Bits, pieces

Tickets are on sale for the May 22 St. Anthony Festa Italiana: Ciao for Charities, hosted by Queens University of Charlotte. Expect food, wine, beer, opera and contemporary music, a silent auction and proceeds going to benefit the Nevins Center for the Disabled and Holy Angels. Pizza acrobats (!), a 4-fout seafood risotto, multiple pastas and grilled meats will be on hand, as will food from Blue, Brooklyn South Pizzeria, Fiamma, Luce, Mama Ricotta's, Showmars, Toscana, Villa Francesa, Vivace, Zio and more. A trip to Italy and a gourmet Italian dinner cruise on a Lake Norman yacht with the winner and 25 friends are highlights of the auction. Tickets are $65, $10 for 10 and younger, and you can buy them online at www.festaitalianacharlotte.org. Queens is at 1900 Selwyn Ave., and parking is free.

Gallery offers al fresco dining with live entertainment 7-9 p.m. each Friday in May and June, with views of the signature 18th hole of The Ballantyne Hotel & Lodge golf course. 10000 Ballantyne Commons Parkway; 704-248-4100.