Here are summer events going down in Charlotte and the surrounding area May 19 - June 2 as selected by the folks at Creative Loafing.

ARTS

OCEAN Continues through Dec. 31. This exhibition allows for guests to play, learn and experience the seashore without leaving the Piedmont. The Schiele Museum of Natural History, 1500 E. Garrison Blvd. 704-866-6900. www.schielemuseum.org.

THE FAMILY JEWELS: SMALL PAINTINGS FOR HARD TIMES Continues through June 30. Solo exhibition of oil paintings on panel and acrylic paintings on canvas by Herb Jackson. Christa Faut Gallery, 19818 North Cove Rd., Cornelius. 704-892-5312. www.christafautgallery.com.

THE COLOR PURPLE May 20-May 21, 7:30 p.m.; May 22, 8 p.m.; May 23, 2 p.m. & 8 p.m.; May 24, 2 p.m. & 7:30 p.m. A musical based on the novel by Alice Walker and the Oscar-nominated film by Steven Spielberg. It tells the story of a woman named Celie and her struggles through racism, sexism and separation from her loved ones. Belk Theater, 130 N. Tryon St. 704-372-1000. www.blumenthalcenter.org.

THE TRIAL May 22-24. Joseph K wakes up one morning to find that he is under arrest. But he doesn't know why or what he did. By Franz Kafka. Performed by the CTC Ensemble Company. Adapted for the stage by Steven Berkoff. Directed by Mark Sutton. Recommended for ages 13 and up. ImaginOn's Wachovia Playhouse, 300 East 7th St. 704-973-2828. www.ctcharlotte.org.

BOB TROTMAN: BUSINESS AS USUAL May 23-Nov. 14. In this exhibition Trotman examines everyday life and the workplace through figurative sculptures. Mint Museum of Art, 2730 Randolph Rd. 704-337-2000. www.mintmuseum.org.

LAKE NORMAN COMEDY ZONE May 26: Comedien Julie Scoggins. $10. 7 p.m.; June 2: Comedian Tony Tone. $10. 7 p.m. Lake Norman Comedy Zone at Galway Hooker Pub, 17044 Kenton Dr. 704-895-1782. www.galwayhookerpub.com.

ALIVE May 29 & 30: Comedians Julie Scoggins and Roger Keiss 2909 N. Davidson St. 704-930-2200. www.matthewscomedyzone.com.

METAMORPHOSES May 28-30, 8 p.m.; May 31, 2:30 p.m.; June 4-6, 8 p.m.; June 7, 2:30 p.m.; June 11-13, 8 p.m.; June 14, 2:30 p.m.; June 18-20, 8 p.m.; June 21, 2:30 p.m.; June 25-27, 8 p.m. Take a dip in Carolina Actors Studio Theatre's wet rendition of Mary Zimmerman's Blockbuster show about science and myth, as well as what we might know in the future. CAST renovated the theater and a pool for the production. Carolina Actors Studio Theatre, 1118 Clement Ave. 704-455-8542. www.nccast.com.

DAY OF ABSENCE May 28-30, 8 p.m.; May 31, 3 p.m. On Q Productions presents this production of Day of Absence, written in 1965 by Douglas T. Ward. This satirical play explores racial issues in the South during a segregated era. $12-$15. Afro-American Cultural Center, 401 North Myers St. 704-374-1565. www.aacc-charlotte.org.

COLLABORATIVE ARTS' FREE SHAKESPEARE FESTIVAL. Twelfth Night. Free. May 28-June 14. The Green in Uptown, 435 S. Tryon St. For more information, call 704-625-1288. www.collaborativeartstheatre.com.

FILM

FREEDOM FILM SERIES: COMIC DUOS May 20: Tommy Boy; May 27: Rush Hour. Free. 6 p.m. Freedom Regional Library, 1230 Alleghany St. 704-416-4200. www.plcmc.lib.nc.us.

FLASHBACK FRIDAY May 22: Jumanji. 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. Free. ImaginOn's Joe & Joan Martin Center. For teens ages 12-18 only. For more information, call 704-973-2728. 300 E. 7th St. www.imaginon.org.

MOVIES AT THE PARK IN KANNAPOLIS May 22: Wall-E. Free. 8:45 p.m. Village Park, located along A and C Streets and North Loop Road in Kannapolis. 704-920-4343. www.cityofkannapolis.com.

