We proudly present our annual collection featuring many of Charlotte’s largest annual events. As our beautiful city has grown into a modern regional destination for millions in the region, the city calendar has exploded with events appealing to every possible interest and age group. We’re partial to the outdoor events on the streets of Uptown—and those in neighboring small towns. We love the thrill of gathering masses, country concerts and sporting spectacles. We feast on counter culture, trade shows and emerging sports franchises. Our hopes are that you will put this guide to work and set out to fullly enjoy Charlotte...in the year ahead.
JANUARY NODA Gallery Crawl First and Third Fridays So skip the mundane and skip on over the almost-forgotten North Charlotte mill district off Davidson—and bam! Rebirth and inspiration. Art of all kinds—stretch your imagination, and your art budget, with insane bargains from raw, rising talents working with all media. Live a little. 6pm-9:30pm www.noda.org Metrolina Trade Show/Expo Collectibles and Antiques Show First and Third Weekend of Each Month (Check Schedule Online) If you feast on History Detectives, Antiques Road Show or...(wait, then you know, right?) This is the grandaddy of flea markets-turned-collector’s showcase. Your humble editor traded comics and movie stills of actors I knew nothing about for swords and daggers over 30 years ago at this sprawling, slightly-musty indoor/outdoor market of all things forgotten. If you are tired of spoon-fed trends, get away for a day and roam among the treasures of the past. Take one home and tuck it away or display it proudly. Really, you gotta go. Sunset Road Exit off 77 www.metrolinatradeshowexpo.com Fight Night Charlotte January 24, 6pm A black-tie event showcasing Charlotte ties to pro boxing with exhibition matches, auction and dinner. Last year $2.2 million was raised for the Fight Night for Kids Foundation benefitting numerous children’s charities. Charlotte Convention Center 704-688-8519 www.charlottesports.org
FEBRUARY CIAA Basketball Tournament Monday, February 25-Saturday, March 2 The Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association unites Historically Black Institutions which provide equal athletic opportunities for men and women in intercollegiate athletics. This competition has become fan favorite in recent years. Time Warner Cable Arena www.ciaatournament.org NASCAR Hall of Fame 2013 Induction Ceremony Friday, February 8, 7:30pm This most prestigious event features presentations about each inductee from prominent members of the NASCAR community. The 2013 Class of Inductees: Buck Baker, Cotton Owens, Herb Thomas, Rusty Wallace and Leonard Wood. 400 E. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd www.NASCARHall.com Southern Spring Show Thursday, February 28-Sunday, March 3
This tremendous show marks the arrival of spring for hundreds of thousands of guests from Charlotte and surrounding areas each year. Home, garden and lifestyle showcases offer inspiration for all. The Park Expo Center 704-376-6345 www.southernshows.com/sss
MARCH St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Festival Charlotte Saturday, March 17 Nothing makes you feel more Irish than marching among 80,000 green-garbed festival goers in the streets of Uptown. A parade, music, dancing, revery and green, green, green everywhere. 803-802-1678 www.charlottestpatsday.com Mad Monster Party Friday, March 22-Saturday, March 24 It’s hard to overstate how campy, creep and cool (equal parts) this event is. Last year fans met Ace Frehley (KISS), Rutger Hauer, Traci Lords (see?), and the evil car from Spielberg’s masterpiece Christine. It’s like the Oscars of Horror, quietly and magnificently held at the ever-friendly Blake Hotel Uptown. Watch master makeup artists (Walking Dead), get autographs, buy classic Universal Posters or just get scared out of your mind.
