MARK YOUR CALENDAR

MATTHEWS IS HOME TO A VIBRANT MIX OF FESTIVALS AND EVENTS FOCUSED ON MUSIC, FOOD, CULTURE, THE ARTS AND MUCH MORE!

DATE NIGHT DROP-OFF

Held the second Friday of every month at the Crews Recreation Center. Kids (ages 6-13) enjoy activities to keep them active and happy while allowing parents an evening out! Must pre-register. www.matthewsnc.gov

TIES & TIARAS

A Valentine experience for children between 4-12 years old and their significant adult! Dance the night away and enjoy snacks, drinks and plenty of Valentine candy. This event takes place at Crews Recreation Center. Pre-registration is required www.matthewsnc.gov

SHAMROCK CONCERT

Matthews Comic Con

Bring the whole family and enjoy a fun-filled day. The event features exhibitors, comics, collectibles, cosplay, special guests, food trucks and more. This event takes place at Matthews Community Center. www.matthewsnc.gov

Be sure to wear your green as you celebrate St. Patrick’s Day while enjoying live music at Matthews Station Street. www.matthewsnc.gov

MAIN LINE MARKETS

Quarterly pop-up markets held along West Charles Street with 60+ vendors selling handmade goods, food trucks, music, and craft beer from Carolina Beer Temple and Matthews Social House. Held in March, June, September and December. www.matthewsnc.gov

EART DAY WITH KIDS IN NATURE DAY

Celebrate Earth Day at Squirrel Lake Park with eco-friendly exhibits & vendors, fishing, hikes, scavenger hunts, kids nature crafts and STEM activities. More information is available at hawkncwf.org

BEATS ‘N BITES

A variety of food trucks roll into downtown Matthews on the last Friday of each month, March through June. The “Autumn Version” will be held on Sept 20, October 4 and October 18. Stumptown Park and food trucks open at 5pm. Music from an amazing lineup of bands starts at 6pm. Concert ends around 8:30pm and the park clears at 9pm. www.matthewsnc.gov

FESTIVAL OF INDIA

A celebration of Indian culture in Stumptown Park. Includes art, authentic food, dance performances, immersive cultural experiences, exhibits, and much more.

MATTHEWS CHAMBER GOLF CLASSIC

A fun opportunity for members of the business community to network, connect with colleagues, and enjoy a beautiful day on the golf course. www.matthewschamber.org

PAR 2 DISC GOLF TOURNAMENT

Family disc golf at Squirrel Lake Park. Open to all levels. $30.00 Entry fee includes one full round of play, and the Players Pack. A Replay Round costs $5.00. Lowest score will be used for placing. www.matthewsnc.gov

TOUCH-A-TRUCK

BEACHFEST MATTHEWS

Bring the whole family to Stumptown Park for live music, shag dancing, exhibits, food vendors, a carnival, and small shops at this first street festival of the spring held in May. www.matthewsnc.gov

Join us for a day of excitement for a hands-on experience with a variety of trucks and vehicles. Let your little ones' imaginations soar as they climb aboard and bring their toy trucks to life. Held at Stumptown Park. www.matthewschamber.org

JUNETEENTH

Celebration

In partnership with the Cultural Diversity Advisory Board, this event includes music, art, a keynote address, vendors, and family-friendly activities. Held in June at Stumptown Park. www.matthewsnc.gov

Independence Day

On July 3 at 9:30pm watch the Fireworks Spectacular at the Matthews SportsPlex. The Independence Day Celebration on July 4 at Stumptown Park features a live concert, food trucks, kids' activities, and patriotic fun! www.matthewsnc.gov

Cool Vibes Concert Series

Pawsitely Matthews

In November, pet-friendly vendors line Stumptown Park, along with food trucks, demo areas and more! Come hang out with your dog, do some shopping, have a craft beer in the fall sunshine, and spend the day listening to some great tunes in the park!