MATTHEWS SUMMER CONCERT & MOVIE SERIES May 23: Kung-Fu Panda. Vendors will be on site selling food and drinks. Pre-movie activities begin at 7 p.m. and movies begin at approximately 8:30 p.m. or dusk. For more information, call 704-321-7275 or visit www.matthewsfun.com. Stumptown Park, 120 S. Trade St., Matthews.

CULT MOVIE MONDAYS May 25: Theatre650 offers Cult Movie Mondays with free admission to film screening and free popcorn. Drink specials include $2 Yuengling, Miller Lite and Coors Light. Evil Dead 3: Army of Darkness. Doors open at 7 p.m. Movie starts at 8 p.m. Admission is first-come, first served. Actor's Theatre of Charlotte, 650 E. Stonewall St. www.actorstheatrecharlotte.org/cultmovies.htm.

AFTERNOON AT THE MOVIES May 30: Join film expert Sam Morris for an afternoon movie. Popcorn and refreshments provided. 1 p.m. Morrison Regional Library, 7015 Morrison Blvd. 704-416-5400. www.plcmc.lib.nc.us.

MOVIES ON THE ROOFTOP The Epicentre Theaters and Mez present sundown showings of first-run movies on the Rooftop Pavilion at EpiCentre. Movies will change weekly, but will be selected from current hits and summer blockbusters, including Angels & Demons and Transformers. Screenings will take place Sunday nights, Wednesday nights, and one additional night each week. $12. The first screening will be Sun., May 31. Continues throughout the summer. 210 E. Trade St. www.ghazicompany.com.

MUSIC

TREMONT MUSIC HALL May 20: Jukebox The Ghost with Jenny Owen Youngs and Parachute; May 21: Get On The Stage No. 6, featuring Beware! The Stereotype with RazorKat and AvionSansPilot and more; May 22: Street Value XII Dance Party; May 23: Gorilla Productions Battle of the Bands; May 24: Gorilla Productions presents Through the Void, Black Days of January, Downside Dead and more; May 26: King with With Wings of Lead; May 28: The Omega Cell, Echo Code and Tattermask; May 29: Dreamkiller, Wicked Jones and Chapel Grove; May 30: Lucky Five, The Urban Sophisticates and The Solos Unit. 400 W. Tremont Ave. 704-343-9494. www.tremontmusichall.com.

THE EVENING MUSE May 20: The Spongetones, Justin & the Cosmics/The Afterwhiles/Love Colt; May 21: Sam Thacker with Hightide Blues; May 22: Roman Candle/The Deep Vibration, Jupiter One/Dolson/The Speedbumps; May 23: Tony Lucca/Andrew Hoover/Joey Degraw, Audioform/Fuzz & Mac/Blount Harvey; May 24: Country Line Strangers, azurenaut, Jasper Land and more; May 25: Find Your Muse Open Mic with featured artist Sequoyah Prep School; May 27: The Spongetones, Fernandina/Eleisha Eagle; May 28: Dylan Gilbert/Brett Harris/The Tomahawks, The Benjy Davis Project; May 29: Mike Garrigan/Mark Kano, Transmission Fields with brotherbrother. May 30: Charlotte FemmeFest. 3227 N. Davidson St. 704-376-3737. www.theeveningmuse.com.

DOUBLE DOOR INN May 20: The Crowntown Showdown, a showcase of local and regional talent; May 21: Bill Hanna Jazz Jam; May 22: Carolina Live Music Society presents An Evening with The Mantras & Vertigo Jazz Project; May 23: The Young Ages; May 25: Service Industry Night featuring The Monday Nite All-Stars; May 26: J Wail with Silver Machine; May 27: The Lee Boys; May 28: Bill Hanna Jazz Jam; May 29: Tommy Talton; May 30: Part Time Blues Band. 1218 Charlottetowne Ave. 704-376-1446. www.doubledoorinn.com.

FOOD LION SPEED STREET May 21: Bell Biv De Voe, Bridgette Tatum, Jason Aldean; May 22: Lifehouse, Otherwoods, Rodney Atkins, Simplified; May 23: Bobby Messano, Brit Price, Clint Black, Doug Davis, Gavin Degraw, Girls, Guns & Glory, Green River Ordinance, Jonathan Singleton, Mckenzies Mill. Uptown Charlotte. www.600festival.com.

