More fall events 

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CHARLOTTE FINE ART SHOW Juried art show featuring a variety of vendors with a mix of mediums, including sculptures, paintings, glass, wood, photography, jewelry and more. For more information, visit www.hotworks.org/charlottefineartshow. Oct. 9, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Oct. 10, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. $5; Free for children 12 years old and under. The Park Expo & Conference Center (formerly The Charlotte Merchandise Mart), 2500 Independence Blvd., Charlotte.

CHARLOTTE GARDEN CONSERVANCY OPEN DAYS Charlotte Garden Conservancy is having two open days at six of Charlotte's beautiful gardens. Sept. 25, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; Sept. 26, 1-5 p.m. $5-25.

CHARLOTTE LABOR DAY PARADE The Annual Charlotte Labor Day Parade, "An old fashioned parade-union made". Mon., Sept. 6, 11 a.m. Free. Uptown Charlotte. charlottelabordayparade.shutterfly.com/.

CHARLOTTE LITERARY FESTIVAL & QUEEN CITY NEO SOUL MUSIC FESTIVAL KICKOFF Hosted by V101.9 Radio Personality CC Mitchell, comedian Dave Martin and Bluz of Slam Charlotte. Featuring music by Matt Kelley Band, N'dambi and Dwele. Readings and book signings by authors Mary Monroe and Susan Taylor. For more information, visit www.realeyesbookstore.com. Sat., Sept. 11.

CHARLOTTE WEDDING CONNECTION Bridal show where Charlotte's wedding professionals showcase their products and services. Sun., Oct. 10, 1 p.m. $7. Levine Museum of the New South, 200 E. 7th St., Charlotte. 704-333-1887. www.museumofthenewsouth.org.

CIAO, ITALIA! FESTIVAL Festival celebrates all things Italian with displays and exhibits, dancing, music, food and more. Sat., Oct. 9. $3-$5; free for children under 12 years old. The Atrium, Uptown, Two Wachovia Center, Tryon Street, Charlotte.

CLAYWORKS HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE AND SALE Featuring original handmade sculpture and functional pottery by Clayworks faculty and studio artists. Fri., Dec. 3, 6 p.m. Free. edit event Clayworks Studio, 301 East 9th Street, Suite 150, Charlotte. 704-344-0795. www.clayworksinc.org.

COTSWOLD BLOCK PARTY Features activities for children, trucks brought out by CMPD and Station 14 fire department, face painters, games, food and more. Benefits the Second Harvest Animal Food Bank.Held at 4300 Water Oak Road (between the intersections of Hartness Avenue and Bertonley Avenue). Sat., Sept. 11, 10 a.m.-10 p.m.

COUNTRY MUSIC IN THE PARK Family concert with concessions and children's activities. Performance by the David Michael Band and a special fireworks show to immediately follow. Sat., Sept. 18, 6-9 p.m. Free. Bailey Road Park, 11536 Bailey Road, Cornelius. www.corneliuspr.org.

DIA DE LOS MUERTOS: DAY OF THE DEAD Celebrate the Mexican Day of the Dead holiday with cultural displays and altars, Mexican cuisine, dancing, music, story-telling, activities and more. For more information, visit www.latinamericancoalition.org. Sun., Oct. 31, 12-4 p.m. Levine Museum of the New South, 200 E. 7th St., Charlotte. 704-333-1887. www.museumofthenewsouth.org.

DIRTY DANCING FESTIVAL Featuring original cast members and original artists from the soundtrack, as well as games, food, a beer garden, live music and entertainment, storytellers and more. For more information, visit www.dirtydancingfestival.com. Sat., Sept. 18, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Morse Park Meadows, 2926 Memorial Highway, Lake Lure.

ENCUENTRO BORICUA Picnic in celebration of National Hispanic Heritage Month. Features authentic food, live music and more. For more information, visit www.prcscnc.com. Sun., Sept. 26, 2 p.m. Park Road Park Shelter #1, 6220 Park Road Park, Charlotte.

FALL ONE-ACT FESTIVAL Features a lively mixture of one-act plays directed by advanced theater students. Contains adult language and content. Held in Johnson Studio Theatre. Nov. 19, 8 p.m.; Nov. 20, 2 p.m. & 8 p.m.; Nov. 21, 2 p.m. Winthrop University, 124 McLaurin Hall, Rock Hill. 803-323-2493. www2.winthrop.edu/vpa/galleries/10_Spr_season.htm.

FESTIVAL IN THE PARK In its 46th year, this four-day long event offers live music, art and more. For more information, visit www.festivalinthepark.org. Sept. 23, 6-9 p.m.; Sept. 24, 10 a.m.-9:30 p.m.; Sept. 25, 10 a.m.-9:30 p.m.; Sept. 26, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Freedom Park, 1900 East Blvd., Charlotte.

FESTIVAL OF INDIA The India Association of Charlotte showcases the cultural heritage of the Asian-Indian community with Indian cuisine, displays of arts and crafts, performances of old and new dance forms, authentic Indian music, henna, live yoga demonstrations and more. For more information, visit www.indiafestival.net. Sept. 4, 12-7 p.m.; Sept. 5, 12-6 p.m. $5. Knight Theater, 430 S. Tryon St., Charlotte. 704-372-1000. www.blumenthalcenter.org.

INTERNATIONAL HOUSE GALA This years theme is "Japan - Celebrating Its Beauty and Culture." The event features Japanese cuisine, live and silent auctions, dancing and entertainment. Hosted by International House, a non-profit organization serving the Charlotte area's international population. Sat., Oct. 16, 6:30 p.m. Hilton Charlotte Center City, 222 East Third Street, Charlotte.

KOMEN CHARLOTTE RACE FOR THE CURE 5K run/walk raises funds and awareness for the fight against breast cancer. For more information, visit www.komencharlotte.org. Sat., Oct. 2. $20-$35.

LIFE LYRICS AND LAUGHTER A benefit concert featuring some of today's hottest comedians and musical acts. Special appearance by the BJ Murphy show of 103.3 WGIV. Proceeds benefit local charities including Crisis Assistance Ministry and Give-N-Go. Thu., Sept. 23, 8 p.m. $10. Club Skandalos, 5317 East Independence Blvd, Charlotte. www.lifelyricsandlaughter.eventbrite.com.