Don't let rain stop you. There's family fun, waffle eating contests, and a bar crawl calling your name. Answer the call. See you in the streets.... Art Stroll - Head over to the Metropolitan area for the Kings Drive Art Walk this weekend. Peruse works of clay, glass, wood and more by regional artists. 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. Sunday. Details.
Happy Birthday - Help Fud at Salud celebrate its first birthday at the Fud at Salud Anniversary Party. There will be a waffle-eating contest, special beers and more. 6 p.m. Fud at Salud, 3306 N. Davidson St. Details.
Family Fun - Come out to Hippie Fest featuring hundreds of North Carolina vendors, artists, food trucks and groovy vibes! Fun for the whole family. 11 a.m., Eastland Mall, 5471 Central Ave.
Don't Forget
Tequila & Beer - Time to enjoy great drink specials at Cincofest X Bar Crawl, featuring 7 uptown bars. 4:15 p.m. Checkin at Flight Beer and Music Hall, 300 N. College Street. (Formerly Cosmos). Crawl schedule.
Get Dressed Up! - Hey big spender, breakout your ball gowns and tux for the 3rd Annual Spring Fundraising Gala: Coveted Couture. It’s a celebration of fashion and the Mint’s big fundraiser. 6:30 p.m. Mint Museum, Tent on the Lawn at Mint Museum Randolph, 2730 Randolph Road. Tickets.
Oysters & Rock - iHeart Radio is bringing its party to Charlotte with the Oyster Roast/ Yacht Rock Revueconcert. Oysters provided by Hickory Tavern. 5 p.m. Rooftop 210, 210 E. Trade St. $17.40 and up. Tickets.
Taste So Good - Head uptown early today for the Charlotte Wine & Food Weekend Grand Tasting Tent featuring wineries, local craft breweries, chefs and demonstrations. 2 p.m. today and Saturday, Romare Bearden Park, 300 S Church St. Details.
Don't Forget Taste So Good - Head uptown early today for the Charlotte Wine & Food Weekend Grand Tasting Tent featuring wineries, local craft breweries, chefs and demonstrations. 2 p.m. today and Saturday, Romare Bearden Park, 300 S Church St. Details.
Art Event - 2015 Light Factory winner Michael Joseph will present his street portraiture project, Lost and Found, which examines a youth subculture of transients who abandon home to travel the country hitchhiking and freight train hopping. 6:30 p.m. The Light Factory 1817 Central Ave. Details.
Let’s Dance II - The second part of The New Latino Sound - Part 2 features a concert with Orquesta Mayor, Patabamba, Jahlistic, and Reinaldo Brahn. 6:30 p.m. Neighborhood Theatre, 511 E 36th St. Tickets.
If you still think Natty Greene's is the only local brewery in Greensboro then you haven't have ventured north in a while. The craft beer scene is still way smaller than Charlotte, but it's growing. If you’re headed that way, here are a few spots to try.
First things first, I never drink on an empty stomach. I started my custom beer crawl with a stop at Hops Burger Bar. We got lucky and found two seats at the bar. According to our Uber driver, the line at Hops often spills down the sidewalk. It’s easy see why, the burgers are delicious. They aren't overly big, but they pack a lot of flavor. There’s the typical custom burger option, but the restaurant’s crafted burgers are creative and tasty. Don’t miss the fries. We loved the garlic and rosemary, but there are a variety from which to choose.
I’m in love with Pig Pounder. It’s not just the name. The name drew me there, but the vibe hooked me. Pig Pounder feels like a polished dive bar (oxymoron alert), not a local brewery. When I visited, a bartender named Chris, entertained us all night with information about the beer and Greensboro. BTW: Chris found his way to Pig Pounder via bartending stints in NoDa’s bar scene. Pounder’s Boarrio IPA is the only IPA that I will drink, but the Bourbon Barrel Aged Stout was my favorite. It was full of flavor unlike most craft stouts. The Barbieswine, a barley wine, which is now on tap, is great for non-beer drinkers. You know there’s story behind the name, but you’ll need to visit to find out. Be sure to ask about the handmade bar stools, made of recycled materials.