ALIVE AFTER FIVE May 21: Tuesday's Gone (a Lynyrd Skynyrd tribute band) and Sticky Fingers; May 28: Frontiers (a Journey tribute band) and Big Ed's Garage. Pavilion at EpiCentre, 210 E. Trade St., Ste 230-B. www.aliveafterfiveatepicentre.com.

VISULITE THEATRE May 21: Jolt Wagon, M4 Messenger, Near Gravity; May 22: Paleface, Jim Avett, Samantha Crain & the Midnight Shivers; May 23: Bums Lie, Stump Dickins; May 28: Larry Keel and Natural Bridge; May 29: Heywire, Neighbors Acres, Hot Hand Spirits; May 30: Blue Dogs. 1615 Elizabeth Ave. 704-358-9200. www.visulite.com.

SUBARU RIVER JAM May 21: Roadside Attraction; May 28: Ten Toes Up. Enjoy live music on Thursday nights at the US National Whitewater Center. Free. 7 p.m.-10 p.m. 5000 Whitewater Center Pkwy. 704-391-3900. www.usnwc.org.

SNUG HARBOR May 21: Bob Log III, Willem Maker, 2013 Wolves, The Holy Smokes; May 22: Holy Liars, Trouble Walkers, Guam High, Slow Gun Shogun; May 23: Two Tears, Radio Taiwan, Throttlerod, The Have and The Have Nots; May 24: Crank Country Daredevils, The Poontanglers, Appalucia, The Bitterman; May 27: Battle Beasts, Apathy Like You Mean It, A Flash of Alchemy; May 29: Junior Astronomers, Death Becomes Even the Maiden, The Lo and Beholds; May 30: The Noises 10; May 31: Sundae at Snug Harbor with George Brazil. 1228 Gordon St. 704-333-9799. www.snugrock.com.

THE MILESTONE May 21: Goes Cube, Teams, Battle Beast; May 22: Hopewell, Foxchase, Coma League; May 23: Antiseen, 25 Minutes to Go, Music Hates You; May 24: Thrones, Grids, Projexorcism, Clang Quartet; May 27: Husky, Boolow, Admiral Browning; May 28: Reverser, Pride Parade, Chamelon; May 29: Lamb Handler, Babyshaker, Transient; May 30: The Helio Sequence, The Lights Fluorescent, Ultimate Optimist. 3400 Tuckaseegee Rd. www.themilestoneclub.com

STONECREST @ PIPERGLEN BAM-JAZZ FREE OUTDOOR CONCERT May 22-23, 7 p.m.; Aug. 7-8, 7 p.m. Bill Averbach & Bam-Jazz will be performing their New Orleans flavored brand of jazz, blues, cajun, and world beat music. Free. 7804 Rea Rd. www.bamusic.net.

CONCERT SERIES AT BIRKDALE May 22: Jason Marcum; May 23: True Fiction; May 29: The Merrows; May 30: Sons of Zen. Birkdale Village, 8712 Lindholm, Ste. 206., Huntersville. 704-895-8744.

CAROWINDS FESTIVAL OF MUSIC 2009 May 22, 29, 30. 14523 Carowinds Blvd. 704-588-2600. https://music.carowinds.com.

FOUNDERS HALL FRIDAY ACOUSTIC CONCERT SERIES May 22: Ziad, jazz duo. 100 N. Tryon St. 704-716-8649. www.foundershall.com.

MCGLOHON THEATRE May 23: Toad the Wet Sprocket; May 29: Queen City Virtuosi Chamber Orchestra – An Ideal Evening. 345 N. College St. 704-372-1000. www.blumenthalcenter.org.

NEIGHBORHOOD THEATRE May 23: Sol Driven Train; May 26: Les Claypool; May 29: Josh Phillips Folk Festival; May 30: Charlotte FemmeFest. 511 E. 36th St. 704-358-9298. www.neighborhoodtheatre.com.

AMOS' SOUTHEND May 24: Bourbon Crow with Wednesday 13 and Rayen Belchere; May 28: Stephen Marley; May 29: Player/Kommander, Red All Over and Snowfight; May 30: Appetite For Destruction (The Ultimate Guns 'N' Roses Tribute), Ride The Lightning (The Ultimate Metallica Tribute); May 31: Little Feat. 1423 S. Tryon St. 704-377-6874. www.amossouthend.com.

JOYFEST May 23: Featuring performances by Kirk Franklin, Marvin Sapp, Tye Tribbette and Smokey Norful. Carowinds' Palladium Amphitheatre, 14523 Carowinds Blvd. 704-588-2600. www.carowinds.com.

