Coming up

The Patriot Festival, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. May 30 at Symphony Park at SouthPark mall, will offer what organizers call the first annual rib burnoff. Area restaurants and barbecuers will compete for prizes (including a People's Choice award). Info: Call 704-496-2794 or e-mail info@patriotcharities.org. The festival raises money and awareness for wounded military and their families from the Carolinas.

Through May 31, the Palm offers a $49 three-course Italian dinner that includes choices of Nova Scotia lobster ravioli, wild Alaskan halibut puttanesca or bone-in veal rib chop Parmigiana. 6705-B Phillips Place Court; 704-552-7256.

Cafe 157 hosts a four-course cigar dinner June 1. On the menu: tomato bruschetta, warm goat cheese salad, aged ribeye and chocolate mousse, plus three cigars from the Pepin Garcia Family and four wines, along with raffle prizes. $125 at the door ($100 in advance); 157 N. Trade St. in Matthews; 704-844-8686.

The Ballantyne Hotel & Lodge offers a Father's Day brunch (it's June 19, for you slackers) from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. $39.95 ($19.95 for ages 5-12, free for younger); reservations required: 704-248-4100; 10000 Ballantyne Commons Parkway.