Community calendar | Charlotte Observer

Please submit your event information online. Go to events.charlotteobserver.com and click on "add to our listings." Email photos to stories@newsofcabarrus.com. The submission deadline for print is two weeks in advance of the event date.

Dec. 7

Food for Fines for the Cabarrus County Public Library:

The Cabarrus County Public Library will be offering Food for Fines through Dec. 12. Each non-perishable (canned or packaged) food item in good condition and not out-of-date is worth $2. Donated items cover fines only; they do not cover lost or damaged items. Items can be dropped off at each Cabarrus County Public Library branch. Cabarrus County Public Library - Concord, 27 Union St. North, Concord. 704-920-2050. www.cabarruscounty.us/library.

BJ's Wholesale Club to Host Holiday Food Drive:

BJ's Wholesale Club Holiday Food Drive invites the public to donate non-perishable, non-glass food items to benefit local Feeding America food banks and help ensure those in need receive well-balanced, nutritious meals this holiday season. Through Dec. 12. BJ's Membership Club, 7905 Lyles Ln, Concord.

Carolina Christmas at Charlotte Motor Speedway:

Single car passes are $20 and group rates are also available. Tickets may be purchased online at the gate. 1-800-455-FANS. www.visitcarolinachristmas.com. Charlotte Motor Speedway, 5555 Concord Pky S, Concord. 704-455-3267. www.charlottemotorspeedway.com.

Dec. 8

Carolina Christmas at Charlotte Motor Speedway:

Single car passes are $20 and group rates are also available. Tickets may be purchased online or at the gate. 1-800-455-FANS. www.visitcarolinachristmas.com. Charlotte Motor Speedway, 5555 Concord Pky S, Concord. 704-455-3267. www.charlottemotorspeedway.com.

First Impressions: Cannon School First Grade:

Parents of rising first graders will learn how Cannon School's teaching philosophy of adaptive expertise, curriculum and supportive first grade teachers provide essential building blocks that nurture young learners. Rising first graders are invited for a fun hour of story-telling and activities planned just for them. 7 p.m. Cannon School, 5801 Poplar Tent Road, Concord. 704-786-8171. www.cannonschool.org

University City Women's Group Monthly Meeting:

Monthly meeting of the University City Women's group. Meeting begins at 9:45 a.m. with social time followed by business meeting, program and lunch. Cost for lunch is $12. Contact Susan Zongker for reservations at luncheon.ucwg@gmail.com. Newcomers welcome. Oasis Shrine Temple, 604 Doug Mayes Place, Charlotte.

Dec. 9

Carolina Christmas Light Show:

Admission is $20 per car, minivan or SUV. Group discounts are available. www.charlottemotorspeedway.com. Charlotte Motor Speedway, 5555 Concord Pky S, Concord. 704-455-3267. www.charlottemotorspeedway.com.

Old Courthouse Theatre Presents "A Broadway Christmas Musical":

Dickens' classic is brought to life by three actors, one piano player, many witty song parodies, split second costume changes and a breakneck pace. 8 p.m. $15 / $ 12 / $10. Old Courthouse Theatre, 49 Spring St. NW, Concord. 704-788-2405. www.oldcourthousetheatre.org.

Messiah:

The Christmas portion of Handel's "Messiah," with orchestra, will be presented by the Piedmont Choral Society and the sanctuary choirs of First Presbyterian Church and Central United Methodist Church, Concord. Around 100 singers are expected to participate. 7 p.m.; 3 p.m. Dec. 11. Free. 704-699-6053. First Baptist Church Concord, 200 Branchview Drive SE, Concord. 704-786-9167. www.fbcconcord.org.

Dec. 10

The Metropolitan Opera: Faust - Live:

Gounod's classic retelling of the Faust legend. 12:55 p.m. AMC Concord Mills 24, 8241 Concord Mills Blvd., Concord. 704-979-0200. www.amctheatres.com.

Speed for Children in Need 5K:

Just in time for the holidays, give back to the community by participating in the Speed for Children in Need 5K at Charlotte Motor Speedway, benefiting the Charlotte Chapter of Speedway Children's Charities and the Hendrick Marrow Program. The course for the 5K run/walk will start at zMax Dragway and end at Charlotte Motor Speedway's start/finish line. There will also be a 1.5-mile track walk and a Kid's Dash. For details or to register, visit www.charlotte.speedwaycharities.org. 3 p.m. Charlotte Motor Speedway, 5555 Concord Pky S, Concord. 704-455-3267. www.charlotte.speedwaycharities.org.

Christmas Fellowship - Joy & Salt (51 and up Married or Single):

3 p.m. Golden Corral Buffet & Grill, 1486 US-29 N., Concord. 704-782-0044.

Old Courthouse Theatre Presents "A Broadway Christmas Musical":

8 p.m. $15 / $ 12 / $10. Old Courthouse Theatre, 49 Spring St. NW, Concord. 704-788-2405. www.oldcourthousetheatre.org

Speakeasy Blues Combo:

9 p.m. Free. thebluesproviders.weebly.com. The Speakeasy Alehouse, 9 Union St. N., Concord.

Dec. 11

Messiah:

The Christmas portion of Handel's "Messiah", with orchestra, will be presented by the Piedmont Choral Society. 3 p.m. Free. 704-699-6053. First Baptist Church Concord, 200 Branchview Drive SE, Concord. 704-786-9167. www.fbcconcord.org.

Dec. 12

Beginning Archery Days:

Bring your bows, old and new, and experience the fun and fellowship of indoor archery. 6 p.m. $10. BOSS Archery, 4501 Raceway Drive S.W., Concord. 704-784-4365. www.bossproshops.com

Dec. 13

NYC Ballet Presents George Balanchine's The Nutcracker Live:

A valiant nutcracker saves a little girl from the evil Mouse King. 6 p.m. AMC Concord Mills 24, 8241 Concord Mills Blvd., Concord. 704-979-0200. www.amctheatres.com

American Legion Post & Auxiliary #523:

American Legion Post & Auxiliary #523 of Harrisburg meet the second Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. Separate meetings are held at The Carillon Assisted Living Center, 6200 Roberta Road, Harrisburg. Visitors are welcomed. American Legion Post & Auxiliary #523, 6200 Roberta Road, Harrisburg.

Concord High School Choirs Winter Concert:

The Concord High School Choirs, under the direction of Marc Lawson, will present their Winter Concert at Central United Methodist Church. The concert will consist of mostly Christmas music. 7 p.m. Free. Central United Methodist Church, 30 Union St. North, Concord. 704-786-4109. www.centralconcord.org.

Dec. 15

Read, Play Shop! Story Hour Comes to Concord Mills:

Story Hour for families and children at Concord Mills. 10:30 a.m. Concord Mills, 8111 Concord Mills Blvd., Concord. 704-979-3000. www.concordmills.com.