CONCERTS ON THE GREEN May 24: Sound Barrier, rock & roll. Picnic theme is Galloping Gourmet. Downtown Davidson. www.downtowndavidson.org.

FEMMEFEST May 30: Featuring more than 30 artists, poets and musicians – local and regional – will perform beginning at 5:30 p.m. in a celebration of women in the arts. Held in NoDa at N. Davidson Street and 36th Street and venues including The Evening Muse, Neighborhood Theatre, Prevue, Smelly Cat Coffeehouse, Dolce Vita, Wine-Up. www.charlottefemmefest.org.

MATTHEWS SUMMER CONCERT SERIES May 30: Cookie, a mixture of Motown, oldies and variety. Stumptown Park, 120 S. Trade St., Matthews. 704-321-7275. www.matthewsfun.com.

CORNELIUS CONCERT SERIES May 31: Ms. Jones and the Velvetones. 3 p.m. Mt. Zion United Methodist Church, 19600 Zion St., Cornelius. 704-892-8566. www.mtzionumc.net.

OVENS AUDITORIUM June 2: Celtic Woman: Isle of Hope. 2700 E. Independence Blvd. 704-372-3600. www.ovensauditorium.com.

MORE FUN

CHARLOTTE MOUNTAIN BIKE SERIES May 20-Sept. 2: Races open to all bikers regardless of experience with 12 categories. $17. Location varys each week. 704-503-0138. www.charlottemtnbike.com.

WINDSTREAM POLE NIGHT May 21: NASCAR Sprint Cup Series drivers give their all during qualifying and try to claim first position for the Coca-Cola 600. $12-$20. Lowe's Motor Speedway, Concord. 704-455-3200. www.lowesmotorspeedway.com.

FOOD LION SPEED STREET May 21-23: The streets of Uptown Charlotte are transformed into a showcase of motorsports with three entertainment stages, appearances by top Sprint Cup Drivers, exhibits for all ages, simulators, and more. Free. 11 a.m. to midnight. 704-455-5555. www.600festival.com.

WORLD OF OUTLAWS SHOWDOWN May 22: The nation's best sprint car racers battle it out on the dirt track. $10-$25. 5 p.m. The Dirt Track at Lowe's Motor Speedway, Concord. 704-455-3200. www.lowesmotorspeedway.com.

PATRIOT FESTIVAL May 23: Join us Memorial Day weekend as we salute our military heroes. Experience an activity-filled day with your friends and family with live music, kid-fun area, military vehicles, fire trucks and special military maneuvers. $5 donation. 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Symphony Park at SouthPark Mall, 4400 Sharon Rd. 704-533-3796. www.patriotgala.com.

$25 WORKSHOPS AT CHEAP JOE'S ART STUFF May 23: Beginning Oils with Katie Blackwell; May 30: Intro to Anime and Manga w/ Bethany Root. Cheap Joe's Art Stuff, 4420 Monroe Rd. 704-333-2527. www.cheapjoes.com.

"BACK TO THE GARDEN" COMPOSTING WORKSHOP May 23: Learn how to turn grass clippings, leaves, twigs, kitchen scraps, and more into treasure through composting! $10. 1 p.m.-2:30 p.m. Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden, 6500 South New Hope Road, Belmont, N.C. 704-829-1252. www.DSBG.com.

CONCAROLINAS 2009 May 29-31: Charlotte's best convention for fans of sci-fi, fantasy, horror, gaming, anime, and costuming. Features numerous writers, media, and art guests. $15-$30. Hilton Charlotte University Place, 8629 JM Keynes Drive. www.concarolinas.org.

2009 PET PALOOZA May 30: The Humane Society of Charlotte's annual dog walk includes a one-mile pet walk, vendors, refreshments, musical entertainment, a dog fashion show, a silent auction, other activities and fun for the entire family. $10 to walk; free otherwise. 8:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Independence Park, 300 Hawthorne Lane. 704-494-7704. www.humanesocietyofcharlotte.org.

KIDS TRIATHALON May 30: Huntersville Family Fitness & Aquatics invites children ages 2-14, including physically challenged, to compete in our swim/bike/run triathalon. 6 p.m. Huntersville Family Fitness & Aquatics, 11725 Verhoff Drive, Huntersville. 704-666-2222. www.HFFA.com.

