Tea and drag queens

The days are longer and the weather is warmer. Time to party spring-style with tea, beer crawls, and a weekly rally in NoDa. Oh yeah, spring is coming. See in you in the streets. Let's get this party started!

Wednesday

Downton Ballantyne – I love PBS’ “Downton Abbey” and tea so I’m naturally excited about “Downton Abbey Tea.” I had a chance to do an English-style afternoon tea while visiting in Hong Kong and it was a great afternoon break. But you don’t have to travel abroad. The Ballantyne Hotel & Lodge will offer "Downton Abbey Tea" from 1 to 5 p.m. today through Saturday, with "Countess of Grantham’s favorite tea savories and sweets." Attendees are encouraged to dress in 1920-1930s period clothing. $36 reservations required: 704-248-4100. The Ballantyne Hotel & Lodge, 10000 Ballantyne Commons Parkway. More details on Helen’s blog.

Queen of Drag – See the live version of RuPaul's Drag Race: Battle of the Seasons. The event is hosted by Michelle Visage, featuring Adore Delano, Bianca Del Rio, Detox, Ivy Winters, Jinkx Monsoon, Phi Phi O’Hara, Sharon Needles, plus special guest Cary NoKey. 18 and over. 8 p.m., Amos' Southend, 1423 S Tryon St. $29.50/$35. Parking available.

Thursday

Artist Showcase – Support underground artists at Raw Showcase, from tattoo artists to poets and more.  The event will feature 30 artists of varying genres, hosted by Jatovi McDuffie and music by DJ SPK. See the full list. 7 p.m. – 11 p.m. Tremont Music Hall, 400 Tremont Ave.

Spring Is Coming - The spring edition of the NoDa Food. Art. Music. Rally starts today. The weekly free event (Ends April 9^th) features local food trucks, bands, vendors and artists. The kick-off party will feature local musicians including Josh Daniel and DJ Ahuf. Food trucks will be on hand including Taco Green-Go, Maryland Crab, Yummi Banh Mi, Plated Pallate, Roaming Fork, Two Chix and a Truck, K.O. Food Truck, All Star Café and Sweet Cakes Bakery. The rally is dog friendly and will feature a weekly dog costume competition and photo booth. There will be a weekly art competition. 6 p.m. -9 p.m. Parking lot and patio area of The Chop Shop, 399 E. 35th St. in Charlotte.

Friday

Barbie Birthday – Celebrate all things Barbie at the “The Life of Barbie” party. Champagne toast, birthday cake, giveaways and my favorite - Barbie and Ken Look a Like contest. 7 p.m.,  Bubble Champagne Lounge, 210 East Trade. Free.

Saturday

Beer Crawl - Rare kegs tapped every two hours at different locations in South End. Take the free trolley between the eight stops from 11 a.m. - 9 p.m. Live music at every stop. Free. See the list of bars here. Parking available.

Holla: sipandplayclt@gmail.com