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The Blake Hotel, South McDowell www.themadmonsterparty.com
APRIL
Fridays at the Factory April-July LIVE! at the factory concert series features great national and local band mix playing at the Fountain Plaza Stage. VIP areas and neighboring bars, pubs and clubs make for an all out party after work Fridays. www.ncmusicfactory.com University City Concert Series Thursdays in April and October 6pm-9pm Charlotteans look forward to the line-up of bands that play this special series. Catch some of the best regional talent in a relaxing setting around the lake with plenty of room to spread out and an awesome mix of restaurants and pubs all within earshot. University Place Shopping Center W.T. Harris and NC 29
Food Lion AutoFair April 4-7 10,000 vendors, 1,600 vehicles for sale and vehicles on display from 50 car clubs! 704-841-1990 www.charlotte-autofair.com Charlotte Knights April 11th, 2013 (1st Home Game) -September 2nd, 2013 (Last Home Game) Fun for the whole family at an affordable price. Catch Homer the Dragon rounding the bases on his four-wheeler, and see fireworks under the stars. The Charlotte Knights are the official MILB team of the Chicago White Sox. Home Games at Knights Stadium through 2013, then played at the new BBT Stadium in Uptown Charlotte, 2014 Knights Stadium, 2280 Deerfield Drive, Fort Mill, SC 29715 www.milb.com Earth Day Green Play Date April 20th, 10am-1pm
Celebrate Earth Day at the Charlotte Nature Museum where your kids will connect with nature in Fort Wild. Educational and fun for the family. www.charlottenaturemuseum.org Carolina Panthers Prime Time NFL Draft Party at BOA Stadium Thursday, April 25 Look what last year did for our Panthers: Defensive Rookie of the Year, Luke Kuechly! With a 7-9 record, Rivera will have an opportunity to stack more talent on our young team. This fan fiesta puts you and other Panther fans in front of the big screen at ground zero as our new players are announced. Great fun. www.panthers.com Charlotte Hounds LaCrosse Saturday, April 27-Saturday, August 10 You’d have to be on another planet not to have noticed the rise of lacrosse. Say that word one time. Don’t be fearful. You’ll like the sport. It’s the crossfit football of this generation. And Charlotte—surprise—has a team. A good one. And you can see them play at a familiar location—Memorial Stadium. Unlike previous start-up leagues that played—and suffered financially here (Hornets football, Barons football, ya-daya-da, ya-da) these hounds appear to be on the right trail. Memorial Stadium, N. Kings Drive www.charlottehounds.com
pet lovers. See contest photos online. www.wsoctv.com/events/stationevents
Wells Fargo Championship PGA Event April 29-May 5 When the PGA Tour comes to town all eyes are on Charlotte as the world’s best golfers compete at Quail Hollow Country Club. A favorite with fans of all ages due in part to the close access to golfers and interaction with young fans, it has become a crown jewel for both Charlotte and the PGA Tour itself. www.WellsFargoChampionship.com
NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race Saturday, May 18 A bang-up checkers or wreckers nonpoints event under the lights and broadcast on racing’s largest flat screen at Charlotte Motor Speedway. This one has all the action and always pleases. www.charlottemotorspeedway.com
MAY
Lake Norman Spring Music Festival Saturday, May 7 Live bands, tradeshow/expo with local LKN businesses and one big cornhole tournament. A great way to soak up the LKN sun. Headlined this year by Simplified. 2pm-9pm. At Kenton Place in the field beside The Dirty Martini. Facebook: Lake Norman’s Spring Music Festival, Tradeshow, & Corn Hole Tournament. Sprint Cup Pit Crew Challenge Thursday, May 16 Here we separate the men from the boys as amateurs challenge the pros in round after round of pit crew trials. It’s a fan’s fantasy to compete. Gather your crew and see if you have what it takes. Or just attend and watch the madness from the sidelines with a cold beverage. Time Warner Cable Arena www.pitcrewchallenge.com
Bark in the Park April 28 This Meck-Parks-and-Rec event is one you don’t want to miss—thousands of canines mingle along with their owners in a spring outdoor festival made for pets and
arts and culture, in downtown Mooresville, NC from 9am-3pm. Vendors, games, and more. Great for the family. www.mooresvillenc.org
MS Walk Saturday, May 18 Charlotteans have a way of showing up for those in need—and the MS Walk is proof indeed. Walkers trek 1-4 miles raising funds for 13,500 Carolinians suffering from MS. The goal for 2013 is $200K. Register, get your good shoes on, and let’s walk. See you there. 9am Registration, 10am Walk Begins 4400 Sharon Road www.walknct.nationalmssociety.org Mooresville Race City Festival May 18, 2013 The Race City Festival is a celebration of
