The #C5Checklist: 5 things you must do Sept. 26-30

(1) Don’t miss your chance to see a different type of film.

The Charlotte Film Festival is streaming more than 80 full-length and short-form films through Oct. 2 at Ayrsley Grand Cinemas, 9110 Kings Parade Blvd. This year’s festival slogan is “discover different.” Check out the schedule and selection here.

Remember when I went last year? The festival’s communications director told me, “We believe that Charlotte deserves an annual, week-long celebration of independent cinema and a celebration of the people that create these great works of art.”

So take advantage.

(2) Take a look at wall art around the city.

There are at least three inspiring LGBTQ murals to track down: “A City on Its Side” at UNCC at E. 9th St. uptown, “Our Lives, Our Culture, Our Time” on the exterior of The White Rabbit at 920 Central Ave., and “Brandy Alexander” on an outside wall by the parking lot across from The Pizza Peel and Tap Room, 1600 Central Ave. Wall Poems are always a favorite to stumble upon, too, with words from Fred Chappell, Robert Creeley and other poets painted on walls and the exteriors of various buildings.

(3) Take on one act of kindness.

Maybe that’s as simple as hugging a stranger. Or nominating someone you admire for Black Wednesday’s #BESTSOCIALCLT. Vote for a social media account/brand and express why they’re your favorite/perceived best. Note that nominations close Sept. 28.

At the same time, HandsOn Charlotte lists some volunteer projects that could use more participants like HomeWork Hounds and Teacher Shopping Clerks.

(Update: The United Way Young Leaders are hosting their annual Week to Fight Hunger in November — the event of events was originally scheduled to take place this week. There will be a LINC Cornhole Tournament Oct. 6 at the EpiCentre to support the Unite Charlotte fund.)

(4) Check out a theater performance.

This week: Blumenthal Performing Arts’ “First Date” starts Sept. 27. CPCC Theatre presents “1776” Sept. 29 and 30. Davidson Community Players are showing “Over the River” Sept. 29 and 30. But really this is all just the beginning of Charlotte’s fall theater lineup.

(5) Go for sushi.

O-Ku just opened at Atherton Mill, for starters, and its fare is described as having a “traditional technique with a modern contemporary style and a little bit of Southern fusion.” I also love the intimate vibe of Soul and the casual consistency of Ginbu.

Dig in.

Photos: Katie Toussaint, Diedra Laird/Charlotte Observer

This story was originally published September 25, 2016 at 9:00 PM with the headline "The #C5Checklist: 5 things you must do Sept. 26-30."