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France, Paris: Approaching the Opera de Paris

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Heading down the Boulevard des Capuchines toward the Opera de Paris is still one of those OMG moments. It is way grander than you imagined.

 

US: Salem, MA – Frightfully Fun Halloween Events in Salem

Is there a place that can be more synonymous to Halloween then Salem, Massachusetts?  Throughout the entire month of October visitors of all ages flock there for the ultimate Halloween experience. Whether it’s haunted houses, historic landmarks, costume parties, ghost tours, historic tours, events, psychic and tarot readings, witch and magical shops, Salem’s Haunted Happenings, a festive celebration of Halloween and fall in New England, offers a plethora of unique one of a kind Halloween experiences.

Oct 13th:
12th Annual Witch City 5K Road Race
– Salem Willows Park 167 Fort Ave. 9:00 am. 12th Annual Witch City 5K Road Race. Run through Boo-tiful Historic Salem. Get your best running costume ready for this annual Salem Haunted Happenings Event. A great way to begin your day of Halloween fun in Salem. Let the kids join the Halloween costume fun with the Spooktacular Kids Broom Dash. Post-race awards, costume contest, music, photos, refreshments and more. Witch City 5K

Haunted Harmonies A Capella Festival – Haunted Harmonies is a one day A Cappella Festival. Vocal Group Competition-2pm, Tabernacle Church (50 Washington St.) Free and open to the public. Street Singing-4:30pm-6pm, Essex Street Pedestrian Mall. Free. Evening Concert-7:30pm, Tabernacle Church (50 Washington St.) See website for tickets. Haunted Harmonies

Howl-O-Ween Costumed Pet Parade – Derby Wharf, Salem Maritime Historic Site, 160 Derby St. 1 pm-2:30 pm. The event will include plenty of fun and games and a parade and costume contest with prizes. The event is free, though attendees wishing to participate in the parade will be asked to register. Further details: Howl-O-Ween Parade

Dark Of Night At Pioneer Village– Pioneer Village, West Ave. – Forest River Park.  Starting at 7pm. In candle-lit cottages at the dark forest’s edge, ghostly tales are told. An annual event for those lucky enough to experience the village in October. Seating is limited. Parking is free. Schedule and ticket purchase: Dark Of Night

Oct 14th: MDA Halloween Witch Ride- 11am. Scenic ride from Boston Harley-Davidson at 649 Squire Rd. in Revere to Shetland Park in Salem. All bikes welcome. Register

Oct 19th: Tony Moran At Count Orlok’s – Oct. 19, Oct 2o, Oct 21 – Count Orlok’s Nightmare Gallery 217 Essex St. (978) 740-0500 Special celebrity guest Tony Moran, known as the face of Michael Myers in the film “Halloween” will be appearing at Count Orlok’s for a meet and greet and autographs. Count Orlok’s Nightmare Gallery

Oct 20th: Haunted GracePhantom of the Opera – Grace Episcopal Church, 385 Essex St. 7:30-9:30pm. Love Gothic buildings and silent movies accompanied by spooky organ music? Haunted Grace is back with a chance to watch the original 1925 Phantom of the Opera with a live soundtrack played on the organ at local Gothic Grace Church. Info and tickets

Jerry’s Fright Fair – Oct 20, Oct 21, Oct 27, Oct 28- 301 Essex St. 10am-7pm. 2 floors of vendors/artists selling mostly Halloween themed merchandise, artwork, jewelry, crafts and more! Info

An Evening with Edgar Allan Poe– Remix Church, 9 Church St – 6-7 pm  special guest, the dearly departed Edgar Allan Poe returns to Salem in a theatrically eerie setting, performing dramatic readings of “The Raven” and “A Tell-Tale Heart.” Mister Poe will answer all your deepest, darkest questions about his life, his work and his mysterious death. Information and tickets

Oct 21: Trick Or Treat On The Wharf – Pickering Wharf, Derby St. at Congress St.  5pm to 7pm  Join the businesses on Pickering Wharf for this annual event that is free and open to the public. Children can give their costumes a test run at Pickering Wharf in Salem – participating establishments will be offering treats for kids.

