More things to do this fall 

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SPECIAL EVENTS

August

HUMMINGBIRD FESTIVAL Festival includes games, crafts, vendors, and a celebration with ruby-throated hummingbirds. Free. Aug. 23, 10 a.m.--4:30 p.m. Reedy Creek Park and Nature Preserve, 2900 Rocky River Road.

GREAT GATSBY GALA The annual Great Gatsby Party celebrates its 20th year in Charlotte. This event raises money for the National MS Society through a "Gatsby era" party complete with costumes and swing dancing. Guests also enjoy big band music, bidding on silent auction items and tasting a variety of food and drinks from local restaurants. Aug. 23, 8 p.m. at The Atrium at Two Wachovia. http://ncp.nationalmssociety.org.

BATTLE SLAM JAM A celebration of urban art, dance, music, athleticism, and cars. $10 registration fee to compete. Free. Aug. 23, 10 a.m. Grayson SkatePark, 750 Beal St., 704-365-1265. www.battleslamjam.com.

DOWNTOWN DAVIDSON CONCERT ON THE GREEN In celebration of 10 years of the popular concert series, each concert will feature a themed picnic contest with prizes awarded to winners. Aug. 24: The Bad Daddies. Picnic theme is funkiest picnic. Free. 6 p.m.-8 p.m. Davidson's Town Green (at Main St. and Davidson/Concord Road.) www.downtowndavidson.org.

CELEBRATE GOSPEL The free, outdoor family event will feature vendors, food, and national gospel artists. Aug. 30, 2 p.m. Smithville Park, 19710 S. Ferry St.

2008 NEW RIVER BLUES FESTIVAL Headliners include Johnny Rawls, Wallace Coleman, Shrimp City Slim, Miss Wanda Johnson, The King Bees and more. Aug. 31, 1 p.m.-7 p.m. Jefferson Landing, Jefferson. www.newriverbluesfestival.info.

September

ROMAN ARMY FESTIVAL. Experience Ancient Rome with gladiators and soldiers. Free. Sept. 4-7. Fourth Ward Park, 301 N. Poplar St. www.castraromana-pompeii.com.

SOUTHERN IDEAL HOME SHOW AND SOUTHERN KITCHEN AND BATH SHOW A home and garden show that gives ideas on remodeling, decoration, as well as advice on projects and services on the interiors and exteriors of homes and landscaping and gardening projects. Sept. 5-7. $7-$9. Fri., 12 p.m.-9 p.m.; Sat., 10 a.m.-9 p.m.; Sun., 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Charlotte Merchandise Mart, 2500 E. Independence Blvd. 704-376-6594. www.southernidealhomeshow.com.

CHARLOTTE LITERARY FESTIVAL Sept. 6 at the Charlotte Convention Center. Featuring authors, speakers, and bands – Susan Jeffers, Terry Brooks, Dale Henry and more. Tickets $10. www.charlotteliteraryfestival.com.

BLUES BREWS & BBQ Charlotte’s barbecue contest and festival brings a whole lot of barbecue vendors, which means there will be some good eats. In addition, there will be beer, entertainment, bluesy vibes from Bill Wharton aka Sauce Boss and more. Free admission. 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Sept. 12-13. N. Tryon St. (between 6th St. & 11th St.) 704-332-2227. www.charlotteshout.com. 

DOWNTOWN DAVIDSON CONCERT ON THE GREEN In celebration of 10 years of the popular concert series, each concert will feature a themed picnic contest with prizes awarded to winners. Sept. 7: Davidson Express. Picnic theme is most colorful picnic. Free. 6 p.m.-8 p.m. Sept. 21: Davidson College Symphony and Jazz Ensemble. Picnic theme is most collegiate. Free. 6 p.m.-8 p.m. Davidson's Town Green (at Main St. and Davidson/Concord Road.) www.downtowndavidson.org.

SIZE MATTERS: A REALLY BIG ART KRAWL Over 20 music acts, two open jam sessions, drum circles, belly dancers, 60 artists, street performers and The Krawl's Open Air Arts and Craft Market. Special Performance by Snagglepuss at Snug Harbor. Sept. 13. Charlotte's Plaza Central Business District. www.thekrawl.org.

3RD ANNUAL WHITEWATER FESTIVAL Food, live music, activities and more. Sept. 13, 9 a.m. U.S. National Whitewater Center, 820 Hawfield Road, 704-391-3900. www.usnwc.org.

SUNSET JAZZ FESTIVAL This festival features outdoor jazz performances by bassist Ron Brendle of Freebop Funk-tet and flutist Michael Porter of Porterhouse and more. Sept. 13, 2:30 p.m. Symphony Park at SouthPark Mall, 4400 Sharon Road. www.charlottesunsetjazzfestival.com.

SOUTHERN WOMEN'S SHOW Show features fashion, shopping, food, and prizes. Sept. 18-21. $5-$9. Charlotte Merchandise Mart, 2500 E. Independence Blvd. 704-376-6594. www.southernwomensshow.com.

FESTIVAL IN THE PARK Celebrating its 44th anniversary, this festival offers a variety of food, music, and arts native to the southeast. Sept. 18-21. Freedom Park, 1900 East Blvd. www.festivalinthepark.org.

NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD, WITH GEORGE ROMERo The Light Factory presents the 40th anniversary of the horror film classic that revolutionized the genre with special guest, Director George A. Romero. $20 in advance. Sept. 19, 7 p.m. McGlohon Theatre, 345 N. College St. 704-372-1000. www.blumenthalcenter.org.

SECOND ANNUAL HOPPIN' JOHN OLD-TIME & BLUEGRASS FIDDLERS' CONVENTION Featuring music, contests and cook-off activities. Sept. 19-20. $8-$10. Shakori Hills Farm 1439 Henderson Tanyard Road, Silk Hope, N.C. 919-542-1746. www.hoppinjohn.org.

CHARLOTTE FILM FESTIVAL In its third year, this festival aims to bring exposure to the filmmakers whose films showcase. Sept. 25-28. www.charlottefilmfestival.org.

CHARLOTTE SHOUT CULINARY ARTS EXPERIENCE 2008 This two-day celebration offers art, music and, of course, food. This year’s event features 14 restaurants and celebrity guests such as Cat Cora, Curtis Stone, Lorena Garcia, Billy Strynkowski and Martin Yan. In addition, there will be lots of samples and interactive experiences. Sept. 26-27. Johnson & Wales Campus, 801 W. Trade St. 704-332-2227. www.charlotteshout.com.