ChRISTmAS eVeNTs continue

Kannapolis Winterland Express train— Through Dec 30 • Ride the train, see 250,000+ Christmas lights. Free admission; train and carousel $2. Santa, Kannapolis Singing Bears, Atlantic Coast S Gaugers’ model trains, kids’ zone. 700 West C St. www.kannapolisnc.gov/christmas
Old Christmas at the Michael Braun Haus (The Old Stone House)— 11 am-3 pm Dec 28 • noon-3pm Dec 29: Experience old German traditions during Christmas and tours of the House. Mecklenburg Militia, Hessian Jaegers, 84th Highlanders, Locke’s Militia, 71st Highlander reenactment groups on site recreating events of Jan-Feb 1781. $5 adult, $3 student. 770 Old Stone House Road. www.rowanmuseum.org
New Year’s Eve at the Trolley Barn — Dec 31 • 9 pm-midnight: Salisbury Parks and Rec hosts games, live music, live feed of Time’s Square ball drop, refreshments. Located at the Trolley Barn, 165 E. Liberty St. due to Bell Tower Green construction. See downtownsalisburync.com
Noon Years Eve Party
Dec. 31 • 11 a.m-12:30 p.m.
Celebrate the New Year without the groggy morning! Families enjoy crafts, games, refreshments, and Noon Year countdown. 704-216-7842 Rowan Public Library East, 110 Broad St., Rockwell. www.rowancountync.gov
28th Annual Tanglewood Festival of Lights — Clemmons: Through Jan 1. Ticket and schedule info at www.forsyth.cc/Parks/Tanglewood/fol/ or 336-703-6481.
Holiday themed escape room in Statesville — Dates available through the holidays: “Nutty Holidays” brings guests to a remote cabin in the deep woods to visit crazy Aunt Beth. Light-hearted yet challenging room for ages 8 and up. 150 E. Sharpe St. Reserve at keytoescapenc.com or 704-253-4559.
Rescheduled: Christmas in the Grove sledding — Jan. 4: Christmas in the Grove sledding in the snow rescheduled for Jan. 4 due to mud. Plastic sleds only. Main Street, China Grove. www.chinagrovenc.gov
PCS annual Christmas concerts — 4 pm Jan 4 (11th Day of Christmas): 75-voice Piedmont Choral Society’s its annual free Christmas concerts accompanied by 22-piece professional orchestra. Forest Hill UMC, 265 Union St North, Concord. Familiar carols and songs of the season. Info 704-699-6053 or kayy2000@gmail.com
Twelfth Night at The Rock House — Jan 4 • 5:30-8:30 p.m.: charlotte: Modern spin on 18th century colonial celebrations held on the twelfth night after Christmas Day. Bonfires, hot cider, live music, games, at the site of Mecklenburg County’s oldest home, the 1774 Alexander Rock House, 3500 Shamrock Drive. See charlottemuseum.org
45th annual Christmas at Biltmore — Through Jan. 5: Extravagant celebration with dozens of Christmas trees, miles of ribbon, garland, lights. Festive menus in the restaurants plus holiday wine tastings. 800-411-3812. www.biltmore.com
36th annual Candlelight Evenings at Biltmore-Through Jan. 4: Candlelight, firelight, live music, extravagant holiday décor during nighttime tours. Advance reservations required. 800-411-3812. www.biltmore.com
2019 New Years Eve Ball — Dec. 31 • 9 p.m.-1 a.m. Age 25 and older. Hollywood theme; come in your best. $25 singles $40 couples 494 E. Plaza Dr, 494 E. Plaza Dr., Mooresville, tickets at www.eventbrite.com

Night Life

Mean Mug coffee Co., 110 N Main St. — • TONIGHT Dec 26 • 7-10 pm: College night open stage. Music, stand-up, poetry • Friday Dec 27: Java Jam & Open Mic – 7-11 pm with hosts Cliff & Meryl Vogh.• Sunday Dec 29: Hot•Spot concert 6-8 pm: Samantha Gabriel • 704-754-4615, www.meanmugcoffeeco.com
E.H. Montgomery General Store — 7-9 p.m. Fridays: Open acoustic Bluegrass jam. Gold Hill, 704-267-9439, www.themontgomerystore.com
Morgan Ridge Railwalk, 421 N. Lee St — • 8-10 pm Friday Dec 27: Mitch Hayes • 8-10 pm Saturday Dec 28: Colton Sherrill • 704-754-8379, www.morganridgerailwalk.com