Oct 27: Devils Chase 6.66 Miler and Creepy Clown 3.33 Miler – Soccer Field, Salem Willows, Salem, Ma. (Other Side of 129 Fort Ave)  6:30am registration8am start time. The Devils Chase 6.66 Mile Run, named to the Top Nine Costume Runs in the World, is the best and most unique event you will run in all year long. 98% of participants dress up in devil-themed costumes. New this year,  a 3.33 Miler for our runners that want the same fun of the Devils Chase 6.66 Miler with half the run. People from all over the world venture to Historic Salem for one hell of a good time and a great run past a variety of Salem’s well known landmarks.  Devil’s Chase and Creepy Clown 3.33

Tales at the Witch House – The Witch House  310 Essex St. 978-744-8815. Starting at 7pm. Don’t miss a macabre tales of superstition and murder. Move through the darkened rooms of the Witch House by lantern light as the story is performed by costumed actors. Stories begin every half hour and last about a half hour.  Tales At The Witch House

Haunted Grace – Nosferatu – Grace Episcopal Church, 385 Essex St. 7:30-9:30pm. Love Gothic buildings and silent movies accompanied by spooky organ music? Haunted Grace is back with a chance to watch the original 1922 Nosferatu with a live soundtrack played on the organ at local Gothic Grace Church. Info and tickets

Oct 31: 27th Annual TNW Samhain Witches CircleThe Temple of Nine Wells -ATC Ceremony at Gallows Hill Park, 5:30pm-7:30pm. Members of the Temple of Nine Wells Community, local Witches and Pagans and visitors from all over the world will gather at Gallows Hill park on Samhain Night. Dress warmly and walk with them to the site at 4:30pm from NU AEON at 88 Wharf St. After the rite, return to the heart of downtown Salem in the annual Commemorative Candle Light Walk.  Samhain Witches Circle

Closing Fireworks Display – 10:15pm Washington St./Bridge St. Overpass. Official conclusion of Salem’s Halloween celebration.

On Going Events:
Imprisoned! 1692 : Essex National Heritage Area, 35 St. Peter. St. Weekends in October. Experience the horrors of the Old Witch Gaol (jail), the actual location where many accused were held during the infamous trials. There’s no turning back now. On the eve of the deadliest night of the Witch Trials, the jailer will guide you to hear the stories of the convicted and their final pleas. Their fate has been chosen, but is it deserved? They will let you come to your own conclusions. Information and tickets

Witchery – Musical Play Written Just for Salem: Ames Hall, YMCA, 290 Essex St. 800-838-3006 Fridays Oct. 5 & 12 – 7pm; Saturdays Oct. 6 & 13 – 2pm & 7pm; Sundays Oct. 7 & 14 – 2pm. Witchery is a live, fun filled musical play. A lost little witch falls off her mother’s broomstick on Halloween night into the land of Salem Massachusetts. Let’s all help the witches, warlocks, ghosts and turkeys find her, in this fun musical for all ages. Live actors, Live music. Witchery

Salem Witch Museum 19 1/2 Washington Square North 978-744-1692 – Do you believe in witchcraft? At this museum get an understanding into the complex perception of witches, “from midwives and healers to witch hunts and Wiccans.” Salem’s most visited museum presents the witch hysteria of 1692 in an educational, thought-provoking, and a bit spooky way. You’ll learn about the event leading up to the witch trials, and what life was like in Salem.salemwitchmuseum

Salem Arts Association Exhibition: “Dark Arts”: Salem Arts Association, 211 Bridge St. Ash St. Entrance. Oct 5-Nov.4 Salem Arts Association Presents “Dark Arts”. Explore Salem’s history with witchcraft, religion, and Halloween. Dark Arts

The Tarot Experience – Moon Witch: The Witchery, 61 Wharf St. witchcraft & moon magick along with themes from the tarot in new and thought-provoking ways.

