French-inspired cafe and bakery Maman opens Wednesday, May 20, in Plaza Midwood.

Why it matters: Maman is the latest national chain to join Commonwealth, the mixed-use development reshaping part of Plaza Midwood into a hub for buzzy, viral brands, like PopUp Bagels and South Block.

Catch up quick: Maman launched in Soho in 2014 and has since grown to more than 50 locations across the U.S. and Canada.

• The New York-based brand built a following around its French-inspired pastries, brunch dishes and espresso drinks.

What to expect: The 4,180-square-foot cafe seats nearly 130 people indoors and outdoors, including a covered patio and a private event space.

• Maman's menu includes sandwiches, salads, pastries and brunch on weekends.

Stop by: 1711 Commonwealth Ave.

Maman's Charlotte expansion plans

Carolina Ascent hosts Sporting JAX tonight at 7pm at American Legion Memorial Stadium.

Why it matters: It's a chance for the Ascent to take down the league leaders in their regular season finale. Both teams have clinched a spot in the playoffs.

What to expect: There will be a tailgate from 3-5pm in Central Piedmont Community College's quad.

• Ellie Morgan will perform Taylor Swift covers from 5:30-6:30pm.
• There will be post-match fireworks.

If you go: Tickets start at $9.

More fun things to do this weekend

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Italo, a new Italian restaurant, will open in Uptown on Tuesday, May 19.

Why it matters: It's the latest from Aria Tuscan Grill owners Pierre Bader and Briana Cohen.

Context: Italo will be a pasta house and wine bar inspired by the feeling of Sunday dinner at grandma's table.

Dig in: Italo's menu, led by executive chef Alex Piatt and chef de cuisine Kelsey Norgaard — both Johnson & Wales graduates — features handmade pastas and Italian staples served as either individual plates or family-style portions.

• Expect shareable starters like focaccia, a list of fresh pastas made daily using Molino Pasini flour imported from Lombardy, and desserts.
• Drinks include about nine classic cocktails and an Italian-focused wine list of 30–40 bottles.

Stop by: Find Italo at 100 N Tryon St., in the former Cicchetti space, which closed earlier this month.

Everything we tried

The annual Cheerwine Festival returns to downtown Salisbury today.

What to expect: More than 50 vendors from across North Carolina will serve Cheerwine-inspired dishes, including Cheerwine ice cream, glazed doughnuts, smoked ribs, tacos and more.

• There will also be a beer garden with nine local breweries, live music, a Cheerwine history exhibit at the Rowan Museum and family-friendly activities including climbing attractions, games, and arts and crafts.

If you go: The festival is free to attend from 10am-7pm along Main Street.

• A free shuttle service will transport people from Catawba College and Rowan-Cabarrus Community College between 9:45am and 8pm.

More can't miss May event