INDOOR FOOTBALL May 30: Carolina Speed vs. South Carolina Force. $5-$20. 7 p.m. Bojangles' Coliseum, 2700 E. Independence Blvd. 704-786-0280. www.carolinaspeed.com.

OUTDOOR PORTRAITURE WITH DAVID KELLY May 30: Learn how to take portraits outdoors using natural lighting. $36. 9:30 a.m.-12 p.m. Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden, 6500 South New Hope Road, Belmont, N.C. 704-829-1252. www.DSBG.com.

MEN IN THE CITY BACHELOR AUCTION May 30: Meet some of Charlotte's most successful and eligible bachelors. A portion of the proceeds will be donated toward college scholarships. $20. 6 p.m.-10 p.m. Spirit Square, 345 N. College St. 704-451-5910. www.deltasofcharlotte.org.

MUSIC

TREMONT MUSIC HALL May 20: Jukebox The Ghost with Jenny Owen Youngs and Parachute; May 21: Get On The Stage No. 6, featuring Beware! The Stereotype with RazorKat and AvionSansPilot and more; May 22: Street Value XII Dance Party; May 23: Gorilla Productions Battle of the Bands; May 24: Gorilla Productions presents Through the Void, Black Days of January, Downside Dead and more; May 26: King with With Wings of Lead; May 28: The Omega Cell, Echo Code and Tattermask; May 29: Dreamkiller, Wicked Jones and Chapel Grove; May 30: Lucky Five, The Urban Sophisticates and The Solos Unit. 400 W. Tremont Ave. 704-343-9494. www.tremontmusichall.com.

THE EVENING MUSE May 20: The Spongetones, Justin & the Cosmics/The Afterwhiles/Love Colt; May 21: Sam Thacker with Hightide Blues; May 22: Roman Candle/The Deep Vibration, Jupiter One/Dolson/The Speedbumps; May 23: Tony Lucca/Andrew Hoover/Joey Degraw, Audioform/Fuzz & Mac/Blount Harvey; May 24: Country Line Strangers, azurenaut, Jasper Land and more; May 25: Find Your Muse Open Mic with featured artist Sequoyah Prep School; May 27: The Spongetones, Fernandina/Eleisha Eagle; May 28: Dylan Gilbert/Brett Harris/The Tomahawks, The Benjy Davis Project; May 29: Mike Garrigan/Mark Kano, Transmission Fields with brotherbrother. May 30: Charlotte FemmeFest. 3227 N. Davidson St. 704-376-3737. www.theeveningmuse.com.

DOUBLE DOOR INN May 20: The Crowntown Showdown, a showcase of local and regional talent; May 21: Bill Hanna Jazz Jam; May 22: Carolina Live Music Society presents An Evening with The Mantras & Vertigo Jazz Project; May 23: The Young Ages; May 25: Service Industry Night featuring The Monday Nite All-Stars; May 26: J Wail with Silver Machine; May 27: The Lee Boys; May 28: Bill Hanna Jazz Jam; May 29: Tommy Talton; May 30: Part Time Blues Band. 1218 Charlottetowne Ave. 704-376-1446. www.doubledoorinn.com.

FOOD LION SPEED STREET May 21: Bell Biv De Voe, Bridgette Tatum, Jason Aldean; May 22: Lifehouse, Otherwoods, Rodney Atkins, Simplified; May 23: Bobby Messano, Brit Price, Clint Black, Doug Davis, Gavin Degraw, Girls, Guns & Glory, Green River Ordinance, Jonathan Singleton, Mckenzies Mill. Uptown Charlotte. www.600festival.com.

ALIVE AFTER FIVE May 21: Tuesday's Gone (a Lynyrd Skynyrd tribute band) and Sticky Fingers; May 28: Frontiers (a Journey tribute band) and Big Ed's Garage. Pavilion at EpiCentre, 210 E. Trade St., Ste 230-B. www.aliveafterfiveatepicentre.com.

VISULITE THEATRE May 21: Jolt Wagon, M4 Messenger, Near Gravity; May 22: Paleface, Jim Avett, Samantha Crain & the Midnight Shivers; May 23: Bums Lie, Stump Dickins; May 28: Larry Keel and Natural Bridge; May 29: Heywire, Neighbors Acres, Hot Hand Spirits; May 30: Blue Dogs. 1615 Elizabeth Ave. 704-358-9200. www.visulite.com.

