Sample world flavors at Whisky River, cocktails at Earl's

Looks like I'm starting my weekend early again. Finally checking out Tiki Hideaway tonight, and the scene gets even more fun from Plaza-Midwood to Uptown. Here's a sample of things to do to start planning your weekend. Look for my party roundup for Sunday's big game tomorrow. My big weekend event is definitely the Queen City Brewer's Festival (blurb below) on Saturday. Let's get this party started. See you in the streets...

Thursday 

Glam Party - Shiprocked celebrates the one-year anniversary of the Lipgloss party, which is a drag show featuring Bethann Phetamine. Special performances by Bella Jade, Britney Queers, go-go dancers and more. 10 p.m. Snug Harbor, 1228 Gordon St. No cover. Street parking available. #TJturnup

Friday

Music Benefit - Reverb Fest is a benefit concert for the Chronic Illness Relief Fund. The show features Diarrhea Planet, Bo White's Patois Counselors, Junior Astronomers, Museum Mouth, Serfs and Southern Fernisphere. 7:30 p.m. Neighborhood Theater, 511 E. 36th St. $10/$12. 

Food Event - I don't usually equate Whisky River with food, but this is different. Sample food from throughout the world at Taste Your Way Around The World. 8-10 p.m. Whisky River, 201 East Trade St. EpiCentre. $20. Paid and valet parking available onsite. #TJTurnup

Happy Hour – Haunt totally surprised me. A DJ and craft cocktails at Earl's Grocery, 1609 Elizabeth Ave. Judging from my FB friends who are going, this should be a great crowd. 5:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m., Earl’s Grocery.

Saturday

Beer Festival - Try craft beers, enjoy food and stroll through a variety of exhibitors at the 4th Annual Queen City Brewers Festival. More than 2,000 people are expected to sample beers from dozens of regional breweries. Two tastings. 1-4 p.m. and 6-9 p.m. Bojangles Coliseum, 2700 E. Independence Blvd. $40 per session. Cash paid parking on site. #TJTurnup



Hip-hop Heads - Don't miss Shawty Lo: The Official Mixtape Release Party. Chest-thumping bass and the typical hip-hop bravado are hallmarks of Shawty Lo's songs.  If you are looking to wyle-out like they do in the hip-hop videos this is the party for you. 10 p.m. Republic, 314 N. College St. Free b4 11:30 with RSVP. $20 after.

Aspiring Mixologists – The Craft Cocktail Series…Hands On Cocktail Class features full bar stations set up for guests to make three cocktails. Each cocktail will be paired with apps. Dandelion Market, 118 W. 5th St. $40 and ticket fee.

Sunday

Cute Puppies!!! – See the Playful Patriots and the Slobbering Seahawks square off in  Puppy Bowl 2015.  1 p.m. – 5 p.m., Dog Bar, 3307 N. Davidson St.

Holla: sipandplayclt@gmail.com