Explore arts, science and history experiences at 19 locations across Mecklenburg County on Jan. 25-26, including the Camino Community Center in University City on Jan. 26.

Organized by the Arts and Science Council, Connect with Culture Days feature scores of activities by dozens of arts, science and history groups. At the Camino Center, sample Afro-Brazilian dance, make friendship blankets, hear a Mariachi band and more.

Connect with Culture Days at Camino Community Center

From 10 am to 4:30 pm Jan. 26, the Camino Community Center will host art, music, dance and literacy programs. The center is at 201 Stetson Drive, a short walk from the University City Blvd LYNX Station on North Tryon Street. Directions

University City Partners is presenting the programs offered on Jan. 26 at the Camino Community Center. All programs are free. Here are details:

Read With Love (en Español & in English)

• Presented by: Arts and Science Council
• Ages: Pre-K
• Time:  (en Español) 10 a.m. – 11 a.m. | (in English) 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Participate in a literacy workshop, developed by ASC, that teaches adult caregivers how to be more effective when reading with children. Registration is required.

• Click Here to Register for 10 a.m.
• Click Here to Register for 11:30 a.m.

Afro-Brazilian Dance Class

• Presented by: UNC Charlotte
• Ages: All ages
• Time: 11 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Students of the UNC Charlotte Department of Dance will lead a community dance class, introducing basic Afro-Brazilian dance movement. This fun, energetic class is open to non-dancers and dancers alike.

Friendship Blankets

• Presented by: Atrium Health
• Ages: All ages
• Time: 11:30 a.m. – 2 p.m.

If you can tie a knot, you can make a warm, cozy Friendship Blanket to share with neighbors in need. (No sewing needed.)

Grupo Los Morales

• Presented by: Tosco Music
• Ages: All ages
• Time: 12 p.m. – 1 p.m.

Since 2002, Jesus Morales has been performing throughout NC with his son Alberto Morales and joined by Francisco Martinez, and Ceasar “DJ” Cuco. They have four CDs, most recently “Con Alma Latina” and were featured in the documentary “Latino Traditions”.

Story Time with a Ballerina

• Presented by: Charlotte Ballet
• Ages: 4-7 years
• Time: 2:15 p.m. – 3 p.m.

Engage your young readers with books that encourage language and reading skill development, and helps them grow into successful, life-long readers. Ballerinas from Charlotte Ballet will read several of their favorite children’s stories. Children of all ages are encouraged to dress-up for this fun and engaging story time.

Music Performance

• Presented by: Mariachi Gavilanes Gabriel
• Ages: All ages
• Time: 3:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Mariachi is a style of music and musical group performance that dates back to at least the 18th century, evolving over time in the countryside of various regions of western Mexico. But the Mariachi goes beyond music; it is the sum of a cultural revolution expressed through a group of musicians.

Culture Days elsewhere in Mecklenburg County

Click here for the full schedule of activities taking place Jan. 25-26 throughout Mecklenburg County.