A family friendly festival at Freedom Park ... and you thought the f-word was a bad thing. Bring the whole family out to the 44th Annual Festival in the Park, a four-day event based on promoting the local art scene. With numerous artists sharing their works and lots of entertainers and live bands providing free performances throughout the weekend, there's definitely something for everyone. This festival has been a Charlotte tradition since 1964 and it's always adding new events, like this year's youth talent show. Free. Sept. 18-21. Sept. 18, 6 p.m.-9 p.m.; Sept. 19, 4 p.m.-9 p.m.; Sept. 20, 10 a.m.-9 p.m.; Sept. 21, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Freedom Park, 1900 East Blvd. 704-338-1060. www.festivalinthepark.org.