The weekend winds down with a cool food event and a comedy show. Sunday
Food Fun - Five chefs representing Piedmont Culinary Guild will battle five chefs representing the North Carolina chapter of the American Culinary Federation in the Queen City Food Fight. It’ll feature three courses. It’s six rounds of dishes. Attendees sample them all and vote for The People's Champion. A panel of local celebrities will also make a Judge's Decision. 4 p.m., Philip L. Van Every Culinary Arts Center - CPCC, 425 North Kings Drive.
Family Fun - Sky Zone Trampoline Park hosts Jump 4 Izzy to raise funds to benefit the Isabella Santos Foundation, an organization dedicated to supporting the research and treatment of Neuroblastoma and other rare childhood cancers. 12 p.m. to 5 p.m., Sky Zone Charlotte, 10200 Centrum Parkway, Pineville. Details.
Just For Laughs - See comedians Blayr Nias, Chris James, Clint Nohr, Mimi Benfield, Jordan Scott Huggins and Ed Mabrey at Comedy For A Cause. This event benefits features Charlotte comedians. The Comedy Zone, 900 NC Music Factory Blvd Suite B3. Details.
Go outside and play today. Bike rides, drum lines and more. Get up and get out.
New Brewery - You know the scenario, a new brewery and more fun. Games, beer, food trucks and more at Full Spectrum Brewery Grand Opening party. 4 p.m. 2168 Carolina Dr.Details.
Bike To School - Enjoy a leisurely ride through the West side at the Back To School Bike Ride. 6 p.m. JCSU.
Don't Miss 1920s Gala - This 20's-themed event benefits the MS Society. The 27th edition of then Great Gatsby features a VIP Speakeasy Lounge, private pre-event reception, exclusive appetizers, signature cocktails, and a gift! Music provided by the Russ Wilson Orchestra. General admission gets you heavy appetizers from Charlotte restaurants, open bar with wine and beer, and a silent auction. Black tie or 1920's attire. Regular tickets $65 or 2/$100, VIP tickets $100. 6 p.m. VIP reception. 7 p.m. Wells Fargo Atrium, 301 South Tryon St. Details.
A Shopping Experience - Checkout a variety of vendors at Sold Out sponsored hosted by Dupp & Swat, 3 p.m. - 7 p.m. Depp & Swat, 2424 N. Davison St. Ste 112B.
Black Marching Bands - Let the battle begin. HBCU marching bands from Alabama A&M, Bethune Cookman, University, JCSU, NC A&T, NCCU, Shaw University, and more will compete in the McDonald's Queen City Battle of the Bands. 7 p.m. Memorial Stadium, 310 N. Kings Dr. Details.
Finally, it's Friday!!! I'm ready for the weekend. See you in the streets. Let's get this party started. Theater Night - The second annual Intro to LIT Evening of One Acts presents “New Blood! An Evening of NEW One-Act Plays.” The League of Independent Theatres of Charlotte will introduce two directors – Iesha Hoffman and Marius Riley – and three five-minute plays never before seen in Charlotte written by Matt Kenyon. 6:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. tonight and 6:30 p.m. Saturday. Upstage, 3306-C N. Davidson St. $10, $12. Details.
A New Concept For Black LGBT - Comfort Zone Productions presents Friday Urban Lounge. It's an evening of neosoul, jazz and soulful grooves. 7 p.m. -2 a.m. The Fountain Blue Lounge.
Friday Fall Beer - Get ready for the big release of Mecktoberfest, OMB’s seasonal fall brew. The beer is great, but the party is even better. 11 a.m. Old Mecklenburg Brewery, 4150 Yancey Road.
Asian Themed Party - The Moxie Society and The Mighty DJ DR present Tokyo Knights. There will be Japanese decor, Asian food, and cocktails. 10 p.m. Eight Sushi & Asian Kitchen, 1000 NC Music Factory Blvd. Details.
This week, I had a chance to hang out with Crown Royal's Master of Whiskey Stephen Wilson at a tasting event to for Crown Royal's rye whiskey. Over the next few weeks, I will post a variety of videos ranging from yummy whiskey cocktails to Wilson's explanation of Crown Royal's various brands. In this video, Wilson explains how to properly taste whiskey. It's similar to tasting wine, but without the swish and swirl.