Food Lion Speed Street 2012 Friday, May 24—Sunday, May 26 Charlotte’s largest annual event has it all— Stars, Cars and Guitars—and over 400,000 in attendance over a three day span. NASCAR stars, music headliners, attractions, events, giveaways and more—more than you can do in a weekend! www.600Festival.com Charlotte Steeplechase Queen’s Cup Saturday, May 25 The Queen’s Cup is a great Saturday afternoon in the country where thousands come to see some of the most athletic thoroughbreds compete at speeds of up to 30 miles per hour. Rub elbows with business associates in an atmosphere full of fanfare and pomp. Dress the part and you may win a prize. The ladie’s hat contest and tailgate contest (think big, think fancy) are also part of the show. Mineral Springs, NC www.queenscup.org Coca-Cola 600 Sunday, May 26 This is America’s Memorial Day weekend event. Over 100,000 descend upon Concord, NC to watch NASCAR’s longest race and enjoy a week of festivities throughout the Charlotte Region. A patriotic pre-race salute laced with big name celebrities and performers draws the eyes of world. If you’ve never been, you
simply have to give it a whirl. www.charlottemotorspeedway.com
JUNE Taste of Charlotte Friday June 7-Sunday, June 9 Bring your appetite—and your friends. Taste of Charlotte is a great festival that sure feels like a party. Stroll along Tryon Street and sample tastings from many of Charlotte’s top restaurants or grab some tasty festival food. Live local bands and the beautiful tree-lined streets of Uptown Charlotte make a great backdrop night and day. Street vendors of all kinds are here as well. It’s a Queen City tradition. www.tasteofcharlotte.com
JULY
SEPTEMBER
WBTV Sky Show July 4 There’s no more American way to celebrate the 4th than in a baseball stadium, under the stars with the Carolina’s best and oldest fireworks display. Knights Castle offers the perfect place to make an event out of a tradition. www.wbt.com/skyshow
Carolina Panthers Home Games September-December (and...?) Preseason starts in September and regulation season play ends in December. If returning head coach Ron Rivera can keep his stride and positive momentum from the last six games of the 2012 season, fans may be treated to Playoff play in 2014. Key issues will be the rebuilding of the coaching staff after the loss of offensive coordinator Rob Chudzinski and firing of several others. Hopes are high that Cam and company will be competitive. Bank of America Stadium www.panthers.com
SouthPark Fireworks with the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra July 4 For a touch of class and dramatic splendor, enjoy your fireworks at Symphony Park at SouthPark Mall, with the sounds of this wonderful orchestra improvising American theme classics—all beneath trailing sparkles of light high in the sky. www.CharlotteSymphony.org
Historic Morganton Festival September 6-7 It’s the small town festivals that really let you get out and stroll. Three stages of live
Heroes Convention Friday June 7-Sunday, June 9 Heroes Convention is one of the greatest comic conventions on Earth, with hundreds of vendors, millions of comics and personal appearances by comic creators who are one-in-a-million. Dust off your Marvels and have them signed by the likes of Stan Lee, Steve Ditko and more. A full weekend of events and fans dressed in full hero garb. Charlotte Convention Center www.heroesonline.com
AUGUST Southern Ideal Home Show Friday, August 23-Sunday, August 25 Remodeling, building and home improvement, interiors and outdoor living ideas all in one massive expo. For all homeowners! The Park Expo Center 704-376-6345 www.southernshows.com/hfc Matthews Alive August 30th-September 2 A wonderful Labor Day tradition in the heart of downtown Matthews. Family activities, kids rides and events, entertainment, arts and food. Many street vendors and a great fall atmosphere. www.matthewsalive.org
local and regional music, plus a kids stage make this a serious entertainment option—with some of the best festival food you’ll find. Great fun and in-season. www.morgantonfest.com Southern Womens Show Thursday, September 19 -Sunday, September 22 The long-running Mecca for ladies in the Carolinas and beyond returns with an allstar celebrity appearance line-up and hundreds of vendors. Shop food, health, fashion, cosmetics, household and more in a festive fall atmosphere. The Park Expo and Conference Center www.southernshows.com/wch Festival in the Park Friday, September 20
