• The granddaddy of all barbecues is Thursday, Oct. 23, at the 79th Annual Mallard Creek Presbyterian Church Barbecue beginning at 10 a.m. The money raised goes to supporting mission trips. Organizers expect to cook 14,000 pounds of pork barbecue, prepare 2,500 gallons of Brunswick stew (prepared South Carolina-style with rice), shred 2 tons of coleslaw, and entertain 20,000 people. The four drive-thrus have been updated for efficiency, and a call-ahead take-out stand will take orders up to 50 plates. 11400 Mallard Creek Road. www.mallardcreekbbq.com.
• Get on the bus: Taste of the World VI will be held Oct. 9 beginning with a reception at the Charlotte Museum of History, followed by a guided tour via coach bus to three East Charlotte international restaurants, which may include Ben Thanh, Brazas, Fu Lin, Jerusalem, Middle East Deli, Namaste and Mama's Caribbean. Dinner is followed by dessert and coffee at the Van Landingham Estate. Tickets are $40. www.charlotteeast.com/TasteofWorldnext.htm.
• Shannon Brunet of Global Restaurant in Ballantyne is hosting Girls Night Out Wine Tastings, paired with hors d'oeuvres from 6:30 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. $18 per person: Wednesday, Oct. 29 is the Fall Wine Tasting and Dec. 10 will feature Champagnes. 704-248-0866. www.global-restaurant.com.
• Wineday Fridays get you wine samplings for a $10 donation to the American Cancer Society. Hosted by The Village at SouthPark, Kiss 95.1 FM, and K104.7 FM, this event runs through Nov. 21 from 5:30 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. The Village at SouthPark Mall. 4400 Sharon Road. 704-227-8007.
• Tim Schafer's at Lake Norman has closed but Chef Tim has created a catering company: Lake Norman Catering, 704-651-0042.