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The hardy settlers who made these mountains home were resourceful and made what they needed from what was at hand, and what was at hand was wood. We will examine the types of things Appalachian people have made for themselves from the forests around them like chairs, bowls, spoons, tool handles and more. We will also observe the tools they used to make these items. After taking a walk through the forest which was the pioneer’s lumber yard, where we will identify trees and some of their uses, we will focus on a hands-on project – each participant will make an example of that ubiquitous piece of pioneer woodcraft, the hook. Made from a small, forked tree branch, often of rhododendron, these hooks were found in homes, barns and outbuildings to hang cloths, tools, horse harness and more on the wall in an organized fashion. Tickets for this event go on sale online on Grandfather Mountain’s website June 12 at 10 a.m. Advance registration required.

BEETLES Professional Learning Sessions are active experiences crafted to encourage instructors to look at different specific aspects of research-based science pedagogy and to inspire shifts in instructors’ thinking about their own teaching and learning. This session will cover the “Making Observations and Promoting Discussion Sessions” where we will learn how we can help learners make careful observations while encouraging wonder and curiosity and how productive talk leads to deep learning. This workshop qualifies for Criteria I or II in the EE Certification Program. CEU renewal credits are available. This workshop is free to attend, although advance registration is required. Tickets for this event go online on Grandfather Mountain’s website June 29 at 10 a.m.

The Project Learning Tree Educator Workshop is organized by N.C. State University and hosted at Grandfather Mountain. This workshop will take place in the Wilson Center for Nature Discovery.

Join Grandfather Mountain’s Interpretation and Education staff and Matt Robinson from the Town of Beech Mountain Parks and Recreation as we explore activities in the Project Learning Tree Explore Your Environment K-8 Activity Guide. This workshop is geared toward K-5th educators, though all educators, formal and nonformal, are welcome. Every participant will leave the workshop with a copy of this guide that includes 50 hands-on, multidisciplinary activities to connect children to nature and increase young people’s awareness and knowledge about their environment. The activities in this resource are supported by a robust Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) correlation guide, building durable STEM Skills, and differentiated instruction. This workshop qualifies for Criteria I or II in the EE Certification Program. CEU renewal credits are available. This workshop has a $20 registration fee.

Come join us as we bring family and friends together in an outdoor setting, enjoying a variety of great music and delicious food ALL FOR FREE. Be sure to bring your lawn chairs & dancing shoes
Rowan County and Town of Cleveland Presents " Dancing on Depot " 2026 Summer Concert Series. Celebrate With us Every 4th Saturday of the Month from April - September.
Music increases contact, coordination, cooperation with others, and connects our community. The town of Cleveland, in the western part of Rowan County has selected an array of bands to provide a mix of beach, blues, country, rock and roll and Mo-Town. Our concerts connects nearly 1k to 2 thousand people to the Town of Cleveland each month.
Join Us! Saturday April 25th to see the West Rowan Elementary School Ukulele Club & Extraordinaries

April 25: West Rowan Elementary School Ukulele Club & The Extraordinaries(Top 40)

May 23: Envision (Motown)

June 27: 20 Ride (Country)

July 25: Divided by Four ( Hometown Jam )

August 22: The British Invaders (’80s / Rock)

September 26: Dirty Grass Soul (Original / Folk)

Join us for the 3rd Annual Meditative Melodies! Escape the daily grind and immerse yourself in an environment of harmony, joy, and community. Nestled in the heart of North Charlotte, Meditative Melodies is a vibrant, family-friendly afternoon dedicated to inner wellness and outward cultural celebration.

While our cultures and languages are diverse, our core human need for peace and togetherness is universal. Come experience this shared harmony through expert-led relaxation and a breathtaking showcase of global arts!

✨ Event Highlights:

Guided Meditation & Wellness: Led by Distinguished Speaker Brian Jones (author and Heartfulness trainer with 50+ years of experience), featuring an introduction to Heartfulness, a relaxation experience, Q&A, and a special Brighter Minds demonstration.

Special Guest: We are honored to be joined by Concord City Mayor Steve Morris as our Chief Guest of Honor.

Global Arts Showcase: Breathtaking live music and dance performances celebrating diversity, including:

Indian Traditions: Carnatic music, Kathak, and Bharatnatyam dance by Amruthavarshini & Ragamalika schools and Shri School of Dance.

Latin American Heritage: Mexican Folklórico by Luz de mi Tierra.

African American Culture: Contemporary saxophone performance by Stay Cozy Studios

Chinese Arts: Bamboo flute and Erhu melodies by Chinese American Association in Charlotte

Japanese Culture: Upbeat J-Pop music by Japanese Association in Charlotte

Classical & Contemporary: Traditional Ballet by Miller Street Dance Academy and energetic sets by Rock University.

