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The CIAA Tournament in Midtown Charlotte NC

February 23, 2017 at 5:28 am

CIAA BasketballIt’s that time of year again, basketball season. North Carolinians love their basketball and their rivalries. The CIAA was founded in 1912, and is the first African-American athletic conference. Charlotte gets to reap the benefits of the CIAA location, and thus holds host to the tournaments and all the folks that come to watch. The whole uptown area and parts of Midtown also host several events and parties while the CIAA tournaments are in town. There will be concerts, street performers, and lots of basketball. Below are some of the top links to find out more for the upcoming weekend.

CIAA Links:

There will be a lot of adrenaline running high with a sporting event, and folks looking to celebrate. If you go out and about please be kind to others and stay safe. Have a great CIAA weekend!

 



Starting off the new year with health in Midtown Charlotte

January 27, 2017 at 2:31 am

As many people reflect on the year’s end, and the new year ahead, some turn to resolutions and new goals. Never before has so much information been at the fingertips of anyone with computer access. Sometimes this information, especially on health, can be overwhelming. If you are one of these folks, I can sympathize, as I have embarked on a journey to live a healthier lifestyle.

Get fit in midtown charlotte in the new year

Even with the over saturation of information most folks try to incorporate more activity into their daily routines as part of a healthier lifestyle. This could mean joining the gym, taking up running or picking up a difficult workout routine. I like to ease into fitness to avoid the risk of injury. So, if you are searching for new events to kick your activity level in gear, I find that setting up goals, and group activities are the best way to keep yourself accountable. So, I have found several events that range in difficulty, but that are great causes and help keep you active down the road for continued success.

Trailblaze Challenge
This is a single day hike event that traverses over the foothills trail for around 28 miles. This event is for all levels of fitness and experience and is a hike, not a race. This event will benefit the Make a Wish foundation of central and western North Carolina. If this is an event you would like to learn more about, please check their website and make sure to sign up for an informational session.

24 Foundation (24 hours of booty)
This is a single day event, lasting a full 24 hours, of cycling around the booty loop in the Dilworth neighborhood in Charlotte. This event can be done as an individual or a group. You can also walk or cycle for as many or few miles as you decide. This foundation benefits cancer survivorship and programs. Now that registration is open for this event you can sign up and gather members if you are so inclined.

Walk To End Lupus Now
Also, a single day event that can be done on a team or solo. This walk is probably the most accessible for all fitness levels. This 1.25-mile walk starts at 11 am, making it an easy addition to your regular Saturday schedule. You can show up early for the festivities, or later for check-in and walk time. This event benefits the Lupus Foundation of America, and the event is open for registration.

I know all these events are starting around spring and some go through summer, but this is to help build up anticipation and possibly allow some training time. It always helps to set a goal to stay motivated. Good luck on your adventures in the new year.

Celebrate July 4th in Midtown Charlotte NC

June 24, 2015 at 6:50 pm

Celebrate 4th of July in Midtown Charlotte NCFirst, I want to apologize for not updating the site sooner. I have been busy, but that is not an excuse. I am committing to brining new posts, and new Midtown Charlotte NC activities, restaurants, and interests to the site at least once a month. Now, let’s get to the good stuff.

It is looming in the air, and soon it will arrive. The day to celebrate, relax, enjoy good company, and possibly some good BBQ depending on your holiday traditions. Yes, the fourth of July is approaching, and with it comes the promise of summer time fun. To make sure you have all your options for how you want to celebrate, I am highlighting a selection of festivities happening around the Charlotte area. These events will bring fun, excitement and probably crowds, so try to plan ahead. Below are some great options for July 4th Celebrations in Charlotte NC.

Sky Show & Team USA vs Team Cuba – BB&T Ballpark

This will be a party to remember. Starting at 2pm, on Saturday July 4th, uptown streets from Mint to MLK, will be taken over for the SkyShow Street Party. You can walk through the uptown streets of Charlotte drinking and eating your favorite American fare: hotdogs, popcorn, hamburgers, soda pop, and more. This event is family friendly and will have many activities in the Interactive Kids Area. There will be bounce houses, coloring, and several kid crafts setup for children. Don’t worry parents you can dance to the live music from the Main Stage, with several acts throughout the day. Now that you have had your fill of the street fun, head over the to the ball game with gates opening around 5pm. You can watch team USA take on team Cuba. The first pitch will be thrown at 6:05pm.

After the game there will be a flag ceremony honoring Veterans and Active Military. Veterans and Active Military members of your Charlotte community will be present.