Salem Horror Fest 2018: October 4-14 – Cinema Salem at Witch City Mall & Peabody Essex Museum, 161 Essex St. A festival of screenings, parties, exhibits, concerts, panels, discussions, and celebrity appearances in the Halloween capital of the world. Film schedule and tickets: Salem Horror Fest

The Salem Haunted Magic Show – Hysteria: Oddities!: St. Peter’s Church Hall Theater, 24 Saint Peter’s St. September 29-November 2. A New Live 75 minute show HYSTERIA: Oddities! A unique blend of inconceivable magic, bizarre demonstrations of mind reading, wild comedy, and interactive audience participation. The show focuses on the mysterious and sometimes frightening world of the circus sideshow with incredible demonstrations of bizarre and scary magic, along with classic sideshow stunts like walking on broken glass, swallowing swords, beds of nails and eating lightbulbs . Showtimes and tickets: Salem Haunted Magic Show

Cry Innocent: The People vs. Bridget Bishop: Old Town Hall  32 Derby Square  June 17th-August 26th, Sat. & Sun. in September and daily October 1st – 31st.  The year is 1692. Bridget Bishop has been accused of witchcraft and YOU are on the Puritan jury. Hear the historical testimonies, cross-examine the witnesses and decide the verdict. Is Bridget Bishop capable of witchcraft? Play your part in history. Approximate duration of the show is 45 minutes. The outdoor arrest scene begins approximately 15 minutes before show time. During the show, the audience may step into the role of Puritan jurors. Tickets and schedule: Cry Innocent

Gallows Hill Museum And Theater: Gallows Hill Museum And Theater – 7 Lynde St. 978-825-0222  A variety of performances and attractions throughout October including: Gallows Hill Main Show, Lost Museum, Ghosts and Legends Trolley Tour, Daytime Walking Tours, Tales and Ales and other entertainment events Oct.1-Oct.31. Details and schedules: Gallows Hill Museum and Theater

Salem Time Machine: 131 Essex St. 4-D Walk-Thru Adventure into Salem’s Past 978-744-0013 -Two walk-thru attractions: Salem 3D Haunted Adventure, for families, children and those not wanting a scare. The attraction is dressed for Halloween and is a 16 minute walk-thru telling the story of Salem from 1650 to 1991. For those in a Halloween state of mind try the 3-D Haunted House with live actors, 3-D walls, 3-D floors, black lights, and haunting sound. Salem Time Machine

Witch Mansion: 186-1 Essex Street, Museum Place Mall  978-825-1300 – Witch Mansion claims to be Salem’s scariest haunted attraction. Built by a professional haunted house design firm, this eerie adventure is guaranteed to give you Chills and Thrills. Along with high-tech animations and creepy ghost illusions in 4D. You won’t believe your eyes as you enter a twilight world of ghosts, beasts and banshees.  Witch Mansion

Mahi-Mahi Haunted Happenings Cruises & Boo!s Cruises: Pickering Wharf – Derby and Congress Streets – (978) 825-0001 Haunted Happenings Harbor Cruise: The fabled coastlines of Salem sound come alive with tales of haunted lighthouses, eerie islands, ruthless pirates, and living monsters who wreak havoc on passing ships to this very day.  This spook-tacular 75-minute cruise screams Haunted Happenings Fun day or night. Haunted Happenings Cruise Halloween BOO!S Cruise: 2-hour cruise with DJ Snow spinning your favorite dance tunes and Halloween favorites. Costume prizes awarded, Ages 21+. Halloween Boo!s Cruise

House Of Seven Gables October Performances:  October 5-27, House Of 7 Gables – 115 Derby St. 978-744-0991.SPIRITS OF THE GABLES:Get swept into Hawthorne’s tale of guilt, greed and revenge as the characters from The House of the Seven Gables (1851), come to life and recount their stories while you walk through the very house that inspired Hawthorne’s timeless novel. LEGACY OF THE HANGING JUDGE: Legacy of the Hanging Judge takes visitors back through Nathaniel Hawthorne’s birth home to the events of the infamous Salem Witch Trials, through the eyes of the author, whose own ancestor, Judge John Hathorne had a hand to play in the tragic events of 1692. Performances begin every ten minutes in The Nathaniel Hawthorne birth house and last approximately 35 minutes. Last performance begins at closing. Combination tickets available. Reservations highly recommended. October Nights At The Gables