Nichole and her husband Calder Preyer opened Preyer Brewing in May 2015. Drinking local beers on a backpacking trip in the Czech Republicinspired Calder to become a home-brewer. Of course dipping a toe into home brewing lead to opening a brewery. They’ve created a comfortable brewery that feels more like a bar than the typical brewery. It’s dark with dark furniture and a supremely cool staff. Another good aspect is that Preyer's neighbor is Crafted The Art of Street Food.
Natty Greene’s is no longer the only downtown brewpub in Greensboro. Gibbs Hundred opened a couple of years ago and provides a totally different vibe than Natty’s. While the veteran brewpub feels more like a big sports bar, Natty Greene’s is more low-key and quieter. It’s also extremely kid-friendly. Gibbs offers the typical range of locally crafted brews as well as seasonal fare.
I'm really excited about Sunday's Open Streets 704 event, but before we get to that hit the streets this weekend for an oyster roast, bar crawl and more. See you in the streets...
Today
Play Time! - Bring it on for some friendly corn hole, life size Jenga, ladder toss and more bar games at the weekly Rooftop Games. 5 p.m. Rooftop 210, 210 E Trade St. Details.
Thursday
Get Educated - The YWCA of Charlotte is hosting a forum on voting rights and voter engagement Community Forum. YWCA CEO Kirsten Sikkelee will moderate a A panel discussion and community forum to explore the impact of the new voter ID law and reasons for low turnout among millennials. #WTFWeVote is the community partner. Complimentary dinner from Jason's Deli will be served. 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at YWCA Central Carolinas, 3420 Park Road. Register.
Let’s Dance - Celebrate the legacy of the Dance Theatre of Harlem at Catch the Dance: An Inspired Movement. Legendary dance pioneers Joan Myers Brown, Founder and Artistic Director of Philadanco! Philadelphia Dance Company and The Philadelphia School of Dance Arts; April Berry, Founder of Arts 'n Community, former Director of Education & Outreach at Charlotte Ballet and BalletMet Columbus, and former lead dancer with Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater; and Dr. Mel A. Tomlinson former soloist with Dance Theatre of Harlem and Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater will lead this discussion about the black dance experience. Gantt Center, 551 S. Tryon St. $10. Register
Friday
Art Event - 2015 Light Factory winner Michael Joseph will present his street portraiture project, Lost and Found, which examines a youth subculture of transients who abandon home to travel the country hitchhiking and freight train hopping. 6:30 p.m. The Light Factory 1817 Central Ave. Details.
Let’s Dance II - The second part of The New Latino Sound - Part 2 features a concert with Orquesta Mayor, Patabamba, Jahlistic, and Reinaldo Brahn. 6:30 p.m. Neighborhood Theatre, 511 E 36th St. Tickets.
Saturday
Tequila & Beer - Time to enjoy great drink specials at Cincofest X Bar Crawl, featuring 7 uptown bars. 4:15 p.m. Checkin at Flight Beer and Music Hall, 300 N. College Street. (Formerly Cosmos). Crawl schedule.
Get Dressed Up! - Hey big spender, breakout your ball gowns and tux for the 3rd Annual Spring Fundraising Gala: Coveted Couture. It’s a celebration of fashion and the Mint’s big fundraiser. 6:30 p.m. Mint Museum, Tent on the Lawn at Mint Museum Randolph, 2730 Randolph Road. Tickets.
Oysters & Rock - iHeart Radio is bringing its party to Charlotte with the Oyster Roast/ Yacht Rock Revueconcert. Oysters provided by Hickory Tavern. 5 p.m. Rooftop 210, 210 E. Trade St. $17.40 and up. Tickets.
Sunday No Cars! - Leave the cars at home for Open Streets 704. It’s a full day of activities from Memorial Stadium in Elizabeth to 36th Street in NoDa. It winds through Villa Heights, Optimist Park, Belmont and First Ward. Bring your bikes or get one from B-Cycle. There are four zones for organized activities: Arts and crafts in NoDa, a Family zone and green zone in Belmont and Optimist Park and a Wellness zone in First Ward. Food trucks will be near the center of the route, with easy access to Cordelia Park and the Little Sugar Creek Greenway. Noon - 4 p.m.
FYI: BIKE! Charlotte starts today and features more than two weeks of bike-related events and promotions to encourage more bicycling in Charlotte.
The SoCo bar at the Westin was standing room only on Saturday night as jazz fans gathered to watch musicians from various fans do play in a free jam set. It was fun watching them improvise and play off each other's groove.
