Food truck Saturday, pillow fight, and Beer Me Brew Fest

Food Truck Rally - Last night was a little dreary to enjoy FTF,  but you can get your food truck fix at Rural Hills Spring Food Truck Rally. More than 20 food trucks are expected to participate. There will be craft beer, bounce houses, hay rides and more family fun. 4 p.m. - 8 p.m., Rural Hills Farm, 4431 Neck Road, Huntersville. Truck Lineup.

Don't Miss

Pillow Fight - It’s not a pajama party, but sounds just as fun. The International Pillow Fight Day features thousands of people throughout 200 cities in a giant throwdown. So far at least 200 people have signed up to participate in the Charlotte fight. Only soft pillows allowed.
5 p.m., The Unknown Brewing Company, 1327 S Mint St. Details.




Family Fun - The 5th Annual Black Dog Appreciation Day & Black Dog Walk features more than 150 vendors, demonstrators, food trucks and more than 25 rescue groups. Dogs will be available for adoption. 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., Pineville Lake Park,1000 Johnston Dr, Pineville. Rain or Shine. Details.

Choral Music & Beer - One Voice and Sotto Voce choruses come together for Rite of Passage, a concert that explores rites of passage, both humorous and serious, including those unique to the LGBT community, and universal to the human experience. This is a traveling show. 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. Sugar Creek Brewery, 215 Southside Dr. $10-$20.


White Party - The  3rd Annual White Party at On The Roxx encourages partiers to wear tighty-whities. Dresses, pants and shorts are allowed too, but that doesn't sound as fun. Music by DJ Bob. 10 p.m., On the Roxx, 19712 One Norman Blvd, Cornelius. Free and free parking.

Beer Festival - The Beer Me Brewfest features 50 beers or ciders makers from local breweries and others throughout the state. Parking Lot, 200 Bland St. Details.

Weekend Preview: A pillow fight, beer festival and head shaving

I have two words to sum up this weekend's fun - Pillow fight!


Thursday

Need A Haircut - The men of the RiRa family are participating in St. Baldrick’s fundraiser to raise money to fund children’s cancer research. They’ll be shaving their heads. 5 p.m. Ri Ra Irish Pub, 208 N Tryon St. Details.

Favorite Outdoor Happy Hour - Grab your friends and head outside for the crowd favorite Alive After Five. Groovetown headlines the first party of the year. 5 p.m. Rooftop 210, EpiCentre, 210 E. Trade St. Details.

Tastes Like Chicken! - That’s what I expect to hear at the Vegan Wine & Cheese event. Apparently the cheese isn’t soy-based, but does contain nut products. Is that a good thing? Three wines and a three cheese course. 5:30 p.m., Assorted Table Wine Shoppe, 224 E 7th St. $20. Details.

R&B Live - Keith Sweat had great lyrics, but couldn’t sing. Hopefully, vocalist Jacci McGhee is much better. McGhee sang with Keith Sweat on “Make It Last Forever.” She headlines this edition of R&B Live. 9 p.m., Studio Movie Grill, 210 E Trade St. $12.50. Tickets.

Tribute Party - The monthly Shiprocked returns with a tribute to the campy “Valley of the Dolls.” 10 p.m. Snug Harbor, 1228 Gordon St. Free. Details.

Friday
Gallery Crawl - The monthly Southend & Gold District Art Crawl features the galleries of South End will stay open late to display an interesting mix of everything from contemporary folk art to national juried shows, and from garden-inspired paintings to mixed media childhood memories. Details.

Headphone Party - Silent Disco returns. You know the deal. Everyone wears headphones and dances to the music of different DJs. It’s a silent, but not really silent party. People watching is supposedly the best part. 8 p.m. Rooftop 210, 210 East Trade St. $12. Details.

Saturday

Pillow Fight - It’s not a pajama party, but sounds just as fun. The International Pillow Fight Day features thousands of people throughout 200 cities in a giant throwdown. So far at least 200 people have signed up to participate in the Charlotte fight. Only soft pillows allowed.
5 p.m., The Unknown Brewing Company, 1327 S Mint St. Details.