The Salem Psychic Fair And Witches’ Market: Witch City Mall – 176 Essex St. 10am-10pm Oct. 1- Oct. 31 Explore the future with a psychic reading and make contact with the Spirit World at Salem’s longest-running psychic fair. The Annual Psychic Fair and Witchcraft Expo features the Witch City’s most gifted Psychics. Wander an emporium of magical gifts, meet real practicing Witches, and make an appointment with one of Salem’s talented psychic readers.  Psychic Fair

Festival Of The Dead Event Series: Various events from Oct. 1 to Oct. 31. Locations include: 184 Essex St, Witch City Mall, Hawthorne Hotel, Salem Common. Halloween is the time of year when the shades of the dead whisper from forgotten places and spirits walk among us. The Witches of Salem honor this time with Festival of the Dead, an annual event series that explores death’s macabre customs, heretical histories, and strange rituals.  Festival of the Dead beckons guests to step through the veil into a realm where spirits await. Listing of events: Festival Of The Dead

Haunted Dinner Theater – Shipwrecked!: Hawthorne Hotel, 18 Washington Sq. Weekends from Sept. 28th through Nov. 3rd. In the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, pirate ships sailed in search of other men’s gold off the coast of New England.  One such ship, the Dolphin, was lost with all hands. A group of infamous pirate captains come together to solve the mystery of what really happened to the doomed vessel and her treasure and they look to you to decide who is a treacherous dog that should pay the ultimate price. Haunted Dinner Theater

Whether you go by broom, by trolley or by foot, abandon all hope and surrender to the spell of Salem! There’s nothing quite like spending Halloween in Salem, always jam packed with fun and spooky things to do.

Dates: Various
Times: Various
hauntedhappenings.org
For Regional Accommodations, Restaurants & Attractions: bostonusa.com

Photo Credit: John Andrews Photography

US: Savannah, GA – This Three Week Festival Will Strike the Perfect Chord

Savannah VOICE Festival brings classical vocal excellence to Savannah, with over 25 performances, through a two week celebration of operas, concerts,  food and wine events, and masterclasses during the month of August.

Every year, the Festival is inspired by a theme—2018’s is “Stories Great & Small.” Offering music from opera, musical theatre and song, this year’s highlights include Verdi’s La Traviata, Menotti’s The Telephone, Humperdinck’s Hansel and Gretel and Michael Ching’s comedic opera Speed Dating Tonight!

It is a celebration of the classical voice with over 25 performances, including operas, concerts, food and wine events, and masterclasses. Offering music from opera, musical theatre and song, this year’s highlights include Verdi’s La Traviata, Menotti’s The Telephone, Humperdinck’s Hansel and Gretel and Michael Ching’s comedic opera Speed Dating Tonight!

The sixth annual festival, will be staged Aug. 4-26, The Westin Savannah Harbor Resort is the backdrop for many events as well as in and around Savannah in a variety of venues. This will mark the second year of the festival’s expansion to three weeks, treating patrons to several extra days of delightful musical offerings.

Through his VOICE Programs, legendary baritone Sherrill Milnes will take attendees on a lighthearted journey through memorable concerts featuring over 100 artists from 15 countries, who will share operatic stories from the past and present, and modern songs of today.

As part of the intensive programs of the Festival Season, opera industry leaders will offer the next generation of artists tools to improve their performance during hour-long mini master class sessions. The free mini master class series provides attendees with the opportunity to meet the faculty members of the VOICExperience Programs while learning more about vocal music, technique and about the “masters” themselves.

