Weekend Preview: Bar crawls, beer run and artists showcase

When I was a kid, our Easter egg hunts were limited to my family’s home. These days, kids have a plethora of choices. Although, the hunt, more like a sprint and grab. Bring your kids out for the annual egg scramble at events throughout the city this weekend.

Also, thrill seekers can get their adrenaline fix at Carowinds which opens Saturday.

Wednesday
Support Local - At least six local artists will be featured at the CLT Local Artists Showcase. Featured artists: Railz The Principle, Da Real Immortal, Messenger Down, Brown Eyes Music,The Stress Exchange and LeAnna Eden & The Garden Of. 7:30 p.m., The Evening Muse, 3227 N Davidson St. Details.
   

Eating Good - Enjoy a multi-course meal and wine pairing at the Celebrity Chef Tour. Featured chefs hail from Davidson, West Virginia Charlotte and Waxhaw. 6:30 p.m., Bonterra Dining & Wine Room, 1829 Cleveland Ave. Tickets are $150 all inclusive (includes wine pairings & gratuity). Details.

Thursday
Easter Spirit - Get in the Easter groove at the Pre-Easter Go-Go featuring Uptown Swagga. 8 p.m. Blu Note, 3425 David Cox Road. Details.

Networking Remix - Enjoy cocktails, conversation, dinner and networking at Just One. Organizers are billing it as a new way to network. Live music by One Paper Crane. Cocktails by Top Organic Spirits and complimentary appetizers. 6 p.m. Passion8, 1523 Elizabeth Ave.

Friday
Bone, Bone, Bone - Hip-hop fans will remember the harmonies and rhymes of Bone Thugs-N-Harmony. Tonight’s it’s just Bizzy Bone. 9 p.m., Suite, 210 E Trade St.

Happy Anniversary - Celebrate the 7 Year Anniversary Party & Alt Release at The Olde Mecklenburg Brewery. 6 p.m. The Olde Mecklenburg Brewery, 4150 Yancey Road.

Mad Monster Party - Meet the stars of Frozen, Deadpool, Star Wars Trilogy and others at the Mad Monster Party. The horror-pop convention is a family friendly event and a chance to dress up like zombies and scary creatures. Multiple days. Sheraton Charlotte Hotel, 555 S McDowell St. Schedule.

Free Your Spirit - Drum like nobody’s watching at the Drum Circle and Paint Party. Unleash your creative spirit with painting, drumming and fellowship. Admission includes unlimited paint, canvas, easel, brushes and percussive instruments.  7 p.m., Charlotte Art League, 1517 Camden Rd. $15 in advance, $20 door. Tickets.

Saturday
Easter Crawl - Forget boiled eggs. Celebrate Easter at the Bunny Hop Bar Crawl. Ticket includes event t-shirt, koozie, no cover access to all participating venues (Blackfinn, Bubble, Suite, Whisky River, Rooftop 210, Howl at the Moon and Tin Roof) at the EpiCentre, special drink prices and prizes. 6 p.m. Rooftop 210, 210 E Trade St.

Free your soul - The monthly soulful party Su CASA — The March Edition returns. 10 p.m. Petra’s, 1919 Commonwealth Ave.

Beer Run - Enhance your weekend run by joining the Triple C's Know Your Craft 5k. Benefits Project 2 Heal. After-party features live music and beer. 9 a.m., Triple C Brewing Company,  2900 Griffith St.

Holla: Sipandplayclt@gmail.com

Sip + Play's New Year's Eve Picks

I have a love hate-relationship with New Year's Eve. I love, love, love the parties, but New Year's Eve is so, so, over-priced. Worse, people who don't usually drink, drink way too much. The EpiCentre and NC Music Factory will provide a variety of parties in one-place. Below are my picks for parties from my favorite spot to kid friendly events. Have fun, and please be safe! 

Tonya's Picks:

Soul GastroLounge is my go-to low-key spot for everything. Always great music, fun people and delicious drinks. Details.

Rich and Bennett presents three parties tonight at #MOFO New Year's Bash. You can do all three or choose your style. There's the Southside VIP party, the more low-key Angry Ale or Craft Beer Tent parties. Details.

The Roxbury's 13th Annual New Year's Eve Back to the Future Bash includes NYE & glow favors, champagne toast, four bars and multiple Dance Floors

Tickets

Black Parties

Six Figures Entertainment 

Tickets

Tickets

Kid Friendly

CLT New Year's Eve

The city's official celebration starts at 6 p.m. in Romare Bearden Park. Revelers can decorate a crown to wear for the evening's countdown. The family-friendly event includes crafts, games, food trucks and a DJ. The finale is the lighting of the Queen City crown and a fireworks display at midnight. This is an alcohol-free event.

Public parking is available at surface lots and parking decks throughout Uptown Charlotte at market rates. Mass transit options, including the Lynx Blue Line, Lynx Gold Line streetcar and CATS buses will be available as well. 