It's huuuuummp day!!!! The weekend is almost here. Here's a few events to plan your week.
Thursday Roaming Music Festival - The yearly music festival God Save The Queen City returns at different venues throughout the city with a variety of bands. Thursday will feature an intimate show at Evening Muse, Friday night at the Chop Shop, and Saturday day features free activities at venues inside The North Carolina Music Factory. Main show occurs at The Fillmore Charlotte Saturday night. 7:00 p.m. Thursday - 11 p.m. Saturday. Details.
Cocktails and Convo - NoDa regulars discuss various topics and enjoy beer at Drinks and Thinks. Tonight's topic is Arts Smarts featuring UNCC's Dr. Angela Rajagoplan. 6 p.m. The Evening Muse, 3227 N Davidson St.
Fashion Week - Charlotte’s top designers show their latest designs in the Runway Show-Emerging and Recycled Designer Competition as part of the weeklong Charlotte Fashion Week events. 6:30 p.m., Charlotte Country Club, 2465 Mecklenburg Avenue. Events throughout the week. Details.
Friday Fall Beer - Get ready for the big release of Mecktoberfest, OMB’s seasonal fall brew. The beer is great, but the party is even better. 11 a.m. Old Mecklenburg Brewery, 4150 Yancey Road.
Asian Themed Party - The Moxie Society and The Mighty DJ DR present Tokyo Knights. There will be Japanese decor, Asian food, and cocktails. 10 p.m. Eight Sushi & Asian Kitchen, 1000 NC Music Factory Blvd. Details.
Saturday
1920s Gala - This 20's-themed event benefits the MS Society. The 27th edition of then Great Gatsby features a VIP Speakeasy Lounge, private pre-event reception, exclusive appetizers, signature cocktails, and a gift! Music provided by the Russ Wilson Orchestra. General admission gets you heavy appetizers from Charlotte restaurants, open bar with wine and beer, and a silent auction. Black tie or 1920's attire. Regular tickets $65 or 2/$100, VIP tickets $100. 6 p.m. VIP reception. 7 p.m. Wells Fargo Atrium, 301 South Tryon St. Details.
A Shopping Experience - Checkout a variety of vendors at Sold Out sponsored hosted by Dupp & Swat, 3 p.m. - 7 p.m. Depp & Swat, 2424 N. Davison St. Ste 112B.
Black Marching Bands - Let the battle begin. HBCU marching bands from Alabama A&M, Bethune Cookman, University, JCSU, NC A&T, NCCU, Shaw University, and more will compete in the McDonald's Queen City Battle of the Bands. 7 p.m. Memorial Stadium, 310 N. Kings Dr. Details.
Sunday
Food Fun - Five chefs representing Piedmont Culinary Guild will battle five chefs representing the North Carolina chapter of the American Culinary Federation in the Queen City Food Fight. It’ll feature three courses. It’s six rounds of dishes. Attendees sample them all and vote for The People's Champion. A panel of local celebrities will also make a Judge's Decision. 4 p.m., Philip L. Van Every Culinary Arts Center - CPCC, 425 North Kings Drive.
Family Fun - Sky Zone Trampoline Park hosts Jump 4 Izzy to raise funds to benefit the Isabella Santos Foundation, an organization dedicated to supporting the research and treatment of Neuroblastoma and other rare childhood cancers. 12 p.m. to 5 p.m., Sky Zone Charlotte, 10200 Centrum Parkway, Pineville. Details.
It's the weekend winddown with a mix of family fun, fitness fun and good music. Don't delay, get your day started now! Scavenger Hunt - Explore the city and get fit in the sixth edition of Charlotte Challenge: Ultimate Urban Scavenger Race. Teams of two or more run dash around the city in this 5K race that involves solving clues and strategizing routes around the city to win the scavenger hunt. 1:45 p.m. to 1:45 p.m., Mellow Mushroom Cotswold, Tranquil Court, 2820 Selwyn Ave #100. Details.