Family Fun - The 5th Annual Black Dog Appreciation Day & Black Dog Walk features more than 150 vendors, demonstrators, food trucks and more than 25 rescue groups. Dogs will be available for adoption. 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., Pineville Lake Park,1000 Johnston Dr, Pineville. Rain or Shine. Details.

Choral Music & Beer - One Voice and Sotto Voce choruses come together for Rite of Passage, a concert that explores rites of passage, both humorous and serious, including those unique to the LGBT community, and universal to the human experience. This is a traveling show. 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. Sugar Creek Brewery, 215 Southside Dr. $10-$20.


White Party - The  3rd Annual White Party at On The Roxx encourages partiers to wear tighty-whities. Dresses, pants and shorts are allowed too, but that doesn't sound as fun. Music by DJ Bob. 10 p.m., On the Roxx, 19712 One Norman Blvd, Cornelius. Free and free parking.

Beer Festival - The Beer Me Brewfest features 50 beers or ciders makers from local breweries and others throughout the state. Parking Lot, 200 Bland St. Details.

Sunday
Shop Local - More than a dozen local vendors including food trucks, fashion trucks, artisans and entrepreneurs kick off the spring edition of Front Porch Sundays. 4 p.m. - 7 p.m. Parking lot of the Shook Kelley building, next to Sycamore Brewing, 2151 Hawkins St. on the Charlotte Rail Trail. Details.

Holla: sipandplayclt@gmail.com

Weekend Recap: More than beer on tap at festival (Video)

The Queen City Brewer's Festival is quickly becoming one of my favorite beer festivals. With a city that easily boasts a dozen beer festivals each year, this one stands out for focusing on breweries in the Charlotte region.

I was initially apprehensive about this year's venue change to the Fillmore. I didn't think the space would be large enough to accommodate the event. It turned out okay. I never waited in line for a sample. The one drawback was that the art vendors were in a tent outside on the backside of the venue. There wasn't much traffic out there so I'm not sure if the location was a good look for them.

Two things I discovered at the event QTavern has delicious BBQ. BrewPublik delivers craft beer to my door step

Now to the fun:

Best looking growler and set up: Sugar Creek 

My new fave snack: Sycamore's The Salty Coconut Red Ale

Yummy!: High Branch's Yucatan Stout

Cookie in a pint glass: Bayne's Vanilla Oatmeal Raisin Porter

Best beer I can't pronounce: Three Spirits's King Rassafassa (Belgian saison)

My fave Scotch ale: Castle Stormer Scotch Ale

Cheese and fruit, arepas and burritos - this isn't your typical beer festival food. QTavern, Sabor, Craft and Three Amigos provided free samples at the festival.


Holla: sipandplayclt@gmail.com

One more day until the Super Bowl! Mardi Gras party tonight

I'm heading out to the sold-out Queen City's Brewer's Festival, shortly, but I wanted to get you ready for your last night of partying before the Super Bowl. I'll be updating my Big Game party list with a couple of more spots tomorrow morning. See you in the streets!

Don't Miss
Wine Festival - If you love the vino then you’ll love this festival. Sample more than 100 wines at Winey Grapes. Admission gets you a commemorative glass. There will be live music, art and jewelry. Ends at 5 p.m., Slate Billiards, 200 E Bland St.

Love Your Kicks! - There are plenty of shopping events, but Shoe Freak is for you guessed it. Ends at 5 p.m., Dupp & Swat Studio/Showroom, 2424 N. Davidson, Ste 112B. Admission is Complimentary with advance RSVP or $1 at the door. Details.

More Beads! - More beads and hurricanes at the Charlotte Mardi Gras Parade of Beads Celebration. The entire EpiCentre is transformed into the New Orleans French Quarter with decorations, creole food and more. There will be zydeco favorites, and of course the NOLA clap and the New Orleans Bounce. There will be street performers, local team mascots, cheerleaders and bands. "Sugar" Handmade Gourmet Donut Food Truck will sell beignets and King Cake adding the real taste of New Orleans. There will be Multiple Hurricane bars. 7 p.m. parade kicks off. Marching bands will lead the “Krewes” ranging from social groups, charities, organizations, and others. It’s great family fun. Details.



