Chick-Fil-A Cotswold at 10:30am. More info...
• The Epicentre's Studio Movie Grill hosts their Children's Summer Movie Series again today at 11am with The Lorax. Tix are a whopping $1!! More info...
• Charlotte Knights vs. Buffalo More info...

Tuesday, July 2

• Two more weeks to enjoy FREE Family Activities at Concord Mills' Bass Pro Shop. Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays, Noon-5pm. More info...
• Start a tradition of Family Game Night tonight at Your Local Game Store in Matthews. More info...
• If you want to cool off for FREE this evening, head to either Mint Museum location where admission is FREE (every Tuesday) after 5pm!! More info...
• It's time again for the Jack in the Box Summer Shootout at Charlotte Motor Speedway at 5pm. Don't miss Media Mayhem Bus Races tonight!! More info...
• As part of Kannapolis' Summer Entertainment Series, The Charlotte Symphony plays tonight at Village Park at 7pm, followed by FIREWORKS! More info...
• Charlotte Knights vs. Buffalo More info...

Wednesday, July 3

• Tickets for Imaginon's Terrific Tuesdays go FAST. Reserve TODAY (early) for the  Aminalia show on July 16th.  More info...
• Check out Discovery Place Kids' Wonderful Wednesday: Nursery Rhymes for Toddlers today at 11am and 2pm. More info...
• Head to the Morrison Library this afternoon at 2pm for From Page to Screen: James and the Giant Peach. More info...
• Don't miss the 4th of July Festival today and tomorrow at the US National Whitewater Center...two afternoons and evenings of FREE live music and fireworks. More info...
• The Lowe's YMCA in Mooresville hosts their July 3rd Summer Celebration today 4-10pm. More info...
• Lace up your shoes for the 3rd Annual Charlotte Firecracker 5K and Fun Run this evening at 7pm. More info...
• Charlotte Knights vs. Durham More info...

Thursday, July 4 - Happy Birthday America!!!

• Lace up your shoes for the July 4th Spectacular 4 Miler. More info..., or the Lake Park Firecracker Run More info...
• It's July 4th, and Tega Cay's 31st Anniversary. Celebrate all day beginning at 9am with a parade. More info... 
• The Indian Trail 4th of July Parade is this morning at 11am, with activities beginning at 9:30am. More info...
• Looking for a fun, FREE, family activity...go fishing...it's FREE all day today in North Carolina. More info...
• Don't miss the 3rd Annual Great American Snow Day today at the Extreme Ice Center in Indian Trail. More info...
• Head to Downtown Waxhaw for their Independence Day Parade that steps off this morning at 10am. More info...
• Check out Independence Day at Birkdale Village with family-friendly activities today 10am-1pm. More info...
• The Reedy Creek Nature Center hosts a Family Treasure Hunt Adventure this morning at 10am. More info...
• The Charlotte Museum of History hosts a Fourth of July Celebration today 10am-1pm. More info...
• Get into the Fourth of July fun with face painting at Discovery Place Kids today at 11am and 2pm. More info...
• Kannapolis hosts Thursdays on Main today 11:30am-1pm with the Corey Hunt Band at Veteran's Park. More info...
• Head to Matthews at 5:30pm for their 4th of July People's Parade and Concert. Music by Too Much Sylvia after the parade. More info...
• Don't miss the Novant Health 4th of July Spectacular at Memorial Stadium with FREE family fun beginning at 5:30pm...fireworks at 9:30pm. More info...
• The New Familiars play tonight as part of Davidson's Concerts of the Green. More info...

Friday, July 5

• Learn about Incredible Insects this morning at 10:30am at the McDowell Nature Center. More info...
• plays tonight as part of Pineville's Rockin' & Reelin' Concert & Movie Series. More info...
• Waxhaw hosts Hinson Girls tonight as part of their Jammin' by the Tracks Summer Concert Series at 7pm. More info... 
• There's a Family Campfire this evening at the McDowell Nature Center at 7pm. More info...
• Kannapolis' Movies in the Park is tonight, and they're showing Madagascar 3 around 8:45pm. More info... 
• Charlotte Lady Eagles vs. Dayton Dutch Lions More info...

