Saturday, August 11 1967 was the Summer of Love. It was when Hendrix, The Beatles and The Doors (I'm obviously leaving out a lot) were a pretty big deal. You had Golden Gate Park and The Monterey Pop Festival, and in Charlotte 40 years later, you have Midwoodstock. The Plaza-Midwood Neighborhood Association, along with Mecklenburg County Parks & Rec are putting on this free concert. Come check out Tom Billotto on acoustic guitar with Jimmy Bookout. Seth Boulton and the Dream Machine, Square Roots, Bossy Cow and more. This event has become a staple in the Plaza-Midwood community as it comes together to celebrate neighborhood spirit and recognizes all the people who make Plaza-Midwood such a unique place. So, come spend the day in the park, have a picnic, walk through the garden and listen to some of the best musicians in Charlotte. 12 - 7 p.m. Free. Midwood Park, 1920 Mecklenburg Ave. www.plazamidwood.org
I've always held the position that should a heaven or hell exist, I'd prefer to spend eternity with the fun people -- the one's who really know how to party and chill. Perfect example: Purgatory XXXIII. It's a celebration of things condemned in our society and the culmination of those unafraid to enjoy them. Who can't appreciate a good fetish or two with a vodka tonic on the side? 8 p.m. $15. Amos' Southend, 1423 S. Tryon St. www.purgatory-theshow.com.
Saturday & Sunday, August 11-12 Be excited, be invited! Through literature survives imagination, adventure, savory plot and unmatchable intrigue. The second annual Charlotte Literary Festival continues to re-introduce the community to unity and awareness through variables of literature, art and culture. Featured authors include Zane, The New York Times best selling author of must-reads like, The Sex Chronicles: Shattering the Myth and Addicted. If that's not enough, be excited to see scores of other writers including-but-not-limited-to Catherine Coulter, Donna Hill and Omar Tyree. Still wondering what all the hoopla's about? Special guests (like Zane's posse, The Punany Poets), awesome activities, a selection of vendors and an afternoon of celebration will make for yet another unforgettable event. The festival is to take over Uptown's Marshall Park and the Blake Hotel. 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. Center City. 704-287-7653. www.charlotteliteraryfestival.com.
Saturday, August 18 They speak a language most people can't understand, complete with numbers, pseudo-names, and abbreviations. They perform stunts that most of us would die (or at least be irreparably injured) from. They soar through the air on vehicles that I can't even get to move me one block down the road. And we love them for it. The display of daredevil-ism at Charlotte's second annual BattleSlamJam mingles with the sound and atmosphere of a hip-hop revival to create an eclectic form of athletic artisanship. There'll be a tap-off, a new skool dance competition, a DJ scratch-off and, of course, sk8 boarding. The competition hopes to engage youth in activities that both excite and challenge them, involving the Charlotte community as well. Competition registration is only ten bucks and sponsors include Red Bull, Black Sheep Skate Shop, Fuel Pizza and more. Did I mention the event is free to the public? Yeah, I'll see you there. 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. Free. Grayson Skate Park, 750 Beal St.
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