The second week of the NASCAR invasion continues in the Charlotte area today when the family-friendly Speed Street festival takes over Center City. A key thing to remember about this particular event is the word free. Admission is free, driver autograph sessions are free and best of all, most of the product samples — and we’re talking about everything from Tylenol to diapers to sausage — are free! Just be wise to the fact that you often get what you pay for, however. If you’re a fan of country music, oldies tunes or classic rock you’ll probably fair OK with appearances from Sara Evans, Diamond Rio, Maurice Williams (of the Zodiacs), Bill Pinkney, The Tams, Loverboy and Cheap Trick. But for new rock fans, well, you get your pick from Better Than Ezra and Puddle of Mudd. Prepare for packed streets today through Saturday. 11 a.m. to midnight. On Tryon Street from Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. (formerly 2nd Street) to 5th Street, and on 3rd Street from Tryon to Graham. www.600festival.com.
This article appears in May 23-29, 2007.
