This is my kind of Sunday! Two fitness activities and beer. Yes! See you in the streets...
BeerFit- Take a dance conditioning class and drink beer at Dance.Beer.Repeat. It’s interval training with dance and music. 1 p.m. Unknown Brewing, 1327 S Mint St. Details.
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.
Get ready to get out for the week! We've got fundraisers, beer crawls and a St. Patrick's party list is coming. See you in the streets.
Thursday
Worthy Cause - Komen Charlotte celebrates its 15th Anniversary Laugh For The Cure. The comedy event raises money to fight breast cancer. Comedian Bobby Collins will headline. Includes silent and live auction and a cocktail reception. WBTV anchor Molly Grantham will be the emcee. 5:30 p.m. McGlohon Theater, 345 N College St. $65 and up. Details.
Friday Swing Dance & Beer - Free Range Brewing has partnered with Gotta Swing Charlotte to host a Swing Dance party. There will be a short swing dance lesson and then the dance party really begins. Hart's Soda Shop will be whipping up delicious homemade sodas and floats. 7:15 p.m., FreeRange Brewing, 2320 N Davidson St.
Beer Week - Charlotte loves beer! Get ready for a week of beer events during Charlotte Craft Beer Week. It starts with the fight for Craft Freedom at OMB. Other events at Charlotte breweries range from beer release parties to brunch to a Craft Crawl on Saturday. Schedule.
Saturday
Love Tour - New music means new tour when Cee Lo Green brings his Love Train tour to town. His new album is Heart Blanche. 9 p.m., Amos’ Southend, 1423 S Tryon St. $29.50-$35. Tickets. Details.
Sunday
Sip & Pot - Heard of sip and paint parties? Try getting your hands really dirty at the Thrown Together Potters. Try creating textures and clay building. Clay tiles will be provided and then assembled together for an installment in the brewery. Free. Learn more.
In my ongoing series exploring the state's growing beer scene, I head to Asheville.
Asheville's breweries are clearly basking in the glory of the nickname Beer City USA, but the fame has gone to their heads. Breweries are popping up in Asheville like kudzu, and so are arbitrary rules about refilling growlers.
Most breweries and at least one Asheville bottle shop that I visited this weekend would not refill my growlers. French Broad Brewing Company and Asheville Brewing Company were the exception.
My growler is adorned with the appropriate state labels. The brewery employees cited state law that prevented them refilling growlers. That's nonsense. The law changed two years ago. Read it here if you're interested.
Several Charlotte breweries also refuse to refill outside growlers, but Asheville breweries are taking it to another level. Not only are the AVL breweries refusing to refill outside growlers, but they also charge a $4 and $5 deposit to purchase a growler. That's greedy. Most of the people hanging in downtown Asheville are tourists like myself. I'm not going to return a growler.
When I was in Asheville this weekend, I met a group of guys from Wisconsin. They were visiting because they heard about Asheville's beer scene. At other breweries and bars, I met several people from Tennessee and others from Georgia. In all of my brewery-hopping, I never talked to anyone from North Carolina, let alone Asheville (other than employees).
So, why charge a glass deposit on growlers? Greed.
Whatever happened to recycling? Requiring customers to buy a new growler at each new brewery is a waste. Plus, beer fans like myself are stuck with a gazillion empty growlers in my woman-cave.
The holiday revelry is over, but the fun doesn't stop. See you in the streets.
Friday Winter Cocktails - Sample drinks crafted to fit the final arrival of winter at The Winter Cocktail Spectacular. Guests will sample five hand-crafted cocktails. 8:30 p.m. Bubble Charlotte, 210 E. Trade St.
Founder’s Day Party - Help the brothers of Kappa Alpha Phi fraternity celebrate it’s 105-year anniversary at the It's Black & It's Tight: Founders' Day Celebration. Music by the Blend King DJ Shaun Nyce. 10 p.m., Oak Room, 200 E Bland St. Details.
Saturday Regifting Made Cool - The Fourth Annual Flip Your Gift Party gives you a chance to regift those unwanted Christmas gifts. Each gift should have a minimum value of $10. 11 a.m. The Gallery South End, 1320 S Church St.
Art Show - See creations by three artists at Character Form. 7 p.m.
twenty-two, 1500 Central Ave - Corner of Central & Pecan - Plaza Midwood.
