If your knowledge of the Middle East doesn't go far beyond rising oil costs, you really ought to become better informed. The Middle East Council of the Carolinas' annual Middle East Festival is a good place to start.
The festival features related arts and crafts, informational displays, food (the earlier you arrive the better, because they sometimes run out) and folk/belly dancing. Free admission. April 22, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Queens University, 1900 Selwyn Ave. For more information, visit www.middleeastcouncilnc.org.