Prince fans gathered at Petra's for the Su Casa: April Edition which featured a late night Prince tribute. The front room was packed with people singing, dancing and remembering the iconic singer. The scene at Soul Gastrolounge was a little quieter an more intimate as Andy Kastanas and friend gathered to pay tribute to Prince with a vinyl DJ set. Both Justice (at Petra's) and Kastanas played a mix of popular Prince songs and lesser known tracks. It was a night of tribute that fit every Prince fan from the quiet and serene to the all out partier.
Hit two great Prince tributes last night. Look for the video later. Meanwhile, great festival are ending today. Don't miss out on the last day of fun. See you in the streets.... Outdoor Festival - A weekend of competitions and live music ends today at Tuck Fest. U.S. National Whitewater Rafting Center, 5000 Whitewater Center Parkway.
Puppy Love - Show your support for our furry friends at the Mutts & Mimosas benefiting the Human Society. In addition to Atherton Market's current vendors, the event will feature other local artisans and mobile boutiques. 1 p.m. Atherton Market, 2140 South Blvd. Tickets.
Film Festival - The 2016 GayCharlotte Film Festival features full-length drama and comedies, documentaries and short films. Various times throughout the weekend. Theatre Charlotte, 501 Queens Rd, 501 Queens Rd.
Righteous Comedy - Activist and comedian Dick Gregory unleashes his insight and wit on politics, pop culture, race relations and more. One night only. 6 p.m., The Comedy Zone, Suite B3 900 N.C. Music Factory Boulevard. Sold out, but if you have a hook up hit them up.
I was all excited about the Charlotte Jazz Festival late night jam and "Schoolhouse Rocks Live!" Adult Night, but now Su Casa's Prince tribute party is a priority. So many events to choose from. Wherever you go, be sure to party like it's 1999! See you in the streets... Purple Tears - Bring your grief, your joy and you soul to Su CASA: The April Edition! It’s a tribute to Prince and also features film, live art, face painting and more. Celebrate Prince’s life and music the way he would’ve wanted - party like it’s 1999! 10 p.m. Petra’s, 1919 Commonwealth Ave Details.
Countdown Party - It’s hard to believe, but AIDSWalk is only two weeks away. Nathan Smith is one of eight hosts for tonight’s party featuring music by DJ Rob Reeves. Cathode drag headliners Angela Lopez, Bella Jade and Felicia Monet will volunteer for photo ops with the AIDSWALK Jeep. Cathode will donate 50% of door cover and eventbrite sales of VIP lounge to AIDSWALK! Freebies and more. 10 p.m., Cathode Azure Club, 1820 South Blvd, Ste 106. Details.
Pop Up Market - Local vendors Weird Empire, the Daily Press CLT and the Gateau Baking Company are participating in the Cherry Pie - Pop-Up Market. Enjoy an art show, coffee, pastry, and more. Unitl 6 p.m., Union Shop Studio, 5019 Wilkinson Blvd. Details.
Jazz Lovers - This is your weekend with dozens of live jazz events throughout the week ranging from lunch to late night jam sessions. Highlights include tonight’s Charlotte Jazz Festival First Night featuring Sammy Miller and the Congregation with special guest Wynton Marsalis, Friday’s Jazz in the Key of Life featuring Marsalis and the Lincoln Center Orchestra on Friday and a Creole Jazz Brunch on Saturday. Events range from free to ticketed. Various venues uptown. Schedule.
Outdoor Festival - St. Paul and the Broken Bones headline the kickoff concert for TuckFest. It's a weekend of competitions and live music at the 5 p.m. U.S. National Whitewater Rafting Center, 5000 Whitewater Center Parkway.
Film Festival - The 2016 GayCharlotte Film Festival features full-length drama and comedies, documentaries and short films. Various times throughout the weekend. Theatre Charlotte, 501 Queens Rd, 501 Queens Rd.
‘90s R&B - Need to hear some R&B to set off a romantic night? Don’t miss Jagged Edge. Hits include “Promise,” “Gotta Be” and “Where the Party At?” They performed to a small, but enthusiastic crowd CIAA weekend, but it was a good show. Food will also be available. 10 p.m. The White House, 4808 Wilkinson Blvd. Details.