Music & more

Pickin’ for the Master — 7 p.m. Friday Dec. 27: Performance by Caroline Owens followed by open jam session. Free admission. Trading Ford Baptist Church, 3600 Long Ferry Road, 704-633-5986, www.tradingford.net
On The Border – The Ultimate Eagles Tribute — Jan. 4 • 7:30-10:30 p.m. Lee Street theatre, 329 N Lee St, 704-310-5507, www.leestreet.org
Gibson Brothers to play The Ramkat — Jan. 4 • 8 p.m.: The Gibson Brothers with Shay Martin Lovette opening, 170 W. 9th St., Winston-Salem. Tickets $17-$30 at RidgeMusicCenter.org or TheRamkat.com or 336-754-9714.
Black Market Trust on stage at The Davis — Jan 25 • 8 p.m. Inspired by legendary Rat-Pack crooners and Gypsy Jazz musicians. The Davis Theatre, 65 Union St South, Concord. Tickets $37.50 at 704-920-2787 or www.cabarrusartscouncil.org
Salisbury Symphony presents ‘Come Hear North Carolina’ — Jan. 26 • 4 pm: Family concert featuring the Rowan 5th Grade Honors Chorus. Especially programmed for families; highlights familiar works by NC composers. Performances by high school students plus the popular Rowan 5th Grade Honors Chorus. Reduced price tickets. Held at Varick Auditorium, Livingstone College. www.salisburysymphony.org
Jim Avett & Friends on stage at The Davis — Jan. 31 • 8 pm: Album of songs originally intended for his children’s ears only. The Davis Theatre, 65 Union St South, Concord. Tickets $25 at 704-920-2787 or www.cabarrusartscouncil.org

Theater

Opera Xpress performs The Ugly Duckling — Jan 11 • 3 pm: Suited for children age 4-12. Cabarrus Arts Council’s Family Day. Davis Theatre, 65 Union St. S., Concord. Free, but must reserve in advance. cabarrusartscouncil.org/arts-education/family-days
Lee Street theatre presents ‘Deathtrap’— Jan. 23-25 & Jan. 30-Feb.1 Lee Street theatre, 329 N. Lee St www.leestreet.org or 704-310-5507.

Wine & beer tastings

Wine About Winter — Feb 7 • 5-9 p.m. Downtown Salisbury’s signature wine tasting event. Tickets include souvenir wine glass and bag, wrist band, tasting pass to 20+ wines from around Rowan county and beyond. www.downtownsalisburync.com
Salisbury Wine Shop — 5:30-7:30 p.m. Friday, December 27: End The Year With A Bang Wine Tasting with Andrew Alley.  $5/Person. 106 S. Main St, 704-636-5151, sws@salisburywineshop.com
Morgan Ridge Vineyards and Brewhouse — 486 John Morgan Road, Gold Hill, 704-639-0911, www.morganridgevineyards.com
Cauble Creek Vineyard and Winery — NC’s 100th Winery. 704-633-1137, 700 Cauble Farm Road, www.caublecreekvineyard.com
Douglas Vineyards — 7696 Freeze Road, Kannapolis, 704-939-6260, www.douglasvineyardswines.com
Cougar Run Winery — 704-280-3624. Cougar Run Winery, 363 N. Church St, Concord. www.cougarrunwinery.com/
Rocky River Vineyards — 704-781-5035. 11685 Reed Mine Road, Midland. www.rockyrivervineyards.com
Childress Vineyards — 336-236-WINE, 1000 Childress Vineyards Road, exit 89 off I-85, Hwy 64 W. Lexington. www.childressvineyards.com

NC Transportation Museum

North Carolina Transportation Museum, 1 Samuel Spencer Blvd, Spencer. www.nctrans.org
Winter Fever Train Rides — Dec. 26-29, 31 and Jan. 2-4: Special “Winter Fever Train Rides” for families during the down-time between the Christmas and New Year’s festivities, Dec. 26-29, 31, and Jan. 2-4. Rides at 10:30, 11:30 a.m., 1:30, and 2:30 p.m. Wednesday- Saturday; 1:30, 2:30 and 3:30 pm Sunday.

