Community Calendar

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.

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 Harp
International 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.

Formed in 2007 by mere happenstance, Balsam Range came together during an informal kitchen jam session in the rural depths of Western North Carolina. Since its inception, Balsam Range has become one of the most decorated and award-winning acts in the wide world of bluegrass music, including the International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) honors: "Entertainer of the Year" (2014, 2018), "Album of the Year" (2013, 2017), "Song of the Year" (2011, 2015), "Vocal Group of the Year" (2014, 2015), "Male Vocalist of the Year" (2014, 2018) and "Bass Player of the Year" (2018).

Adult: $18 - $48
Youth (18 and under): $10

*Above prices include $3 per ticket facility fee
*PLUS 6.75% NC Sales tax
*All persons must have a ticket, including infants

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 us at Ray Evernham's AmeriCarna LIVE Car Show, November 22, for a day filled with classic cars, live music, and good vibes!

NEW DATE - AmeriCarna LIVE moves to the weekend BEFORE Thanksgiving!

Ray Evernham’s 13th annual AmeriCarna LIVE car show, presented by MSC Industrial Supply Co. and Featherlite Trailers, will be held Saturday, November 22. The show, traditionally held the Saturday after Thanksgiving, is moving to the weekend prior to the holiday this year. AmeriCarna LIVE is open to all styles of cars and held at Trane Technologies North American Corporate Headquarters in Davidson, NC.

100% of the proceeds from AmeriCarna LIVE will be donated to the Evernham Family - Racing for a Reason Foundation and go to support the IGNITE community centers operated by the Autism Society of North Carolina in Davidson, and Raleigh for young adults with autism.

Ticket prices remain the same for 2025:

Early-bird registration is $25/car through 11:59 p.m. on October 31.
VIP packages are available for the weekend and Saturday only.
Admission for spectators is $5. Kids 6 and under are free.
After November 1, registration increases to $30 per car.
Online registration ends at 9 p.m. on Wednesday, November 19.
Cars can register day of the event at the front gate for $30 per car.

Day of Event (November 22) schedule:

Gates open at 7 a.m. for cars
Gates open at 9 a.m. for spectators

Interested in volunteering at the show? Other questions? Email us at stephanie@rayevernham.com.

Step into a glowing, snow-dusted wonderland with the debut of Snow Days, a one-of-a-kind indoor winter experience in Charlotte, NC, opening Saturday, November 22 and running through the winter holidays.

Snow Days is a family-friendly winter experience designed to inspire awe, nostalgia and wonder—perfect for anyone looking for indoor winter activities in Charlotte or things to do in Charlotte when it’s cold.

Highlights of Snow Days
* Aurora Borealis Experience – Walk beneath the dazzling Northern Lights in a peaceful winter scene. It’s a moment of stillness and awe in the heart of Charlotte’s newest indoor winter wonderland.
* Sock Skating Rink – Enjoy a fun indoor skating activity for all ages—no ice required! Visitors slip off their shoes and glide across a frictionless rink, making this one of the most unique indoor winter attractions in Charlotte.
* Nature & Animals in Winter – Explore how animals adapt to the cold through migration, hibernation and other survival strategies. See fascinating museum specimens like the Arctic fox, Humboldt penguin and snowy owl, and experience a blend of science and winter discovery in Charlotte.
* The Inuit: Life, Culture and Survival – Build a traditional-style igloo and explore fascinating artifacts and stories of resilience from Inuit communities who have thrived in Arctic climates for generations.
* The Snowflake: Research, Art and Folklore – Marvel at intricate snowflake photography, design virtual snowflakes, and learn how snow has inspired both science and storytelling across time. It’s a beautiful mix of art, science and winter magic.
* Hygge: Human Comfort for Survival – Relax in a cozy nook styled after the Danish and Norwegian tradition of hygge, celebrating the warm, cozy side of winter with soft lighting, music, blankets and books—an ideal spot for a winter day indoors in Charlotte.

Electric Jazz Harp
International 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.

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.