More Than A Party - Hear rare grooves, funky, hip-hop and soul sounds at The Cosmic Union Zulus presents: O&Mi with Preach Jacobs & DJ Wizdom. This event also features a hip-hop record swap. 516 Custom Medallions will be in the house with custom beads & medallions. 10 p.m. $5, Ladies free before 11 p.m.
Panther Party - Get ready for the Panthers’ playoff home game next week at the Panther Playoff Giveaway Party/Pep Rally. Hangout at “The Lake Norman Panthers” bar and all the Roaring Riot groups to watch the Wild Card game, party and see who the Panthers will play the following weekend. There will have a bus shuttle running people from Charlotte. There will be a giveaway of two free tickets to the Divisional Round Playoff game. 7:30 p.m., Rusty Rudder, 20210 Henderson Road # 101, Cornelius.
Beer And Cookies - It’s not a typo. The Cookies and Crafts features Girl Scout Cookies and craft beer from 10 local breweries, such as Unknown, Birdsong, Triple C, Red Clay Cider Works, and Wooden Robot. Beers will be matched with a Girl Scout cookie, creating carefully considered pairings that play up the flavor of each one. 3 p.m. Fillmore Charlotte, 1000 North Carolina Music Factory Blvd.
The Southern Sauce festival uptown on Mint Street Saturday was a pork lover's paradise. Add a couple of pints of beer and life was gravy yesterday hanging out uptown. The free festival which spilled into Romare Beardon Park and featured live music. Next door BB&T Ballpark hosted a beer festival.
This is shaping up to be another busy weekend. The party starts tonight for beer lovers and it doesn't stop. Let's get this party started. See you in the streets! Wednesday Brew News - Learn about pending legislation that could impact the craft brew industry at Strange News and Strange Brews. 5:30 p.m. Carolina Cinemas, 9630 Monroe Rd. $10 includes a 16 oz beer, a warm soft pretzel from Local Loaf, and a free screening of “Strange Brew” at 7 p.m.
Thursday Get Wet - SHIPROCKED! presents the monthly Drag Cabaret LIPGLOSS with a special twist. It’s a Drag Pool Party and benefit for Joe Borruso. The party features Bethann Phetamine, special guest Shirley Sweet and the debut performance of Anna Yacht and more. No set cover, but cash donations will be accepted for Borruso. All performers and dancers are donating their tips. There’s also a raffle featuring items and gift cards from local businesses for Barruso. Get the details. 10 p.m., Snug Harbor, 1228 Gordon St. Details.
Friday 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.
Saturday 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.
Sunday Jazz Cruise - The Sunset Jazz Cruise on Lake Norman features The Saxtress, Pamela Williams. The cruise will leave from Queens Landing on the "Lady Of The Lakes Yacht.” The cruise is limited to 125 people. Pamela will perform for about an hour and participate in a meet and greet. A Cash Bar will be available. 6-9 p.m. Queens Landing, 1459 River Highway, Mooresville.
$60 sold out, but there is a wait list. Wait List.
Two music festival and a couple of arts events are only a peek at what's to come this weekend. Lace up your shoes and get ready to partttaayy! See you in the streets. Let's get this party started.
Change The World - Come out to #GovJamCLT mixer to learn more about innovative solutions for the city. It’s an informal mixer sponsored by Knight Foundation, Google and the David Hoffman Group. 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. Earl's Grocery, 1609 Elizabeth Ave. Read about it in Charlotte Five.
Thursday Make A Child Smile - The 5th Annual An Evening of Believing Prom gives children with life-alternating illness one night to enjoy the prom some may never have and others missed. It’s fantastic event hosted by the Sandbox. Come out to The 5th Annual An Evening of Believing Prom Kick-Off party to learn more about the organization and the prom. Enjoy food, a silent auction, and entertainment, and meet the 2015 Youth Mentor class and interact with families the organizations serves. 6-9 p.m., Johnson Mansion, 1800 Queens Road West. $25.
Art & Wine - No, this isn’t one of those sip and paint shindigs. The Wine Club at McColl Center is a wine tasting that pairs current Affiliate Artists Taproot Ensemble with a special selection of wines. 6-7:30 p.m. McColl Center, 721 N Tryon ST. $10, $15.
