One of the Charlotte area’s most anticipated annual events returns for three days this August. For the fourth consecutive year, the Southern Women’s Show will be held at the centrally located Charlotte Convention Center.
Guests have really responded to the not-so-new-anymore uptown location, said Tish Atkins, executive show manager. “Moving uptown was a great decision for us and our guests,” she said. “Some guests stay at the show all day – and even return the next day. But plenty of guests like to come and then explore uptown – especially the Levine cultural campus – while they’re here.”
As always, guests can expect the latest in lifestyle, health, beauty, family, food and fashion. This year, featured celebrities include a fitness guru, a star from ABC’s “The Bachelor” and a teen heartthrob.
“This show is an annual tradition for so many,” said Atkins. “We have mothers and daughters who come every year. In fact, this year, we’re having a Mother/Daughter Look-alike Contest with Ramona Holloway from 107.9 The Link and her mom, Wheezy. Groups of friends, neighbors and co-workers make a day of it. Shopping isn’t always a group activity – but the Southern Women’s Show is custom-made for groups.”
And Friday night was custom-made for Girls’ Night Out. There’s a new spin on the concept this year. It’s the “Ultimate Girls’ Tailgate” – a pop-up tailgate that takes place at the Spotlight Stage. It will be fun, festive – and free. (Show admission is free after 4 p.m. that day.) Little Black Dress is offering free glasses of wine, while supplies last.
The show is an affordable way to get expert advice on everything from food to fitness. Guests can get in the show for as little as $5 with a light rail ticket stub. Ticket prices remain the same for the third consecutive year.
More than 350 exhibiting companies are preparing to showcase their best at this year’s show. A few highlights:
Food. The Food Lion Kitchen Stage will be programmed throughout the show with informative and entertaining demos. Experience live cooking demos, hands-on culinary events, tastings of the chefs’ scrumptious creations, and much more. Show attendees can discover cooking tips and new techniques as well as meal prep ideas that will help them put wholesome, satisfying dishes on the table in minutes.
Fashion. Since eight of 10 women wear the wrong size bra, organizers expect the Belk-sponsored free bra fittings with premier lingerie brand Wacoal to be a hit.
Fitness. An exercise routine doesn’t need to be routine. Fitness guru Chris Lowe will demonstrate how to inject excitement into a workout with hula hoops. The mastermind behind PowerHoopz Fitness System teaches everyone (kids and senior citizens included) how to have fun and get fit at the same time. She’ll lead the Mother/Daughter hula-hoop contest on Saturday.
Celebrity. Moms of teen or tween girls will know the name Keegan Allen. He plays Toby Cavanaugh on Freeform’s series, “Pretty Little Liars.” An instant phenomenon in the role, he has garnered multiple Teen Choice Award nominations.
He’s lending his celebrity status to causes he cares about: anti-bullying groups, breast cancer awareness and the Saban Free Clinic. Allen will be on the Fashion and Entertainment Stage on Saturday, Aug. 27. (And he’ll play “Two Truths and a Lie” with LauRen from the Kiss 95.1 FM Morning Show that day, too.)
And there’s more – all happening on the Spotlight and Fashion Stage:
- Chris Soules, the Iowa farmer who starred in the 19thseason of “The Bachelor” will appear at 3 p.m. on Saturday.
- Whitney Way Thore from “My Big Fat Fabulous Life” will appear at noon on Sunday.
- Dwayna Litz, author of “Happiness: No Man Required” will be on stage Friday at 3:15 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. on Sunday.
Also, shopping treasures abound near the spotlight stage. Look for the Southern Women’s Pop-up with “Charlotte Finds” – various vendors and items include Small Keys (7th Street Mkt) jewelry, handmade soaps, Charlotte-themed gifts and more.
ABOUT
The Southern Women’s Show has been one of the Charlotte area’s signature events for more than three decades. Thousands of mothers and daughters, sisters, co-workers and friends make it an annual tradition. The 34th annual show happens Aug. 26 through 28 at the Charlotte Convention Center.
Southern Shows pulls out all the stops for this mega-show. Favorite vendors return each time, but every year sees new exhibiting companies and new product launches. Food and fitness. Drink and décor. Health and beauty. Home and lifestyle. Caring for children and caring for the self. It’s everything you love, all under one roof.
When? Friday, Aug. 26 through Sunday, Aug. 28. Friday: 10 a.m. – 7 p.m., Saturday: 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. and Sunday: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Where? Charlotte Convention Center, 501 S. College St. Charlotte, N.C.
Parking: Plentiful parking is available at convenient uptown garages, including the nearby NASCAR Hall of Fame. (Guests who park at the NASCAR Hall of Fame can show their ticket stub as they exit and save $3 off the parking total.)
Admission:
- Adults: $12 at the door (Advance tickets available online for $10.)
- Youth (ages 6 – 12): $6
- Youth under age 6: Free with paying adult
- Advance tickets will be available from July 25 through Aug. 28 for$7 each at Walgreens.
- Groups of 10 or more can purchase advance tickets for $7 each.
- Admission is free on Friday, Aug. 26 after 4 p.m.
- Teacher Appreciation Day is Sunday, Aug. 28. Teachers (and staff) who present a valid school ID at the box office will be given free admission. This year for the first time, pre-service educators (those who work in 2- to 4-year-old nurseries and programs) and preschool directors will also get in free by checking in at the show office located in Room 102.
Proud Sponsors:
The Charlotte Observer, Chevrolet, Food Lion, Walgreens and Little Black Dress Wines
For more information:
Call 800-849-0248 or visit www.SouthernWomensShow.com
