Summer brings tons of ways to keep your social calendar and tummy happy. If these picks leave you hungry for more, check me out as The Social Eater at www.EatMyCharlotte.com, to stay up to date on new events. #hashtaghungry.
The Latin American Coalition's signature event ¡Azúcar! A Caribbean Celebration celebrates all things Caribbean. Sample a Cuban menu and enjoy Bachata, dominoes and a night of pure entertainment. $12-$15. June 13, 7 p.m. Neighborhood Theatre, 511 E. 36th St. www.FestivalAzucar.com.
Duke's Bread is creating a new tradition in Plaza Midwood. The Plaza Farmer's Market will host local vendors of everything from knit caps to guava jam. Free. Every Sunday, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Duke's Bread, 1217 The Plaza. www.facebook.com/PlazaFarmersMarket.
Both the food and the atmosphere at Beautiful People Brunch are guaranteed fresh at this monthly pop-up brunch series. June's event celebrates dads with a special guest host and DJ. Hang out with the cool kids for the eclectic mix of music and a buffet spread prepared by Chef Barry Francois. Follow @BeautifulPplQC on IG and Twitter for updates. $20. June 15; July 13. 1 p.m.-4 p.m. Dupp&Swat, 2424 N. Davidson St. Suite 112B.
Vin Master celebrates "the noble grape" with all-you-can-eat oysters at its 4th Annual Oyster Fest. Enjoy the other heroes on the half shell four ways — raw, Rockefeller, grilled and barbecued — with all the Riesling you can handle. $40. June 21, 4 p.m.-6 p.m. Vin Master Wine Shop, 2000 South Blvd. Suite 610. www.thevinmaster.com.
Gather together for a good cause and help Project Art Aid support local initiatives at Queen City Soup. Chow down on barbecue while listening to pitches, then vote on your favorite. The winner will receive a micro-grant from the dinner's proceeds. Entertainment provided by alternative R&B songstress Jocelyn Ellis. $10. June 22, 4 p.m.-6 p.m. Charlotte Ballet, 701 N. Tryon St. www.projectartaid.queencitysoup.org
• Pork, beer and hot wheels join forces at the Piedmont Culinary Guild's summer soiree Bacon & Brews Cruise-in. Twenty of the best chefs in town will demo and sample all things porcine while local breweries keep the suds flowing. There are only 300 tickets, so grab one at www.baconbrewscruisein.com. $35. June 29, 3-7 p.m. Atherton Mill and Market, 2104 South Blvd.
Stuff yourself full of all the blue crabs and lowcountry boil you can handle at the SouthEast Crab Feast and enjoy live music and family-friendly fun. They always sell out fast! $12.50-$20 in advance. July 5, 4 p.m.-7 p.m. Park Road Park, 6220 Park Road. www.SouthEastCrabFeast.com
Fridays reign supreme for food trucks in South End, but NoDa has its own thing cooking. Check out the NoDa Alley Rally, where you can grab a bite at your favorite mobile eatery, enjoy live music, entertainment and family activities, and get a taste of the vibes on the other side of the tracks. Free. Every Thursday, 5 p.m.-8 p.m. Area 15, 15th and North Davidson streets.
Crafting and beer can be a tragic combination, but your hands are in safe hands with the professional artists of CrownTown Handmade at BYO Craft Night. Bring whatever you're working on and enjoy a pint of local craft beer while you knit — or stamp, cut or bead — your troubles away. Free. July 2; Aug. 6. 6 p.m.-8 p.m. Noda Brewing Company, 2229 N. Davidson St.
Fill up the tank ...
And check out these nosh-worthy happenings just a touch out of town.
Palmetto Tasty Tomato Festival Even if tomatoes aren't your thing, City Roots Urban Farm is full of local food vendors and cool activities. $10. July 19, 4 p.m.-9 p.m. City Roots Farm, 1005 Airport Blvd., Columbia, South Carolina. tastytomatofestival.com
Four Seasons Summer Wine Tasting Dinner This quarterly 5-course wine dinner is keyed to the season in both dish selection and wine pairings. Visit www.raffaldini.com for reservations. $82.50 + tax. Aug. 16, 6 p.m.-9 p.m. Raffaldini Vineyards, 450 Groce Road, Ronda, North Carolina.
• Asheville Food & Wine Festival After two days dedicated to cocktails and desserts, experience bliss at The Grand Tasting, a culminating celebration featuring over 300 wines and locally-sourced dishes. Head to www.ashevillewineandfood.com for details. $45-$70. Aug. 21-23. Downtown Asheville.