In its 13th year, the Charlotte Dragon Boat and Asian Festival celebrates Asian culture with music and dance, a beauty pageant, cultural displays, food vendors, arts & crafts and an impressive dragon boat race (an ancient Chinese tradition of racing with canoe-like vessels that hold up to 24 paddlers).

Plus, the event gives you an excuse to scream "Dragon in the water!" Free admission. May 5, 9 a.m. Ramsey Creek Park, 18441 Nantz Road, Cornelius. For more information, visit www.charlottedragonboat.com.