Now comes the excitement – the firework show. The BB&T Ballpark will be hosting the largest firework show in the southeast called SkyShow Fireworks. This will be a site to remember with amazing firework choreography. You will be also able to view the fireworks from outside the ballpark, check here for a viewing map. Details of this great event are below:

SkyShow & Team USA vs Team Cuba
SkyShow Street Party – Free /2pm – Until / Mint St. – MLK Blvd.
Team USA vs Team Cuba – Buy Tickets / 5pm – End of Fireworks / BB&T Ballpark
SkyShow Fireworks – At Ballgame OR Outside BB&T Stadium / After baseball game

4th Of July Celebration – USNWC

The US National White Water Center is kicking the holiday weekend off with festivities starting Friday, July 3rd, and continuing to Saturday, July 4th with their Fifth Annual 4th Of July Celebration. This great festival will have plenty to offer all types of patrons, with activities for the kids, teens, and adults. There is plenty to see and do, from climbing, ropes, trails, and a zip line. That is just the beginning, as there will be food, beer, and live music throughout the day for everyone to enjoy. Bring the blankets, chairs, and sunscreen for this party that is sure to bring fun times all evening long. There is a fireworks show both nights starting at 9:30.

The fun starts around 3pm each day and ends with a firework show, each night around 9:30pm. There will be a cornhole tournament, along with six different bands over two days. If you are not one for big crowds USNWC is offering a VIP pass allowing for a prime spot for viewing the bands, private bar, and a catered meal. The USNWC is offering a great holiday celebration for all.

4th Of July Celebration – USNWC
Friday, July 3rd – Free ($5 parking) / 3:30pm – 10:00pm
Saturday, July 4th -Free ($5 parking) / 3:00pm – 10:00pm
VIP Passes – $45 per person

Charlotte Wine & Jazz Music Festival – Route 29 Pavilion

For some folks looking for more adult 4th of July celebration, there is the first annual Wine & Jazz Music Festival that is a 21+ event. This event is located at Route 29 Pavilion, right in front of the speedway, with parking shuttles, that boasts 15 acres of all day Jazz music. This event should be a crowd pleaser with more than six confirmed artists and musicians, ranging from funk, soul, R&B, jazz, and a little bit of gospel. This festival will start in the afternoon and go through the evening many vendors providing plenty of food, non-alcoholic drinks, alcoholic drinks, and other products for purchase. There are two ticket options: General Admission and VIP. The VIP gets you an up close and personal experience with the performers, providing a large table close to the stage with access to food and drinks separated from General Admission. Don’t miss this great celebration of Wine and Jazz that is sure to be a great way to end your 4th of July night.

Wine & Jazz Music Festival – Route 29 Pavilion
Saturday, July 4th – GA $25 Early, $35 @ Gate / 5pm – 11pm
Saturday, July 4th – VIP $65 Early, $75 @ Gate / 5pm – 11pm

Hickory Grove 4th Of July Parade & Celebration

For those living in east Charlotte, the 47th annual Hickory Grove 4th of July Parade & Celebration is a staple family friendly event. This festival kicks off with a parade starting at 10:30am the ends on the festival grounds around 11:30, and the party continues into the afternoon. There will be an abundance of fun with food, drinks, games, live music and more. The big celebration will go on after the parade at The Grove Presbyterian Church. This event will be fun for the whole family. Go out and show your support to this great East Charlotte community that works so hard to put on this great festival year after year.

Hickory Grove 4th Of July Parade & Celebration
Saturday, July 4th – Free / 10:30am (parade) – 2:30pm
The Grove Presbyterian Church

Other Great 4th of July Events:

Get a healthy start to your day with the American 4 Miler run. This run will go through the historic and scenic neighborhood of Dilworth, and end with a finish line celebration including: music, breakfast, drinks, and awards ceremony. Get your dose of healthy fun, early in the day and join the American 4 Miler run.

Spend a thrilling day at Carowinds, then stay for the Celebrate America Fireworks Show. Carowinds will be putting on their biggest fireworks show of the season July 4th to Celebrate the birth of America. The fireworks start at 10pm.

Get ready sports fans and join the new Charlotte Independence Soccer team for a July 4th match against the St. Louis Football Club. This match is in Charlotte and kicks off at 7pm.

Whatever you are into, or want to experience there is a great range of activities for this 4th of July holiday. Get out have fun, and be safe!