House Music Party - DJ Beloved Tennant, DJ’s Jazzy Bee, Tariq Ali, Gary Wallace,Marcuis Wade, Trendsetterz and Badala Bee say goodbye to the summer at The End of Summer Sunday Sessions. 7 p.m. Tremont Music Hall, 400 W Tremont Ave.
Baseball & Wrestling - Meet the Hardy Brothers (no, not the detectives) - professional wrestlers Jeff and Matt Hardy — at the Knights v. Indianapolis Indians game. The Hardy will meet fans and sign autographs. 5:05 p.m., BB&T Ballpark, 324 South Mint St. Tickets.
New Music - Grammy award winning artist Melissa Etheridge will perform material from her new album “This Is M.E.” and familiar hits such as “Come to My Window,” “I’m The Only One” and “I Want To Come Over.” It’s the Melissa Etheridge: This Is M.E. Solo tour. 7 p.m. - 9 p.m., Knight Theater at Levine Center for the Arts, 430 South Tryon St. Details.
The weekend is here! Races this morning and parties tonight. Let's go! See you in the streets. Let's get this party started. Soul Revival - For those of you who aren’t in New York for AfroPunk, Su Casa Presents: Jason JetPlane + The Midnight Mixtape Sessions is the next best thing. Music by: Su Casa DJ Justice Sun Tzulu, Steel Wheel and DJ Maf Maddix. Plus a big reveal of “The Midnight Mixtape Sessions,” featuring the music of Pharell + N.E.R.D., w/ vocalist Jason JetPlane + DJ SPK. Live art by Dammit Wesley, face painting, film, vendors and more. 10 p.m. - 2 a.m. $5 before 11, $10 after 11. Petra’s, 1919 Commonwealth Ave.
Murder Mystery - Harold is dead, and you get a chance to help figure out who killed him at Harold Blue Note Johnson, an interactive murder mystery dinner. $30 for individuals, $20 for couples. Dupp and Swat, 2424 N. Davidson. Details.
Music Festival - Local rock and metal bands headline The Burning August Music Festival, a two-day music festival featuring 12 bands. 3 p.m. Amos' Southend, 1423 S. Tryon. $12 and up. Details.
Running Music Festival - Night Nation Run is a 5K night race featuring lights, lasers and EDM. The race winds its way through an illuminated course featuring multiple DJ stages and ends with main stage after-party. 7:30 p.m., Historic Rural Hill, 4431 Neck Road, Huntersville. $60. Details.
This weekend was made for hip-hop heads - graffiti art show, spoken word and a world famous DJ! See you in the streets. Let's get this party started.... Graffiti By Another Name - Celebrate local art, music and food, at Outside Voices - An Aerosol Art Show. The event will benefits: - The Behailu Academy, Friendship Trays and ToolBank of Charlotte. Local graffiti artists will be creating a mural at C3Lab that celebrates Historic South End and the Charlotte community. Other local artists will be featured in the Gallery Space. Features music, food and beer. 6 p.m. C3 Lab, 2525 Distribution St. Free. Details.
Poetry Slam - Here professional slam poets at the August Poetry Slam featuring Raleigh-based Dasan Ahan. He is a public speaker, organizer, workshop facilitator, poet, spoken word performer, songwriter, writer and more. 8 p.m. Booth Playhouse, Blumenthal Performing Arts Center, 130 N Tryon St. $12. Details.
Old School Hip-Hop - If “Straight Outta Compton” has you yearning to hear old school hip-hop, then check out the I Love NY Party with DJ Red Alert. New York hip-hop was more fun than West Coast rap, so this is just the kind of party music you need to start your weekend. 9 p.m., Vibrations Club, 5237 Albemarle Road. $20. Details.
NoDa Dance Party - NoDa isn’t known for its dance clubs, but every third Friday the DanceBox Sessions: DJ Series at The Evening Muse presents classic and top 40 dance music. Avoid the uptown crowd and groove in the more laid back NoDa neighborhood. 10 p.m. Evening Music, 3227 N Davidson St $5.
