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