Taste of Charlotte

2010's Taste of Charlotte runs June 11-13 on Tryon Street, between Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard and Sixth Street. More than 100 menu items will be offered by Charlotte restaurants at the festival, in its 12th year. Admission is free; you buy festival coins, with which you purchase food and drink.

Among the restaurants participating: Amelie's, Planet Smoothie, blynk organic, Dixie's Tavern, RiRa, Brazas, Flying Biscuit Cafe, Salsarita's, Bravo!, Fuel Pizza, Sticky Fingers, Brixx, The Pizza Peel, Caffe Siena, Mai Thai, Caribbean Hut, Matt's Chicago Dog, Village Bistro, Chen's Bistro, Mert's Heart and Soul, Village Tavern, Cold Stone Creamery, Namaste, Wild Wing Cafe, Dilworth Neighborhood Grille, Outlaw BBQ Shack and Woodlands.

Also on tap: play areas for kids, open-air shopping (with crafts, jewelry and home goods), local and regional bands playing pop, rock, bluegrass and country, plus belly dancing demos and school music groups.

Hours (and it goes, rain or shine): 11 a.m.-11 p.m. June 11, 12; to 6 p.m. June 13. Info: www.TasteofCharlotte.com.