thursday, aug. 30 You may only get to see your favorite players for a quarter or two, but preseason games can be as much of a warm-up for fans as they are for players -- try out that new grill, practice yelling at the refs for a bad call or simply enjoy the beauty that is a stadium hotdog. While it's a home game for the Carolina Panthers, there will be plenty of the Steelers' faithful at the contest. The team won Super Bowl XL back in 2006, and they'll bring plenty of "Terrible Towels" with them. This will be the fourth preseason game for the Panthers, who looked good in their opener against the Giants. More practice for Delhomme and the guys can't be a bad thing after last season's disappointing 8-8 record. 8 p.m. $45-$70. Bank of America Stadium, 800 S. Mint St., 704-358-7800. www.panthers.com.
sunday, sept. 2 Word Up! Get your two-step ready to party like it's 1986 again as Cameo hits Charlotte (again) with its now-familiar mix of electric funk and flair that started in the 1970s, blossomed in the '80s, and is apparently, retro-fitted for the '00s. Angela Winbush and R&B group Loose Ends round out this Summer Soul Music Festival that includes the best old school playing in between acts and Soul Food Row dishing out your down home favorites. 3 p.m. $35 ADV/$45. Eastover Park, in front of the Mint Museum, 2730 Randolph Road, 704-372-1000. www.carolinatix.org.
wednesday, sept. 5 For the month of September, the Queen City will experience an explosion of art, culture and community. Charlotte SHOUT! begins today, incorporating over 200 performances and events in more than 40 venues throughout the Charlotte region. Every sense will be stimulated with a bevy a offerings including dance, theatre, artwork, and FOOD! See the Web site for the complete schedule. Times and locations vary. www.charlotteshout.org.
thursday, sept. 6 How you doin'? Naw, that's not quite the brand of ethnicity of which we were in search. More like lamb gyros, baklava and spanakopita, Now, you're getting it. The 30th Annual Yiasou Greek Festival is rolling in. Wow, who can believe it's been 30 years and still going strong? A wine tasting booth will be open, as well as an area for the youngsters, Children's Playland. Through Sunday, Sept. 9. Thu: 11 a.m.-8 p.m.; Fri-Sat: 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sun, 12-8 p.m. $2. Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 600 East Blvd. www.yiasoufestival.org.