Getting down and Derby! (Video)

This was my first year, attending a Kentucky Derby parties and I got a chance to experience the best.

Charlotte felt like a real city on Saturday (Photos)

House music pumped from a street in NoDA, jazz floated above Midwood Park and that was only two of the festivals on Saturday. Charlotte felt like a big city on Saturday. Community festival, Cinco de Mayo parties and more all going on at the same time. It wasn't always like this. For so long, the city was only large enough to handle one big event, one festival at a time, but that's not the case anymore. Charlotte's growing, and Saturday was a fun day to experience the effects of that growth.

 

Two cool featured brunch events in Southend

Whoa! I'm still recuperating from yesterday and the most boring fight in the history of fights. To say the Mayweather v. Pacquiao fight was underwhelming is an understatement. However, I have just what you need. See you in the streets. Let's get this party started.

Drag Brunch - Want a little sass with your eggs? Try the Be Brave Drag Brunch featuring Ongina from RuPaul’s Drag Race. Benefits AIDS WALK Charlotte.Show begins at 1:00 PM and it's $5 at the door and $5 for a gourmet breakfast brunch. Arrive early because seating is limited. Bar At 316, 316 Rensselaer Ave.


Southend Brunch - Art and Soul wraps up with Front Brunch featuring a dozen chefs, Muddy Mary's by Muddy River Distillers and Bob Peters behind the bar. 2151 Hawkins St. across Atherton Market. $35.

Don't Miss
Jazz Keyboardist - Start the week with a a little jazz by national keyboardist Brian Simpson. 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. Sydney's Martini and Wine Bar, 401 North Tryon Street #104. $15 and up.





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Today's parties and festivals

There is so much happening today that I've created multiple lists to help you get your party started. Mayweather v. Pacquiao fight parties. Cinco de Mayo parties. Kentucky Derby watch parties.

Below are my picks for the other parties and festivals happening today.

AIDS Walk Afterparty - DJ Scott Weaver brings the old school disco vibe and the dragtastic Bethann Phetamine will perform at Soul Gastrolounge, and appear at Diamond, 1901 Commonwealth Ave. 11 a.m., Soul Gastrolounge, 1500-B Central Ave. Soul will feature a limited menu and our signature craft cocktails. Diamond will feature a full menu.

PM Party - Plaza-Midwood struts its stuff in the annual Midwood Maynia and Home tour. The weekend event featuers a home tour on Friday and a neighborhood party on Saturday at Midwood Park. There's a road race, pet parade, live music and more. Details.



Chocolate Fundraiser - The annual Sweet Escapes Fundraiser features more than 500 lbs of chocolate prepared in a variety of tantalizing desserts. The event benefits the Community Links, which helps families find affordable housing . Cocktail attire. 7 p.m. CPCC Harris Conference Center, 3216 CPCC Harris Campus Dr. $75 and up.

  

NoDa Arts - Head over to NoDa Day for a free street festival with more than 40 artists and vendors. Food trucks will be on scene. House DJ's from the MOVE & Bassment Crew will spin. 1 - 7 p.m. Corner of 35th and McDowell.

Southend Festival - The South End Art and Soul Festival kicks off today with marquee events throughout the weekend. The celebration of local arts continues the 3rd Annual Charlotte Food Fight. 15 food trucks compete in multiple categories to fight cancer from 3-9 p.m. Benefits Relay for Life of Charlotte. with Full lineup here.















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Cinco de Mayo Parties Start Today

I know it's May 2, but a handful of Charlotte bars are getting started a few days before the Tuesday celebration.


Pig Pickin' Cinco Party
This is a southern Cinco de Mayo party featuring a whole roasted pig, homemade spicy slaw, smoked corn on the cob, RuRu's rice and beans and of course drink specials. These drink specials include BYO mimosa and bleeder bars. Live music all day. 1 p.m. - 5 p.m. RuRu's, 715 Providence Road. $35.

Join Elevate Lifestyle, KISS 95.1 & WFNZ at Bakersfield for a Cinco de Mayo celebration. Features Modelo beer, El Jimador tequila specials, face painting by The Get Dead Crew. Live music from Wiggle Wagon at 7 p.m. DJ A-Minor starts at 10 p.m., games throughout the day including a Single Mingle and a piñata. Bakersfield, 1901 East Boulevard.

Bring your pooch to the Fourth Annual Cinco de Mayo Chihuahua Races. Meet in the EpiCentre’s Courtyard. Proceeds benefit the Humane Society of Charlotte. Race begins at 6 p.m. at Vida Cantina, The EpiCentre, 210 E Trade St. Deets.

Burger Divas Do Cinco de Mayo
Choose between two Mexican-inspired, chef-created burgers, the Burger Señorita which includes an Angus beef patty glazed w/ chipotle honey, topped with fresh avocado, grilled pineapple pico de gallo and cilantro lime crème, on a grilled soft roll. The Burger Señor Angus beef burger topped with habanero jack cheese, smoked bacon, mole aioli, fajita peppers and onion, on a grilled soft roll. Burgers include side and brews. These burgers are not on the menu. Music by DJ Khriz. 12 p.m. to 3 p.m., VBGB Beer Garden in the NC Music Factory, 920 Hamilton St. Tickets are $17 and includes a burger, beer and side. Deets.