www.matthewsnc.gov

It’s the talk of the town, with a cool, speakeasy vibe! Ticket price includes pre-concert hors d'oeuvres (while they last). Cash bar for beer/wine. Social hour at 6:30pm, concerts begin at 7:30pm. Located in the historic Fullwood Theater in the Matthews Community Center. www.matthewsnc.gov

MATTHEWS AUTO REUNION & MOTORCYCLE SHOW

This family-friendly event features all makes and models of cool cars, trucks and motorcycles. This judged event with awards (Best of Show, Sponsor’s Choice and 18 Best In Class winners) is held annually on Labor Day in September, rain or shine. www.matthewschamber.org

Matthews Alive

This popular 4-day street festival is a Labor Day weekend tradition. The festival features a parade, carnival rides and games, food & drink vendors, 150+ small shops, exhibits, and multiple stages of entertainment. Famous for amazing music, this year’s headlining bands will not disappoint! www.matthewsalive.org

Crews Family Fun Nights

Held the first Friday night of each month, October through March. Located at Crews Recreation Center from 6-9pm. There’s a special family-friendly activity/theme each month! Must pre-register.

Fall For Matthews

Celebrate our community with good food and drinks, arts & craft vendors, business vendors, pumpkin patch, live entertainment, petting zoo, children’s area. Lots of memorable fun for family & friends at this October event. www.matthewschamber.org

Holiday Activities

If you've ever wanted the feeling of walking through a Hallmark Channel Christmas movie picture-perfect small town, just come to Matthews and enjoy the numerous holiday festivities. The Winter Wonderlights park and Tree Lighting will be held Saturday, December 7th. Other fun-filled events held throughout the holiday season include Photos with Santa, the Menorah Lighting, a Kwanzaa Celebration, Nutcracker Performances, Drop ‘n Shop, Holiday Stroll, and Gingerbread Contest. Do you like Christmas lights? Then join in the fun and decorate your home with lights, lawn ornaments, wreaths and more during the Deck the House Holiday Light Competition. Plan on attending the annual Noon Year’s Eve Party to celebrate the end the year with tons of fun. www.matthewsnc.gov www.matthewschamber.org

THE PEOPLE OF MATTHEWS LOVE THEIR PARKS - FROM OPEN GREEN SPACES WHERE PEOPLE GATHER FOR SPECIAL OCCASIONS TO WOODLANDS ETCHED WITH SUN-DAPPLED TRAILS. THERE ARE PLENTY OF PLACES TO ENJOY THE OUTDOORS.

FOUR MILE CREEK GREENWAY

The greenway contains 2 miles of walking trail and multiple neighborhood connectors. Parking is available at Squirrel Lake Park and the Matthews Community Center.

BAUCOM PARK

This 1-acre park contains picnic shelters with tables, outdoor grills, a playground, and swings. 601 Sadie | Matthews NC 28105

BUTLER HIGH SCHOOL TENNIS COURTS

The Butler High School tennis courts are open for public use. First come-first served court playno reservations.

1810 Matthews Mint Hill Road | Matthews NC 28105

COUNTRY PLACE PARK

Located at the South Trade Street entrance to the Four Mile Greenway, this is a great place to play checkers and enjoy the pollinator garden.

557 S. Trade Street | Matthews NC 28105

FOUNTAIN ROCK PARK

Located in the midst of the Four Mile Creek Greenway. Here, you can sit peacefully and meditate at the flowing fountain, have a picnic, or read a book.

311 S. Trade Street | Matthews NC 28105

KP PARK

This pocket park near Town Hall and the Public Library is a Certified Wildlife Habitat that serves as a passive area to enjoy the outdoors with the pergola and seating.

320 E. Matthews Street | Matthews NC 28105

PURSER-HULSEY PARK

This park currently features roughly 1.5 miles of biking and walking trails and a community garden. 13201 Phillips Road | Matthews NC 28105

RICE PARK

Impressive natural areas and huge trees are features on this 10-acre park. A gravel surface walking trail, playground, and picnic areas are also part of this awesome new park.

