Big Game parties list, New growler bar, Mardi Gras kick-off and KRS-One

Today's a good day. There's a new growler bar opening and a cool beer festival in Durham. Not a beer drinker? No problem. See what else is happening today below. See you in the streets...

Reminder: If your bar or club is throwing a Big Game party email me the details at sipandplayclt@gmail.com.

Growler Store Opening - Beer fans head south for the grand opening of Growler USA.There will be 100+ taps of local, regional and national craft beers, hard ciders, red and white draught wine and Kombucha. 11 a.m., Growler USA, 12206 Copper Way #124. Free.

Beer Festival Road Trip - Formerly known as at the Raleigh Rare & Vintage Beer Tasting is now the 5th Annual NC Rare & Vintage Beer. The event features 50 different breweries. Each brewer brings between up to four beers each. There’s also expanded outdoor area, but without increasing the number of tickets being sold. There will also be buffet style food options and passed hors d'oeuvres to pair with drinks. 3 p.m., Historic Durham Athletic Park, 500 W Corporation St, Downtown Durham. $75. Details.

Break Out The Beads - Get a headstart on your Mardi Gras celebration at the Mardi Gras Costume Party at Ice Martini Bar. Costumes are heavily encouraged. 9 p.m., Ice Martini Bar, 9525 Birkdale Crossing Drive #102 Huntersville

Music Tribute - The annual Radok Fest 5 is a tribute to photographer Chris Radok, who was murdered in 2011. Featured bands: It’s Snakes, The Husbians, Cadavernous and Fire Marshall. 9 p.m., Snug Harbor, 1228 Gordon St. $6. Details.


Don't Forget
Get Fit! - Try fitness trends such as bootcamps, Zumba, yoga and more at the 4th Annual Greater Charlotte Health & Fitness Expo. There will be guest fitness experts and celebrities. Come dressed to sweat in the cardio dance zone, Burn Boot Camp Fitness and other interactive demos. 9 p.m. The Park Expo & Conference Center, 2500 E Independence Blvd. $5 ticket, $7 parking.

Skateboards For A Cause - The coolest skateboards featuring original pieces of art will auctioned at SHRED for Gabe and Luke Skatedeck Artshow and Auction. It’s a day of skateboarding, art, food and beer and fun. There will be a DJ, live music and live art auctioned in real time by local legend John Burgin. Art signed by Cam Newton and Luke Kuechly. All proceeds go to help families with special needs kids. 1 p.m. - 7 p.m. The Unknown Brewery from 1-7 p.m., 1327 S Mint St. Live auction at 4 p.m. Free. Details.

Rap’s Conscience - KRS-One was one of the first MCs to use rap to educate and raise listeners’ consciousness about social issues with hits such as “Sound Of Da Police.” He coined the phrase “edutainment.” He was known as The Blastmaster and The Teacha. KRS is an acronym for Knowledge Reigning Supreme. 8 p.m. The White House, 4809 Wilkinson Blvd. $27.37 and up.



Holla: Sipandplayclt@gmail.com