Ulysses: Charlotte Festival of the Arts, an annual month-long festival, starts off on Thursday, March 20th, at 7th Street Public Market, 224 E. 7th Street. The party will go from 5:30 p.m. to 8pm, and will feature free performances by the North Carolina Dance Theater, Charlotte Symphony Orchestra, Opera Carolina & UNC Charlotte College of Arts + Architecture Jazz Trio. While you’re there, indulge in food and drink from some of the 7th Street Public Market vendors, including Pure Pizza, Local Loaf, Orman’s Cheese Shop, Not Just Coffee, Cloud 9 Bakery, and more. On occasion you might procure a free sample or two, but no promises.