Jazz Legend - Jazz fans don’t want to miss this rare performance. An Evening With Stanley Clarke features the Grammy-award winning bassist. Al Strong will open. 8 p.m., Knight Theater, 430 S. Tryon St.

Super Bowl and Mardi Gras: Beer, beads and football!

Ooh, ooh, ooh. Scotch dinner, a wine festival, a beer festival and Mardi Gras. It's too much. Oh and wait, Big Game parties on Sunday. I can't take it. Okay, yes I can. Let's get this party started!


Thursday
Scotch Dinner - I would so be at the Dogwood Scotch Supper if I wasn’t attending the Pappy tasting tonight. The four-course dinner will be led by Jonathan Wingo of The Balvenie US. The menu includes wild boar loin with forbidden rice, roasted brussels sprouts, parsnip puree and black currant  along with a Scotch pairing. There will be bonus cocktails too! 6:30 p.m., Dogwood Southern Table & Bar, 4905 Ashley Park Lane, Suite D. $75.

Cocktail Pop Up - This sounds like high octane fun. Good Eats and Meets’ Craft Cocktail Series Pop Up Class pairs coffee and alcohol. At three bar stations, you’ll learn to make three different coffee cocktails. 7 p.m., Crown Station Coffee House & Pub, Elizabeth Avenue. $35 and up. Details.

Networking Happy Hour - The Grays take their monthly Charlotte's Favorite Happy Hour to SouthPark.  Music by DJ Skillz. The Patio will be available for cigar smokers.  Meet members of Whiskey and Cigars Nights. 5 p.m., AZN Restaurant, 4620 Piedmont Row Dr. Details.

Mardi Gras Kick-Off - It’s time for beads and Hurricanes at Mardi Gras Beads, Brews, and Booze! This is a fundraiser for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. Admission includes party favors, beer, beads and more. 6 p.m., The Broken Spoke, 227 Southside Dr. (Southend)

Friday
Rescheduled!
Artists Events - Meet the McColl Center’s Winter 2016 Artists-in-Residence Carlos Alexis Cruz, Carlos Estévez, Hollis Hammonds, and Heather Hart. They will share their personal stories, practices, and residency goals. There will be a special preview and curator’s perspective on the upcoming exhibition People/Places/Exchanges: Art as a Visual Voice. 6 p.m.,  McColl Center for Art + Innovation, 721 N Tryon St.

1st Friday - Looking for a 1st Friday event? Try Electric Relaxation featuring DJ Skillz. 10 p.m. Stache House, 1520 South Blvd.

Panther Spirit - Start your Super Bowl partying early with the Carolina Prowl on Fifth Street. Basically, it’s a Panthers-themed bar crawl so wear your gear, paint your face and let your inner cat roar. At least seven bars on 5th Street are participating with drink specials, party favors and more. 6:30 p.m. - 11 p.m. $5. Details.

...And Don’t miss the Panther Pep Rally at Rooftop 210 at 7 p.m.

Saturday
Wine Festival - If you love the vino then you’ll love this festival. Sample more than 100 wines at Winey Grapes. Admission gets you a commemorative glass. There will be live music, art and jewelry. 2 p.m., Slate Billiards, 200 E Bland St.

Love Your Kicks! - There are plenty of shopping events, but Shoe Freak is for you guessed it. 3 p.m., Dupp & Swat Studio/Showroom, 2424 N. Davidson, Ste 112B. Admission is Complimentary with advance RSVP or $1 at the door. Details.

More Beads! - More beads and hurricanes at the Charlotte Mardi Gras Parade of Beads Celebration. The entire EpiCentre is transformed into the New Orleans French Quarter with decorations, creole food and more. There will be zydeco favorites, and of course the NOLA clap and the New Orleans Bounce. There will be street performers, local team mascots, cheerleaders and bands. "Sugar" Handmade Gourmet Donut Food Truck will sell beignets and King Cake adding the real taste of New Orleans. There will be Multiple Hurricane bars. 7 p.m. parade kicks off. Marching bands will lead the “Krewes” ranging from social groups, charities, organizations, and others. It’s great family fun. Details.




Jazz Legend - Jazz fans don’t want to miss this rare performance. An Evening With Stanley Clarke features the Grammy-award winning bassist. Al Strong will open. 8 p.m., Knight Theater, 430 S. Tryon St.



