Check out these events going down in Charlotte and the surrounding area this weekend— as selected by the folks at Creative Loafing.

Friday, Oct. 21
El Dia de los Muertos
Baku Gallery and Pura Vida
In Mexican tradition, El Dia de los Muertos (English: Day of the Dead) is a time to remember deceased loved ones. The holiday (which sounds more gloomy than it is) is also somewhat of a celebration of life, since festivities are shared among friends and family. In NoDa, Pura Vida is decorating with a colorful exhibit of sugar skulls as well as an altar where folks can contribute flowers, photos, food and drink. Next door at Baku Gallery, art by local artists (William and Lauren Puckett, Joel Tracy, Joey Vernon, Amanda Powell, Hayley Lakeman, Jake Thorsell and more) also pays homage to the spirited.

• Music As if Charlotte hasn’t reached its peak with Romare Bearden fever, the Charlotte Symphony’s Bearden 100 concert at Belk Theater continues to honor the much-loved artist with Carolina roots. The show will feature music by composers Duke Ellington and Aaron Copland paired with Bearden’s images of Harlem, Southern life and Mecklenburg County. Jacomo Rafael Bairos conducts. More...

• Film The American Institute of Architects and Bechtler Museum of Modern Art have joined forces for a new Architecture + Film series that is described as investigating “themes in modern and contemporary architecture through the lens of film.” Tonight’s screening, Infinite Space: The Architecture of John Lautner, is a documentary following the life and work of Lautner, a prolific California architect of the 20th century and protégé of Frank Lloyd Wright. Chris Jarrett (UNCC Professor and Director of the School of Architecture) will speak and lead a discussion about the film as well. Reception begins at 6 p.m., discussion/film screening at 7 p.m. More...

Saturday, Oct. 22
Plaster Body Workshop
Ciel Gallery + Mosaic Studio
Folks who have ever wondered what it would be like to have a mold of yourself will find Ciel Gallery + Mosaic Studio's Plaster Body Casting a worthwhile experience. It isn't often the opportunity arises to be cast in plaster by an expert, but today Tina Alberni - one of Ciel's partners and the artist facilitating the workshop - is looking for faces, hands, or feet to lather in gooey substrate. The safe and fast plaster technique results in what could be described as a work of art and/or a creepy centerpiece for Halloween, depending on how you look at it.

• Nightlife Just can’t wait for Halloween? Tonight’s Celebrity Look-A-Like Party at Fanz Sports Grill is paying homage to the rich and famous. This means folks can dress in their best star-studded attire for what should amount to one beautiful crowd. Of course, there’s also always a chance that a Charlie Sheen look-alike will show up to tone things down. The possibilities are endless. More...

• Benefit The International House helps to serve Charlotte's diverse cultures from around the world by promoting language, exchange and other programs to the community on a day-to-day basis. Its 2011 Benefit Gala, Great Britain: A Rock 'n Royal Celebration, features British cuisine, dancing, music and live/silent auctions. More...

Sunday, Oct. 23
Bela Fleck & The Flecktones
Knight Theater
Composer and banjoist Fleck has gathered the original line-up of the inimitable Flecktones — Howard Levy (piano/harmonica), Victor Wooten (bass) and Roy Wooten (percussion) — and hit the road with their fluid blend of bluegrass, jazz, folk, blues, classical and world music. The gents are touring their newest recording, Rocket Science, which, while eschewing nostalgia, forges new paths for the quartet.

• Theater Like any couple, Annabelle Gurwitch and Jeff Kahn of Hollywood have had their share of ups and downs. However, they chose to document their real-life romance and marriage of 15 years, to the world. The result? A humorous new take to the stage called You Say Tomato, I Say Shut Up. Divorce may seem more like a honeymoon after a gander into the matrimony of these two. More...

• Festival Carolina Renaissance Festival fans gather for medieval merriment. Luckily, no one gets hurt here. It’s a much safer alternative to time travel (if we had that). Roam the village marketplace or browse the arts and crafts vendors for new body armor to add to the wardrobe. Jousting tournaments and live shows entertain throughout the day. Don’t forget to chow down on a big fat turkey leg. More...