Booze Cruise - Rock House takes the fun to Lake Norman for the Rockin' The Lake Booze Cruise. Drink specials, DJ and fun. $35. 6:45 p.m. Prohibition (Checkin), 200 N. Tryon St. Details.
Wednesday Mix It Up - Enjoy good food and great drinks at the Leroy Foxy Mixology dinner. Chef-prepared meals and drinks by mixologist Adam, paired with the dinner. 7 p.m., Leroy Fox Kitchen & Cocktails, Providence Village Shopping Center, 705 S Sharon Amity Rd. $35. Details.
Thursday Film Screening - The next phase of the Charlotte 48 Hour Film Fest starts tonight. 6:30 p.m., McGlohon Theater, 345 N College St. $6.50 - $11.50. Details.
Afterwork Winddown - Enjoy live music by Harvey Cummings Band, DJ SPK and spoken word by Touch One Productions at Gantt After Dark. 6 p.m., Gantt Center, 551 S Tryon St.
$10 non-members, free for members.
Fashion Show - This is the 6th Cover Girl Search and Fashion Show. At least two dozen women will compete. 7 p.m. Oak Room, 200 East Bland St. Details.
Friday
Booze Cruise - Rock House takes the fun to Lake Norman for the Rockin' The Lake Booze Cruise. Drink specials, DJ and fun. $35. 6:45 p.m. Prohibition (Checkin), 200 N. Tryon St. Details.
Saturday Run, Drink, Eat - The OrthoCarolina 10K Classic Food Truck & Beer Fest is a 5K and 10K race. Afterward enjoy local food trucks, beer garden, music and more. Details. 7:30 a.m., Orthhcarolina, 1915 Randolph Road.
Murder Mystery - Harold is dead, and you get a chance to help figure out who killed him at Harold Blue Note Johnson, an interactive murder mystery dinner. $30 for individuals, $20 for couples. Dupp and Swat, 2424 N. Davidson. Details.
Music Festival - Local rock and metal bands headline The Burning August Music Festival, a two-day music festival featuring 12 bands. 3 p.m. $12 and up. Details.
Walk For Women - NoDa Brewing is partnering with Beards BeCAUSE for Walk A Mile In Her Shoes. Participants will walk a mile in high heels to raise awareness for gender violence. The event benefits Safe Alliance. 9 a.m., NoDa Brewing Company, 2229 North Davidson St.
Running Music Festival - Night Nation Run is a 5K night race featuring lights, lasers and EDM. The race winds its way through an illuminated course featuring multiple DJ stages and ends with main stage after-party. 7:30 p.m., Historic Rural Hill, 4431 Neck Road, Huntersville. $60. Details.
Today is the final day of Pride week. The parade starts in an hour. There's also a food event at Birdsong. Get out and have fun. Bank of America Charlotte Pride Parade
Don’t miss the festival highlight with all of the usual fun of a gay pride parade, floats, marchers and more. Parade starts at 1 p.m. from 9th and N. Tryon St.
Charlotte Pride Festival
This is what we’ve all been waiting for! National, regional and local entertainers, musicians and bands, and more than 150 vendors, including art exhibitors, area non-profits, political candidates, retailers, food stands and more. Tryon and Stonewall.
Que & Brew - Slow Food Charlotte and Birdsong Brewery partner to present Brew & Chew BBQ to benefit 10,000 Gardens in Africa. The food features local pork from A Way of Life Farm and local vegetables. 3 - 7 p.m., Birdsong Brewery, 1016 North Davidson St. $20. Details.
Arts Festival - Comet Grill isn't the type of place that I would usually go to for an arts festival, but today they are hosting Comet Sunshine Festival. The event features 25 artists ranging from painters to jewelers, a dunk tank, aerialists and more. Ends at 6 p.m. Comet Grill, 2224 Park Road.
Bounce Baby - The Bounce Queen Big Freedia brings her style of bounce rap to Charlotte for Pride weekend. 7 p.m. Neighborhood Theatre, 511 East 36th St. $20.
Great day of entertainment with comedy, EDM and the Pride festival events. See you in the streets. Let's get this party started.