This non-stop celebration of the voice will impress the most avid fans and newcomers alike. For the complete 2018 line-up: savannahvoicefestival.org/festival-events

For Free Events: savannahvoicefestival.org/free-events

Location: Various
Dates: Aug 4 – 26, 2018
Times: Various – see schedule
Tel: 855-766-7372
savannahvoicefestival.org
For Regional Accommodations, Restaurants & Attractions: visitsavannah.com

US: Boston, MA – Boston Pops 4th of July Concert & Fireworks in Boston

Music and fireworks will once again fill the air as part of Boston’s legendary July 4 celebrations attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors to the birthplace of American independence.Orchestra 1

Deemed one of the most popular Massachusetts summer events,  the Pops will once again throw one of the country’s largest Fourth-of-July parties. The Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular concert is FREE and open to the public.

Stage USA 1Entering their 133rd season of entertaining audiences in Boston and beyond, feature Conductor Keith Lockhart and the Boston POPS Orchestra will take the stage at the Hatch Shell, on the Esplanade, performing the identical concerts on July 3rd and 4th, and on July 4th when the concert wraps up, a stunning half-hour display of pyrotechnics.

The headliner for the 2018 Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular, is American singer/songwriter Rachel Platten, whose mega hit “Fight Song”  topped the charts, will headline the 2018 Boston POPS Fireworks Spectacular Concert. The event will also feature 2 Grammy Award-winning artists, Rhiannon Giddens from The Carolina Chocolate Drops and Folk-Rock Duo Amy Ray and Emily Saliers of the Indigo Girls.

The legendary singer/actor/dancer, Academy Award Winner Rita Moreno will make a special appearance on the July 3 and 4 performances in honor of the Leonard Bernstein centennial tribute.

snapshot

Event Schedule:

Tuesday, JULY 3
Official Rehearsal of the July 4 Show. Includes all guest artists. No fireworks.
GATES OPEN AT APPROXIMATELY 5PM
8:00PM: Concert begins
10:00PM: Concert ends
Wednesday, JULY 4
Concert & Fireworks
GATES OPEN AT 9AM
8:00PM: Concert begins
10:30PM: Fireworks begin
11:00PM: Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular ends

Celebrate America with this amazing concert and 4th of July fireworks extravaganza.snapshot

Photo Credits: Michael Blanchard

Location: DCR Hatch Shell, 47 David G. Mugar Way, Boston, MA 02108
Date: July 3- July4, 2018
Time: July 3rd, concert 8pm -10pm, July 4th, concert  8pm – 10:30pm, fireworks display 10:30pm – 11pm.
bostonpopsjuly4th.org
For Regional Accommodations, Restaurants & Attractions: bostonusa.com

US: Connecticut – June 21- Connecticut is Joining Make Music Day Around the World

The first annual Make Music Connecticut, a free, wild and wonderful mix of over 250 free outdoor musical events, will make its debut on Thursday, June 21.# Women - Ukulele 26201732312_bf1e5567e3_b

Modeled after a Parisian tradition (Fête de la Musique) that began in 1982 as a tribute to the Summer Solstice.  Each June 21st Paris is filled with musicians of all kinds performing on sidewalks, lawns, balconies, in parks, etc. for anyone to enjoy at no cost.

Drums 13914042290_1e8733da4a_bMake Music Connecticut is part of Make Music Day, a global music celebration that takes place on the summer solstice each year and brings people of all ages and skill levels together to make music. This year, more than 70 U.S. cities and the entire state of Connecticut will host thousands of Make Music performances across the country as part of the world’s largest annual music event.Guitars 14100592595_92d013c9e4_b

Featuring musicians of all abilities and music from any genre.  Sidewalks, parks, front porches, and public spaces throughout the region will become stages for local musicians to perform and for all to enjoy. Each region will have its own ambiance. This will be a day packed with more than 250 free musical events happening with concerts on streets, sidewalks, and parks around the state.

