TO-DO LIST

Feb. 29-March 4
SOUTHERN SPRING SHOW
For 52 years, this event has become a rite of spring in the South for garden enthusiasts and homeowners. It features more than two dozen landscaped gardens, vendors selling the latest products for the home and garden, experts who’ll answer your questions and daily gardening and landscaping programs. Hours are Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Friday and Saturday,10 a.m.-9 p.m. The Park Expo and Conference Center, 2500 E. Independence Blvd. Admission is $10 at the door, $8 in advance. Parking is $6. More info: 704-376-6594 or 800-849-0248; www.southernspringhomeandgardenshow.com.

Through March 18
ORCHID SPECTACULAR
During this year’s event, Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden’s Orchid Conservatory will be transformed into a 19-century orchid hunting ground so that guests can feel as if they are on an orchid expedition and see it was like to suffer from Orchidelirium, the Victorian name given to those who suffered the orchid equivalent of “gold fever.” Visitors will also be able to view the garden’s collection of 5,000 orchids, take part in classes and lectures by orchid experts and view see a showcase of antique lithographs proved by American Orchid Society judge Don Osborne. Admission is $12, $11 for 60 and older, $6 for 4-12. “An Evening of Orchids” fundraiser includes a silent auction, food and a beer and wine bar is Feb. 24. Tickets cost $55 and $85. Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden, 6500 S. New Hope Road, Belmont. More info: 704-825-4490; www.dsbg.org.

March 10 & March 17
FAIRYTALES, FANTASY, & FEAR EXHIBITION
NC Dance Theatre and the Mint Museum have come together to bring a special offer to any “Sleeping Beauty” ticker buyer or Mint Museum member. Ticket buyers can present a stub/voucher to receive free admission to The Mint Museum on Saturday March 10 or Saturday March 17 (a $10 value) to see the new exhibition Fairytales, Fantasy, & Fear, opening March 3. Any member of The Mint Museum qualifies for a 25 percent discount on tickets to the “Sleeping Beauty.” Fairytales, Fantasy, and Fear will be on display through July 8 For More Info or to purchase tickets: www.ncdance.org or www.Mintmuseum.org .

March 1
"YOUR DREAM WEDDING: FASHION & FANTASY 2012”
Bridal showcase hosted by the Charlotte Chapter of The National Association of Wedding Professionals. See the latest trends in bridal gowns and decor from the Charlotte-area wedding industry. Guest speaker is Tiffany Nieves-Cook, a celebrity wedding planner featured on the WeTV's “Platinum Weddings.” 6:30-9:30 p.m. at the Marriott Executive Park. $10. More information: 704-533-0757.

March 17
ACHARLOTTE ST. PATRICK’S DAY PARADE AND CHARLOTTE GOES GREEN FESTIVAL
More than 60,000 are expected to watch this parade that steps off at 11 a.m. at Tryon and Ninth Streets. It marches south to Tryon and Third Streets. Grand Marshal is Bill Duffy of Bobcat Sports & Entertainment. The festival runs from 10 a.m.-6:30 p.m. on Tryon Street between First and Third Streets with Irish music, Irish dancers, bagpipers, food, vendors and beverages. The parade and festival are free. More information www.charlottestpatsday.com.

March 23
ROCK AND ROAST
A fundraiser for the Autism Foundation of the Carolinas. The casual evening includes appetizers, beer and wine, roasted oysters, shrimp and grits, salad, bread and dessert. Entertainment is from Sabra Callas and the band Crossroads. Proceeds benefit the nonprofit that meets the underserved needs of families dealing with autism in Charlotte. 7-11 p.m. at The Palmer Building, 2601 E. Seventh St. $125. More information: www.autismcarolinas.org.

CHILL CHASER EVENING
The historic Duke Mansion in Myers Park hosts this cocktail party featuring snacks from executive chef Harrison Booth. There’s a cash bar (credit cards accepted, too). 5:30-7 p.m. Reservations: 704-714-4445; ecovington@tlwf.org.

RETURN TO MODERN: AN EVENING OF AN ERA
Celebrate the sprit of the late 1950s at this fundraiser for the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art featuring heavy hors d’oeuvres, cocktails, music and entertainment. Vintage modern cocktail attire encouraged. Honoree is Bob Bertges of Wells Fargo. Committee chairs are Amy and Philip Blumenthal. Tickets are $150 and $250. More information: 704-353-9207; www.bechtler.org.

March 24
CLASSICAL IDOL: MUSIC TRANSFORMS
A benefit for the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra produced by the Symphony Guild of Charlotte. Cocktails at 6:30 p.m. followed by the show at 7:30 p.m., featuring performers from the Charlotte Symphony, N.C. Dance Theatre, Opera Carolina, Oratorio Singers and Winterfield. Emcee is the symphony’s conductor, Christopher Warren-Green. $60-$125. Tickets: www.carolinatix.org.

CURE BY DESIGN CHARLOTTE
The American Cancer Society is holding it’s inaugural Cure By Design even that brings fashion, design, and retail together. Local cancer survivors model looks from local designers in the event presented by Presbyterian Cancer Center along with other sponsors. The event, including elegant reception, live and silent auctions, and survivor fashion show, will be health at the Ritz Carlton Urban Garden in Uptown Charlotte. Individual tickets are $125. All proceeds will benefit the American Cancer Society. More info: or call 704-552-6147 www.curebydesigncharlotte.org.

March 29
CHARITY LEAGUE FASHION SHOW AND SILENT AUCTION
The show’s theme is “Generations” and features fashions from Mack & Mack and Rue Cler Boutique, an online children’s fashion boutique. Fashions will be modeled by Charity League members and their daughters and granddaughters. A silent auction will feature items from area shops, restaurants and artisans. Proceeds benefit the league’s programs that help at-risk children in the Charlotte area. 10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. at Carmel Country Club. Tickets are $60. RSVP required by March 12 to mail@charityleagueofcharlotte.org. More information: www.charityleagueofcharlotte.org./.