AUG. 2 — 24th Annual Japanese Dance Festival aka Bon Odori. This festival celebrates Japanese culture and what better way to do it than with dance and drumming performances, an Aikido martial arts exhibition, crafts and a whole lot more? You can also satisfy your hunger with Japanese food and a traditional tea ceremony as well. Free. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Wachovia Atrium Plaza, 301 South Tryon St. 704-333-2775
AUG. 2 — Wines From Greece. Maybe the Discovery Place’s IMAX film Greece: Secrets of the Past just didn’t give you a taste of Greece. If that’s how you feel, then this wine tasting will help fix that. It’ll feature a variety of wines from Hellas (aka Greece). $15. 6 p.m. Gallery Restaurant at Ballantyne Resort, 10000 Ballantyne Commons Parkway. 704-248-4100. www.gallery-restaurant.com.
AUG. 3 — Family Fun Day. Families can visit the museum and carriage house, but that isn’t all. There will also be storytelling, games (including rolling hoops, Jacob’s ladder and others) and last, but not least, ice cream. Families can help to hand crank the ice cream and eat it afterwards. 2 p.m.-5 p.m. Gaston County Museum, 131 W. Main St. (Dallas) 704-922-7681. www.gastoncountymuseum.org.
This article appears in Jul 30 – Aug 5, 2008.