Keyboards 13914058319_70760e6e56_bCommunity Jam Sessions, Dueling Drums, Battle of the Bands are some of the featured events. For a full schedule of events: MakeMusicCT.org

Location: Numerous locations throughout Southeastern CT
Date: June 21, 2018
Time: Various – see schedule
Tel: 860-460-5236
makemusicday.org/southeasternct

US: Daytona Beach, FL – Wow – Over 500,000 Motorcyclists During Daytona Bike Week

Dubbed the “World’s Largest Motorcycle Event,” Bike Week is a 10-day event filled with high-octane street festivals, concerts, motorcycle races, bike shows, rallies, manufacturer showcases and more.Motorcycle Rallies(9)

Established more than seven decades ago, nowadays over 500,000 motorcyclists make it an annual pilgrimage. Motorcycle enthusiasts from around the world enjoy spring riding in Daytona Beach along historic Main Street and Beach Streets, Scenic A1A Highway or through the best of old Florida, the Ormond Beach Scenic Loop.

Motorcycle Rallies(3)There will be celebrating at Daytona International Speedway, Bruce Rossmeyer’s Destination Daytona, the U.S. 1 corridors in Daytona Beach and Ormond Beach, and at Riverfront Park in downtown Daytona Beach.

With so many events taking place, use the calendar below to make sure that you don’t miss anything.Motorcycle Rallies(1)

OFFICIAL BIKE WEEK CALENDAR OF EVENTS:

77th Anniversary of Bike Week 2018 March 09 to March 18, 2018
Bobby Friss at Dirty Harry’s Pub March 09 to March 10, 2018
Cabbage Patch March 09 to March 18, 2018
Cacklebery Campground Bike Week 2018 March 09 to March 09, 2018
Crush performed at Full Moon Saloon March 09 to March 17, 2018
Daytona Bike Week Swapmeet 40th Annual March 09 to March 18, 2018
Dirty Harry’s 2018 Bike Week Event March 09 to March 18, 2018
Downtown Campground for Bike Week March 09 to March 18, 2018
Fastlane Motorcycle Swap Meet and Bike Show March 09 to March 18, 2018
Hayfire March 09 to March 18, 2018
Hilton Daytona Beach Oceanfront Resort Bike Week 2018 March 09 to March 18,2018
Hypersona March 09 to March 18, 2018
Main Street Station the Heart of Bike Week 2018 March 09 to March 18, 2018
Official Bike Week Welcome Center March 09 to March 18, 2018
Retirement Sale Carls Speed Shop March 09 to March 18, 2018
Riverfront Park Rocks March 09 to March 18, 2018
Selwyn Birchwood Band March 09 to March 09, 2018
Visit Hot Leathers March 09 to March 18, 2018
Cacklebery Campground with Broken Halo Girls March 10, 2018
Cacklebery Campground Bike Week Event March 10, 2018
Hot Bike Southeast FXR Dyna Day March 10, 2018
Indian Motorcycle Show March 10, 2018
Bike Blessing & FREE BBQ March 11, 2018
Bike Week Annual Bike Blessing March 11, 2018
Cacklebery Campground with Jurassic Rock and more March 11, 2018
Free Sober Clean Hog Roast and Live Music
March 11 to March 12, 2018
Greg Billings Band March 11, 2018
Cacklebery Campground Bike Week Concert March 13, 2018
Jasmine Cain at Dirty Harry s Pub March 13 to March 14, 2018
Cacklebery Campground March 14, 2018
Cacklebery Campground Miss Cacklebery Contest March 14, 2018
Micro Championship Wrestling March 14, 2018
Bike Rodeo and Party March 15, 2018
Buffalo Wild Wings Facebook Meet and Greet March 15, 2018
Halifax Humane Society’s Ruff Ride Poker Run March 15, 2018
Harley Davidson TT presented by Russ Brown at Daytona March 15, 2018
RideHard Originals Sound Competition March 15 to March 16, 2018
Side Car and Trike Day and Show March 15, 2018
Sons of Speed March 15, 2018
Willie’s Tropical Tattoo ChopperTime Bike Show March 15, 2018
Burning Bike March 16, 2018
Cafe Racer and Classic Biker Day Show March 16, 2018
Motorcycle Demolition Derby and Stunt Show March 16, 2018
Ride Forever Wedding Ceremony by Clerk of the Court March 16, 2018
Rockit Fly March 16 to March 17, 2018
World’s Largest V8 Parade March 16, 2018
45th Annual Rat’s Hole Custom Bike Show March 17, 2018
Cacklebery Campground Events March 17, 2018
Rats Hole Custom Bike and Chopper Show March 17 to March 18, 2018
Women Riders World Record Meetup March 17, 2018

