The people who organize it are fond of referring to the Triangle as the "creative hub of the South," and in its second year, Spark Con is on its way to proving it. The lineup of artists, rockers, thinkers, activists and activities for this year's festivities is long and varied, including everything from opera to indie rock to what we can only assume are super-secret chili recipes. Spark Con, they say, is designed to "celebrate the creative pursuits going on in the area" and "to nurture the growth and sustainability of our creative future."

That's all well and good. Because if we didn't, we could end up like white-bread Charlotte, and no one is holding a convention to advocate that. Also, we like chili.

The lineup

Do you like chili? Or graffiti? Or barbecue or movies or opera? Then Spark Con has something for you. Below is a schedule with some weekend highlights. Some events are free. Others require admission. For a full listing of events and prices, see sparkcon.com.

Today

9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Speakers and workshops, Vintage 21, 117 S. West St.

noon to 1 p.m. The Opera Company of North Carolina, on the steps of 414 Fayetteville St.

7 to 8 p.m. Blue Moon Belly Dancers, Moore Square, north stage.

9 p.m. to 3 a.m. Hip-hop/drum and bass night with Mike G of Jungle Brothers., Downtown Event Center, 14 W. Martin St.

9 p.m. to 2 a.m. Rock/country/international night with Goner, Swingin' Johnsons. Berkeley Cafe, 217 W. Martin St.

Saturday

9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Speakers and workshops, Vintage 21, 117 S. West. St.

11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sidewalk painting and performances, Martin Street corner of Moore Square.

11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Graffiti demonstration, Moore Square, southwest corner.

9 p.m. to 2 a.m. Indie night with Apples in Stereo, Loners, The Lincoln Theatre, 126 E. Cabarrus St.

10 p.m. to 2 a.m. House/funk night with Q-Burns Abstract Message and DJ Sleazy McQueen, Riviera, 135 S. Wilmington St.

Sunday

noon to 4 p.m. Chili cook-off, Moore Square, northeast corner.

1 to 2 p.m. N.C. Symphony and The Opera Company of North Carolina ensemble, Moore Square.

3 to 8 p.m. 8th annual Triangle Blues Society Blues Barbecue, Berkeley Cafe, 217 W. Martin St.

8 (or when the sun goes down) to 10 p.m. Eight local films on the big screen, Moore Square.

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