Arts market, gospel concert and the Japanese festival

Let's try this again. The Bon Odori is today so don't miss it. Plus there's a cool arts market in NoDa and more parties tonight. Let's get this party started. See you in the streets...

Japanese Festival - Celebrate the 31st Annual Bon Odori Japanese Festival with dancing, food, crafts, origami, calligraphy and more. 11 a.m. Wells Fargo Atrium 301 South Tryon St.

Special Release - This is a special tribute at RELEASE! Classic & Soulful House Party. The DJs to celebrate the life of friend and International DJ/producer Jason Brooks who is in hospice care. Brooks will be DJing and so will Andy K. Come out and help the Release crew celebrate Brooks. 7 p.m. Petra’s, 1919 Commonwealth Ave.

Get Wet - The 5th Annual Charlotte Pride Splash Day moves to Carowinds. 14523 Carowinds Blvd.  Details for discount tickets.

Charity Soccer - The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department play the Charlotte Fire Department in a charity soccer match after the Charlotte Independence USL soccer match. 7 p.m. Ramblewood Soccer Complex, 10200 Nations Ford Rd. Tickets.


NoDa Arts Market - More than 60 artists will everything from pottery to paintings. 2 p.m. – 11 p.m., Neighborhood Theatre, 511 East 36th St. Details.

Gospel Concert - Erica Campbell, of MaryMary fame, brings her solo tour to Charlotte. Her new single is “I Luh God.” Other performers include Janice Gaines, Brian Courtney Wilson, 7 p.m. The Fillmore, 820 Hamilton St.



Holla: sipandplayclt@gmail.com

A Blue moon and a new cocktail tour

This Blue Moon thing is going to be huge. You read it here first. So, the blue moon is the second full moon in a calendar month. That’s tonight. There’s only one party celebrating this event, but watch out the Blue Moon is going to be a bar event in coming years. So celebrate now! Let’s get this party started. See you in the streets….

Cocktail Tour - Enjoy a curated tour of the summer cocktail menus of select restaurants and bars in the Cheers to the Queen City Summer Cocktail Tour. $5 hand-crafted cocktails from more than 20 participating establishments. 10 a.m. Various locations. Details. 

Don't Forget
Hometown Hero - Join community activist, Bree Newsome, Columbia rally speaker Michaela Pilar Brown, literary scholar Qiana Whitted of UNC and artists as they discuss current events in Columbia at The Confederate Flag: A Symbol Divided Featuring Activist Bree Newsome. They will also examine history of the Confederate flag, and community responses to the on-going debate. 6 p.m. Gantt Center, 551 South Tryon St. $10 non-members, free for members (cost includes museum admission). Tickets.

New Carowinds Series - Carowinds continues to offer more than roller coaster rides and kids activities. Starting Friday, the amusement park will launch its end of summer party featuring bands, beer and BBQ. Bands, Brews and BBQs will be held every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from July 31 through August 16.  Food booths will be open beginning at 11 a.m.
• Guests will be able to visit various booths that will serve smoked beef, pork and poultry. Two smokers were custom built just for this event.
• A dedicated booth featuring regional BBQ sauces will offer 24 different flavors.
• The craft beers selection features approximately 10 brands.

Friday’s live music is: Natty Boh Duo (12 p.m. to 4 p.m.) and Tony Barnes (5 p.m. to 9 p.m.)
www.carowinds.com.

Free Bar Crawl - Head uptown for The Blue Moon Walk to celebrate the Lunar Blue Moon. Crawl start at Fitzgerald’s, then Connolly’s, TILT, and BlackFinn before ending at Rooftop 210. The official Lunar Blue Moon Toast will be at midnight. RSVP for a chance to win a ski trip.

Editor's note: In an earlier edition, the Japanese Bon Odori festival was listed under the incorrect date. It is Saturday, Aug. 1.

Holla: sipandplayclt@gmail.com