SUBARU RIVER JAM May 21: Roadside Attraction; May 28: Ten Toes Up. Enjoy live music on Thursday nights at the US National Whitewater Center. Free. 7 p.m.-10 p.m. 5000 Whitewater Center Pkwy. 704-391-3900. www.usnwc.org.

SNUG HARBOR May 21: Bob Log III, Willem Maker, 2013 Wolves, The Holy Smokes; May 22: Holy Liars, Trouble Walkers, Guam High, Slow Gun Shogun; May 23: Two Tears, Radio Taiwan, Throttlerod, The Have and The Have Nots; May 24: Crank Country Daredevils, The Poontanglers, Appalucia, The Bitterman; May 27: Battle Beasts, Apathy Like You Mean It, A Flash of Alchemy; May 29: Junior Astronomers, Death Becomes Even the Maiden, The Lo and Beholds; May 30: The Noises 10; May 31: Sundae at Snug Harbor with George Brazil. 1228 Gordon St. 704-333-9799. www.snugrock.com.

THE MILESTONE May 21: Goes Cube, Teams, Battle Beast; May 22: Hopewell, Foxchase, Coma League; May 23: Antiseen, 25 Minutes to Go, Music Hates You; May 24: Thrones, Grids, Projexorcism, Clang Quartet; May 27: Husky, Boolow, Admiral Browning; May 28: Reverser, Pride Parade, Chamelon; May 29: Lamb Handler, Babyshaker, Transient; May 30: The Helio Sequence, The Lights Fluorescent, Ultimate Optimist. 3400 Tuckaseegee Rd. www.themilestoneclub.com

STONECREST @ PIPERGLEN BAM-JAZZ FREE OUTDOOR CONCERT May 22-23, 7 p.m.; Aug. 7-8, 7 p.m. Bill Averbach & Bam-Jazz will be performing their New Orleans flavored brand of jazz, blues, cajun, and world beat music. Free. 7804 Rea Rd. www.bamusic.net.

CONCERT SERIES AT BIRKDALE May 22: Jason Marcum; May 23: True Fiction; May 29: The Merrows; May 30: Sons of Zen. Birkdale Village, 8712 Lindholm, Ste. 206., Huntersville. 704-895-8744.

CAROWINDS FESTIVAL OF MUSIC 2009 May 22, 29, 30. 14523 Carowinds Blvd. 704-588-2600. https://music.carowinds.com.

FOUNDERS HALL FRIDAY ACOUSTIC CONCERT SERIES May 22: Ziad, jazz duo. 100 N. Tryon St. 704-716-8649. www.foundershall.com.

MCGLOHON THEATRE May 23: Toad the Wet Sprocket; May 29: Queen City Virtuosi Chamber Orchestra – An Ideal Evening. 345 N. College St. 704-372-1000. www.blumenthalcenter.org.

NEIGHBORHOOD THEATRE May 23: Sol Driven Train; May 26: Les Claypool; May 29: Josh Phillips Folk Festival; May 30: Charlotte FemmeFest. 511 E. 36th St. 704-358-9298. www.neighborhoodtheatre.com.

AMOS' SOUTHEND May 24: Bourbon Crow with Wednesday 13 and Rayen Belchere; May 28: Stephen Marley; May 29: Player/Kommander, Red All Over and Snowfight; May 30: Appetite For Destruction (The Ultimate Guns 'N' Roses Tribute), Ride The Lightning (The Ultimate Metallica Tribute); May 31: Little Feat. 1423 S. Tryon St. 704-377-6874. www.amossouthend.com.

JOYFEST May 23: Featuring performances by Kirk Franklin, Marvin Sapp, Tye Tribbette and Smokey Norful. Carowinds' Palladium Amphitheatre, 14523 Carowinds Blvd. 704-588-2600. www.carowinds.com.

CONCERTS ON THE GREEN May 24: Sound Barrier, rock & roll. Picnic theme is Galloping Gourmet. Downtown Davidson. www.downtowndavidson.org.

FEMMEFEST May 30: Featuring more than 30 artists, poets and musicians – local and regional – will perform beginning at 5:30 p.m. in a celebration of women in the arts. Held in NoDa at N. Davidson Street and 36th Street and venues including The Evening Muse, Neighborhood Theatre, Prevue, Smelly Cat Coffeehouse, Dolce Vita, Wine-Up. www.charlottefemmefest.org.

MATTHEWS SUMMER CONCERT SERIES May 30: Cookie, a mixture of Motown, oldies and variety. Stumptown Park, 120 S. Trade St., Matthews. 704-321-7275. www.matthewsfun.com.