Holla: sipandplayclt@gmail.com

Three beer events, a bazaar and live jazz

Whew! Where did the time go. Several events are already underway and there's even more tonight. Get and enjoy the beautiful day. See you in the streets!


Oysters & Beer - My favorite things are being consumed at the inaugural Sycamore Oyster & Beer Festival. There will also be snow crab, shrimp, wine and cider. Live music by Late Nite Special. Fresh Seafood provided by South East Crab Feast. Tickets available at the Door. Ticket gets you entry and a free beer. Until 8 p.m. Plates are $8-$12.

Happy Birthday! - Congratulations to Sugar Creek Brewing on their One Year Anniversary. Today’s party includes Sugar Fish Hot Air Balloon Photo Booth, live music until 3 p.m. live artists and food from the Plated Palatte food truck. The party doesn’t end until 10 p.m. Sugar Creek Brewing, 215 Southside Dr.

Artisan Market - Shop goods from local vendors while you enjoy craft beer from Birdsong and live music by Sinners & Saints and Bless These Sounds Under the City at the Southend Bazaar. Until 8 p.m. C3 Lab, 2525 Distribution St.
 

 

Don't Forget
Family Fun - Historic South End will kick off the holiday season with the Historic South End Holiday Tree Lighting featuring holiday performances, winter treats and an appearance by Santa Claus. Dessert by Cloud 9 Confections, Dunx Coffee, hot chocolate and cider, and music. The tree lighting 6 p.m.. Expect a few surprises and free holiday goodies on hand. 5:30-7:00 p.m., Atherton Mill, 2140 South Blvd. Details.


Jazz Greats - This is a perfect date night. See smooth jazz guitarist Norman Brown and saxophonist Gerald Albright. Trish Andrews opens. 8 p.m., Knight Theater, 430 S. Tryon St. $45 - $75. Tickets.

Beer Festival - If you’ve ever wanted to try sour beer or if you love sour beer then you already know that 3rd Annual Sour Fest Release the Funk 3: Funkonia is a can’t miss beer event. It features breweries spanning from throughout the world. Until 4 p.m., Neighborhood Theatre in Charlotte, 511 E 36th St. Beer list. Parking.

Goodbye Chop Shop, Gay Bingo returns and a beer festival

Nice day to go out and play! See you in the streets...


Don't Forget
Sip and Play Charlotte is giving away tickets to the Moonshine Festival at the EpiCentre on Nov. 20. Click here to enter.

A Sad Farewell - I'm going to be sorry to see the Chop Shop close it's doors. Tonight fans of this eclectic NoDa space can cry in their beers at the Chop Shop Grand Finale. The space has hosted a variety of shows, fundraisers, festivals and just plain ole' weird stuff. It's type of place that gives Charlotte a much-need injection of soul. It's going to be missed. 9 p.m. The Chop Shop, 399 E. 35th St. $10.

Don't Forget
Art Auction - Join us for fun, food & drinks, and the opportunity to take home a photograph by artists at The Light Factory 2015 Auction. This year’s auction includes work by Elizabeth Matheson, John Rosenthal, Bryce Lankard, and many other wonderful photographers. This is an event that you don’t want to miss! Silent auction begins at 6:30 pm and the live auction begins at 8:00 pm. $40, $50. Details.

Gay Bingo Is Back - R.A.I.N.’s most popular fundraiser gay bingo returns with How to Get Away With Bingo. It’s a fun night of costumes, song, dance, fabulous prizes and wacky bingo. 6:30 p.m. Grady Cole Center, 310 N Kings Dr. This is sold out, but the Afterparty is at The Bar at 316, 316 Rennsselaer Ave. Details.

Beer Festival - Local breweries come together for the Strange Brew Festival. Enjoy live music, food and samples from Sycamore Brewing, Wooden Robot, D9 Brewing, Red Clay Cider, Fullsteam Brewery, Mystery Brewing and many more. 6:30-10 p.m. Unknown Brewing, 1327 S. Mint St. $20 ($25 at the door if they don’t sell out online).