Big Beats - EDM fans get ready for a night of crazy beats at SPENT Entertainment’s Laser Asylum featuring Party Thieves, Boy Beats World and more. 9 p.m., Neighborhood Theatre, 511 E 36th St. $10. Details.
Don't Miss Comedy Titans - National comedians Cedric The Entertainer, Eddie Griffin, DL Hughley, George Lopez, and Charlie Murphy will headline The Comedy Get Down. Their resumes ranges from talk show hosts to TV show characters and more. This evening will be gut-busting fun. 8 p.m., Time Warner Cable Arena, 333 East Trade St. Details.
Outdoor Jazz - Bring your blankets and chairs for an evening smooth jazz eating keyboardist Oli Silk and flutist Althea Renee at Jazz Under The Stars. Lake Norman. 6 p.m. Queens Landing, 1459 River Highway, Mooresville. Details.
Adult Games - Tired of the same ol’ bar scene? Enjoy playing over-sized Connect Four, Jenga and more at Play Clothes: Adult Fun, Games, and Drinks. 4 p.m. VBGB 920 Hamilton St.
Bounce Baby - The Bounce Queen Big Freedia brings her style of bounce rap to Charlotte for Pride weekend. 7 p.m. Neighborhood Theatre, 511 East 36th St. $20.
Charlotte Pride Festival, Saturday and Sunday
This is what we’ve all been waiting for! National, regional and local entertainers, musicians and bands, and more than 150 vendors, including art exhibitors, area non-profits, political candidates, retailers, food stands and more. Opening ceremony at 12:20 p.m. Estelle performs at 8:15 p.m. on the Wells Fargo Stage, Saturday. Tryon and Stonewall.
Gay Pride Breakfast Bike Ride, Sunday
Bikes and costumes! Dress as your favorite Broadway musical character and take a bike ride around Plaza-Midwood, aka Gayborhood. 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. Details: Dianna@charlottebcycle.com.
Bank of America Charlotte Pride Parade, Sunday
Don’t miss the festival highlight with all of the usual fun of a gay pride parade, floats, marchers and more. Parade starts at 1 p.m. from 9th and N. Tryon St.
It's Friiiidddayyyyy! The party starts now. Here are my highlights for tonight, and check out my list of fave Pride events. Something Different - This sounds so cool - a dance festival themed after the movie "Dirty Dancing." The Dirty Dancing Festival starts with a movie screening tonight and events including dance lessons and games on Saturday. 7 p.m. and 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Morse Park Meadows, 2948 Memorial Highway, Lake Lure. Free today. Details.
Don't Miss
Last Chance - Experience Prison Zoo, a multimedia exhibition by artist Alix Lambert, and say goodbye to Summer 2015 artists Charles Williams, Caroline Rust, Erik Waterkotte, Endia Beal, Matt Horick, and Taproot. There will be live music, appetizers and a cash bar. 6–9 p.m. Free and we’ll have music, light hors-d’oeuvres, and a cash bar. Details.
Dance Party - Love Mint to Move! Afro-Cuban and Latin-American music with DJ Carlos LeBron, Jerry Giraud, Angel Delgado, and Brandon Nater. This a fun, diverse dance event. Rumbao Latin Dance Company dance lessons starts at 8:45 p.m. 8 p.m. Mint Museum, 500 S Tryon St. Details.
House Music Party - House music fans come out tonight for House Wars, a FREE event featuring UK DJ Chris Sterio of Gravity. Other featured DJs are Sean McClellan and Chad McNeely. Stew Art will also be doing live painting throughout the course of the night! 9 p.m. Crown Station, 1425 Elizabeth Ave.
I'm back!!! In 2005, I launched the Paid To Party column for the Observer. Now I'm back with a fresh look at Charlotte's entertainment offerings. For the next few months, I'll be testing a new feature, primarily aimed at weekend events and other ways to entertain yourself, your family, your visitors.
Sip + Play is your guide to fun things to do in Charlotte from Food Truck Fridays to bar crawls to events you've never experienced. I still love a party, so there also will be plenty of that.
Sip + Play will take you all over Charlotte and beyond with live event coverage on the weekends and recommendations of where to go and what to do. I'm looking forward to sharing my adventures with you. #cltevents
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