CORNELIUS CONCERT SERIES May 31: Ms. Jones and the Velvetones. 3 p.m. Mt. Zion United Methodist Church, 19600 Zion St., Cornelius. 704-892-8566. www.mtzionumc.net.

OVENS AUDITORIUM June 2: Celtic Woman: Isle of Hope. 2700 E. Independence Blvd. 704-372-3600. www.ovensauditorium.com.

MORE FUN

CHARLOTTE MOUNTAIN BIKE SERIES May 20-Sept. 2: Races open to all bikers regardless of experience with 12 categories. $17. Location varys each week. 704-503-0138. www.charlottemtnbike.com.

WINDSTREAM POLE NIGHT May 21: NASCAR Sprint Cup Series drivers give their all during qualifying and try to claim first position for the Coca-Cola 600. $12-$20. Lowe's Motor Speedway, Concord. 704-455-3200. www.lowesmotorspeedway.com.

FOOD LION SPEED STREET May 21-23: The streets of Uptown Charlotte are transformed into a showcase of motorsports with three entertainment stages, appearances by top Sprint Cup Drivers, exhibits for all ages, simulators, and more. Free. 11 a.m. to midnight. 704-455-5555. www.600festival.com.

WORLD OF OUTLAWS SHOWDOWN May 22: The nation's best sprint car racers battle it out on the dirt track. $10-$25. 5 p.m. The Dirt Track at Lowe's Motor Speedway, Concord. 704-455-3200. www.lowesmotorspeedway.com.

PATRIOT FESTIVAL May 23: Join us Memorial Day weekend as we salute our military heroes. Experience an activity-filled day with your friends and family with live music, kid-fun area, military vehicles, fire trucks and special military maneuvers. $5 donation. 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Symphony Park at SouthPark Mall, 4400 Sharon Rd. 704-533-3796. www.patriotgala.com.

$25 WORKSHOPS AT CHEAP JOE'S ART STUFF May 23: Beginning Oils with Katie Blackwell; May 30: Intro to Anime and Manga w/ Bethany Root. Cheap Joe's Art Stuff, 4420 Monroe Rd. 704-333-2527. www.cheapjoes.com.

"BACK TO THE GARDEN" COMPOSTING WORKSHOP May 23: Learn how to turn grass clippings, leaves, twigs, kitchen scraps, and more into treasure through composting! $10. 1 p.m.-2:30 p.m. Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden, 6500 South New Hope Road, Belmont, N.C. 704-829-1252. www.DSBG.com.

CONCAROLINAS 2009 May 29-31: Charlotte's best convention for fans of sci-fi, fantasy, horror, gaming, anime, and costuming. Features numerous writers, media, and art guests. $15-$30. Hilton Charlotte University Place, 8629 JM Keynes Drive. www.concarolinas.org.

2009 PET PALOOZA May 30: The Humane Society of Charlotte's annual dog walk includes a one-mile pet walk, vendors, refreshments, musical entertainment, a dog fashion show, a silent auction, other activities and fun for the entire family. $10 to walk; free otherwise. 8:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Independence Park, 300 Hawthorne Lane. 704-494-7704. www.humanesocietyofcharlotte.org.

KIDS TRIATHALON May 30: Huntersville Family Fitness & Aquatics invites children ages 2-14, including physically challenged, to compete in our swim/bike/run triathalon. 6 p.m. Huntersville Family Fitness & Aquatics, 11725 Verhoff Drive, Huntersville. 704-666-2222. www.HFFA.com.

INDOOR FOOTBALL May 30: Carolina Speed vs. South Carolina Force. $5-$20. 7 p.m. Bojangles' Coliseum, 2700 E. Independence Blvd. 704-786-0280. www.carolinaspeed.com.

OUTDOOR PORTRAITURE WITH DAVID KELLY May 30: Learn how to take portraits outdoors using natural lighting. $36. 9:30 a.m.-12 p.m. Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden, 6500 South New Hope Road, Belmont, N.C. 704-829-1252. www.DSBG.com.

MEN IN THE CITY BACHELOR AUCTION May 30: Meet some of Charlotte's most successful and eligible bachelors. A portion of the proceeds will be donated toward college scholarships. $20. 6 p.m.-10 p.m. Spirit Square, 345 N. College St. 704-451-5910. www.deltasofcharlotte.org.