25400 Rice Road | Matthews NC 28105

SARDIS PARK

This 2.8-acre park contains a gazebo-style picnic shelter with tables, playground and swings, paved walking trail, open grassy play area, and restrooms. 9650 Sardis Road | Matthews NC 28105

SQUIRREL LAKE PARK

This 36-acre park offers something for everyone: Two shelters, restrooms, playground, swings, trails, cornhole, pond, 12-hole disc golf course, and access fenced-in sections for small dogs and large dogs. 3024 Matthews Mint Hill Road | Matthews NC 28105 to the Four Mile Creek Greenway. There’s a large pier overlooking the pond for fishing and observing the surrounding pond life.

1631 Pleasant Plains Road | Matthews NC 28105

STUMPTOWN PARK

This .9-acre park is used year round for movies, concerts, and special events. Stumptown Park houses a performance stage with a sand play/dance area. With open grass areas and sand volleyball court, Stumptown Park provides opportunities for many different outdoor recreation activities.

120 S. Trade | Matthews NC 28105

TOWN GREEN PARK

Located in front of Town Hall and the Public Library, this is a nice place to experience the sights and sounds of Matthews with a gazebo, benches, and open grass areas.

232 Matthews Station Street | Matthews NC 28105

WINDSOR PARK

This 5.24-acre park has a playground, several slides, swings, and climbing structures. Check out the zipline while you're there! There is a picnic shelter with tables that offers seating for 30-40 people,and a large family-size grill. 10140 Northeast Parkway | Matthews NC 28105

Mecklenburg County

SPORTSPLEX

At Matthews

2425 Sports Parkway Matthews, NC 28105

980-314-7539 (PLEX) www.parkandrec.com

The Sportsplex at Matthews is an athletic facility that consists of nine synthetic turf fields and two grass fields. All fields are multi-purpose and can accommodate a variety of sports; soccer, lacrosse, football, field hockey, rugby, etc. A 5,000capacity stadium with a natural grass field is the premier athletic facility to host amateur, collegiate, and professional sporting events. The stadium includes a two-story field house with home, away, and referee locker rooms. The top floor of the field house is a 90-person conference room that is available to rent. There is ample parking with 1,400 parking spaces. The Sportsplex also has two playgrounds and roughly 2 miles of paved trails.

Crews Recreation Center

1201 Crews Road Matthews, NC 28105

704-708-1287 www.matthewsnc.gov

Operated by the Matthews Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resource Department, the Crews Recreation Center offers many programs year-round for all ages including athletic leagues, martial arts, summer camps, and seasonal events. Amenities include a full court gymnasium, six basketball goals, three volleyball standards, and a multi-purpose room.

MATTHEWS ATHLETIC & RECREATION ASSOCIATION

(M A R A)

1200 South Trade St. Matthews, NC 28105 www.marasports.org

Youth sports are definitely alive in Matthews thanks to MARA. Since 1956, this family oriented organization has been offering a wide variety of sports opportunities for children, including baseball, softball, football, basketball, and cheerleading. They provide a fun environment, quality facilities, expert instruction, and the highest level of coaching to ensure every child has an enjoyable learning experience with the opportunity to reach their full potential This non-profit, volunteer organization supports a variety of youth sports activities that is governed by a strong sense of individual and team sportsmanship.

Idlewild Road Park

10512 Idlewild Road Matthews, NC 28105 www.mecknc.gov

Maintained by Mecklenburg County Parks and Recreation, this 125-acre park is the place to enjoy nature. Walk, hike, or bike the 1.5-mile nature trail that features a lakes. Other amenities include an impressive playground for kids with a lot of cool equipment, picnic shelters, tables, grills, two softball fields, and an 18-hole disc golf course.