Street Closures: Mint Street from MLK to Third streets will close at 9 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 31 and will remain closed until 3 a.m. Friday, Jan. 1

John Tosco’s 6th Annual New Year’s Eve Show 

Want to kick off your New Year’s Eve celebration with fun for the whole family? This year, John Tosco’s 6th Annual New Year’s Eve Show will showcase one of Charlotte’s favorite family entertainers with The Billy Jonas Concert Experience!

Thursday, December 31, 2015

3:30 P.M. - 5:00 P.M.

McGlohon Theater

at Spirit Square

345 N College Street

Charlotte, NC 28202

Tickets are $15.00 or Buy 3, get one FREE!

Box Office (704) 372-1000 

Details

Holla: sipandplayclt@gmail.com

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

Grave Diggers Ball winners and going doggie style tonight

I was so excited about Catch On's Low Country Boil today, that I made one Tonya style earlier this week. But today is the real thing! After you finish stuffing your faces there get ready for the biggest costume party of the Halloween season.

But first! Congrats to our Grave Diggers Ball Ticket winners. Thanks to everyone who entered the contest. Don't forget to tag #sipandplayclt from the party tonight!

VIP Winners: Jerry Fehlman and Lindsay Ellis
 General Admission: James Seller, Kimberly Cole of Chattanooga, Natividad Lewis, Darrell Mullins, Lisa Walker, Gracie Ponjuan, John English, Katherine Richard, Marie Bannister and Shederick Mathew.  

Our next giveaway is tickets to the Moonshine Festival on Nov. 20.

A Worthy Cause -  The Queen City Gala benefits charities for our most vulnerable citizens. Come out for an  elegant evening, featuring music by U-Phonik, an open bar with a signature drink, heavy d’oeuvres, a wine pull and a silent auction. This evening benefits the Men's Shelter of Charlotte, Lydia's Legacy & Samaritan's Feet. 6:30 p.m. - 10:30 p.m., LaCa Projects Art Gallery, 1429 Bryant St. $65 single, $125 per couple. Details.

Doggie Style - Bring the pooch out for a party just for them. Barktoberfest 2015 features a 1-mile Dogwalk, followed by a fall festival. Doggie treats and ice cream will be provided for each dog at Canine Cafe. Don’t mess the doggie Howl-o-ween Costume Contest and more. Proceeds benefit Murray's Fund and Paws 4 People. The ticket price is for adults. No charge for dogs or children.  10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Triple C Brewing Company, 2900 Griffith St. $20. Details.

Felabration - It’s time for Su Casa: We Love Fela 2015!, the annual tribute to the life and music of Fela Kuti. Resident DJ Justice Sun Tzulu, and Steel Wheel, live Afrobeat sounds by Kenya Templeton. face painting by Catherine Courtlandt, and live painting by Dammit Wesley. There will also be vendors, film, photography and more. 10 p.m. Petra’s,  1919 Commonwealth Avenue $5 and up.

Regional Art Extravaganza - Nearly 100 regional artists will exhibit works in the FREE for ALL in a massive collection. Art will be everywhere. 7 p.m. - 11 p.m., Hart-Witzen Gallery, 136 E 36th St.

Don't Forget
The Halloween Party - Flo Rida headlines this year’s Grave Diggers Ball. It's a screamfest with the largest costume contest, DJs and live music performances. 6 p.m. Grave Diggers Parking Lot, 500 North College St.

Art & Fitness - This is an odd pairing, but I’m all about fitness. The Gantt center is hosting its Inaugural Art of Living Fit + Well celebration. It’s a full day featuring healthy eating cooking demonstrations, interactive dance classes, fitness and wellness expert advice, Zumba, yoga and more. There will also be guest appearances. Register and learn more. 10 a.m - 3 p.m. Gantt Center, 551 S. Tryon St. Details.

Costume Cruise - Pre-Halloween festivities continue with the Inaugural Costume Cruise. Ticket includes party bus to and from Lake Norman with drinks, drink specials on the 90’ two-story Ragin’ Uptown Party Yacht. There will be DJ, costume contest, and free cover afterward at Prohibition. 6:45-7:45 - Check-In at Prohibition, 200 N Tryon St. Details.

Farmer’s Market On Fleek - The #SustainableSaturday - Local Produce & Artist Market is more than farmer's market. It will feature produce from Windcrest Farms, Bush-n-Vine & more. Not Just Coffee will be crafting pour over & espressos. Joe's Doughnuts is on site making your favorites! 10 a.m. - 2 p.m., The Barn @ Pure Pizza , 1911 Central Ave.

Seafood Boil - Catch On Seafood and Pizza Peel are teaming up for another   Lowcountry Boil and Oyster Roast. Enjoy fresh South Carolina Shrimp and all the usual fixings in a Low Country Boil. There will be oysters, beer and more. There will be live music and art. 3 p.m. Pure Pizza, corner of Thomas Ave and Central Ave. $30. Details.

Holla: sipandplayclt@gmail.com

Sip & Stroll Highlights Local Artists (Photos)

From Star Wars paintings that glowed in the night to beer that seemed to pour itself, the EpiCentre's Sip & Stroll showcased a variety of mixed media artwork. It was a two-day event on the Rooftop 210.

