An alternative to the trek up to Lake Norman for North Carolina Brewers and Music Festival, this fest also offers a good time with both beer and bourbon tastings available. The music lineup — Phillip Bray, Part Time Blues Band, The Contests and Swingin’ Richards Band — is less dense, but on the other hand there are lots of barbecue and foodie demos, competitions and contests (including one for “Best Beer Belly”) throughout the day. If you’re like me and you don’t eat pork, come for the sides, which are plentiful and tasty. It all goes down in the scenic setting of Symphony Park by SouthPark Mall. For more information, visit www.beerandbourbon.com. (Anita Overcash)