Here are the five best events going down in Charlotte and the surrounding area today, Nov. 27, 2008 — as selected by the folks at Creative Loafing.

• OK. Obviously, the event at the top of the list today is to spend time with your loved ones. It's THANKSGIVING, after all.

• Carolinas' Thanksgiving Day Parade in Uptown

• Thanksgiving Brunch at the Ballantyne Resort

• Dance off the turkey at Forum, with DJ Icey

• Turkey Roast hosted by ToneX at NV Lounge