Annual Events in University City

April

Green Goats and Gardens – This celebration of environmental sustainability in late April takes place, appropriately, on the grounds of a recycled office building in University Research Park, near the region’s longest greenway network. Many displays offer information on improving our planet. Visitors can ride or bring bicycles and take part in several cycling activities. Children especially love meeting and learning about the goats that are brought in to “recycle” underbrush. Environmental Way and University City Partners sponsor the event. EnvironmentalWay.com (2012 date is Saturday, April 28th.) Green Goats and Gardens Festival Information

May

MayFair Arts and Crafts Festival – University Place hosts this annual two-day festival of arts, crafts, and entertainment on Mother's Day weekend. Organized by local crafter and spouse Linda and Roger Brown, the lakeside event features area artists, plus music, entertainment for children and paddleboat rides on the lake.  The event also holds a canned-food drive each year to benefit Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina.  For more information:  MayFair Arts and Crafts Festival Information

June

International Block Party – The University City YMCA hosts this Saturday celebration each June of our community’s global diversity.  Events include arts and crafts, children’s games, performances and international cuisine. YMCA International Block Party Information

June and July (Every Thursday evening)

Summer Concert Series – University Place hosts free lakeside concerts every Thursday evening in June and July near the main bridge across the lake. Grab food and beverage from several nearby restaurants, or get a table at one of the restaurant patios. Summer Concert Series Information

September

University City Taste – Get a taste of our local restaurants. Sponsored by University City’s chapter of the Charlotte Chamber, University City Taste features samples of food from area restaurants, live entertainment, free rides on a paddle boat and other activities. University City Chamber of Commerce Information

International Festival – Long before Charlotte thought of itself as an international city, UNC Charlotte launched this annual celebration of the university’s expanding international student body – now representing more than 80 nations. The free festival takes place in late September at the Barnhardt Student Activity Center and features displays, foods and entertainment representing more than 50 nations. International Festival Information

October

Mallard Creek Barbecue – University City’s oldest annual event and one of its biggest takes place the fourth Thursday in October and features some of the best barbecue, Brunswick stew and slaw in the region. Mallard Creek Presbyterian Church has put on the event since the 1930s. Come to the church barbecue grounds on Mallard Creek Road for lunch, dinner and drive-through take-out. Stay to shake hands with the many politicians who have found this event a great way to meet people. Expect lines. The barbecue often draws 15,000 diners or more. Mallard Creek Barbecue Information

Speedway Events

Spring and Fall AutoFair at Charlotte Motor Speedway – Crowds of 150,000 and more come to these events hosted by the Antique Automobile Club of America’s Hornets Nest Region. The four-day shows take place in early April and late August. Several thousand vendors sell restoration parts and cars. Dozens of car clubs display their vehicles. The highlight of each AutoFair is the Collector Car Auction. AutoFair Information

Spring and Fall Race Weeks at Charlotte Motor Speedway – NASCAR began and thrives in the Charlotte region, and its No. 1 venue, Charlotte Motor Speedway, is in University City. The 1.5-mile track offers seating for 165,000, plus room for several thousand on the infield. We overflow with race fans each May for the week of racing activities associated with the Coca-Cola 600, and each October for another week of race activities leading up to the Bank of America 500. Charlotte Motor Speedway Race Information

Other places to go for ongoing events

You don’t have to wait for one of our special events to have a good time in University City. Here are places that have entertainment and activities throughout the year.

Charlotte Motor Speedway – The sprawling complex on U.S. 29 offers far more than its big events each spring and fall on the 1.5-mile main track. Events take place throughout the year, including drag racing at the zMAX dragway, dirt-track racing and Legends auto racing. Plus you can come daily to shop at the speedway store or tour the facility (including a ride around the big oval). Charlotte Motor Speedway

Outdoor entertainment at Wine Vault – One of the most popular spots to sip wine or beer with friends and enjoy soft music is on the shaded patio outside the Wine Vault at University Place. Throughout the warm-weather months, the Wine Vault frequently hosts musicians who play for patrons and anyone else who wants to listen. Check the list of upcoming entertainers and current wine and beer specials at The Wine Vault

Reedy Creek Nature Center – This facility in the 772-acre Reedy Creek Nature Preserve offers many programs for children, adults and families throughout the year, plus indoor and outdoor displays about the park wildlife. Details about the center, park and programs are at:
Reedy Creek Nature Center

UNC Charlotte arts – UNC Charlotte faculty and students offer music, dance and theater performances throughout the school year. Most take place at Robinson Hall, conveniently located along University City Boulevard. University art students also display their works at two galleries on campus. Learn about upcoming performances and shows, and buy tickets, at UNC Charlotte Robinson Hall

UNC Charlotte sports – The Charlotte 49ers compete with some of the top schools in America as members inthe Atlantic 10 Conference. Basketball has been the university’s big draw for many years. The 2010-11 season includes home games against George Washington, Xavier and Massachusetts in UNC Charlotte’s 9,000-seat Halton Arena. Sports fans can also cheer on the 49ers in sports ranging from baseball to soccer. And football comes to UNC Charlotte in fall 2013. Get all of the sports news and home-game schedules at Charlotte 49ers

University City Regional Library –Our library is almost always busy with people coming to find books and recordings, read magazines and conduct online research. The library also offers many programs, including book clubs and children’s activities. The library is on East W.T. Harris Boulevard near the hospital. Get details at University City Regional Library