Saturday, July 6

• Head to your local Home Depot for their FREE Kids Workshops, 9am-12pm. Today's project is a Despicable Me 2 theme. More info...
• Lots of fun to be had at Citizen Science at Holly Bend today at 9am. More info...
• Don't miss Pirate for a Day Camp today at Latta Plantation 10am-1pm. Please register. More info...
• Latta Plantation also hosts Living History Saturday: Fiber Demonstrations today 10am-4pm. More info...
• Check out Lakeshore Learning's Free Crafts for Kids today 11am-3pm. Today the kids will make a "Big Mouth Whale Puppet". More info...
• Learn about The Goose that Laid the Golden Egg today at 11am and 2pm, and tomorrow at 2pm at Discovery Place Kids. More info...
• The McDowell Nature Center hosts Nature's Artists this afternoon at 3:30pm. More info...
• The Chemist plays tonight at the US National Whitewater Center's RiverJam. More info...
• Charlotte Knights vs. Norfolk More info...

Sunday, July 7

• Check out Reedy Creek Nature Center's Web of Life this afternoon at 2pm. More info...
• Davidson hosts their Concerts on the Green series tonight with Da Throwback Band, 6-8pm. More info...
• Charlotte Knights vs. Norfolk More info...

Save the Date:
July 12-14: Meet SpongeBob & Patrick @ Tweetsie More info...
July 16: The Greatest Journey More info...
July 26: Summer Food Truck Rally More info...

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

Summertime...

Disney's come and gone. VBS was last week. We head to the beach next week for the holiday week...Summer is really getting away from me. Don't get me wrong, we're having loads of fun, and making lots of memories, but I'm trying to figure out when all my big plans for deep cleaning the house and tagging for fall consignment sales is going to happen!! Hope your summer so far has been filled with fun and memory making...that "to-do" list will get done someday, right?!?!

Blessings,
The Buzz

Oh...and we're on Twitter!! Click the button at the right to "Follow" @queencitybuzz

Monday, June 24

• Today is LeapFrog Phonics Day at 10am at the Barnes & Noble at Carolina Place Mall. More info...
• Lots of fun going on at Concord Mills with their Kidgits Summer Camp activities at 10am. More info...
• Head to the Mint Hill library at 10:30am for Now Showing: Monsters, Inc. Please register. More info...
• The Epicentre's Studio Movie Grill hosts their Children's Summer Movie Series today at 11am with How to Train your Dragon. Tix are a whopping $1!! More info...
• I have to admit that this is intriguing to me...Raising Backyard Chickens: Part 1 is today at noon through Mecklenburg County Parks & Rec. More info...
• School age children are invited to the North County library at 6pm for Storytime: Blanket Fort Fun. PJs welcome!! More info...
• The University City library presents Digital Storytelling: Educational Apps this evening at 6:30pm. More info...

Tuesday, June 25

• Historic Brattonsville hosts a Historic Tuesday today 10am-3pm. More info...
• Head to the Davidson library this morning at 10:30am for Dig Into Reading: Book Time with Ronald McDonald. Please register. More info...
• Don't miss Imaginon's Terrific Tuesdays: The Balloon Lady today at 11am and 1pm. More info...
• Check out the Myers Park library's Summer Reading Families - Make a Pet Rock this afternoon at 2pm. More info...
• The Main Street Children's Museum hosts Tuesdays after Two today at 2:30pm. More info...
• Take a break from the heat and take in From Page to Screen: Tinkerbell and the Lost Treasure at 3pm at the Mountain Island library. More info...
• It's time again for the Jack in the Box Summer Shootout at Charlotte Motor Speedway at 5pm. Don't miss Media Mayhem Bus Races tonight!! More info...

Wednesday, June 26

• The Museum of York County hosts Wonderful Wednesdays Family Film: Ice Age 2 with special programming beginning at 11am. More info...
• Don't miss Discovery Place Kids' Wonderful Wednesday: Firefly Fun at 11am and 2pm. More info...
• Check out the Scaleybark library's Dig Into Reading with Myths & Monsters today at 2pm. More info...
• Elementary age students are invited to the South County library at 3pm today and tomorrow for Professor Whizzpop. Please register. More info...
• Or head to the Matthews library at 3pm for Fairy Tale Dances. Space is limited so please register. More info...

