While the Northside of Uptown has seen its fair share of closes (Cosmos and Re:Public both shut their doors in January), there appears to be a sign of fresh new life at 314 College Street. The space that formerly hosted the beat-throbbing dance club Re:Public is now occupied by Flight, a beer/concert hall with more than 90 beers - most of which come from local and regional craft breweries and indoor/outdoor German-style table seating.

Though Flight officially opened in April, the venue is having its Grand Opening party on Saturday, June 18 — and all are invited to celebrate. (Tip: RSVP to amy@flightclt.com for VIP tickets, which include complimentary food and beer from 8 p.m.-9 p.m. Folks can also enter the grand prize drawing for a chance to win tickets to Carolina's Aviation Museum and for a helicopter ride for two via Queen City Helicopters).

We hit up Flight prior to the weekend's festivities and here are five reasons we think you should check it out this weekend.

1) It's a craft beer hub in Uptown. While neighborhoods like South End and NoDa have breweries within walking distance of one another, Uptown has been pretty stagnant in terms of stops that provide craft beer with a brewery-like feel. Flight feels like a brewery mixed with the Music Factory's VBGB, only bigger and nestled in the heart of Uptown. 

2) You can drink and play. Giant Jenga, board games and other activities are there to give patrons something to do while they drink. And, you know how much adults like to play these days. There's "Name that Tune" trivia on Tuesday nights, too.


3) Lots of live music is slated to go down on the venue's indoor stage. We can't promise it'll be good music, but since this new spot is coming during a time when some local venues have closed and others are struggling to stay open, we're pretty excited about the potential. There's Country Night on Thursdays, in addition to more live music of varying genres on Fridays and Saturdays. Flight also hopes to launch Live Band Karaoke, as well as an In-Flight Movie Night in the future.

4) They have a full kitchen on site and the menu is full of options. Would you prefer something to nibble on like IPA-battered asparagus, potato pancakes or a Local Loaf soft Belgian style pretzel or are you in need of a loaded brat (so many ways to customize these babies), a burger or sandwich? if you're hungry, you won't need to stray.


5) Local art is all over the walls. Check out the celebrity corner on the back wall by the stage where there is also a smaller bar with music memorabilia. Nicole Desourdy pays tribute to music legends like Amy Winehouse, Dolly Parton, Elvis Presley, Diana Ross, Jimi Hendrix, John Lennon, Madonna, David Bowie and more.


Look closely and for preliminary sketches of future additions. Matt Moore and Matt Hooker, known simply as "The Matts" in the local art community, have also painted the area behind the main bar, as well as the painting of the girl on the rocket at the venue's entrance.

Flight is located at 314 College St. Hours: Thursday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-2 a.m.; Sunday-Wednesday, 11 a.m.-12 a.m. 980-474-1551. www.flightclt.com.

Every year Charlotte does it big for St. Patrick's Day, which means you have no excuse for not making plans, wearing green and getting trashed from too much Guinness. The shenanigans below, happening in the Q.C. and the surrounding area, are all worthy for drinking, eating, being entertained and merry. Cheers!

Friday, March 13
Buff Faye's 6th Annual St. Patty's Day Get Lucky Friday Night Party Bus Join local drag queen Buff Faye for this wild ride with stops to LGBTQ-friendly bars, including Woodshed Lounge, Bar at 316, L4 Lounge
and Chasers, which will have a special drag show and $250 in prizes up for grabs. Ticket proceeds benefit Campus Pride for LGBTQ Youth. March 13, 7:15 p.m. to 2 a.m. Meeting spot at Backstage Vintage Apparel Store, 2005 Central Ave. donatenow.networkforgood.org/bufffaye.

Saturday, March 14
St. Patrick’s Day Parade Start the day off right with this annual Irish-focused parade. Starts at North Tryon Street and 9th Street and marches down to 3rd Street and then to Caldwell Street. March 14, 11 a.m. www.charlottestpatsday.com.