Friday Have A Funky Gay Time - The Charlotte Lesbian and Gay Fund hosts Funky Good Time. The group combines its love of fashion and fun at this event. Wear festive attire. (I’m rocking my team USA gear to support the USA women’s soccer team in the World Cup). 8 - 10 p.m., Mint Museum Uptown.
Music Festival - Head to NoDa for the NoDa Summer Music Festival showcasing local and regional bands and artists. Starts today. Along with music there will be food from restaurants featuring cajun cooking, southwest food and pizza. Chop Shop, 399 E. 5th St. Doors at 8 p.m. (tonight), 4:30 p.m. (Saturday), 4 p.m. (Sunday) | Show at 8:45 p.m.(tonight), 5 p.m. (Saturday), 4:30 p.m. (Sunday). $10 per day / $15 for a 2 day pass! See the lineup.
May The Force…. - Okay not yet. But I am so ready for the new “Star Wars” movie. This last edition of New Frequencies highlights the short films of “Star Wars” special effects consultant Pat O’Neill. 8 - 9:30 p.m., McColl Center. $5.
Saturday
New Music Festival - The Charlotte New Music Festivalshowcases new contemporary classical music. The series ends June 27. Tonight’s kickoff concert features the Laptop Orchestra with performances by composers participating and teaching at the workshop. Snug Harbor 6 p.m. $15.
Beer And Running - Get fit or get out people! (In my Shawn T voice). The 4th Annual Brew Stash Bash features live music, craft beers and a 6K run. 11:30 a.m. US National Whitewater Rafting Center. Various prices depending on how much you drink.
Sunday Can I Get A? - Soul Clap! This gathering of for lovers of classic Soul, R&B, smooth grooves, boogie, disco, rockers and pop has a new location. It’s moving to theThe NeighborHood Cafe' (the spot owned by No Grease Barbershop’ Johnson Brothers in Mosiac Village). Along with good music there will be apps, hookah and drinks. 6 p.m. - 11 p.m., NeighborHood Cafe’, 1635 W Trade St Suite 1F.
The annual Beer, Bourbon & BBQ was the hottest ticket on Saturday. Hundreds of people filled Symphony Park in SouthPark to sip top shelf bourbons, whiskeys and a variety of beers. Don't Forget Black Cinema - This month’s edition features “Honey Baby, Honey Baby,” a 1974 film about the craziness that happens when an interpreter wins a free trip to Lebanon. The other film is “Winnie Mandela,” starring Jennifer Hudson and Terrence Howard. 2 p.m. Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts + Culture, 551 S Tryon St.
When I was a kid, I loved getting Legos for gifts because my gifted cousin Sean would build me the most intricate ships and structures that would play with for months. This weekend, master Lego builders and other nerds will be into town for Brick Magic in Concord. If playing with Legos isn't your thing, I've got with you plenty of music and booze events. Let's get this party started. See you in the streets.
Bluegrass and Brews - Enjoy eight bands and beers from nearly two dozen area breweries at the North Carolina Brewers and Music Fest. 8:30 a.m. Saturday. Rural Hill, 4431 Neck Road, Huntersville. Deets.
Race Finale - Head down to the US National Whitewater Center to cheer on the participants in the USNWC Time Laps 24 Hour Relay Race. They started Friday at 7 p.m. and end tonight at 7 p.m. Enjoy bonfires, food, craft beer and live music during the post-race festival.
Family Fun - Spark your child or you own imagination at the Brick Magic LEGO Festival. There will a huge hall filled with custom LEGO creations, and participants can build with thousands of bricks in the Free Build Room, and meet Lego professional builders. 10 a.m. Saturday and Sunday. Embassy Suites Hotel, 5400 John Q. Hammons Dr NW, Concord. $10-$12.
Don't Forget
My Favorite Things - Head to SouthPark for what the Charlotte Bourbon Club calls the best bourbon event - Beer, Bourbon and BBQ Festival. Enjoy the Shrine of Swine, seminars in the Tasting Theater and live music. 12 p.m. - 6 p.m. 5440 Carnegie Boulevard. $39.
Fashion Timeline - The Decades of Fashion show features style and fashion from the 1920’s to 2000’s by local boutiques, designers, salons and make-up artists. Admission includes red carpet, live music, fashion show and the after party with dancing. Participants are encouraged to dress in their favorite decade. 6:30 p.m. Le Meridien Charlotte, 555 South McDowell Street, North Tower.