Thursday, June 27

• The Gaston County Museum hosts another FREE Drop In Day Camp today 10:30am-Noon. Space is limited. More info...
• Kannapolis hosts Thursdays on Main today 11:30am-1pm with the Corey Hunt Band at Veteran's Park. More info...
• Check out Imaginon's Story Explorers today at 11:30am and 2:30pm. More info...
• Don't miss Discovery Place's Totally En-GROSS-ing Storytime this afternoon at 1pm. More info...
• Head to the Tom Sykes Rec Center this afternoon at 5:30pm for Snacks with Clifford the Big Red Dog. More info...
• Hollis Brown plays tonight at the US National Whitewater Center's RiverJam. More info...

Friday, June 28

• Check out Rookie Science today at Imaginon at 11am and 2pm. More info...
• Or enjoy Yoga Storytime today at Imaginon at 11:30am. More info...
• Too Far Gone (Pop/Country) plays tonight as part of Pineville's Rockin' & Reelin' Concert & Movie Series. More info...
• Don't miss the Family Campfire at the McDowell Nature Center tonight at 7pm. More info...
• Head to the Barnes & Noble at Carolina Place Mall to Explore the Skies with Klutz at 7pm. More info...
• Red, White & Belmont kicks off tonight with The Voltage Brothers. Events continue through the weekend! More info...

Saturday, June 29

• Lace up your shoes and get ready for the Jump and Run 5K this morning. More info...
• Check out Butterflies and Dragonflies on the Prairie this morning at 9:30am at the McDowell Nature Center. More info...
• Latta Plantation hosts Living History Saturday: Woodworking today 10am-4pm. More info...
• Or head to the Latta Plantation Nature Center at 10am to learn about Slippery, Slimy, Science Creations. More info...
• Do you have a child with an Autism Spectrum diagnosis? Then don't miss the FREE workshop, Guiding Parents to Services ASD Workshop this morning at Imaginon at 10:30am. If anyone goes, please take notes and email me...we will be out of town!! More info...
• Arthur Visits Storytime this morning at 11am at the Barnes & Noble at the Arboretum. More info...
• Don't miss African Safari Day today 11am-3pm at the Schiele Museum. More info...
• Discovery Place Kids hosts Litter Bugs today at 11am and 2pm, and tomorrow at 2pm. More info...
• The Mint Museum Randolph hosts their Community Wellness Day today 11am-3pm. More info...
• The last installment of the Matthews Concert and Movie Series features the movie, The Little Rascals tonight at Stumptown Park. More info...
• Carolina Place Mall continues their Movies at the Mall series tonight with Ice Age: Continental Drift. More info...
• The Broadcast plays tonight at the US National Whitewater Center's RiverJam. More info...
• Charlotte Knights vs. Buffalo Bisons More info...

Sunday, June 30

• Head out for a Lake Wylie Family Kayak Tour today at 1:30pm from the McDowell Nature Center. More info...
• Charlotte Knights vs. Buffalo Bisons More info...
• The Charlotte Symphony presents That's Amore tonight at Symphony Park at Southpark. More info...

Save the Date:
July 6: Pirate for a Day Camp More info...
July 12-14: Meet SpongeBob & Patrick @ Tweetsie More info...
July 16: The Greatest Journey More info...

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

Making a Difference...

VBS (Vacation Bible School) starts tomorrow at my church. I am in charge of overseeing all of the teen volunteers helping with the little ones for the week. While planning my devotions for our group, I came across this quote that I have seen many times, but it's always a good reminder...

"Fifty years from now it will not matter:
What Kind of car you drove,
What kind of house you lived in,
How much you had in your bank account,
Nor what your clothes looked like.
But, the world will be a little bit better because YOU were important in the life of a child."
~ anonymous

There are a lot of different versions of this, I think first attributed to a Boy Scout master. I chose this version to share with the teens tomorrow, and thought I'd pass along here, too. Have a great week, and remember that you ARE making a difference!!!

Blessings,
The Buzz


Monday, June 17

• The Cornelius library presents A Walk in the Woods this afternoon at 2pm for school-aged children. More info...
• Head to the North County library today at 3:30pm for Afternoon Adventures: Gardening and Seed Exchange. More info...
• It's time again for the Jack in the Box Summer Shootout at Charlotte Motor Speedway at 5pm. Don't miss the school bus races tonight!! More info...
• Plan a night out to enjoy An Evening with Dorothea Benton Frank at Imaginon tonight at 7:30pm. More info...
• Charlotte Knights vs. Syracuse More info...

