Nov 19 Wednesday
Hope. Now available in a vending machine.
Giving to charity is as easy as buying a candy bar: select an item, type the number, tap your card.
A "vending machine for good," the Giving Machine lets visitors "purchase" real items for people in need -- everything from laundry detergent and diapers for local families to livestock and education supplies for communities worldwide. Each card represents a tangible act of giving, and 100% of every donation goes directly to participating charities: Ada Jenkins Center, American Red Cross, Church World Service, Classroom Central, Common Heart, and MiraVia.
Find the Light the World Giving Machine on the first floor of Carolina Place Mall, between Belk and Dick's Sporting Goods. Open November 19-December 7.
Come experience the joy of giving this season. Buy a gift. Change a life.
Giving Machine 2025 calendar of free entertainment and activities can be found here: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/0gowv2mo2tpr3swh1sxdx/EventCalendar_2025.png?rlkey=2sn4k4v82uyxf08oh8toruuo5&st=x9tlzm11&dl=0
See how the Giving Machine works: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/9zmfglhyqyszb29xv877w/AL6QywRqm__HHSowP90LQ7E?rlkey=wbzymxgn7vntgi5tdqfln7ht4&st=0mnxedgx&dl=0
Nov 20 Thursday
Embark on a fascinating journey through the skies and cosmos in the interactive aerospace exhibition Above and Beyond!
Above and Beyond celebrates the incredible innovations that have shaped flight – from the earliest dreams of the Wright brothers to today’s space exploration and tomorrow’s cutting-edge aviation technologies.
Explore the frontiers of air and space travel through immersive simulations, hands-on design challenges and dynamic storytelling that brings the history and future of aerospace to life. The journey begins in a wraparound immersive theater, then expands into five themed galleries featuring dozens of interactive stations.
Join Echelon Charlotte, The Salvation Army’s young professionals network, for an evening of connection and purpose. This relaxed social event brings together young adults from across Charlotte who are passionate about community, leadership, and service.
Whether you’re new to the city or simply looking to get more involved, this is a great opportunity to meet like-minded professionals, learn about volunteer opportunities, and discover how you can make a lasting impact through The Salvation Army.
All are welcome!
The Department of Music presents an Orchestra concert, featuring the UNC Charlotte Orchestra under the direction of Dr. Alan Yamamoto.
The tickets are $8 a piece. CoAA Faculty and staff and CoAA students are eligible for free tickets to this performance. Please log into your Niner account in the ticketing system to redeem.
Nov 21 Friday
In addition to seeing Grandfather’s mascot, Millie the Bear, escort this year’s holiday tree through the Entrance Gate and up the park road to the Wilson Center, visitors can also take part in snowflake-themed crafts while enjoying hot chocolate and candy canes. The hour-long event begins at 11 a.m. and is included with park admission. The tree, which will be harvested on Thursday, Nov. 20, is from Mountain Top Fraser Fir farm in Newland, N.C. Owner Larry Smith has previously supplied trees to the White House, North Carolina State Capitol and other prominent government buildings and residences.
Do you want to be a journalist? That's great news considering we are now in one of the fastest growing media ages of all time and journalistic services are needed now more than ever. But how do you do it? In this event, you will hear from Vincent Schilling, a successful journalist who has worked freelance, as an associate editor, arts and entertainment editor, sports editor, veterans editor, Rotten Tomatoes critic, and has contributed to A+E Networks/History.com, the Smithsonian, NBC, NPR and much more. If you are interested in working successfully in the world of media and journalism, be sure to attend.
Presented in person and virtually as part of the 20th Annual Native American Studies Celebration. To attend via Zoom, register via this link: https://bit.ly/48IPMho
Electric Jazz HarpInternational harp virtuoso Edmar Castañeda redefines jazz with his electrifying technique and genre-blending sound. Lauded for his collaborations with Wynton Marsalis, Paquito D’Rivera, and Béla Fleck, expect a one-of-a-kind performance that fuses Latin rhythms, jazz harmonies, and breathtaking virtuosity on the electric harp.
Colombian-born harp virtuoso Edmar Castañeda has redefined the harp’s role in jazz, blending Latin rhythms, classical influences, and improvisational brilliance into a singular sound. A Latin Grammy nominee, he has collaborated with icons including Sting, Wynton Marsalis, Béla Fleck, and Paquito D’Rivera, while also contributing to Disney’s Encanto soundtrack as performer and music consultant. Praised by NPR and The New York Times for his astonishing technique and creativity, Castañeda has captivated audiences worldwide as both composer and bandleader. His latest project, Viento Sur, showcases his World Ensemble, expanding his global musical reach.
The JAZZ ROOM provides a casual and intimate setting with tables and a full bar, reminiscent of the classic jazz rooms of yesteryear.
Thank you to our JAZZ ROOM contributors: Bank of America, South Arts, Knight Foundation, Arts & Science Council, North Carolina Arts Council, Alice L Walton Foundation, Ford Foundation, and the Infusion Fund.