Jimmy Buffett Party Bus Events Rockhouse
Schedule:
1:00-2:00pm - Check-In (Tyber Creek Pub)
2:00 - Bus Departs for PNC Music Pavilion
7:00 - Concert Starts
*** Bus will depart 30 min. after the show
Elevate
Schedule:
2:00 pm - Meet at Hot Taco, 200 East Bland Street
5:30 pm - Bus leaves for the concert
$20 and fees. Tickets.
I’m Just A Bill - My brother and I always started Saturday mornings with cartoons and “School House Rocks!” I can’t wait, wait, wait for tonight’s "Schoolhouse Rocks Live!" Adult Night No kids allowed for this show. We adults get to join the mosh pit and rock to this childhood favorite. Pre-show reception at 6:30 p.m. with food, beer and wine from Mac’s Speedshop. 7:30 p.m., Children's Theatre of Charlotte, 300 E. 7th Street. $12 and up.
BBQ Competition - The 3rd annual Smoke Off BBQ Competition features 20 amateur teams making yummy food. Teams cook all day. $10 gets you unlimited samples till 5 p.m., which is when the voting begins. There’s also beer and live music. Benefits Purple Heart Homes. 1 p.m., The Unknown Brewing Company, 1327 S Mint St. Details.
Don't Miss Outdoor Festival - St. Paul and the Broken Bones headline the kickoff concert for TuckFest. It's a weekend of competitions and live music at the 5 p.m. U.S. National Whitewater Rafting Center, 5000 Whitewater Center Parkway.
Film Festival - The 2016 GayCharlotte Film Festival features full-length drama and comedies, documentaries and short films. Various times throughout the weekend. Theatre Charlotte, 501 Queens Rd, 501 Queens Rd.
Evening Race - Come out for an evening of running, eating and drinking in FreeMoreWest in the 4th annual FreeMoreWest 5Kat FreeMoreWest's 5K on the Greenway. After the race, enjoy food from 2 Chicks & a Truck and Olde Mecklenburg Brewing beer. Benefits Classroom Central. 6 p.m. Uptown Cycles, 1432 W Morehead St.
It’s Back - The occasional Takeover Friday returns. The Charlotte LGBT Chamber of Commerce will be hosting a business expo at Takeover Friday at Le Meridien Charlotte. Music by DJ Little Betty. Le Meridien, 555 S McDowell Street
Happy Birthday- Join the EpiCentre as it celebrates Rooftop 210 Anniversary & Season Opener. VIP Happy Hour 8 p.m. Rooftop 210, 210 E. Trade St.
More Jazz - The monthly edition of New Frequencies returns with Trio Red Space. Charlotte duo Ghost Trees opens. 8 p.m. McColl Center, $10/$12. Details.
Concert Series - Another weekly concert series returns tonight with SouthPark Cocktails & Concerts each Friday featuring live music until May 6. 5 p.m. Piedmont Town Center, 4725 Piedmont Row Drive. Details.
I can’t decide which drew my attention more Tuesday night at the Orgone show, the wild-haired guitarist or the tight horn section. The Los Angeles based eight-piece band put on a fun show last night the Neighborhood Theatre. Lead vocalist Adryon de Leon kept the party going with her enthusiastic dancing and magnetic personality. She sounded good, but the real star was the rhythm section. The combination of brass and drums set a funky tone all night long. The crowd was a mix of young and old, but I was dissappointed so few Black people turned out for the show. Orgone is definitely worth seeing next time the band performs here, and be sure to bring your dancing shoes.
This is going to be a great weekend! Great comedy, tasty food and fantastic music. Let's get this party started. See you in the streets. Tonight Progressive Southern Comedy - We’ve been taking a lot of hits lately from comedians outside of the state thanks to HB 2. Tonight Gastonia native Clifton Cash and fellow comedians Tom Simmons and Steward Huff will offer Southern comics perspectives on the South Sick of Stupid Comedy Tour. Don’t expect Honey Boo Boo and Duck Dynasty stuff. These are progressive Southern comedians offering their take on politics and culture. 8 p.m., The Comedy Zone Charlotte, Suite B3 900 N.C. Music Factory Boulevard. $15. Tickets.
