Allie Coker

Davidson College graduate Allie Coker will be at Summit Coffee in Davidson Saturday night to read and sign copies of her new book “What I learned at Davidson.” Ms. Coker is a 2010 graduate who now lives in Durham. Her book includes interviews and insights from dozens of professors, students, and alumni about their experiences at Davidson.

The reading will include a Q&A and discussion with the author. It’s scheduled from 5 to 6:30pm at Summit Coffee, 128 S. Main St.

Info: 704-895-9090 or visit www.summitcoffee.com.

Paul Leonard

“Where Is Church?” Click to read more at Lorimer Press.

Author and Davidson resident Paul Leonard will be at Main Street Books on Sunday afternoon to discuss and sign copies of his new book, “Where is Church?” The gathering is noon to 2pm at the shop, 126 S. Main St., Davidson.

“Where Is Church?” is Mr. Leonard’s memoir of a career that has included work in both business and nonprofit ministry. Mr. Leonard is most recently known for his work with Habitat for Humanity, where he served as CEO and chairman of Habitat for Humanity International. Read the full story

Jon Guttman and Margo Williams

Local authors Margo Williams and Jon Guttman are lined up for public readings in Davidson and Cornelius this week from their co-authored political thriller “Madame President.” Meanwhile, Davidson College professor and poet Alan Michael Parker has won the 2012 North Carolina Book Award for his latest collection of poetry, “Long Division.” And author Debra Dean will be at Main Street Books on Sunday for a book signing and reading.  Read the full story

The Carolina Renaissance Fest is back this weekend. Readers sent their favorite photos from past festivals. Clockwise, from upper left: Singing women (Jamie Smith photo); Ava enjoying treats at the Mayor’s Tea, 2009 festival (Joe Szakaly photo); Fallen festival-goer 2011 (© 2011 Kevin Childress Photography). Thanks!

“Baby” opens this weekend and runs through Oct. 21 at Armour Street Theater. Click for tickets.

Our calendar this weekend is a busy mix of events, from the literary and theatrical to outdoor festivals and dog shows to Davidson College homecoming. The Carolina Renaissance Festival opens the gates at the festival grounds off Poplar Tent Road while the Amazing Maize Maze continues its run at Rural Hill in Huntersville. ReadDavidson hosts a discussion Thursday of this year’s townwide read, “State of Wonder” by Ann Patchett. There’s a wiener dog race in Mooresville and The All American Dog Show in Cornelius, both on Saturday. Final performances of “The Smell of the Kill” are offered at Warehouse Performing Arts Center in Cornelius, and “Baby: The Musical” debuts at Davidson Community Players Armour Street Theater.

Davidson College Homecoming takes place on Friday and Saturday with a football game, lectures and other activities. And Davidson Lands Conservancy hosts a stargazing party Friday at Fisher Farm. The Aloha Cup paddleboard races this weekend benefit Our Towns Habitat for Humanity.  Davidson Farmer’s Market returns Saturday in downtown Davidson, this week followed by a dedication ceremony for the new market-themed mural on the side of Summit Coffee. Read the full story

Joseph Howell will talk about his book “Civil Rights Journey: The Story of a White Southern Coming of Age During the Civil Rights Revolution” on Friday, Oct. 5, at 4 p.m. at Davidson College’s Chambers Building, Room 1062, Davidson College.

Mr. Howell is a 1964 Davidson graduate who grew up as a white southern male. At Davidson, he became involved in the civil rights movement. Read the full story

North County Regional Library is now open to the public, and the Temporary Service Outlet at Birkdale Village is closed, Charlotte Mecklenburg Library said Monday. Read the full story