Photo Credits: Daytona Beach Area CVB

Location: Various
Dates: March 9 – 18, 2018
Times: various
Tel: 386-255-0981
officialbikeweek.com
For Regional Accommodations, Restaurants & Attractions: daytonabeach.com

US: Lumberton, NC – Chili, Music & Exercise: Two Days of Fun in Lumberton

Rumba on the Lumber 2018, a festival of food, movement, music and the arts, consisting of two days of events in historic downtown Lumberton with over 4000 people in  attendance.Rumba cookoff DSCF2416 (2)

Many wonderful annual events will once again be front and center, including: The Rumba on the Lumber Festival with live music, vendors, Rumba Cross fit Games Exhibition, and the Lumbee River EMC Free Kidzone, 5K, 10K, fun run/walk, 100K ride, 20-Mile adventure ride,  Chili Cookoff and a bicycle rodeo.Rumba Run

Many festival-goers agree, it’s all about the chili. More than two dozen teams bring their most coveted recipes. Teams prepare a minimum of 10 gallons of chili and dole out free samples of their creations. The teams will be competing for prizes including the best tasting, Spiciest Chili, Strangest ingredient and Best chili cooking outfits. Don’t miss the fun!

Saturday- Downtown Plaza/ 3rd Street:

9am Southeastern Health 5K and 10K

10-5 Lumbee River EMC KidZone activities at the Plaza

10-5 Business, Craft and Food Vendors

11am Southeastern Health Family Fun Run/Walk

11- 2 Chili Cook-Off ‘80’s music by Cassette Rewind

2- 5 Concert at the Plaza with The Carolina Soul Band

Sunday (starting site- Northeast Park):

Noon The Yamaha of Lumberton Metric Century (100K cycling ride)

1:30  The Cruzbike 20-Mile Adventure Ride

3:30  The Bicycle Shop of Fayetteville Bicycle Rodeo

Location:Downtown Lumberton,Lumberton, NC 28358
Date: March 3 -4, 2018
Times: 9 – 5
Tel: 919-889-2514
robesonroadrunners.com
For Regional Accommodations, Restaurants & Attractions: lumberton-nc.com

US: Fayetteville, NC- The Fayette Symphony Orchestra’s French Connection Concert

Francophiles and Lafayette enthusiasts, this concert is for you.  On Jan. 11, the Fayetteville Symphony will explore the area’s heritage with the concert “The French Connection.” The first chamber concert of the season at St. John’s Episcopal Church will feature the Fayetteville Symphony String Quartet as they perform Ravel’s String Quartet, a piece that is a cornerstone composition of French Impressionism. String Quartet 2018-01-03_13-25-51

Founded in 1956, the Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra holds the distinction of being the oldest continuously-funded community orchestra in North Carolina. Fifty-one years later, their mission remains: To Educate. To Entertain. To Inspire.

Location: St. John’s Episcopal Church, 302 Green Street, Fayetteville, NC 28301
Date: Thurs, Jan 11, 2018
Time: 7:30 – 9:30 pm
Tel: 910-433-4690
www.fayettevillesymphony.org/2017-2018-concerts
For Regional Accommodations, Restaurants & Attractions: visitfayettevillenc.com

US: Rocky Mount, NC – 10th Annual Eastern Carolina BBQ Throwdown

The 10th Annual Eastern Carolina BBQ Throwdown is a professional cooking competition based on KCBS categories (chicken, pork ribs, pork & beef brisket). Awards include Grand Champion, Reserved Grand Champion, and People’s Choice Award. Cash awards, trophies and plaques awarded up to 10th place in each category. There will be 58 opportunities to win. BBQ Throwdown Meat