Delicious Eats: Enjoy healthy and delicious options from a popular local vegetarian food truck.

🎟️ Tickets & Registration:

Early Bird Special: Just $10 until March 31st!

Kids 10 and under: Completely FREE!

Note: Advanced registration is required to secure indoor auditorium seating.

⚠️ IMPORTANT: An RSVP on WFAE.org does NOT secure your ticket.
Please complete your official registration here: https://www.heartfulnessinstitute.org/event/meditative-melodies-2026/

Date & Time: Saturday, April 18, 2026 | 3:30 PM - 6:30 PM
Location: 6400 Prosperity Church Road, Charlotte, NC

House of Mercy, a sponsored ministry of the Sisters of Mercy, invites the community to join us for the 31st Annual WALK for AIDS on Saturday, April 18th, 2026, in Belmont, NC. For more than three decades, this annual event has united individuals, families, faith communities, businesses, and local partners in support of people living with HIV/AIDS.

This year’s fundraising goal is $25,000 to support House of Mercy’s mission of empowering people living with HIV/AIDS in their transformation toward a more independent life through housing, case management, and supportive services. Funds raised directly sustain critical programs that promote stability, improve health outcomes, and combat stigma and discrimination surrounding HIV/AIDS.

Check-In: 9:00 a.m. at the Stone Shelter on the Sacred Heart Campus in Belmont, NC
Walk Start Time: 10:00 a.m.
Route: Participants choose a 1-mile or 2-mile option through historic downtown Belmont
Closing ceremony: 1:00 pm

Walkers of all ages are invited to participate by registering to walk, forming a team, becoming an event sponsor, volunteering, donating, or spreading the word. Following the walk, attendees will enjoy music by DJ Buddy Love, community vendors, prize giveaways, confidential HIV/STD Testing, and a small reception to celebrate the collective impact of the day. Awards will also be presented for the top individual fundraiser, the team with the most members, and the biggest cheer/pep spirit. This event provides an opportunity not only to raise funds, but to build meaningful connections and stand in solidarity with some of our most vulnerable neighbors.

House of Mercy envisions a community where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. Every step taken and every dollar raised strengthens our shared commitment to ensuring that people living with HIV/AIDS have access to safe housing, compassionate care, and supportive services.

To register or learn more about the 31st Annual WALK for AIDS, please visit thehouseofmercy.org/events.

Media Contact:
Peytan Medlock
Communications & Development Specialist
(704) 825- 4711 ext. 6
pmedlock@thehouseofmercy.org

Don't miss this year's Tea Time in the Garden, a special multi-generational high tea held at the Wing Haven Garden & Bird Sanctuary. Enjoy traditional tea fare, pink lemonade and portrait opportunities. Younger children will enjoy crafts, scavenger hunts, stories and bunny petting. This is the perfect occasion to enjoy the garden, learn more about our garden creators and celebrate spring in style.

Individual Flora sponsorship ($300) includes two tickets to the event, helps support native and legacy plantings at Wing Haven and may be made in memory or in honor of someone special. Contact Development Director Susan Evans 704.331.0664 ext 108 for more information.

Many thanks to our 2026 Tea Time Sponsors

Title: Capitol Clothing

Silver: Bailey’s Fine Jewelry, Chosen Apparel, Queen City Lifestyle Magazine, Woo Skincare + Cosmetics

Bronze: Grey Hall Design

Partners: Daniel Coston Photography, Suarez Bakery

This event happens rain or shine, and tickets are non-refundable. Proceeds benefit Wing Haven’s gardens and programs.

Don't miss this year's Tea Time in the Garden, a special multi-generational high tea held at the Wing Haven Garden & Bird Sanctuary. Enjoy traditional tea fare, pink lemonade and portrait opportunities. Younger children will enjoy crafts, scavenger hunts, stories and bunny petting. This is the perfect occasion to enjoy the garden, learn more about our garden creators and celebrate spring in style.

Individual Flora sponsorship ($300) includes two tickets to the event, helps support native and legacy plantings at Wing Haven and may be made in memory or in honor of someone special. Contact Development Director Susan Evans 704.331.0664 ext 108 for more information.

2026 Tea Time Sponsors
Title: Capitol Clothing
Silver: Bailey’s Fine Jewelry, Chosen Apparel, Queen City Lifestyle Magazine, Woo Skincare + Cosmetics
Bronze: Grey Hall Design
Partners: Daniel Coston Photography, Suarez Bakery

This event happens rain or shine, and tickets are non-refundable. Proceeds benefit Wing Haven’s gardens and programs.