Beer Release Party - Be one of the first 50 people to try the limited edition of the Rail Trail brew by Sycamore Brewery and receive a free pint glass at today’s release party. 704 Shop will be there selling Rail Trail tees. 4 p.m. Sycamore Brewing Company, 2161 Hawkins St.
Thursday Artsy Party - Herb & Felicia Gray's Happy Hour and the Charlotte Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi are teaming up for this edition of PNC Bank Presents Gantt After Dark. Features host Q. Talley, live music by the Harvey Cummings II Project and a DJ. Free with registration. There’s also Paint & Sip with Cathay Dawkins, which features guided painting and wine-tasting for $25. All Art supplies and a complimentary glass of wine are included. Limit 20 people. Enjoy samples from Wingzza, winner of "Best Food Truck" in Charlotte and if that isn't enough, visit the Dessert Lounge with sweets by Creative Catering. 6 p.m. Gantt Center, 551 South Tryon St. Parking: Duke Energy garage (101 W. Stonewall Street entrance) or The Green garage (435 S. Tryon Street) to receive special discounted parking. Details.
Jazz Lovers - This is your weekend with dozens of live jazz events throughout the week ranging from lunch to late night jam sessions. Highlights include tonight’s Charlotte Jazz Festival First Night featuring Sammy Miller and the Congregation with special guest Wynton Marsalis, Friday’s Jazz in the Key of Life featuring Marsalis and the Lincoln Center Orchestra on Friday and a Creole Jazz Brunch on Saturday. Events range from free to ticketed. Various venues uptown. Schedule.
Friday
Happy Birthday - Join the EpiCentre as it celebrates Rooftop 210 Anniversary & Season Opener. VIP Happy Hour 8 p.m. Rooftop 210, 210 E. Trade St.
More Jazz - The monthly edition of New Frequencies returns with Trio Red Space. Charlotte duo Ghost Trees opens. 8 p.m. McColl Center, $10/$12. Details.
Concert Series - Another weekly concert series returns tonight with SouthPark Cocktails & Concerts each Friday featuring live music until May 6. 5 p.m. Piedmont Town Center, 4725 Piedmont Row Drive. Details.
Saturday ‘90s R&B - Need to hear some R&B to set off a romantic night? Don’t miss Jagged Edge. Hits include “Promise,” “Gotta Be” and “Where the Party At?” They performed to a small, but enthusiastic crowd CIAA weekend, but it was a good show. Food will also be available. 10 p.m. The White House, 4808 Wilkinson Blvd. Details.
Jimmy Buffett Party Bus Events Rockhouse
Schedule:
1:00-2:00pm - Check-In (Tyber Creek Pub)
2:00 - Bus Departs for PNC Music Pavilion
7:00 - Concert Starts
*** Bus will depart 30 min. after the show
Elevate
Schedule:
2:00 pm - Meet at Hot Taco, 200 East Bland Street
5:30 pm - Bus leaves for the concert
$20 and fees. Tickets.
I’m Just A Bill - My brother and I always started Saturday mornings with cartoons and “School House Rocks!” I can’t wait, wait, wait for tonight’s "Schoolhouse Rocks Live!" Adult Night No kids allowed for this show. We adults get to join the mosh pit and rock to this childhood favorite. Pre-show reception at 6:30 p.m. with food, beer and wine from Mac’s Speedshop. 7:30 p.m., Children's Theatre of Charlotte, 300 E. 7th Street. $12 and up.
BBQ Competition - The 3rd annual Smoke Off BBQ Competition features 20 amateur teams making yummy food. Teams cook all day. $10 gets you unlimited samples till 5 p.m., which is when the voting begins. There’s also beer and live music. Benefits Purple Heart Homes. 1 p.m., The Unknown Brewing Company, 1327 S Mint St. Details.
Sunday Righteous Comedy - Activist and comedian Dick Gregory unleashes his insight and wit on politics, pop culture, race relations and more. One night only. 6 p.m., The Comedy Zone, Suite B3 900 N.C. Music Factory Boulevard. $25. Tickets
Puppy Love - Show your support for our furry friends at the Mutts & Mimosas benefiting the Human Society. In addition to Atherton Market's current vendors, the event will feature other local artisans and mobile boutiques. 1 p.m. Atherton Market, 2140 South Blvd. Tickets. Holla: Sipandplayclt@gmail.com
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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