Last-Minute Gifts: Tickets to shows, games make for perfect presents
If you're looking for other last-minute gifts that you can buy from the comfort of your home and don't clutter your house, let's talk about tickets to shows and sports games.
I know these can be pricey, especially if you're considering a Broadway show or a major league sports game, but they don't have to be. We have plenty of options around here that are easier on your wallet and fun.
Some ideas.
Big Shows
PNC Arena will host the the Harlem Globetrotters on March 15, Jurassic World Live from Feb. 6 to Feb. 9, Monster Jam on March 7 and March 8, World's Toughest Rodeo on March 29, JoJo Siwa on May 19 and lots of big concerts in 2019, including Billie Eilish and Harry Styles.
BrickUniverse, a LEGO fan convention, returns to the Raleigh Convention Center on March 7 and March 8. The two-day event will offer all kinds of opportunities for building and learning about what's possible with LEGO bricks.
Youth Theater and Concerts
Cary offers its Marvelous Music Family Series throughout the year. Tickets generally are $8 and you can add on a special craft program that goes along with the show. In 2020, performances include an Opera Xpress version of "The Ugly Duckling" and Jeff Boyer presents "Fun with Energy."
Raleigh Little Theatre's youth series includes Seussical in February and The Jungle Book in March and April. Sensory-friendly versions are planned for both. Tickets start at $12 for these.
The Durham Performing Arts Center has some a variety of shows headed our way, including Blippi Live on Feb. 20 (note the real Blippi will not be attending), Les Miserables, Mandy Moore and The Color Purple in March, Stomp and Riverdance in April, Baby Shark Live! in May, Scoopy-Doo! and the Lost City of Gold in June, and Wicked in the fall. Ticket prices vary depending on the show.
The N.C. Theatre's season will stage "The Sound of Music" in late July and early August.
The N.C. Symphony's Youth Series has two more concerts this season - Happy Feet to a Latin Beat on Jan. 4 and Fairy Tales and Dragons on April 4. These are fun for toddlers to young tweens.
Sports
The Carolina Hurricanes has some special ticket offers.
We're lucky around here to have so many colleges with great teams. And I'm not just talking about men's football and basketball. My kids love taking in sports such as volleyball, women's basketball and soccer. Even better, tickets are often free or very cheap. There are too many teams to list, but Carolina, Duke and N.C. State all have a variety of schedules and information on their websites. I'm looking forward to catching some women's basketball this winter!
Speaking of cheap tickets, my kids have gotten the promise of a trip to the ball park in the spring in their stockings. The Carolina Mudcats and Durham Bulls have affordable options for families.
