Jet propulsion beer pong, moonshine and train rides for the kiddies

For the last two weeks, I've been excitedly telling my friends about the Moonshine Festival. I can't wait to see what the different distilleries have to offer, but now Discovery Place caught my eye. I get to wear a costume! Read why below.

Follow me live tonight when I start my evening at Discovery Place. I've already picked out my outfit.

Friday

Adult Fun At A Science Museum - Jet propulsion beer pong! I'm trying to imagine what this is going to be like. I hope I get to wear a jet propulsion pack while drinking a beer and playing beer pong. If not, I'll just enjoy craft brews, Steampunk performers, more science games and a bartending competition at Science on The Rocks: Gears & Beers.  Costumes are encouraged. 5 p.m. Discovery Place, 301 North Tryon St. $8-$10.

 According to Discovery Place, "Steampunk is a sub-genre of science fiction that combines art and fashion from the Victorian era, the American Wild West and a post-apocalyptic future. Corsets and bustles are popular for women. Men often wear top hats, vests and jackets. Pocket watches, gears and goggles are popular for everyone." 




For The Family - The weather outside is frightful. So, bundle up for Piedmont Town Center Tree Lighting Celebration. Train rides for children, hot chocolate and lots of family fun.  6 p.m. Piedmont Town Center.  More family holiday events on the Observer's mommy blog.

Red Light District - Don't let the name fool you. Sweet Spot isn't a dessert event. At least not that kind of dessert. The Sweet Spot Charlotte: Red Light Special  is a pop erotica show featuring burlesque and live body painting. 9 p.m. The Chop Shop NoDa, 399 E 35th St. $20.





....And don't forget


 Not Your Uncle's Moonshine - I've tried a few legal moonshines, and I haven't been impressed yet. Hopefully, that will change at the first Moonshine Festival. The event will feature samplings from several distilleries, including Broadslab, Piedmont and Sazerac. 6 p.m. Rooftop 210 Pavilion At EpiCentre.






Love Songs - R&B singer Kem brings his Promise To Love Tour to Ovens Auditorium. He performs songs off his newest album, "Promise To Love." 8 pm. Ovens Auditorium, 2700 E Independence Blvd. $37.50 - $85.81.






Don't be shy: Tonya Jameson, sipandplayclt@gmail.com

Winter Brew, jambalaya and a really short film festival

The weekend starts now! Okay, it starts at 4:30 p.m. in NoDa and winds all over town. Tonight's nightlife offerings range from a raucous party to a talent show. It continues over the weekend with a Moonshine Festival, musical performances, a film festival and more. These are my picks for tonight and a glance at the weekend parties, concerts and other entertainment and nightlife.

Thursday

A New Brew - Saturday, I tried sour beers. Today, I'll enjoy one of my favorite styles at Birdsong's Winter Release Party. Birdsong will tap The Pride Belgian Abbey, which according to the company has warming cherry, caramel and bready notes. Yum. 4:30 p.m. Birdsong Brewing Co., 4:30 p.m.  2315 N Davidson St, Cristian Skilone of Dimestore Saints performs at 6 p.





Charlotte's Got Talent - See some of the area's funkiest performers at Jambalaya Joint, a talent showcase, at Dupp & Swat, an art space/performance venue in NoDa.  The cover charge includes beverages and jambalaya by Chef Barry Francois. 7 p.m. Dupp & Swat,  2424 N Davidson St. Suite 112B Charlotte. $10.










Turkey Day Is Coming - Before you head out of town or brave crowded grocery stores, come out for the holiday jump-off, the 20th Annual Red Hot Turkey Bash. This is one of Charlotte's longest running holiday events. 7 p.m. Oak Room at All American Pub, 200 E Bland St. $10.













A Peek At This Weekend 

Friday

 Not Your Uncle's Moonshine - I've tried a few legal moonshines, and I haven't been impressed yet. Hopefully, that will change at the first Moonshine Festival. The event will feature samplings from several distilleries, including Broadslab, Piedmont and Sazerac. 6 p.m. Rooftop 210 Pavilion At EpiCentre.











Love Songs - R&B singer Kem brings his Promise To Love Tour to Ovens Auditorium. He performs songs off his newest album, "Promise To Love." 8 pm. Ovens Auditorium, 2700 E Independence Blvd. $37.50 - $85.81.

Saturday

For the Family - Bring the kids out for the annual the St. Jude Give thanks. Walk. Proceeds provide treatment and care for children with cancer and other life-threatening diseases. The walk includes live music, face painting and a kids fun zone. Park Road Park, 6220 Park Rd. 8 a.m. registration. Various prices.



Uno out! - It's okay to be a kid again at PlayDate The Inspirational Edition. Games range from poker to Uno. Don't miss the signature PlayDate takes on Hula Hoops and musical chairs. 8 p.m. Venue @ 1801 South Tryon St. $10/$15.












Keep It Real Short -  I'm really excited about the 100 Words Film Festival. I can't wait to see what these filmmakers do with such a strict word count. Categories are documentary and dramatic. 8 p.m. McGlohon Theater at Spirit Square, 345 N. College St. $10. More details.

Sunday

Disco Chicken - We love to mock it, take pictures with it and brag about it. Now, there's a musical event. Tribute to the Firebird is part of the Bechtler's Music and Museum program. The Bechtler Ensemble will perform. 6 p.m., Bechtler Museum of Modern Art, 420 South Tryon St. $12.


Don't be shy: Tonya Jameson, sipandplayclt@gmail.com