Cincofest IX
Head out for Rockhouse's Cinco de Mayo bar crawl with stop at the EpiCentre, Prohibition, Tilt and the Roxbury. $8 and up. 3:15 p.m. Rooftop 210 check-in.


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Updated: Kentucky Derby Parties List (Video)

The big race is almost here. In honor of the Kentucky Derby, I teamed up with Zy at Dandelion Market to make the perfect Mint Julep. Here's how to make one for your Derby party.

 

The Party List

New: Third Annual Foxy Derby
Southern food, mint juleps and Kentucky Derby-inspired games to watch the Kentucky Derby race. Proceeds benefit the Ronald McDonald House of Charlotte. Best Dressed Gent & Best Ladies Hat contests , 4 p.m. – 8 p.m., Leroy Fox, 705 S Sharon Amity Rd.

Derby Days
The Young Affiliates of the Mint have one of the longest-running Kentucky Derby Parties. Ladies wear your hats and fellas rock the bow ties. Food trucks: Chrome Toaster and Sticks and Cones. Enjoy lawn games and Maker’s Mark Mint Juleps. 3 p.m. – 7 p.m. Mint Museum Randolph, 2730 Randolph Road. $40 and up.

Kentucky Derby Party
The Bluegrass Brothers present its annual Kentucky Derby Party. This is one of the most popular Derby parties on the low-low. Enjoy jazz music by Shableek, Derby watching, a hat contest, food and drinks. This is an adult party. The party is rain or shine and is held under a big tent. 3 p.m. - 10 p.m. Rolling Hill Park Grove, 4340 Rolling Hill Dr. off Sugar Creek Road. $20.

University of Kentucky Alumni Association Derby Party
If you dare to hang out with the Big Blue Nation #BBN then you don’t want to miss this Derby party. It’ll feature Mint Juleps and an infamous bourbon slushy. Partiers will enjoy authentic Kentucky Derby Festivities. 4 p.m. - 7  p.m. South Park area. It’s a public party, but held at a private residence. Email chad.baker@experis.com for more details. $20

The Second Annual Talk Derby To Me
If you’re looking for a more traditional Charlotte gathering head uptown for some Derby fun. The usual party games: corn hole, giant Janga, beer pong, flip cup and more.

Derby Competitions include:
Cutest and Biggest Hats for the Ladies, Best Bowtie for the Gentlemen, Best Dressed Couple, “Run for the Roses” a human horse race!!

Tickets Include- 2015 "Talk Derby To Me" T-Shirt and Koozie, and drink specials. Rooftop 210, 210 E. Trade St Suite B320. $15. #TalkDerbyToMe

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Cause I'm all about that bass! Tonight's parties

Start your day with an early a.m. bike ride. It's a great way to make up for all of the partying that you are going to do tonight. Don't forget to check my listings of Mayweather v. Pacquiao fight parties and Kentucky Derby parties.

Now, let's get this party started. See you in the streets...

Early Bird - Grab your bike and your helmet to join the Bike to Breakfast Ride (formerly the Mayor’s Ride). The event kicks off Bike Charlotte, the annual celebration of cycling. Meet at the Dowd YMCA at 7 a.m. to head out for the ceremonial ride to the Government Center. There we will be a complimentary breakfast provided by Lola's.

Fighting Cancer - All #cancersurvivors in #Charlotte are invited to Knight of Relay. This is a special cancer survivors’ event hosted by American Cancer Society and the Charlotte Knights. 6 p.m. BB&T Ballpark, 324 S. Mint St. Deets.

Country Tribute - I am real hype about the Outlaw Country Tribute featuring The New Familiars, Amigo, Jim Avett, and others. I like old-school country music, and this all-star lineup pays tribute to Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings, Merle Haggard and Willie Nelson. Can't get much more old school than that. Show benefits the Levine Children’s Hospital. $10. 8:30 p.m. Neighborhood Theatre, 511 E. 36th St.











Don't Forget

Bass Beatdown - Get ready for a night of pounding beats at the Downlink w/ Dieselboy & KJ Sawka "Blood, Sweat, & Bass" Tour. 9 p.m. The Chop Shop, 399 East 35th St. $20.

Burlesque and Metal - This sounded so odd that I couldn’t resist. Big Mammas House of Burlesque - "Metal May" features burlesque performances to heavy metal. Performers include: Ophelia Pop Tart, Meredith Sparkles, Veronica Broadchest, Rebel, Jackson Heels, Pepper La Rouge & Big Mamma D 10 p.m. UpStage, 3306-C N Davidson St. $15 and up.

For the Family - Enjoy Fort Mill’s spring kickoff at the Fort Mill Strawberry Festival. The event features entertainers, food, a wing eating contest and more. Free. 4:30 - 11 p.m. Friday and 9 a.m. - 10 p.m. Walter Elisha Park, 345 N. White St. Fort Mill, SC.








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