More summer fun 

May

CHARLOTTE MOUNTAIN BIKE SERIES May 20-Sept. 2: Races open to all bikers regardless of experience with 12 categories. $17. Location varys each week. 704-503-0138. www.charlottemtnbike.com.

WINDSTREAM POLE NIGHT May 21: NASCAR Sprint Cup Series drivers give their all during qualifying and try to claim first position for the Coca-Cola 600. $12-$20. Lowe's Motor Speedway, Concord. 704-455-3200. www.lowesmotorspeedway.com.

FOOD LION SPEED STREET May 21-23: The streets of Uptown Charlotte are transformed into a showcase of motorsports with three entertainment stages, appearances by top Sprint Cup Drivers, exhibits for all ages, simulators, and more. Free. 11 a.m. to midnight. 704-455-5555. www.600festival.com.

WORLD OF OUTLAWS SHOWDOWN May 22: The nation's best sprint car racers battle it out on the dirt track. $10-$25. 5 p.m. The Dirt Track at Lowe's Motor Speedway, Concord. 704-455-3200. www.lowesmotorspeedway.com.

PATRIOT FESTIVAL May 23: Join us Memorial Day weekend as we salute our military heroes. Experience an activity-filled day with your friends and family with live music, kid-fun area, military vehicles, fire trucks and special military maneuvers. $5 donation. 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Symphony Park at SouthPark Mall, 4400 Sharon Rd. 704-533-3796. www.patriotgala.com.

$25 WORKSHOPS AT CHEAP JOE'S ART STUFF May 23: Beginning Oils with Katie Blackwell; May 30: Intro to Anime and Manga w/ Bethany Root. Cheap Joe's Art Stuff, 4420 Monroe Rd. 704-333-2527. www.cheapjoes.com.

"BACK TO THE GARDEN" COMPOSTING WORKSHOP May 23: Learn how to turn grass clippings, leaves, twigs, kitchen scraps, and more into treasure through composting! $10. 1 p.m.-2:30 p.m. Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden, 6500 South New Hope Road, Belmont, N.C. 704-829-1252. www.DSBG.com.

CONCAROLINAS 2009 May 29-31: Charlotte's best convention for fans of sci-fi, fantasy, horror, gaming, anime, and costuming. Features numerous writers, media, and art guests. $15-$30. Hilton Charlotte University Place, 8629 JM Keynes Drive. www.concarolinas.org.

2009 PET PALOOZA May 30: The Humane Society of Charlotte's annual dog walk includes a one-mile pet walk, vendors, refreshments, musical entertainment, a dog fashion show, a silent auction, other activities and fun for the entire family. $10 to walk; free otherwise. 8:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Independence Park, 300 Hawthorne Lane. 704-494-7704. www.humanesocietyofcharlotte.org.

KIDS TRIATHALON May 30: Huntersville Family Fitness & Aquatics invites children ages 2-14, including physically challenged, to compete in our swim/bike/run triathalon. 6 p.m. Huntersville Family Fitness & Aquatics, 11725 Verhoff Drive, Huntersville. 704-666-2222. www.HFFA.com.

INDOOR FOOTBALL May 30: Carolina Speed vs. South Carolina Force. $5-$20. 7 p.m. Bojangles' Coliseum, 2700 E. Independence Blvd. 704-786-0280. www.carolinaspeed.com.

OUTDOOR PORTRAITURE WITH DAVID KELLY May 30: Learn how to take portraits outdoors using natural lighting. $36. 9:30 a.m.-12 p.m. Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden, 6500 South New Hope Road, Belmont, N.C. 704-829-1252. www.DSBG.com.

MEN IN THE CITY BACHELOR AUCTION May 30: Meet some of Charlotte's most successful and eligible bachelors. A portion of the proceeds will be donated toward college scholarships. $20. 6 p.m.-10 p.m. Spirit Square, 345 N. College St. 704-451-5910. www.deltasofcharlotte.org.

June

LOWE'S FOODS TASTE OF CHARLOTTE June 5-7: Enjoy an array of culinary delights as you choose from over 100 samples from Charlotte's finest restaurants. Live entertainment. Free admission. June 5-6, 11 a.m.-11 p.m. June 7, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Rain or shine. www.tasteofcharlotte.com.

COOKING WITH EXECUTIVE CHEF BRIGGS June 6: Cooking demonstrations from "farm to table." Learn the simple steps on how to prepare these delicious recipes in your kitchen by Executive Chef Gene Briggs. $39.95. 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Blue Restaurant & Bar, 214 N. Tryon St. 704-927-2583. www.bluecharlotte.com.

INTERNATIONAL PASO FINO HORSE & STARTOWN STABLES-BONE MARROW FOUNDATION CHARITY HORSE SHOW June 6: Show classes all day. Kids' corral will include pony rides, face painting and more! Free. Starts at 10 a.m. Latta Plantation Park, 5225 Sample Road, Huntersville. 828-465-3322. www.startownstables.com.

VOLLEYBALL BASH June 6-7: Sixth annual tournament. Cash prices. Pre-register. 9 a.m. Memorial Stadium, 310 N. Kings Drive. 704-336-7644. www.charlottevb.com.

LOWE'S MOTOR SPEEDWAY SUMMER SHOOTOUT SERIES June 9-Aug. 11: The 16th annual Summer Shootout Series each Tuesday night includes Legends Car, Bandolero and Thunder Car racing as well as special attractions like school bus race nights and a huge Fireworks Extravaganza Night! $7. 7:30 p.m. Lowe's Motor Speedway, Concord. 704-455-3200. www.lowesmotorspeedway.com.

2009 POINTS BONANZA-DISC GOLF COMPETITION June 11-14: Presented by the Charlotte Disc Golf Club. Reedy Creek, 2900 Rocky River Road. 704-907-8334. www.charlottedgc.com.

FRENCH ROSE WINE TASTING June 13: Discover the distinctions of fine wine and complementary appetizers. Reservations are recommended. $15. 6 p.m. Gallery Restaurant & Bar, 10000 Ballantyne Commons Pkwy. 704-248-4100. www.gallery-restaurant.com.

WORLD KAYAK HOMETOWN THROWDOWN June 13: A freestyle kayaking event series for spectators and Charlotte's paddling community based on the legendary Maryland Chute Outs. $5 to watch, $25 to participate. 12 p.m. and 5 p.m. US National Whitewater Center, 5000 Whitewater Center Pkwy. 704-391-3900. www.usnwc.org.

LAKE WYLIE SPLASH DASH RACES June 13: 5K &10K races. $20. 8 a.m. Camp Thunderbird, Lake Wylie, S.C. 803-831-2827. www.lakewyliesc.com.