Weekend Preview: Jazz festival uptown, DJ Jazzy Jeff and booty!!!

So much happening this weekend from an uptown jazz festival to big fundraising events, there's something for the family and the partier. Let's get this party started. See you in the streets...

Wednesday

Young Professionals - Young Affiliates of the Mint are hanging out at Romare Bearden Park's Party in the Park Series. Beach-rock band The Holiday Band will provide the grooves. 5:30 to 9 p.m. Romare Beardon Park, 300 S. Church St. Details.

Thursday
After Work Mixer - Enjoy the sounds of DJ Rowshay and DJ Edward Shouse at Therapy Thursday. 6 p.m. The Vault, 210 E. Trade St.

NewArt & Culture - Enjoy an evening of art and culture with performances by Quentin Talley and The Harvey Cummings Project at Gantt After Dark Summer Sounds.. 6 p.m. - 11 p.m.  Free for members  $10 for non-members.   

Friday
Holiday Fun - Get a headstart on holiday fun at Christmas in July Cocktail Party. Enjoy live music, light apps, cocktails, and more. The dress code is cocktail attire. The event is a back-to-school fundraiser for Classroom Central. Rooftop 210, The EpiCentre, 210 E. Trade St. $40 with backpack, $60 w/o backpack. Details.

Magnificent DJ - Enjoy DJ Jazzy Jeff. He’s almost like a Charlotte native so you know the music will be incredible. Suite, 210 E. Trade St.  $20 and up.  Tickets.


Sore Bottoms, Big Fun - It’s that time of year for 24 hours of booty. The fun starts tonight and ends with biking Saturday. The event includes live bands, an expo, kid’s zone food and more. Opening ceremony 7 p.m., Myers Park Traditional School, 2132 Radcliffe Ave. There’s an afterparty on Sunday at Sycamore Brewing. A portion of the proceeds from the selected Booty Brew will be donated back to 24 Hours of Booty. Details.

Fighting Angels

Saturday

Car/Bike Show & Concert - Rapper Lil’ Boosie headlines the King of the Streets Concert & Car/Bike Show. Metrolina Expo, 7100 Statesville Road. Details.

Viewing Party - Watch the 2015 Special Olympics World Games and support NC athletes: Cheer on the participating athletes Charlotte’s Katie Degnan, Lexington’s Allison Douglas, Concord’s Starr Kluttz and Greensboro’s Randy Rogers. Kickstand Bar and Grill, 1101 Central Ave. 8 p.m. and opening ceremony starts at 9 p.m. 



Jazz Festival - This is a multi-day jazz festival in various venues at the QC SummerFest uptown. Performances by saxophonist Najee, pianist Keiko Matsui, guitarist Chris Standing and others. Guitarist Nick Colionne will host. Venues include McGlohon Theater and Belk Theater. Details.

Sunday
Working At The Carwash! - Get your car washed and enjoy brunch at Charlotte Pride Brunch & Wash. Proceeds benefit Charlotte Pride. 1-4 p.m., The Bar at 316 Renssalaer Ave.


Jazz Festival Finale - Guitarist Chris Standing headlines the Summerfest Jazz Brunch. 11 a.m. Blue Restaurant and Bar, 206 N College St.

Holla: sipandplayclt@gmail.com

A day party, a benefit and this week's preview

Chill this morning, but by the afternoon the fun begins. There's a day party uptown and a benefit tonight. Don't forget to scroll below and get a head start on this week.

Day Party - Want to get in one last party for the weekend? Get out early for Summer Heat presented by BlueGoose Eddietainment and Moxie Society 4 p.m. - 8 p.m. Bubble, 210 E Trade St. Tickets.

Don't Forget

Fallen Neighbor - The NoDa community is rallying around Joe Borruso, who was struck by a drunk driver while walking along Parkwood Avenue on Sunday. Borruso was seriously injured in the accident. The Benefit Show for Joe Borruso features an acoustic set by Taking Back Sunday, Animals, Paint Fumes, Modern Primitives, Fat Geoff & more. 6 p.m. Neighborhood Theatre. $20 - $30. Details.

This Week

Thanks Thunder Road - Carowinds prepares to retire the wooden roller coaster, Thunder Road with a two-week celebration. Starting Monday, until July 26, the first 100 riders will receive a FREE commemorative Thunder Road button and the first 48 riders (first two trains of the day) will also get a FREE celebratory poster of the wooden coaster. Carowinds.

Tuesday

Taming of the Brews - A Ladies Only Craft Beer Events Sugar Creek Brewing Company, 215 Southside Dr.

Rock Salt Wine Dinner - If you haven’t tried the seafood restaurant Rock Salt, then this is a good excuse. Helen Schwab says Rock Salt’s first wine dinner will feature spit-roasted lamb and sabered bubbly. Read more, but don’t delay your RSVP. Rock Salt, 512 Brandywine Road.

Holla: sipandplayclt@gmail.com