R&B Pop Princess - Grammy winning singer Mya enjoyed success in the early ‘00s and was on the pop collar “Lady Marmalade.” She’s also done some acting. She’s back with “Love Elevation Suite,” an independent release. 10 p.m. White House, 4809 Wilkinson Blvd.  Details.

Weekend Preview: Gay Bingo, R&B shows and Moonshine Festival ticket giveaway

It's a gorgeous Veteran's Day and the best way to get ahead start on weekend fun. Here's a small preview of a full weekend of events.

But First!

Sip and Play Charlotte is giving away tickets to the Moonshine Festival at the EpiCentre on Nov. 20. Click here to enter.

Wednesday
Celebrate Veterans’ Day - Grab a beer at the Veterans Day Craft Session at Uptown Mellow Mushroom. Enjoy free appetizers, music and beer from Veteran Owned Railhouse Brewery. Railhouse Brewery was founded by Brian Evitts of the  Navy, and Mike Ratkowski of the Army. Also, $1 for each beer sold during the event will go directly to Team Red, White and Blue. Details.

Fashion Talk - Couture collector Sandy Schreier's collection highlights 20th century couture and Hollywood costumes in existence. Schreier will share stories about the personalities behind her collection at Couture Collector Talk. 6 p.m. talk followed by a champagne reception. $25, $30. Tickets.

Friday

Guys & Dolls Fundraiser

Black Tie Gala - The Young Affiliates of the Mint’s annual black-tie gala celebrates La Belle Epoque. Titled Moulin Mint, the annual fundraiser highlights the late 19th century, the golden age of Parisian art and culture. 8 p.m. to midnight Uptown, Mint Museum, 500 S. Tryon St.
Proceeds from the event help offset the cost of providing tours of The Mint Museum to Charlotte-Mecklenburg students. $100 member, $120 non-member. Tickets.

R&B Songstress - Grammy nominated singer Chante Moore brings her ‘90s to hits to town when she performs live. Kyle Jason and the Martini Swing will also perform. She’s known for her hit “Love’s Taken Over,” "It's Alright," "This Time" and "Chante's Got a Man.”  8 p.m. McGlohon Theater at Spirit Square, 345 North Tryon St.  Details.




Saturday
Art Auction - Join us for fun, food & drinks, and the opportunity to take home a photograph by artists at The Light Factory 2015 Auction. This year’s auction includes work by Elizabeth Matheson, John Rosenthal, Bryce Lankard, and many other wonderful photographers. This is an event that you don’t want to miss! Silent auction begins at 6:30 pm and the live auction begins at 8:00 pm. $40, $50. Details.

Gay Bingo Is Back - R.A.I.N.’s most popular fundraiser gay bingo returns with How to Get Away With Bingo. It’s a fun night of costumes, song, dance, fabulous prizes and wacky bingo. 6:30 p.m. Grady Cole Center, 310 N Kings Dr. Afterparty at The Bar at 316. Details.

Beer Festival - Local breweries come together for the Strange Brew Festival. Enjoy live music, food and samples from Sycamore Brewing, Wooden Robot, D9 Brewing, Red Clay Cider, Fullsteam Brewery, Mystery Brewing and many more. 6:30-10 p.m. Unknown Brewing, 1327 S. Mint St. $20 ($25 at the door if they don’t sell out online).

R&B Pop Princess - Grammy winning singer Mya enjoyed success in the early ‘00s and was on the pop collar “Lady Marmalade.” She’s also done some acting. She’s back with “Love Elevation Suite,” an independent release. 10 p.m. White House, 4809 Wilkinson Blvd.  Details.




Sunday

Winter Market - Get a start on holiday shopping by purchasing hand-crafted local goods at the Vintage Charlotte 4th Annual Winter Market. The Daily Press CLT will provide coffee, Yelp Charlotte is supplying shopping bags for the first 500 customers, King of Pops Charlotte, Juan Taco Truck and Roots Farm Food will also be there. 11 a.m. The Fillmore, 1000 North Carolina Music Factory Blvd.

Hip-hop Gospel Star - Inspiration singer Kirk Franklin is back with a new album, “Losing My Religion.” He’ll be giving a special performance and signing copies of his CD. 4 p.m. FYE Concord Mills, 8481 Concord Mills Blvd.

Holla: sipandplayclt@gmail.com