Tuesday, June 18

• Don't miss Terrific Tuesdays: Flow Circus today at Imaginon at 11am and 1pm. More info...
• Rising Kindergartners are invited to Get Set 4 Kindergarten today at the South County library at 12:15pm. More info...
• Learn all about Cave Art this afternoon at 2pm at the Myers Park library. More info...
• Or head to the Plaza Midwood library this afternoon at 2pm for Just Dig It! More info...
• Experience a hands-on science program at the Independence library at 3pm and 4pm during Discovery Place: Oceans. Space is limited. More info...
• Charlotte Knights vs. Syracuse More info...

Wednesday, June 19

• Kannapolis' Village Park is the place to be today at 10:30am for a performance with Farmer Jason. More info...
• Don't miss Discovery Place Kids' Wonderful Wednesday: A Bug's Eye View today at 11am and 2pm. More info...
• Check out the Museum of York County's Wonderful Wednesday Family Film: Ice Age at 12noon. More info...
• Head to the North County library at 2pm for Rookie Science: Radical Reptiles. Please register. More info...
• Elementary aged students are invited to experience The Carolina Raptor Center at the South County library today and tomorrow at 3pm. Registration required. More info...
• Space is limited to hear Beth Hutchison, Storyteller this afternoon at 3pm at the Matthews Library. Please register. More info...
• Charlotte Knights vs. Syracuse More info...

Thursday, June 20

• Kannapolis hosts Thursdays on Main today 11:30am-1pm with The Raisin' Cain Band at Veteran's Park. More info...
• Head to the University City library at 2pm for Tent Tales. More info...
• The Independence library hosts A Walk in the Woods: Reefs and Sharks this afternoon at 3pm. More info...
• The Charlotte Symphony Orchestra plays tonight as part of Pineville's Rockin' & Reelin' Concert & Movie Series. More info...
• Charlotte Knights vs. Syracuse More info...

Friday, June 21

• Today through Sunday, Meet Dora & Diego at Tweetsie. More info...
• Don't miss Afternoon Adventures: Digging for Ye Olde Pirate Treasure this afternoon at 2pm at the University City Library. More info...
• Head to the McDowell Nature Center this evening at 7pm for the Family Campfire. More info...
• Or check out Latta Plantation Nature Center's Summer Solstice Bonfire Celebration at 7:30pm. More info...
• See The Lorax tonight at Village Park in Kannapolis as part of their Movies in the Park Series. More info...
• Charlotte Eagles vs. Tampa More info...

Saturday, June 22

• Lace up your shoes for the Skirt Sports Skirt Chaser 5K this morning at Freedom Park. More info...
• Don't miss Living History Saturday: Gold Panning today at Latta Plantation. 10am-4pm. More info...
• The Latta Plantation Nature Center hosts Family Geocaching this morning at 10:30am. More info...
• Check out Family Storytime this morning at 11am at the Morrison library. More info...
• Discovery Place Kids hosts Bug Beats today at 11am and 2pm, and tomorrow at 2pm. More info...
• Head to Reedy Creek Nature Center this afternoon at 1pm to take park in a Space Odyssey. More info...
• Be sure to register for the McDowell Nature Center's Nature's Artists this afternoon at 3:30pm. More info...
• Kannapolis hosts Stories Under the Stars with a performance of The Secret Garden tonight at 7pm at the Kannapolis Library. More info...
• The Matthews Concert and Movie Series features the The Coasters (Carolina Beach Music)tonight at Stumptown Park. More info...
• Carolina Place Mall kicks off their Movies at the Mall series tonight with Oz The Great and Powerful. More info...
• Charlotte Hounds vs. Chesapeake Bayhawks More info...
• Lady Eagles vs. Tampa More info...

Sunday, June 23

• Head to the Schiele Museum today to learn more about The Dyers Craft. 1-5pm. More info...
• Learn to Build Your Own Box Oven this afternoon at the Latta Plantation Nature Center at 2pm. More info...
• Don't miss the Ag & Art Tour today. More info...
• The Charlotte Symphony presents Scores of Movie Music tonight at Symphony Park at Southpark. More info...
• Charlotte Roller Girls All Stars vs. Soul City Roller Girls More info... 
• Charlotte Roller Girls B-Dazzlers vs. Kannapolis Roller Girls More info... 

Save the Date:
June 22-July 17: Movies at the Mall More info...
June 29: African Safari Day More info...
June 29: Mint Museum Community Wellness Day More info...
July 12-14: Meet SpongeBob & Patrick @ Tweetsie More info...
July 16: The Greatest Journey More info...

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