Best Bets For The Weekend

FOR THE WEEKEND:

Matthews Alive! Festival: This popular 4-day festival features more than 150 arts and crafts vendors, 30 food vendors, one of the largest parades in the Southeast, a quilt show and a Kids Connection interactive area. Also check out the midway full of games and rides for all ages and four stages of entertainment. 6:30 p.m.- 10:30 p.m. Friday (Kid’s Connection closed Friday), 9 a.m.- 10 p.m. Saturday (parade at 10 a.m. on Trade Street), 12 p.m.-9 p.m. Sunday and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday.  $12 all you can ride armband or 75 cents per ride. www.matthewsalive.org  

Jumpin Saturday: Join SouthPark’s kids club, Kidgits, at 1 p.m. Saturday to jump around. For $5 you get to enjoy the moon bounce, a clown who does face painting, balloon animals and a chance to see Monkey Joe.  The $5 membership will get you a free T-shirt, quarterly newsletter with special offers and the opportunity to participate in more events this season.  For kids 2-10 years old. Southpark Mall.

 

Afton Ridge Summer Concert Series:  Afton Ridge Shopping Center is hosting a free music under the stars event 7 p.m. Saturday near Dickey’s BBQ Pit in Concord.  This week they are featuring Aerial View, playing good time rock from the 60s, 70s, 80s, 90s, and today.  Afton Ridge Shopping Center, I-85 and Kannapolis Parkway in Concord.

Under The Shade Tree: Loaf In The Backcountry:  Want to live for a few hours like they did in the 18^th century backcountry?  Enjoy watermelon eating, seed spitting contests, games and amusements, including bowling on the green at the Schiele Museum of Natural History.  1 p.m. Sunday.  $7 adults, $6 children 4-18, under 4 free.  1500 East Garrison Blvd. Gastonia.

Summer Soul Music Festival:  Go back in the day with Morris Day and the Time at McAlpine Park. Along with the music, enjoy food, bevera.ges, arts and crafts. 1 p.m. Saturday.  Free.  www.2thelimitevents.com. McAlpine Park, 8711 Monroe Rd.

 

 

Beyond:

 

Children’s Culinary Cooking Class:  Children ages 5-12 can join Earth Fare 4:30 p.m.-5:30 p.m. the first Friday of every month to learn the importance of culinary skills and develop a passion for cooking. Class sizes are limited, so call to register 704-926-1201. $5 per child, proceeds will benefit Kid’s Cafe, a part of Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina. Earth Fare, 12235 N. Community House Road.

 

World Wide Wonders:  Learn about the different places in the world animals live, make your own bag to tote your class items and get your passport to keep track of all the zoo classes you attend at the Riverbanks Zoo in Columbia, SC. Classes will be held this Wednesday and Friday, as well as Sept. 11 and Sept. 13. $9 plus park admission. The 10 a.m. class is for 2-year olds and the 11 a.m. is for 3 to 4-year olds. Register online at www.riverbanks.org  Riverbanks Zoo and Garden 500 Wildlife Parkway in Columbia.

 

Family On Safari – Overnight Camp: Experience the zoo that few get to see, the Zoo at night! Riverbanks staff are your guides on an unforgettable night of games, activities and behind-the-scenes tours. Friday 7 pm-9 am. Families should bring their own sleeping gear, tents and sense of adventure. $35 per person plus admission, adults $9.75, children 3-12 $7.25, under 3 free. Price includes light snack and continental breakfast. For ages 5-adult.  Please register online at www.riverbanks.org  Riverbanks Zoo and Garden 500 Wildlife Parkway