New Steeplechase event, free arts today and wrestling tonight

Heads up! Limited tickets onsale today for Frontstretch Fest, a new event debuting at the 64th annual Stoneybrook Steeplechase at Carolina Horse Park in Raeford, N.C. Frontstretch is a  southern celebration of horse racing, quality bourbon and craft beer. Frontstretch Fest will feature artisanal food and drinks, hand-rolled cigars, live music, interactive entertainment and much more. “Bourbon Bend” and “Craft Beer Boulevard” will offer tastings and classes from local and national distilleries and breweries alongside “Cuisine Corner,” which will showcase the best local chefs and food trucks. Saturday, April 4, 2015 from 9 a.m.- 4 p.m., Carolina Horse Park, 2814 Montrose Rd., Raeford, NC 28376. More details:  frontstretchfest.com

Now, let's get this party started. See you in the street....

Free Arts & Culture - Sample Charlotte's arts scene with the Arts and Science Council's Connect With Culture Day. Choose from a variety of events throughout the area. Cool thing is the performing arts groups are getting out into the community. For example, the Charlotte Ballet will be conducting a class at Siskey YMCA and part of Opera Carolina will be at Steele Creek Library. The weekend also features free admission to area museums. Get the full details.


In Memoriam - Radok Fest 4 returns to celebrate the life of photographer Chris "Kodar" Radok who was killed four years ago. The music community honors Radok with MC Scott Weaver, Greevace, David Childers, gogoPilot and others. 10 p.m., Snug Harbor, 1228 Gordon St. $5.



Burlesque and Wrestling - Fireball’s Grindhouse Wrestling Show combines burlesque dancers, pro wrestling and live music in what they appropriately call the Madhouse. 7 p.m. Tremont Music Hall, 400 W. Tremont Ave. $12.

DON'T FORGET

Local Music Awards - Celebrate local Charlotte musicians at the 8th Annual Queen City Awards. Fly Ty will host the event, which recognizes country, hip-hop, rock and other musical talent. Don't miss your chance to walk the red carpet. 7 p.m. Halton Theater, 1201 Elizabeth Ave. $20 and up.









LGBTQ Discussion - Josh Burford and Malu Fairley, in partnership with the Charlotte Business Guild, host LGBTQ Perspectives. It's a final community forum discussing LGBTQ issues and perspectives. Free and open to the public. 1-3 p.m. Levine Museum of the New South, 300 N. College St.

Gift Exchange - Exchange your unwanted Christmas gifts for something you may want, need or simply like better at the Third Annual Flip Gift Party presented by Honey Bee Gifts. Gifts must be registered by 11:30 a.m. to participate in the exchange. You'll can also shop the pop ups. 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. Hydrate Medical, 228 East Blvd. Ste. 200. Free. $10 VIP.

Holla: sipandplayclt@gmail.com