Party now and run tonight!!!!

The party starts now!

Good food, good fun and the party starts today with the SQUIRT: Permanent Vacation Day Party!. Rappers include: Grip Plyaz, Stranger Day & Elevator Jay, Miami Dice + DJ's A-HUF, J. Overcash, STRTR. 2 p.m. Snug Harbor,1228 Gordon Street.

Night Run - Grab your retro-reflective and head to NoDa for the Noda 5k. Enjoy cool swag, beer, live music and food trucks. Benefits Beards BeCause. The race starts and ends at the NEW NoDa Brewing Company, 2921 North Tryon. $35 and up.

Family Fun - Sample a variety of Charlotte area restaurants, including a lot of chains, in one-spot at the three-day Taste of Charlotte. More than 100 restaurants, live music, children’s activities, street performers and more. 12 p.m. Friday - 6 p.m. Sunday. Center City, Tryon Street between Stonewall and Trade. Free, but you’ll need to purchase festival coins to sample food.  Details.

Dog Fashion Show - Bring your posh pooch out for a doggie fashion show and more at Canine Couture, which benefits Pride Charlotte and the Humane Society of Charlotte Enjoy an afternoon of local brews‚ and hang out with fellow dog owners. The event will include 12 vendors, including dog grooming and a DJ. Contests include Best Hair/Fur, Best Dressed/Costume, Best Owner/Pet Look A Like, Best Trick and Best in Show. General admission is $5, with VIP seating at $20. Entry into the contest is $15 per pet (including one category entry and admission for an owner) and $5 for each additional contest category entered. Details.