Welcome to our picks for some of the very best parties happening during tournament week. Please note: price information is subject to change. To see our entire list of parties, visit QC After Dark.
Wednesday, Feb. 29
Pop Life: Tournament Edition 2012 aka Kitchapalooza. Serving as the unofficial kick-off party to the CIAA festivities, this party gets bigger and bigger each year. Six DJs, a tented alley, and free admission. Feb. 29, 9 p.m. Phoenix and RE:Public, corner of 6th and College streets. www.thesolkitchen.com.
Vybe & View: Who's Who Networking Social Launch at Osso Restaurant. With Talk of the Town, The National Black MBA Association Charlotte Chapter, and Mayor Pro Tem Patrick D. Cannon. Advanced RSVP required. $15 donation or more. Feb. 29, 7 p.m.-11 p.m. Osso Restaurant, 1000 N.C. Music Factory Blvd. For more information, visit www.cievents2012.eventbrite.com.
Thursday, March 1
Dream: The 100th Anniversary Premiere Event at The Saloon. Hosted by NXL21 Charlotte, M. Simmons, and King Entertainment. $10. March 1, 10 p.m. The Saloon, 900 Seaboard St. To purchase tickets, visit www.thursdaydream.eventbrite.com.
Diverse Thursdays: CI Edition at Dharma Lounge. Music by DJ Shaun Nyce. $5 Absolut Vodka, and jerk chicken. $15 and up. March 1, 9 p.m. Dharma Lounge, 1440 S. Tryon St. For tickets, call 704 458 8252 or visit www.diversethursdaysci2012.eventbrite.com.
Pink Groove VII at Phoenix. Another annual party that never disappoints, courtesy of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated Rho Psi Omega Chapter. Music by DJ Tab D'Bia$$i. $35 and up. March 1, 9 p.m. Phoenix, 300 N. College St. For more information, contact Nicole at 704-750-1252 or Simone at 704-654-5181 or visit www.rhopsiomega.org/pinkgroove7.
Start Something Big Networking Reception: Tournament Edition at Aquavina Wine Room. In benefit of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Charlotte and hosted by Parties with a Cause. Live music, hors d'oeuvres, desserts, door prizes, and more. $10 minimum donation for entry. March 1, 6 p.m.-10 pm. Aquavina Wine Room & Lounge, 435 S. Tryon St., Suite 180. For more information, call 704-779-3458 or visit www.startsomethingbig.eventbrite.com.
The 2nd Annual All-Tournament Alumni Mixer at Kalu Restaurant. Presented by TMB Marketing Firm. The mixer invites folks from historic black colleges and universities to mingle to the back drop of live jazz from Shableek and DJ BigMike. Portion of proceeds goes to the CIAA Scholarship Fund. $20 and up. March 1, 8 p.m. Kalu Restaurant, 505 E. 6th St. To purchase tickets, visit www.ez-tixx.com.
The Best of Both Worlds: The Fire and Ice Edition at Privilege. No one parties like The Alphas of Charlotte and the Deltas of Charlotte Foundation. Music by DJ Flemingo and DJ DR. $25 and up. March 1, 10 p.m. Privilege, 223 S. Brevard St. For more info, visit www.charlottesocialscene.com.
The Tournament Warm-Up at Strike City. Pace yourselves this weekend and go bowling at this party presented by Inner Circle Events. $10 and up. March 1, 10 p.m. Strike City, 210 E. Trade St. For more info, call 704-858-3804 or visit www.werunqc.com.
Tip-Off Thursday at Whisky River. Presented by Bestfriendz, Dynasty 5 and Pinkies UP Productions. Music provided by DJ PNut and DJ Cuzin Bee. $10 and up. Ladies free until 11 p.m. with RSVP. March 1, 9 p.m. Whisky River, 210 E. Trade St. Visit www.tipoffthursday2012.eventbrite.com to purchase tickets.
Welcome to Charlotte House Party at Cameo Nightclub. Presented by Worldstar Hip-Hop, with Gucci Mane and Miss Cubana Lust. Music by DJ Lantern Green. $20 and up. March 1, 8 p.m. Cameo Nightclub, 3049 Scott Futrell Drive. For more information, call 301-312-1365 or visit www.nctakeover2012.com.
Friday, March 2
Day Parties
4Play Friday at Whisky River. Presented by Bestfriendz, Dynasty 5, and KB from WSSU. Music by DJ Bro-Rabb and live performance from D.C.'s Let it Flow band. March 2, 12 p.m. $40 and up (Advance tickets are sold out, but you can pay at the door.) Whisky River, 210 E. Trade St. For more information, visit www.4playfriday2012.eventbrite.com.
7th Annual Déjà vu: The Kick-Off Day Party at Blue Restaurant. Year after year, the Digital Divas prove they know how to show the city a good party with their annual kick-off party. Music by DJ Daddy D. $21.60 and up. March 2, 1 p.m.-7 p.m. Blue Restaurant, 5th and College streets. For more information, visit www.digitaldivasevents.com.
7th Annual VSU Legends of Troy Meet and Greet Day Party at Phoenix and Re:Public. One party, two clubs. $30 and up (Advance tickets are sold out, but a limited number are available at the door). March 2, 1 p.m.-6 p.m. Phoenix and RE:Public, 300 and 314 N. College St. To purchase tickets, visit www.vsulegendsoftroy.eventbrite.com.
Midday Madness Day Party at Tempo. Hosted by the Tanglewood Crew and DJ Kool. $20. March 2, 12 p.m.-6 p.m. Tempo, 4809 Wilkinson Blvd. For more information, visit www.tempocharlotte.com. To purchase tickets, visit www.crowntickets.com.
Recess: Tournament Weekend Kickoff Day Party at Howl at the Moon. Recess. Doesn't that just sound like a good time? Music by DJ Complete, the Charlotte Bobcats' official DJ. $20 and up. March 2, 12 p.m.-6 p.m. Howl at the Moon, 210 E. Trade St. To purchase tickets, visit www.pardigras2012.eventbrite.com.