Fair trade party in Lowell

The sixth annual New England Culture Fest returns to downtown Lowell on Sept. 2, 2-10 p.m., with a wide variety of music, fashion, food and more. This is an all fair-trade event featuring an "Ethical Art & Biz Expo" and a "Fashionably Fair" runway event that promises "a stunning display of innovative design supporting economic justice and indigenous cultural preservation in the local and global community." Nothing like good beats to cut through all the politics, and the musicians performing include Senegal's Gokhi-Bi System and Boston's own Mighty Mystic (right) and Organ in Orbit. Also on tap are DJs, breakdancers, wall-sized video and film projections and, as state law requires at events of this type, free Green Mountain Coffee. The event is held in the Enterprise Bank Parking Lot, Across From 172 Middle Street, Lowell. Admission is $10 but you can get a two-for-one coupon here. Kids under 12 free. More information.