Mardi Gras, Bartender's Ball and Valentine's Day collide

Mardi Gras parties, Valentine's Day and President's Day all on the same weekend. It's crazy. There is so much to do this weekend. Before you jump into this weekend's events, below is a recap from last weekend's sold out Lake Norman Brew Ha Ha tour. The next Brew Ha Ha tours are:  Feb. 21 and Feb. 28 and March 7.

Wednesday

PopUp Uptown - One of the biggest complaints about uptown is the lack of shopping. Retailers are coming together for Shop Uptown: A Pop Up Shopping Event. The three-day pop-up shopping event featuring jewelry, chocolate, gift baskets and more. Shops include: The Mint Museum, Stella & Dot, ABBEYDALE, Potts Chocolate and Mallory's Candles. 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., today - Friday, lobby of 101 Independence Center, Trade and Tryon.

Professional Soccer - Support Charlotte's professional soccer team, Charlotte Independence, at Charlotte Logo Reveal party. 6 p.m. Rooftop 210.

Thursday

St. Patrick’s Day - Well, not yet, but get ready at Rich & Bennett’s 15th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Pub Crawl pre-pay event. Get your tickets early. This is one of the biggest bar crawls. 6 - 8 p.m. Belfast Mill Irish Pub, 144 Brevard Court

Poetry Slam - Celebrate youth poetry and Black History Month the final regular slam  of the season at breatheINK February Youth Poetry Slam and Haiku Slam. Yep, you read it right. A haiku slam! Don’t miss it. 8 p.m. Spirit Square, 345 N. College St.

Friday 

Mardi Gras Events Tonight

Happy Anniversary - It's a party for Prohibition's 4YR Anniversary. 9 p.m. - 11 p.m. Prohibition Bar, 200 North Tryon St.

Tasty Drinks - After you finish celebrating Mardi Gras at the EpiCentre's giant party, sample five different martinis at Martini Mayhem. 8:30 p.m. - 10:30 p.m. Bubble, EpiCentre, 210 E. Trade St. $30. Paid onsite parking along with nearby parking decks and surface lots.

Saturday

Jazz Saxophonist - Have a romantic evening with jazz saxophonist Kim Waters. 8 p.m. Great Aunt Stella Center, 926 Elizabeth Ave. $39.50, $44.50

R.A.I.N. Fundraiser - Enjoy bands and a DJ at the 23rd Annual Johnson Valentine's Bash. This is an annual benefit for the Regional AIDS Interfaith Network.  9:30 p.m. Snug Harbor, 1228 Gordon St.

Undie Fundaiser - Cupid's Undie Run is a 1 mile-ish run in your underwear. This fundraiser has raised more than $2.8 million nationally for the The Children’s Tumor Foundation. You must register in advance for entry.



                         

Sunday

Drink up - You'll need plenty of water if you plan to survive the 14th Annual Bartender's Ball. The event features more than 25 bars, pubs, clubs and restaurants in addition to performers, entertainment, top shelf liquor, beer and food. 7 p.m. - Midnight, Metrolina Expo, 7100 Statesville Rd. $60 and up. Free transportation uptown will be provided.

Holla': sipandplayclt@gmail.com