4th SATURDAYS UPTOWN Billed as "A Cultural Exchange & Global Marketplace," this free event boasts something for everyone. Shopping for the shopaholics, entertainment for the perpetually bored, food for everybody and peace for the single moms in the form of a children's village (hallelujah!). It's ongoing, on the fourth Saturday of every month from 10am-5pm at Actor's Theatre, 650 E. Stonewall St. Call 704-342-2251 for details.
SUMMER RETRO FILM SERIES Check out film classics all summer long at the Ballantyne Village Theatre, 14815 John J. Delaney Dr. Get the complete schedule at www.ballantynevillage.com and order tickets online or by calling 704-369-5101. July 7-9: South Park: Bigger, Longer and Uncut; July 14-16: Monty Python and the Holy Grail; July 21-23: Raiders of the Lost Ark; July 28-30: Jaws; Aug. 4-6: Billy Madison. June 9-Aug. 6, Friday-Saturday, 10pm and midnight; Sunday, 1pm. $5.
BARNES & NOBLE SUMMER GAME NIGHTS It's always a stretch to suggest spending quality time with the family. No for real -- try to remember the last time you spent some nonenforced time with your mom, dad, brother or sister. Kinda hard, isn't it? Bring 'em round with games to spur communication and bonding. One Tuesday night a month until September, at the 3327 Pineville Matthews Road location. It's free therapy for you and the dysfunctionals you call family.
FROM BUSBY TO BOLLYWOOD: CLASSIC MUSICALS The Main Library's Summer Film Series will present its latest season at its new viewing venue in ImaginOn's Wachovia Theatre. Films throughout the summer will be shown at 2pm Sundays. Remaining titles: On the Town (July 9); Seven Brides for Seven Brothers (July 16); Oklahoma! (July 23); Hair (July 30); Devdas (August 6). Admission is free. For further info, call 704-336-6217 or go to www.plcmc.org.
LEARN TO MEDITATE Take it from loyal practitioners of meditation: There's nothing like it to take the stress of your workday off your shoulders. That's why the Pain & Rehab Institute is offering a free class in the breathing techniques and imagery used in ancient qi gong meditation (betcha didn't know there was more than one kind). The office is located at 128 E. Plaza Drive in Mooresville. Classes are Thursdays at 7:30pm. Call 704-649-1629 to get started on the path to serenity.
CHARLOTTE COMEDY THEATRE Have ya been moping around, feeling a little blue? Then here's the thing for you! Check out Sunday's Open Mic Jam, a combo of comedy, spoken word, music, you name it. Show at 7pm; $3. The location is 1308 D the Plaza. Call for reservations 1-866-467-7681. Web: www.charlottecomedy.com.
SHINDIG ON THE GREEN Put on your dancing ... clogs and hike on up to Asheville for the 40th season of music and dance, Appalachian-style. Shindig on the Green celebrates the rich heritage of this great region with showcases featuring folk musicians and dancers, old-time string bands, ballad singers (reminiscent of O Brother Where Art Thou), storytellers and, of course, cloggers! Bring a lawn chair or blanket and cuddle up to the sounds of the mountain. The show will be held this year at Martin Luther King Jr. Park in downtown Asheville. Runs Saturdays: July 1, 8, 15, 22; Aug. 12, 19, 26 and Sept. 2. Reserve your tickets at 828-258-6101 x345. Web: www.folkheritage.org.
SALSA NIGHTS Be Shakira for a night and prove that your "Hips Don't Lie" at the free Latin-style dance lessons offered at the Loft, 1526 Elizabeth Ave. Learn salsa, merengue, bachata and more. Touting "celebrity instructors," this joint gets hips swiveling every Wednesday night at 8pm. Hit www.hispanos-usa.com or call 704-333-5898.
SOUL CINEMA The Afro-American Cultural Center began this film series to teach contemporary issues through independent films written and produced by African-American filmmakers. Hopefully leaving a lasting enough impression to promote change or inspiration to take up the craft. On July 9, filmmaker Deidre Thomas brings her Living with Faith to the Charlotte audience. This film follows the life of Faith Burns, a 15-year-old facing the instability of a drug-using parent. This series is held every second Sunday, September to June at 3pm in the Attic Theater. $5. Location: 401 N. Myers St. Call 704-374-1565 or go to www.aacc-charlotte.org for more info.
SUMMER SHOOTOUT SERIES Here's something to do this summer the kids will love. Kids: imagine, if you will, watching a school bus, that big yellow monstrosity that takes you to the worst place on earth, hurtling towards another one on a one-way collision course. Sounds good, huh? The rundown: 10 races over nine weeks (June 16-Aug. 8) with a fireworks doubleheader, character-themed race cars called CRASHcars, Legends Car, Thunder Roadster and Bandolero racing. Grab the kids and race to Lowe's Motor Speedway. Hit 'em up at 1-800-455-3267 or www.lowesmotorspeedway.com. $5 adults/$3 children (ages 6-12).
= FREE!