Jazz vocalist Karla Harris is whipping up something special this Mother’s Day — a concert that tastes like home and grooves like a secret family recipe. From songs off her new album to timeless favorites, she’s got all the right ingredients for an afternoon filled with love, swing, and soulful spice. Alongside jazz standards you know and love, Karla folds in ’70s R&B and pop classics, blending them with jazz for an irresistible mix of songs to enjoy.

Bring mom, bring the family, and let the music be the icing on the day.

Join Rebuilding Together of Greater Charlotte for Rise to ReBuild: HomeSick, a community dialogue on housing as a social driver of health. This annual thought leadership event brings together civic, corporate, and neighborhood leaders to examine how unsafe housing contributes to poor health and what we must do to respond.

You will:


-- Learn how critical home repairs and accessibility modifications reduce preventable health risks.
Understand the data linking housing conditions to long-term health outcomes.
Connect with partners shaping Charlotte’s housing and health agenda.

-- If you care about health equity, aging in place, neighborhood stability, and preventing displacement, you belong in this room.

-- Keynote given by M. Lori Thomas, PhD, MSW, MDiv, Executive Director, Charlotte Urban Institute and Regional Data Trust.

Panelists for this year's discussion include Kathleen Subasic, Occupational Therapy Assistant Program Chair, Cabarrus College of Health Sciences with representatives from Atrium and Novant. The panel discussion will be led by Beth Morrison-North, Executive Director at Rebuilding Together of Greater Charlotte.


Get your tickets today bit.ly/risetorebuild.

Join us to learn about non-native invasive species that can threaten our native flora and fauna and see different management strategies in action. After exploring the techniques Grandfather Mountain Natural Resources staff use to promote native species in the park, we’ll head into the woods for hands-on experience removing invasive plants. Participants will learn non-native species identification, management practices that can be used at home and how some invasive “weeds” can have practical (even culinary) uses! Tickets for this event go on sale online on Grandfather Mountain’s website March 25 at 10 a.m. Advance registration required.

Explore the mountain after hours with your own personal guides during our Grandfather by Night series! You’ll discover some of the park’s nighttime wonders, watch a stunning sunset (weather permitting) and experience the mountain as never before! The Twilight Hike version will include a hike after sunset to discuss and look for the creatures that are more active after the sun goes down. The group will explore a unique forest ecosystem from top to bottom in search of salamanders, owls, flying squirrels, fireflies and any other creatures they might come across. The Twilight Hike program is not accessible to guests with limited mobility. Participants signed up for this version will need to participate in the hike, as staying behind while the rest of the group hikes is not possible. Advance registration required.

Explore the mountain after hours with your own personal guides during our Grandfather by Night series! You’ll discover some of the park’s nighttime wonders, watch a stunning sunset (weather permitting) and experience the mountain as never before! The Twilight Hike version will include a hike after sunset to discuss and look for the creatures that are more active after the sun goes down. The group will explore a unique forest ecosystem from top to bottom in search of salamanders, owls, flying squirrels, fireflies and any other creatures they might come across. The Twilight Hike program is not accessible to guests with limited mobility. Participants signed up for this version will need to participate in the hike, as staying behind while the rest of the group hikes is not possible. Advance registration required.

Explore the mountain after hours with your own personal guides during our Grandfather by Night series! You’ll discover some of the park’s nighttime wonders, watch a stunning sunset (weather permitting) and experience the mountain as never before! The Twilight Hike version will include a hike after sunset to discuss and look for the creatures that are more active after the sun goes down. The group will explore a unique forest ecosystem from top to bottom in search of salamanders, owls, flying squirrels, fireflies and any other creatures they might come across. The Twilight Hike program is not accessible to guests with limited mobility. Participants signed up for this version will need to participate in the hike, as staying behind while the rest of the group hikes is not possible. Advance registration required.

On Sunday, April 19, 2026, Purpose CLT and Paw Social Club are taking over the Monday Night Brewing Garden Co. for a relaxed, pup-friendly social. No over-the-top fluff—just a well-curated day in the South End sun with your favorite four-legged co-pilot.
​Whether your dog has the "zoomies" or just wants to lounge while you grab a drink, come hang out with a community that loves dogs as much as a good local brew.
​
✨ The Afternoon Lineup
​🎧 The Sound: A live DJ setting a chill, backyard-party soundtrack.
​🛍️ The "Doggie Bag": A little something for the early arrivals—grab a bag of treats and local goods before they’re gone.
​🍸 The "Hair of the Dog": Specialty Tito’s Vodka cocktails and Monday Night craft drafts on tap.
​🦴 The Market: A chance to browse a hand-picked selection of local pet makers and boutiques.
​📸 The ‘Gram: Plenty of aesthetic corners to capture your "Goodest Boy" in his element.

