Union County festivals have alien, dog & food truck themes

Communities in western Union County have built spring festivals around relatable themes such as aliens, arts, dogs, food and movies. The best part is you don’t have to make tough decisions about which one to go to – you can catch them all without having to teleport. 

Indian Trail: Paws in the Park

Crooked Creek Park will be filled with pooches and their beloved hoomans at Indian Trail Parks and Recreation’s Paws in the Park. Aside from easy access to Crooked Creek’s dog park, the festival offers games and vendors that would delight the likes of Dorothy and Toto, Scooby and Shaggy, and Turner and Hooch.

• When: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. May 3

• Where: 5900 Oakwood Lane, Indian Trail

• Details: indiantrail.org 

Stallings: The Spring Spectacle

Here’s something you don’t see everyday – an alien invasion. The Town of Stallings is injecting its Spring Spectacle with an alien theme. Stallings Municipal Park will transform into Area 50, where children can engage in space-theme activities, crafts and games – maybe even extraterrestrials. The town is partnering with Monroe Science Center and The Schiele Museum of Natural History as well as hosting food vendors like Boss Lady Lemonade, Hungry Howie’s Pizza and Sauce Southern Smoke. 

• When: Noon to 4 p.m. April 26

• Where: 340 Stallings Road, Stallings

• Details: stallingsnc.org

Waxhaw: Kaleidoscope Fest

Kaleidoscope Fest is one of the Town of Waxhaw’s signature events. It highlights arts and cultures from around the world at Downtown Park. Main stage performances feature Afro-Caribbean, Bollywood, Irish, Tahitian/Hawaiian and technical-style dance as well as steel drums and an aerial performance. Food trucks of different cultures will also be available. Youth art will also be displayed from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. May 10 at Waxhaw Recreation Barn (5412 Waxhaw-Marvin Road).

• When: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. May 10

• Where: 301 Givens St., Waxhaw

• Details: waxhaw.com/our-town/events/kaleidoscope-fest

Weddington: Food Truck Fridays

The Town of Weddington offers a reason to visit town hall for non-official business on the first three Fridays in May. The town hasn’t shared event specifics yet but previous years’ events started at 5:30 p.m. and featured vendors specializing in barbecue, pizza and desserts. Expect music and entertainment, too. 

• When: May 2, 9 and 16

• Where: 1924 Weddington Road, Weddington

• Details: facebook.com/townofweddington/

Wesley Chapel: Spring Fling

The Village of Wesley Chapel packs a lot of entertainment in this year’s Spring Fling at village hall. The event includes bounce houses, a foam pit, balloon animals, yard games and a screening of  the Disney film “The Jungle Book” (7 p.m.), courtesy of Union County Parks and Recreation. Popcorn and popsicles will be available. The town recommends you bring a chair. 

• When: 4 to 7 p.m. May 3

• Where: 6490 Weddington Road, Wesley Chapel

• Details: wesleychapelnc.com

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