-Sunday, September 22 It’s almost Camelot: Colorful tents strung with festive lights line the lake. Citizens stroll the walkways and gaze at the crafts and sample concoctions of an eclectic gathering of festival vendors. Children play in the open fields of the park. Families picnic on blankets in front of the bandshell which is piping big band music throughout the grounds. It’s so special, it’s been going strong since 1964, and next year will be celebrating it’s 50th year as one of Charlotte’s most cherished events. Freedom Park, Dilworth www.festivalinthepark.org Denver Days Thursday, September 25 -Saturday, September 28 Folks are now celebrating the 11th annual fall festival in the wonderful town of Denver. This is Americana—Ferris wheel, carnival food, circus games, live music—like a cozy county fair. Make the trip and enjoy the quite side of LKN with this family event. www.denverlakenormanrotary.com Mint Hill Madness September 28-29 Here is a great community festival for a greater cause—benefitting children with illnesses and Levine’s Children’s Hospital. Enjoy live music, stroll and visit vendors with tempting foods and all types of goods. The festival is celebrating its 30th year. www.minthillchamberofcommerce.com
Octoberfest Saturday, September 28 Here’s a neat trick: Enjoy great craft beers served by fair beer maidens, sample a large variety of wines, listen to the best local bands live onstage and raise $20K for 2nd Harvest Food Bank while you’re doing it. Now that’s something to get on board with. 2pm-7pm at Metrolina Tradeshow Expo www.charlotteoctoberfest.com
OCTOBER
Charlotte Checkers October- April Now that we’ve dispelled the rumor that
Charlotte Prowler Magazine is pleased to announce that we are working with the staff of 730am ESPN Radio in Charlotte for many great events in 2013.
southerners don’t enjoy hockey, the Charlotte Checkers have proven that a great match on the ice doesn’t necessarily mean NHL. The move to TWC Arena only fanned the flames of an already loyal fan base, as Checkers games here have taken on a big-time sporting feel. These guys are clubbers, and the Checkmates merit checking out themselves. Time Warner Cable Arena www.gocheckers.com Charlotte Bobcats October- April The NBA came back to Charlotte by way of the Bobcats, and ultimately, Michael Jordan. Arguably the best player to ever walk the paint, Jordan has as-of-yet been able to duplicate his performance as a player in his new role as owner and team manager. In recent years, decisions have come faster, and there has been some delegation. The Bobcats are a team in transition for sure, but they have a number of things going for them. TWC Arena is incredible. Michael Jordan and Ric Flair sightings are common at Bobcat games. Kemba Walker is fun to watch. The Lady
back to the days when Cedric “Cornbread” Maxwell led his team to unanticipated heights. Head coach Alan Major’s team is picking off most comers, even challenging the defending NCCA Champion Seminoles in a 3 point loss in December. Great ball here in your own backyard. Halton Arena www.charlotte49ers.com
ment park with 11 stages, 22 acres of artisans in a village marketplace, a circus, classic rides, and a real life jousting tournament presided over by non other than the king himself. Get away from it all and spend a day in revelry, renaissancestyle. Poplar Tent Road, Highway 73 www.royalfaires.com/carolina Bank of America 500 Saturday, October 12 Here’s where the pavement heats up as leaders emerge in the Chase, and this race could just make it or break it for your favorite driver. Always a great pre-show and and race—here at CMS. www.charlottemotorspeedway.com
Scarowinds Select Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays in October (Ages 13 and Up) What started out as a brilliant idea to convert the wildly popular Carowinds theme park in name as easily as adding an “S” to the beginning of the name has turned into some more sinister. It’s a Hollywood-scale production that scares just as good. Hundreds of movie-calibre ghouls and creatures torment park-goers as they move from hideous exhibits to thrill-delivering rides. What could be more macabre? www.carowinds.com/haunt2012 Great Grapes Wine & Food Festival October 5 Enjoy this traveling festival in the beauty of SouthPark. Sample 220 wines from 20 wineries and enjoy live music, wonderful foods and crafts. Symphony Park at SouthPark Mall 1-800-830-3976 www.uncorkthefun.com
Cats are fun to watch, and are becoming stars in their own right on cable TV. In addition, Charlotteans are hopped up on the prospect of the team converting back to the beloved Hornets—a name steeped in tradition. It’s a complicated drama. Time Warner Cable Arena www.nba.com/bobcats
