If you don't have plans for Labor Day weekend, consider heading out to Shakori Hills for the N.C. Hops and Roots Festival.

Organizer Ira Planer is tied into the music scene thanks to his job in sales and marketing for Burriss Amps. He saw an overlap between the local food, craft beer and music scene and decided to combine all three into one event.

"It's not a run-of-the-mill beer fest or a run-of-the-mill food festival," Planer says.

From noon to midnight Sept. 3, the event will include live music from bands such as the Lizzy Ross Band and Terry Anderson and the Olympic Ass Kickin' Team. There will be a beer garden featuring breweries such as Fullsteam, Foothills and Lone Rider, food by Carolina Brewery, Angelina's Kitchen and others and a farmers market with Celebrity Dairy, Coon Rock Farm and others. There also will be children's activities.

Tickets cost $15 in advance until Aug. 31 and $20 on the day of the event. For more information about vendors or to buy tickets, go to www.nchopsandrootsfest.com.

Brew for a Cure

Beer and prostate health are two causes close to men's hearts. So Bull City Burger and Brewery is sponsoring a "Brew for a Cure" home-brewed beer contest to raise money for prostate cancer research.

Home brewers must drop off their entries by noon Saturday to enter. Each brewer is allowed two entries, which cost $4 each. The winner will get to have their beer brewed and offered on tap at the Durham restaurant and bring nine friends for a free first round.

All proceeds will be donated to Movember, a charity that raises money for the Prostate Cancer Foundation and Livestrong.

For more information, go to bullcityburgerandbrewery.com.