Wine Tasting - Charlotte Food & Wine Weekend finale Big Bottles & Blues features 40 wineries, live and silent auction and blues music. The event benefits local children’s charities. CWFW is partnering with retailers The Wine Vault, Arthur’s Wine Shop and Bond Street Wines to offer the option to purchase wine at the event. There will also be special guests. 6:30 p.m. Founders Hall, Bank of America Corporate Center. $125.
Whew! after last weekend I need a party break. Ah, but there a few events calling my name ranging from a weird theatrical production (I love all things weird) to another festival. No rest for me. See you in the streets. Let's get this party started!
Thursday
Empowering Women - Enjoy lunch with local women expressing hope through arts at Strands of Pearl’s Luncheon. Strands of Pearls celebrates its fourth year. Proceeds benefit Pearls for Creative Healing Art Programs. 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. Foundation For The Carolinas, 220 N Tryon St. $40.
Live Funk- Time to get funky! It's SHIPROCKED! presents: The Soul, Funk and Disco Edition, with special guest Shana Blake of Double Door’s The Monday Night Allstars! This is going to be an unforgettable Shiprocked! 10 p.m., Snug Harbor, 1228 Gordon St.
Weird Theatre- Your going to have to experience XOXO's (formerly Machine Theatre) Bohemian Grove to understand it. Bohemian Grove is a theatrical experience, immersive performance party. Guests for each performance will begin their journey in a 15-passenger van that glides through the backwoods of Mecklenburg County before arriving at a historic farm for the performance. Performances begin at 6:30 p.m. on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, May 7-30. Departure site will be revealed via email after reservations are made. $50, which includes transportation to/from the Grove and cold beverages. For reservations: xoxoperformance@gmail.com
Friday
Bike & Breakfast- Join the city’s bike community as they launch Free Wheelin' Fridays to encourage people to bike to work on Fridays. Meet and network 7 a.m. Head uptown by 8:15 a.m. The Common Market, 1515 South Tryon St. Organizers will add locations in Plaza-Midwood and NoDa in coming weeks.
Get Creative - Talk about what creativity means in Charlotte at Be Original: presented by Advent Coworking. The networking event includes a Q&A and representatives from Google Fiber, Dupp & Swat and others. 6:30 p.m. The Cube, 617 E. 28th Suite B.
Saturday
My Favorite Things - Head to SouthPark for what the Charlotte Bourbon Club calls the best bourbon event - Beer Bourbon and BBQ Festival. Enjoy the Shrine of Swine, seminars in the Tasting Theater and live music. 12 p.m. - 6 p.m. 5440 Carnegie Boulevard. $39.
Fashion Timeline - The Decades of Fashion show features style and fashion from the 1920’s to 2000’s by local boutiques, designers, salons and make-up artists. Admission includes red carpet, live music, fashion show and the after party with dancing. Participants are encouraged to dress in their favorite decade. 6:30 p.m. Le Meridien Charlotte, 555 South McDowell Street, North Tower.
Wine Tasting - Charlotte Food & Wine Weekend finale Big Bottles & Blues features 40 wineries, live and silent auction and blues music. The event benefits local children’s charities. CWFW is partnering with retailers The Wine Vault, Arthur’s Wine Shop and Bond Street Wines to offer the option to purchase wine at the event. There will also be special guests. 6:30 p.m. Founders Hall, Bank of America Corporate Center. $125.
Sunday Black Cinema - This month’s edition features “Honey Baby, Honey Baby,” a 1974 film about the craziness that happens when an interpreter wins a free trip to Lebanon. The other film is “Winnie Mandela,” starring Jennifer Hudson and Terrence Howard. 2 p.m. Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts + Culture, 551 S Tryon St.
Wow, two of my featured events are so bad for me, but they're going to taste so good. A hangover brunch and a dessert festival. Can a Sunday get any better? See you in the streets...
Beer Brunch - Today the Diamond features an expanded menu along with Pure Intentions Coffee poured all day, specialty themed cocktails, QC Cheesecakes’s speciality themed cheesecakes and the best hangover relief - diner food at Craft Hangover Brunch presented by NoDa Brewing Company. Coco Loco on draft. 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. Diamond Restaurant, 1901 Commonwealth Ave.