Ballantyne Festival Saturday, October 5 Start with a chili cook-off, add your favorite local fun food restaurants, live music, kids events, a petting zoo, basketball, volleyball, cornhole...and a range of arts and crafts and you’ve got a pretty full day here in the fields. Morrison Family YMCA Field www.ymcacharlotte.org
UNC Charlotte 49ers Men’s Basketball October-March Natives know that there has been much passion for this green-and-gold squad—
Renaissance Festival Saturdays & Sundays, October 5-November 24 Step back in time in this medieval amuse-
Time Warner Cable BBQ and Blues Festival October 12-13 This upstart festival simply surprises. Staged at the NC Music Factory you know there’s gonna’ be great music. You just can’t imagine how much—and how good. And who doesn’t enjoy watching master grillers do what they do best in competition. And guess what—you are the beneficiary. All this great BBQ was cooked up just for you. Take some home and share. www.charlottebbqandblues.com Pineville Fall Fest Friday, October 18-Saturday, October 19 Just what a town fair should be—something for toddlers, tweens, teens and adults of all ages. With extensive carnival rides, onsite performers, a classic car show, stage acts, arts and crafts vendors and tasty treats from rows of vendors—it’s hard to imagine anything that’s missing. Wonderful park setting by the lake makes for a great festival atmosphere night and day. Pineville Lake Park www.pinevillefallfest.com
NOVEMBER Celebrity Charity Wishes presents Bears for Buddies November-December This new charitable program has touched the hearts of many families from Charlotte to Santa Monica by delivering teddy bears and smiles to children with life-threatening
illnesses. Celebrities, pro ball players, businesses and individuals alike have steppedup to the plate with financial, in-kind and volunteer support to make this a fast moving charity that everyone can appreciate and participate in. See collection boxes in the Charlotte area and please contribute. Bears for Buddies benefits the Ronald McDonald House of Charlotte and Levine Children’s Hospital. Charlotte, Atlanta,GA, Santa Monica, CA www.celebritycharitywishes.org Southern Christmas Show Thursday, November 13 -Sunday, November 24 For generations of Carolinians, here is where the Christmas season officially begins. Many a Santa Claus has found early
The funs begins at 5pm as families assemble around the Charlotte Symphony Park Stage adjacent SouthPark Mall. Bring a blanket and a picnic basket, but don’t forget the camera. This beautiful landscape and one magnificent tree will make memories you’ll want to recount years from now. Entertainment, fellowship and holiday cheer are waiting for you and yours. simon.com/mall/southpark
DECEMBER
ACC Football Championship Game December 2013 Will your team play in Carolina? Bank of America Stadium www.theacc.com
option has transcended into a magnificent production that employs all aspects of the city’s wonderful landscape, the art, cultural emergence and civic pride into a mindblowing experience. Early activities engage children and later productions provide a dynamic show and environment for counting down to the new year in a thoroughly modern—and beautiful, southern city. This is a distinctly Charlotte experience. Noon-Midnight www.charlottecentercity.org Z-Max Dragway Year-Round If you love it loud, this is the spot for you. It goes without saying that everything here is fast, but it is soooo loud. This is raw and just the way mobs of fans and budding race teams loooove it. Buy a pass or just stop out for a race and you, too, might be hooked on fuel and fire. charlottemotorspeedway.com/dragway
MORE EVENTS?
But wait! There’s more...of course, there is—this is Charlotte. If we’ve left out your event (or your favorite event), please let us know. We assure you it’s no snub. There’s simply so much going on 365 that no list could possibly be complete.
inspiration in the tremendous halls decked with every possible Christmas trimming imaginable. Food, crafts, music, presents and St. Nicholas himself draw hundreds of thousands over 10 days to this classic and treasured event. The Park Expo Center www.southernshows.com/scs SouthPark Tree Lighting Friday, November 15
Belk Bowl December 2013 A holiday tradition—pick and team and cheer and be cheerful! Bank of America Stadium www.belkbowl.com WBTV First Night Charlotte December 31 What began as a New Year’s Eve celebration for families seeking a non-alcoholic
WE SUGGEST: If you’re looking for more, we’d suggest the following websites: www.charlottesgotalot.com www.ncfestivals.com www.ncmusicfactory.com www.epicentrenc.com COME ON THE PROWL WITH US In addition, make sure that you are subscribed to our weekly eNewsletter On The Prowl—like 365,000+ readers are! You’ll get updates for the week ahead in your email inbox for free every week. Go to: www.ProwlerMagazine.com.