The Friday night Kick Off Party includes a Kick Off Concert featuring Who’s Bad- The Ultimate Michael Jackson tribute band  held in downtown Rocky Mount. KCBS representatives will be present and competition judging starts at noon on Saturday, October 14, using the blind judging technique. This is a party you don’t want to miss, with plenty of delicious food, beverages, and great entertainment. Bring your lawn chairs or blankets and come have some fun.BBQ THrowdown Stage

Schedule of Events:

Friday & Saturday, October 13-14, 2017

  • 10th annual Eastern Carolina BBQ Throw Down (Competition)
  • Includes: People Choice

Friday, October 13th (12pm – 8:30 pm)

  • BBQ Kick Off Party (Train Station Lawn) 5:00 pm – 8:30 pm
  • Who’s Bad Michael Jackson tribute band 6:30 pm (Train Station Lawn)

Saturday, October 14th (10:00 am – 6 pm)

  • Food Vendors, Commercial Vendors, Exhibitors, Live Music

Location: 101 Coastline St, Downtown Rocky Mount,NC  27804 – in front of the Helen P. Gay Historic Rocky Mount Train Station
Date & Time: Fri, Oct. 13 – Sat, Oct. 14, 2017
Time: Fri 12 pm – 8 pm, Sat 10 am – 6 pm
Tel: 252-972-1159
downtownrockymount.com/events/eastern-carolina-bbq-throwdown
For Regional Accommodations, Restaurants & Attractions: rockymounttravel.com

US: Miami, FL – Arts and Culture Festival in Little Havana every Friday

Little Havana Viernes Culturales Abril-15-9Miami, FL Exit 1B: Little Havana is a true reflection of Hispanic culture. As you approach the heart of the neighborhood at SW 8th Street—known as Calle Ocho by the locals; the geographical, historical and emotional heart of the Miami Cuban exile community,  you may feel you’ve been transported to another time and place. Go there for authentic Cuban fare, a strong cafecito, a good Cuban cigar, Latin festivals or a fierce game of dominoes. From salsa-dancing and art exhibits, to a historic movie theater, concerts, Little Havana uncovers a thriving arts and culture scene with a distinctly Cuban flair.Little Havana CraftsVC JAN 2015 (20)

Experience Little Havana by partaking in the Cuban culture at Viernes Culturales (Cultural Fridays), Little Havana’s popular vibrant art and culture festival, taking place on the last Friday of every month, from 7 to 11 pm on SW 8th Street (Calle Ocho) between 13th and 17th Avenues. It promises to be a fun-filled event for the whole family.

Enjoy live music, dancing under the stars, discover works by local artists and artisans in and around iconic Domino Plaza on SW 8th Street and SW 15th Avenue, contemporary and historic artworks at the many fine art galleries, domino games, cigar rollers, local arts and crafts, all while taking in the flavor and ethnic diversity that Little Havana has to offer.Little Havana FoodVC JAN 2015 (26)

Get the sense of this tight knit community by taking advantage of the Free Little Havana Walking Tour.  Dr. Paul George has developed 12 different tours of the surrounding neighborhoods and this historic walking tour experience brings a unique and different audience from all parts of South Florida. Meet in front of the Tower Theater (1508 SW 8th St.) @ 7 PM, Free, no reservations required.Little Havana Face Painting Viernes Culturales Abril-15-60

Free Trolley Service : The City of Miami takes you for free on the Miami Trolley leaving from the Mary Brickell Village and the Brickell Metrorail/Metromover Station to the heart of the Viernes Culturales festival every 15 minutes, starting at 6:30 pm.

Location: Along Southwest 8th Street from 13th to 17th avenues, Miami, FL 33135
Date: Fri, June 30 2017 (Later 2017 Dates: 7/28, 8/25, 9/29, 10/27, 11/24, 12/29)
Hours: 7 – 11 pm
Tel: 305-643-5500
viernesculturales.org/mainvc/
For Regional Accommodations, Restaurants & Attractions: miamiandbeaches.com