1.  Nationally-acclaimed conductors Christof Perick and Albert-George Schram lead the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra in its popular Classics and Pops series.  The Pops series allows the Charlotte Symphony to play with special guests such as Peter Nero and Wynonna Judd.  Upcoming events include:  The Kingston Trio Victor Vanacore, conducting and Audra McDonald, TONY AWARD-WINNING SINGER  http://www.charlottesymphony.org/

2.  Experience theatre “off the beaten path.” Valued for its edginess, relevance, daring, and artistic polish, Actor’s Theatre of Charlotte presents critically acclaimed works such as The Great American Trailer Park Musical and Hedwig and The Angry Inch. Currently featuring The Little Dog Laughed by Douglas Carter Beane.   http://www.actorstheatrecharlotte.org/

3.  Don’t miss the cuts, scrapes and power plays of minor league hockey!  The ECHL Charlotte Checkers take to the ice each October at the Charlotte Bobcats Arena.   http://www.gocheckers.com/

4.  Visit the Afro-American Cultural Center (AACC). Through comprehensive programs and presentations in the visual arts, performing arts and through innovative educational programs, the AACC preserves, promotes and presents African-American culture to the nation.  “Conversation between Friends”  From the Permanent Collection of the Afro-American Cultural Center Montgomery Gallery & Atrium – On view until March 31, 2008.  http://www.aacc-charlotte.org/ 

5.  The Lowes Foods Taste of Charlotte food festival draws more than 150,000 people to Center City Charlotte each June to experience a wide array of family activities, live music and fantastic food from the area’s hottest restaurants.  Join us June 6 – 8, 2008.   http://www.tasteofcharlotte.com/

6.  Explore the Charlotte Museum of History and the Hezekiah Alexander home site for a glimpse of living history. Docents, dressed in period attire, guide guests through exhibits chronicling the 18th - 20th centuries.  In response to popular demand, the Toy Time  exhibit has been extended through July 27, 2008.    http://www.charlottemuseum.org/

7.  Tired of dinner and a movie?  Then try dinner & music in Elizabeth where you can experience fine dining, (from casual to unique), then head over to the Visulite Theatre for great live music or experience Charlotte's oldest live music venue, the Double Door Inn. The Double Door has seen many legendary Blues performers during its storied, 30+ year history.  You may even witness a future legend of the stage at the Double Door Inn on any given night.   http://www.visulite.com/,   http://www.doubledoorinn.com/

8.  Step inside Charlotte Observer IMAX® Dome Theatre at Discovery Place. The giant-screen theatre surrounds you with largerthan-life images and amazing sound while providing a new look at the world in  which we live.  Featured exhibitions include Rockwell's America: Celebrating the Art of Norman Rockwell.   http://www.discoveryplace.org/

 9.  Carolina Raptor Center is dedicated to the conservation of birds of prey through public education and the rehabilitation of injured and orphaned raptors. Tour Carolina Raptor Center’s bird hospital and get a  sneak peak at what happens behind the scenes, from patients’ initial exam to strengthening their wings in outdoor flight cages.
Popular upcoming event:  Photo WILD! Photo Shoot, March 29, 2008 Focus on wildlife photography! A rare opportunity to photograph raptors up close in natural settings.  http://www.carolinaraptorcenter.org/

10.  NoDa, Charlotte’s fringe art neighborhood, hosts a free Gallery Crawl every 1st and 3rd Friday of the month. Browse the area’s swanky galleries, enjoy a bite to eat and relax to smooth music played by local street musicians.  Upcoming Gallery Crawl:  NoDa, where there is no official beginning or end!  Visit the popular watering holes, meander through the fine collection of galleries, shop in the boutiques or bring your pets to the doggie bar (where humans are welcome as well)!   http://www.noda.org/

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