It's coming up on the best time of year for all you documentary film lovers out there: The Full Frame Documentary Film Festival is afoot. This year's dates are April 8-11. More than 100 films will be screened downtown at The Carolina Theatre, Durham Convention Center, Durham Arts Council, Rigsbee Hall and Durham Central Park. For a list of the first 51 films announced click here. (The full schedule will be posted by March 18.) An estimated 15,000 movie goers are expected to attend the festival. So, don't hesitate to purchase tickets when they go on sale April 1. Full festival passes are on sale now and tickets are going fast. For more information about the festival click here or call 687-4100. 

As always, the festival can use additional support and festival sponsorship is available. But, deadlines are approaching quickly. For more information contact Jill DeWeese-Frank at sponsor@fullframefest.org or call 433-9804. 

Check out our top six events and drop us a line if you attend one (or more). We'd love to hear from you. 

1. Hayti Heritage Film Festival  — In its 16th year, the Hayti Heritage Film Festival promotes a variety of films by and about people of African descent. The festival kicks off today at 6pm with a free community film day at the Hayti Heritage Center. For a complete schedule and ticket prices click here or call 683-1709. 804 Old Fayetteville St. 

2. An Evening of Entertainment — Join the Durham Public Schools Scholarship Foundation and Durham Public Schools for a night of music, dance and artistry by hundreds of talented Durham students. Proceeds will go towards raising funds to send high school seniors to college. The show starts at 7pm on Saturday at the Durham Performing Arts Center. Tickets are $10-$25. Click here or call 680-2787 for more information. 123 Vivian St. 

3. Nevermore Horror and Gothic Film Festival — If you love to be scared silly when watching a movie, this event is for you. The Nevermore festival showcases new horror films and some old fan favorites including classic suspense films hyper-violent Hong Kong cinema too. The festival runs Sunday-Friday at The Carolina Theatre. Individual tickets are $8. For a complete schedule click here or call 560-3030. 309 W. Morgan St. 

4. "Chop Shop" Cooking Class — Want to see how the professionals cook up their gourmet cuisine? Here's your chance. Get some hands-on cooking instructions from Chef Jim Anile of Revolution Restaurant. Chef Anile and his culinary team will create a special menu with the theme "Cooking in Curry". And, after class you'll get to enjoy the prepared food with wine. It's $200 per person (including all cooking tools, a Revolution t-shirt and a $25 gift card) and pre-registration is required. For more information call 956-9999. 107 W. Main St. 

5. Use to Be Something Else Exhibit — Experience Emmy-award winning television host (Smart Start Kids), author, inspirational speaker, story teller and artist Willa Brigham's exhibit featuring her unique quilts made of used clothing. The exhibit runs Friday through March 16 at The Scrap Exchange. There's an opening reception Friday from 6-9pm with free beverages and snacks. For more information call 688-6960. 548 Foster St.

6. Sunday Jazz Brunch to benefit Haiti  – Support the survivors of the Haiti earthquake Sunday from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at The Cotton Room. The cost is $35 per person and all proceeds will go to the American Red Cross for Haiti relief efforts. For more information, call 530-8380. 807 E. Main St.