Art Walk in Midtown Charlotte

April 4, 2014 at 5:28 pm

Art Walk Midtown CharlotteFestival in the park has expanded its endeavors to bring arts to the local community with the Kings Drive Art Walk. This event is free to the public. Come out and enjoy the great spring weather and walk along the Little Sugar Creek Greenway in Midtown Charlotte, NC. Along the greenway all types of artist will be setup and brandishing their wares.  The main focus will be on find and emerging artists.

The Art Walk in Midtown Charlotte is also located next to some of Charlotte’s most affluent neighborhoods in Midtown. While this event is attempting to target these neighborhoods, it also is attempting to bring all different types of Charlotteans from all walks of life together to enjoy the fine arts. Come out and support local and emerging artists, and enjoy some of Charlotte Midtown’s best restaurants and bars nearby.

Event Details

Date: April 26th & 27th (Saturday & Sunday)
Time: Sat 10-6 / Sun 11-5
Price: FREE
Location: Map
Art Walk On Kings Drive

Theatre Charlotte & The Miss Firecracker Contest

January 27, 2014 at 7:57 pm

Miss Firecracker Contest Theatre CharlotteBeth Henley presents The Miss Firecracker Contest, the story of a small Mississippi town’s big annual extravaganza, the 4th of July festival and beauty pageant. The main character, Carnelle Scott, is spending most of her time practicing her tap routine for the pageant. She has high hopes of restoring her reputation. Her plans get complicated when a strange yet funny cast of characters enters the plot. From her visiting cousin, to a seamstress named Popeye.

There is an explosion of glittery laughter throughout this performance. This is sure to be a show that provides entertainment from start to finish. Make sure to catch a live show, at Theatre Charlotte in Charlotte Midtown.

Dates: Jan 24 – Feb 9
Time: Varies See Below
Price: $25 – $27
Tickets: Buy Here
Official Site: http://theatrecharlotte.org/1314missfirecracker.shtml
Suggested for Teens and Above

Performance Schedule

Friday, January 24 at 8pm
Saturday, January 25 at 8pm
Sunday, January 26 at 2:30pm

Thursday, January 30 at 7:30pm
Friday, January 31 at 8pm
Saturday, February 1 at 8pm
Sunday, February 2 at 2:30pm

Wednesday, February 5 at 7:30pm
Thursday, February 6 at 7:30pm
Friday, February 7 at 8pm
Saturday, February 8 at 8pm
Sunday, February 9 at 2:30pm

1st Annual Carolina Brew Challenge in Uptown Charlotte

October 14, 2013 at 3:42 pm

Carolina-Brew-Challenge-logoThis event is to be held in conjunction with the Q-City Charlotte BBQ Championships. What better way to follow up some great BBQ than with a tasty brew. This event is here to define that best brew. It is going to be a people’s choice event. If you attend you will be able to vote on the best beer from over 30 different Carolina Breweries.

With the cost of admission you also get: a souvenir tasting glass and unlimited samples. Head on down to uptown to vote for the best brew, and enjoy tasty beers from around the Carolinas.

When: Saturday – Oct. 19th
Where: Epicenter
Time: Noon – 5pm
Price: $30/ticket*
Age Restrictions: Must be 21 or older to attend
All Details: www.qcitybbq.com

*Not sure you are sold on the price for beer tasting? Try this link for half off ticket prices: Half Off

Festival In The Park Near Midtown Charlotte

September 9, 2013 at 8:12 pm

festival-in-park-logoFall will be arriving soon as we move deeper into September. With cooler weather and changing leaves come and join the thousands of spectators at Festival In the Park. This annual festival kicks off each year with hundreds of arts and crafts booths selling wares, paintings, food, and crafts for the whole family. Festival in the park will also be host to many entertainers performing on several stages around Freedom park. This family friendly event is celebrating it’s 49th year this September.

Festival in the Park is one of the largest festivals in the south east, boasting around 160,000 visitors in 2012. the four day long festival has something for everyone. There are carousels and rides for the kids, concessions, meat on a stick, art, music, and all sorts of crafts from vendors across the US. The best part is the admission for this great event is free. Parking can be tricky in the Dilworth area and the walk might be long.

The best times to come are the cooler evenings. You can have dinner and a great walk around the lake at Freedom park to see all the arts and crafts, or catch a great show.  This is a great event to enjoy time and again in Charlotte.

Dates & Times:
Friday – Sept. 20th / 4pm – 9:30pm
Saturday – Sept. 21st / 10am – 9:30pm
Sunday – Sept. 22nd / 11am – 6pm

Where: Freedom Park
Price: Free