CAROLINA RENAISSANCE FESTIVAL Though the original Renaissance took place over 500 years ago, the Carolina version celebrates its thirteenth anniversary. In keeping with the spirit of its European origins, our festival features a medieval amusement park, a 9-stage theater, a 20-acre circus, an arts and crafts fair, a jousting tournament and a feast. The grounds are located at 16445 Poplar Tent Road, Huntersville. Merriment is only held on weekends, Saturday-Sunday, 10 a.m. -- 5:30 p.m. $5-$17. Info: 704-869-5544.
CHARLOTTE COMEDY THEATRE Have ya been moping around, feeling a little blue? Then here's the thing for you! Check out Sunday's Open Mic Jam, a combo of comedy, spoken word, music, you name it. Show at 7pm; $3. Oct. 27: Habitual Ritual presents Halloweelarious; 11pm. The location is 1308 D the Plaza. Call for reservations 1-866-467-7681. Web: www.charlottecomedy.com.
FRIGHT FLICKS FILM FEST Pre-Halloween slate of horror movies continues through October at Ballantyne Village Theatre. Oct. 27-29: Night of the Living Dead. Tickets are $5. For details, call 704-369-5101 or go to www.BallantyneVillage.com.
MISSIONARY POSITIONS Craig and Mike are two young Christian pastors on a mission to shed Light on the world of pornography. This free documentary screening will be held in UNCC's Free Zone, Saturday, Oct. 28. xxxChurch.com's PornSunday event will take place at J.M. Robinson High School, 300 Pitts School Rd SW, Concord, NC. Details at www.pornsunday.com/xxxchurch.com.
LEARN TO MEDITATE Take it from loyal practitioners of meditation: There's nothing like it to take the stress of your workday off your shoulders. That's why the Pain & Rehab Institute is offering a free class in the breathing techniques and imagery used in ancient qi gong meditation (betcha didn't know there was more than one kind). The office is located at 128 E. Plaza Drive in Mooresville. Classes are Thursdays at 7:30pm. Call 704-649-1629 to get started on the path to serenity.
OCFEST IV Labeled as "A Cultural Happening" this event, presented by the folks behind the CIAA, is the place for showcasing Black talent in fashion, film, theatre, art, spoken word, music, and more. It all goes down at Spirit Square, 345 N. College St. Admission is free. For more info, call 704-492-2519.
SALSA NIGHTS Be Shakira for a night and prove that your "Hips Don't Lie" at the free Latin-style dance lessons offered at the Loft, 1526 Elizabeth Ave. Learn salsa, merengue, bachata and more. Touting "celebrity instructors," this joint gets hips swiveling every Wednesday night at 8pm. Hit www.hispanos-usa.com or call 704-333-5898.
TANGO & TAPAS Patou and the Charlotte Tango Society host this free informal lesson on the Argentinian tango, perfect for making friends. Learn this sensual dance and improve existing skills with instructor Daniel Arredondo. Monday nights at 7pm. Patou, A French Bistro, 1315 East Blvd. Call 704-376-2233 or visit www.patoubistro.com or www.passionfortango.com.
SERVICES EXCHANGE The Marines' "Toys for Tots" program has garnered a new sponsor. Manchester Automotive and Tire Center will donate a free oil change service to any person that brings in a toy for the annual drive, Nov. 1 -- Dec. 15, no strings attached. Toys must be in original packing and unwrapped. Business hours are M-F, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.; address is 10001 Albemarle Road. Call 704-545-4597.
GLOVER MICROCINEMA A new series featuring the "The Complete Terence Davies" begin this week on Tuesday nights. Upcoming titles include: Death and Transfiguration and The Neon Bible (Monday, Oct. 30); The House of Mirth (Oct. 31). Experimental Film: 9 Signposts: Sundays, Oct. 15 - Nov. 12, 4 p.m. The Glover Microcinema is located in the Art House on 3103 Cullman St. For full details: www.glovermicrocinema.blogspot.com.
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