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Discovery Place Cool Stuff. Exhibit explores science and physics through hands-on interaction and experimentation. Also allows visitors to launch objects into the air, lie on a bed of nails, crush a garbage can, use a laser to listen to secret messages and more. Explore More Stuff. Discover the secrets of stuff through chemistry and physics in this exhibit that allows visitors to experiment with forces and materials, through magnetism, electricity and more. KidScience. Fun and learning go hand in hand at this exhibit for young visitors. The stimulating atmosphere relates to science and math. Children will learn by touching and testing different environments and activities, including water tables, wind tunnels, blocks, gears and air tubes. RACE: Are We So Different?. Offers an in-depth historical and cultural look at race and racism. Described as exploring three primary themes - "the science of human variation," "the history of the idea of race," and "the contemporary experience of race and racism in the United States" - the exhibit also features enlightening hands-on interactive displays, activities and films. Life: A Journey Through Time. The exhibition is a multimedia presentation with images captured by National Geographic wildlife photographer Frans Lanting. Continues through Sept. 5. Think it Up. Think freely, take risks and explore the unknown through air tubes, mechanical launchers, air sculptures, footwear and more. World Alive. Exhibit explores the Earths's biodiversity, through a range of habitats and live species. From rainforests to aquariums, viewers can broaden their education and experience related hands-on activities. 301 N. Tryon St., Charlotte. 704-372-6261. www.discoveryplace.org.
Gaston County Museum of Art & History The History of Sun-Drop: A Gaston County Legacy. The exhibit will feature Sun-Drop memorabilia, including old advertising signs, clocks, therometers, NASCAR items, bottles, photographs and more. Continues through Sept. 10. Period Hotel Rooms. These rooms will explore the history of the Hoffman Hotel starting from its beginnings through the 1920s. Visitors will see what it would have been like to stay at the hotel as well as traveling through Gaston County. The exhibit will feature interactive displays and a new hands-on children's area. Toss. Featuring artwork by Raymond Ray. Continues through July 9. 131 W. Main St., Dallas. 704-852-6025. www.gastoncountymuseum.org.
Levine Museum of the New South Cotton Fields to Sky Scrapers. The interactive exhibit features Charlotte and its 13 surrounding counties as a case study to illustrate the profound changes in the South since the Civil War. COURAGE: The Carolina Story That Changed America. The exhibit tells the powerful grassroots story of the Rev. J.A. De Laine and the citizens of Clarendon County, S.C., who filed the first lawsuit to challenge racial segregation inside of public schools in America. Continues through Jan. 22. 200 E. 7th St., Charlotte. 704-333-1887. www.museumofthenewsouth.org.
Festivals/Events
2ND ANNUAL UPTOWN CHARLOTTE JAZZ FEST Two days of performances by jazz musicians from around the world. June 24, 8:30 p.m.; June 25, 6:30 p.m. $38-$52. NC Music Factory, 820 Hamilton St., Charlotte. 704-716-2327. www.ncmusicfactory.com.
4TH OF JULY FESTIVAL A three-day 4th of July celebration featuring live music and fireworks at the U.S. National Whitewater Center. July 2, 4 p.m.; July 3, 4 p.m.; July 4, 4 p.m. U.S. National Whitewater Center, 5000 Whitewater Center Parkway, Charlotte.
80'S MUSIC IN THE PARK Family concert featuring live 80's music from 80'z Enuff, as well as children's activities and concessions. Sat., June 25, 7-9 p.m. Free. Bailey Road Park, 11536 Bailey Road, Cornelius.
AZUCAR: A CULTURAL CELEBRATION Caribbean fest featuring traditional dancing, live music (Cuban son, Dominican merengue and salsa). In addition, there will be Spanish Caribbean cuisine, handmade artisan crafts and mojitos available for purchase. For more information, visit www.latinamericancoalition.org/azucar.html. Fri., June 3, 7 p.m. $10-$15. Neighborhood Theatre, 511 E. 36th St., Charlotte. 704-358-9298.
BLUES OUT BACK CONCERT Concert featuring blues musician Abe Reid. Fri., June 10, 6:30-8 p.m. Free. Gaston County Museum of Art & History, 131 W. Main St., Dallas. 704-852-6025. www.gastoncountymuseum.org.
BIG MAMMA'S HOUSE OF BURLESQUE Burlesque performance featuring Big Mamma D and others, as well as comedy performances and a costume contest. Sat., June 11, 8-11 p.m. $12-$15. Visulite Theatre, 1615 Elizabeth Ave., Charlotte. 704-358-9200.
CHARLOTTE CHILDREN'S CHOIR 25TH ANNIVERSARY NIGHT OF NOTES The fundraiser celebration includes a cocktail reception, heavy hors d'oeuvres, silent and live auctions. Sat., June 4, 6 p.m. $40-$60. Belk Theater, 130 N. Tryon St., Charlotte. 704-372-1000. www.blumenthalcenter.org.