Sugar High - Sample desserts galore and help R.A.I.N. at the fourth annual Sweet Tooth Festival. - Omni Charlotte Hotel, East Trade St. $20, $30.
Don't Forget
Film Festival- The Banff Mountain Film Festival visits 400 communities and 40 countries throughout the world. The tour features a collection of action, environmental, and adventure films from the festival. 7 p.m. McGlohon Theater at Spirit Square, 130 N. Tryon St. $12. Parking onsite, street parking and paid parking lots available.
The first weekend of spring continues with a crazy line-up ranging from what I know will be a crazy to party to a family-friendly oyster roast. Charlotte Craft Beer Week continues with bashes at seven spots. Pick your pleasure. Let's get this party started. See you in the streets...
Gonna Be Crazy - If the Madhatter party was any indication then SPENT Entertainment’s Freakshow is going to be bananas. It features two stages, vendors, go go dancers, 11 deejays and celebrity guest MC Taylor J. Burt from Myrtle Manor. 9:30 p.m. The Chop Shop NoDa, 399 East 35th St. 18 and up. $15, $20.
Soup & Beer - Enjoy an afternoon of seasonal beer selections by local breweries at Butcher, Baker, Craft Cocktail Maker. Class includes beer samples and Chef Ben's beer cheese soup. 2 p.m. Block & Grinder, Providence Road. $40.
Latin Dance - BachataCLT is bringing back it’s monthly bachata social at Welcome Back Bachata! Dance to bachata with a smattering of salsa. Grooves by Charlotte's own DJ Pete. Arrive early for an urban bachata lesson taught by the Observer’s own Cleve Wootson. 10 pm. MoveStudio Charlotte, 1111 Hawthorne Lane #101. $5.
Don't Forget
Family Fun - The Rosedale Oyster Roast returns for a day of family fun. The oysters are roasted outside. There will be beer for the adults and activities for kids. 2- 5p.m., Historic Rosedale Plantation, 3427 North Tryon St. Find tickets or call 704-735-0325. $5.
Celebrate African-American Culture- 3rd Annual Charlotte African American Festival celebrates black heritage and culture. Includes musical acts ranging from gospel to hip-hop. There will also be art, literature and educational exhibits. Can’t forget the food, drummers and dancers to round out a full day of fun. 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. Grady Cole Center, 310 N. Kings St.
Today is the first day of spring and the city is coming alive again. This weekend kicks off Craft Beer Week, and it only gets better. Let's get this party started. See you in the streets.
English Swing- Like swing music? You’ll love the swinging tunes of London-based Jive Aces. 7:30 p.m. Chantilly Hall, 2101 Shenandoah Ave. $20.
Fighting AIDS- The HBO movie was good, but the play makes this heart breaking "The Normal Heart" more intimate. Escape the distractions of watching at home and escape to the '80s. Remember when gay men were dying at alarming rates? This play won't let you forget. 8 p.m. tonight and weekends through April 4. Theatre Charlotte, 501 Queens Road. $27. Don't Forget
Beer Week- Charlotte Craft Beer Week starts tonight. There's an Allagash Brewery Special Keg Tapping at Mac's Speedhop Southend, 2511 South Blvd, at 6 p.m. Then enjoy stoner rock music paired with Stone Brewery beer at The Cork and Cask, 9624 Bailey Rd Suite F, at 7 p.m. The finale event is All Ale the Queen on March 28 at Amos' Southend, 1423 S. Tryon St.
Auto-tone Jazz - Enjoy the free flowing jazz tunes paired with auto-tone at An Evening with The Robert Glasper Trio. Reggie Sullivan opens. 8 p.m. McGlohon Theatre at Spirit Square, 345 North College St.
Tournament Bites- BLT Steak will offer five $5 game-day bar bites including steak sliders with aged cheddar and caramelized onion jam, miniature crab cakes with meyer lemon aioli, a kobe hot dog with Japanese mustard on a poppy seed bun, sweet potato fries with rosemary and blue cheese, and fried stuffed jalapenos with cream cheese stuffing. The deal starts today and ends Sunday and is available during tournament play. The Ritz, 110 N. College St. Complimentary valet parking.
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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