Fundraisers

‘Elvis Visits Mayberry’ Dinner Theatre, Jan 17-18: Dinner Theatre adults $20, children under 11, $12. Show only adults $10, children under 11, $5. First Baptist Church, 223 N Fulton St. Proceeds benefit spring mission trip. Tickets: call Rod or Lisa at 704-633-0431.
15th Annual Waterworks’ Oyster Roast — Jan. 25 • 6:30-11 pm. Tickets on sale now at early bird pricing. http://waterworks.org/specialevents/oysterroast.html
Southern City Church’s annual Four Seasons Dinner Theater — Feb 8 • 6 p.m. Salisbury Civic Center. Foods from the four seasons plus entertainment. Tickets $20. Contact Nehemiah Hawkins, 704-797-8392.

History

Annual Rowan County history course — 9 weeks. Thursday evenings Jan. 30-March 26: Classes meet at various historic locations.Email office@historicsalisbury.org or call 704-636-0103. Info on schedule, class materials atwww.historicsalisbury.org/education/history-class

At The YMCA

J.F. Hurley Family YMCA, 828 W. Jake Alexander Blvd. Events listed are open to the public. Sign up at 704-636-0111, www.rowanymca.org
Dec. 31 • 11 a.m. -3:30 p.m.: Red Cross Blood Drive
Jan 1 • 10 am -4 pm: YMCA Open – Get a Tour
Jan 22 •noon: Covered dish, Novant presents Cognitive Testing
Jan 30 • 8 am-5:30 pm Lifeline Screening, call 1-888-653-6450
Grief support, Wednesdays 9:30 am, tteichroew@gmail.com

At RPL

Rowan Public Library programs are free and open to the public. www.rowanpubliclibrary.org
• HQ, 201 W Fisher St., 704-216-8228
• East, 110 Broad St., Rockwell, 704-216-7838
• South, 920 Kimball Road, China Grove, 704-216-7727

At Cabarrus Arena

Cabarrus Arena and Events Center, 4751 NC 49, Concord, 704-920-3976, www.cabarrusarena.com
C&E Gun Show — Jan 4-5: Gold Hall 1. Adult admission $9, children under 12 free with adult ticket.
Tom Mack Classic Car Auctions — Jan 10-11: General admission $10, parking $5.
Ring of Honor Wrestling — Jan. 12 • 7 p.m. $25.

Classes

Painting, crafts, dance, language, health and more. Call or visit for schedules and pricing.
• Annual Rowan History Course, see HISTORY
• Center for Faith & the Arts, 207 W. Harrison St., 704-647-0999, www.faithart.org
• Hive, 126 E Innes St, 704-951-7418 hiveandco.com
• Pottery 101, 101 S. Main St., 704-209-1632, www.pottery-101.com
• Priscilla Clark Designs, 119 W. Innes St., 704-223-8452, PriscillaClarkDesigns@gmail.com
• Rowan Public Library, Free high-quality, noncredit online Gale courses. www.rowancountync.gov
• Rufty-Holmes Senior Center, 1120 S. Martin Luther King Jr. Ave., 704-216-7714
• SoFul Yoga and Wellness, 1024 S Fulton St., www.SoFulYoga.com or SoFulSalisbury Facebook
• Waterworks Visual Arts Center, for adults and kids. 123 E. Liberty St, waterworks.org
• West Rowan Farm & Garden, 11575 NC Highway 801, Ma t Ulla 704-278-2800 or facebook

Blood drives

RedCrossBlood.org or call 800-RED CROSS (800-733-2767).
Dec. 31
JF Hurley Family YMCA, 828 Jake Alexander Blvd
11 am-3:30 pm
Jan 2
Lowes Home Improvement, 207 Faith Road
2-6:30 pm
Jan 6
Life Church, 708 Jake Alexander Blvd
11:30 am-4 pm
Jan 10
Salisbury Masonic Lodge, 401 N Fulton St
2-7 pm
Jan 16
Knox Middle School, 1625 W Park Road
Noon-4:30 pm
Jan 19
Bethel Lutheran Church, 355 East Ridge Road
1-5:30 pm
Christiana Lutheran Church, 6190 Hwy 52
Noon-4:30 pm
Jan 23
Stallings Memorial Baptist, 817 S. Main St
2:30-7 pm
Life Church, 708 Jake Alexander Blvd
1:30-6:30 pm
Jan 24
WAL-MART
323 S. Arlington St, Noon-4:30 pm
Rowan County Rescue Squad, 1140 Julian Road, 11:30 am-4 pm