​📍 Paws What You’re Doing & Join Us
​📅 Date: Sunday, April 19, 2026
🕛 Time: 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM
📍 Location: Monday Night Brewing Garden Co.
📍 Address: 2217 S Tryon St, Charlotte, NC 28203

​💙 Why We’re "Pawtying"
​We’re gathering for a "PAWpose." 100% of event proceeds benefit the Greater Charlotte SPCA. Your presence helps local fosters and rescues find the loving homes they deserve. It’s a simple way to give back while enjoying your Sunday.
​Learn more about the mission: https://www.charlottespca.org

​🎟️ Admission
​Entry is FREE, but we do ask for an RSVP so we can keep a headcount for the "Doggie Bags" and garden capacity.
​👉 RSVP HERE: https://PAWposeCLT26.eventbrite.com

​🤝 Join the Pack
​Apply to be a Vendor: Showcase your brand to our community.
Apply here: https://form.jotform.com/253413437524050
​Explore Partnerships: Let's create something meaningful together.
Details here: https://form.jotform.com/252037514920047

​Adopt or Foster: Meet the Greater Charlotte SPCA team on-site or email foster@charlottespca.org to get involved.
​Grab the leash, invite your crew, and come Pawty for a PAWpose.

Explore the mountain after hours with your own personal guides during our Grandfather by Night series! You’ll discover some of the park’s nighttime wonders, watch a stunning sunset (weather permitting) and experience the mountain as never before! The Twilight Hike version will include a hike after sunset to discuss and look for the creatures that are more active after the sun goes down. The group will explore a unique forest ecosystem from top to bottom in search of salamanders, owls, flying squirrels, fireflies and any other creatures they might come across. The Twilight Hike program is not accessible to guests with limited mobility. Participants signed up for this version will need to participate in the hike, as staying behind while the rest of the group hikes is not possible. Advance registration required.

Explore the mountain after hours with your own personal guides during our Grandfather by Night series! You’ll discover some of the park’s nighttime wonders, watch a stunning sunset (weather permitting) and experience the mountain as never before! The Twilight Hike version will include a hike after sunset to discuss and look for the creatures that are more active after the sun goes down. The group will explore a unique forest ecosystem from top to bottom in search of salamanders, owls, flying squirrels, fireflies and any other creatures they might come across. The Twilight Hike program is not accessible to guests with limited mobility. Participants signed up for this version will need to participate in the hike, as staying behind while the rest of the group hikes is not possible. Advance registration required.

Preserving History. Legacy in Motion. This family-friendly fun run welcomes everyone - runners, walkers, strollers, and kids of all ages.

You are cordially invited to tea!

Step into a charming, storybook-inspired Tea Party and spend a delightful afternoon with some of your favorite rabbit characters! Take a seat at beautifully dressed tables where “tea” is poured and delicious finger foods are shared, creating the perfect setting to laugh, chat, and feel like royalty with your friends.
Join us on Sunday, April 26, 2026, from 3:30 pm to 5:30 pm (after the matinee performance of The Velveteen Rabbit)

Tickets are $25 Per Person and include Food, Drinks, and activities!

The magic continues with playful activities like bunny-hopping, enjoying a lively game of bunny bingo, and capturing every joyful moment at our whimsical photo booth. It’s an enchanting experience filled with laughter, imagination, and memories you’ll treasure long after the party ends!

Tickets on sale at https://www.matthewsplayhouse.com/30th-anniversary

Seating is limited!

AIA Canstruction at the Charlotte Regional Farmers Market
Saturday, April 18th from 12 p.m. – 4 p.m.
AIA Canstruction is a creative, community driven design competition where Architecture, Engineering and Construction firms transform canned goods into larger than life structures all to help fight hunger in our region. Every can used in these imaginative builds is donated to Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina through AIA’s proud partnership with the organization. The build will take place on Saturday, April 18th from 12pm–4pm, and structures will remain on display for public voting until Sunday, April 19th. We invite you to visit, explore the displays, and vote for your favorite build. During the build on April 18th, younger visitors can enjoy hands on, educational activities designed to introduce them to the world of Architecture, Engineering, and Construction. We extend our sincere thanks to our generous hosts at the Charlotte Regional Farmers Market. Join us at 1801 Yorkmont Rd, Charlotte, NC 28217, to see the builds, explore the local produce offered at the market, and make a meaningful impact on your community.