Speakers & forums

ESU to host Dr. Jonathon Gardner — Jan. 23: Dr. Gardner tackles the age-old question: where did we come from? “Finding Our Origins with the Hubble and James Webb Telescopes.” Dinner and program $32. RSVP to 704-216-2660 or gwood@gerrywoodauto.com. https://www.esuus.org/salisbury

Comedy

James Gregory at the Hickory Community Theatre — Dec 31 • 8 pm: “The Funniest Man in America.” In the old City Hall building at 30 3rd St NW. Tickets $40 at hickorytheatretix.org or by 828-328-2283.

Art

‘Mook in Color’ at Salisbury Business Center — Original watercolors by local artist Mark (Mook) Brincefield. through Jan 24. At 301 S. Main St., www. salisburybusinesscenter.com
Rail Walk Studios & Gallery — New show opens Jan 9. Thurs-Sat, 11 am-4 pm, www.railwalkgallery.com or 704-469-2781. 409-413 N Lee St.
Waterworks Visual Arts Center — That Which Sustains: EARTH . BODY . SPIRIT. Through February. www.waterworks.org
Robert Toth Art Sculpture Design — Salisbury Antiques & Artifacts Mall, 111 S. Main St., 704-762-9278.
‘Scott Avett: Invisible’ exhibit — Through Feb 2: NC Museum of Art hosts first solo museum exhibition of the visual art of Scott Avett, founding member of the Avett Brothers band. Open Oct 12-Feb 2, 2020, includes large-scale portraits, prints, and paintings.

Call for artists

Mooresville Arts 7th Annual Winter Juried Exhibit — Intake: Jan 10-11: All fine art media eligible. Details at mooresvillearts.org/gallery

Call for volunteers

Humane Society of Rowan County — Always looking for kind and highly reliable volunteers to help at events, be a foster home, deliver/pick-up pet food, return calls, take pictures of our animals, help with the newsletter, etc. Contact 704-636-5700 or hsrcnc1973@gmail.com
One Church One Child Rowan County — Contact Jon Hunter, ROCOC coordinator, Main Street UMC, 1312 N. Main St. www.rowancountync.gov/ rococ or 704-216-7914
Your Rowan Street Team — Help spread positive happenings at the Your Rowan booth. Complete the survey at www.surveymonkey.com/r/your-rowan-volunteer
Docents at Waterworks Visual Arts Center — Training provided; just bring your passion for the arts. 704-636-1882. http://waterworks.org/volunteeringwvac.html.
Novant Rowan Medical Center — For volunteers of all ages. Join our caring staff and give back to the community. Contact: mfbostian@novanthealth.org
The Pedal Factory — Open first and third Saturdays. 311 East Council St, 704-870-7145, www.thepedalfactory.org
Faithful Friends can collector — Can Team pickup helper for animal sanctuary. Pickup truck required. Call Linda at 704-630-4933
Be a docent at the Historic Hall House — Email office@historicsalisbury.org or call 704-636-0103 to learnmore.
Liberty Hospice — For reading, music, life review, or placing a smile on a lonely face. Glenda, 336-596-5380. Liberty Commons, 4412 S. Main St.
Rowan Helping Ministries volunteers-Pick up donated food, stock food pantry, intake interviews, laundry, meals. 704-637-6838.
Help feed the horses — Horse Protection Society, 2135 Miller Road, China Grove, hps@horseprotection.org
DAV transportation network of Rowan County — Take veterans to hospital appts. Jim Martin, 704-638-9000 x3904.
Save The Date: May 16, 2020 — Cheerwine Festival, May 16, 2020. Music, food, activities, Cheerwine. Individuals or groups apply at cheerwinefest.com