Charlotte Goes Green Festival This outdoor festival celebrates Irish culture with food, live music and dancing, arts and family-friendly activities. Walsh-Kelley School of Irish Dance, Grandfather Mountain Highlanders, Federal Clan Kings, Rince Na’ Eireann Dance School and Carolina Ceili Band. March 14, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Latta Arcade, 320 S Tryon St. www.charlottestpatsday.com.

Rich & Bennett's Annual St. Patrick's Day Pub Crawl in Uptown Hosted by Rich and Bennett and featuring multiple bars and restaurants in Uptown. Fee includes event shirt. March 14. www.richandbennett.com.

Green River Revival at U.S. National Whitewater Center The festivities kick off with the Color Me Green 5K and continue with the center’s river rapids turning green. Live music from Bombadil at 1 p.m. and Matrimony at 3 p.m. March 14. U.S. National Whitewater Center, 5000 Whitewater Center Parkway. 704-391-3900. www.usnwc.org.

Craft Beer Crawl in South End The crawl takes you to local craft breweries, including The Beer Growler, Sycamore Brewing, Lenny Boy Brewing, Good Bottle and Triple C Brewing. There will be special keg tappings, live music and free trollery rides to stops on the crawl. Starts at Unknown Brewing. March 14, 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Unknown Brewing Co., 1327 S. Mint St. www.historicsouthend.com/craft-beer-crawl/.

Craft Cocktail Pop-Up at Evoke If you're looking for an alternative to beer drinking, this might be for you. Folks attending this pop-up event will learn how to make three signature cocktails by mixologist Xavier Hartsoe. Features light snack pairing and drink tasting. $50. March 14, 3 p.m.-6 p.m. Evoke, 555 S McDowell St. www.cltcraftcocktail.eventbrite.com.

St. Patrick's Day at RiRa The pub will have traditional Irish food, live music and dance performances throughout the day. DJ Arod at 3 p.m. and Heroes at Last at 10 p.m. RiRa, 208 North Tryon St. 980-322-9859. www.rira.com/charlotte/.

St. Patrick's Day at Treehouse Vineyards Taste the vineyard's wines and enjoy music from Sulkes Band. Brixx Pizza's food truck will also be on site. $8. March 14, 7 p.m.-11 p.m. Treehouse Vineyards, 301 Bay St., Monroe. 704-283-4208. www.treehousevineyards.net.

It's time to start making New Year's Eve plans - especially to avoid sell-outs at hot spots and those high ticket fees that soar up closer to time at some venues around town. Check out our big ol' list of parties (in no particular order) below. Be sure to come back as it'll definitely keep growing. Cheers! (To submit a New Year's Eve party to this list, email aovercash@clclt.com.)

12th Annual Back to the Future Bash at Roxbury New Year's Eve at Roxbury, an 80s and 90s nightclub, includes party favors, glow sticks, four bars, drink specials ($5 "Marty Mcfly" shots and $5 Doc's mixed drinks) multiple dance floors, a patio and a champagne toast at midnight. Table reservations available. $20 before Dec. 29; $25 after. Dec. 31. Roxbury Nightclub, 115 W. 5th St. 704-375-8090. www.roxburynightclub.com.

The Big Release: A Rich Experience of Meditation, Yoga & Fresh Juice This New Year's Eve event features meditation led by John W. Love, Jr., yoga from Kelley Carboni-Woods and fresh-pressed juice provided by Happy Apple Juicery. For more information, visit https://squareup.com/market/revolution-ego/big-release-experience. $50. Dec. 31, 10 p.m. Revolution Ego Salon, 312 N. Myers St., Suite 115. 704-951-7386. www.revolutionego.com.

Blue Ice New Year's Eve Party at Cathode Azure This New Year's Eve party features music from DJ Rob Reeves, fully stocked bars, outdoor torches, and complimentary parking. $10 before 10 p.m. Dec. 31, 9 p.m. to 2:30 a.m. Cathode Azure, 1820 South Blvd., Suite 106. 704-823-6066. www.cathodeazure.com.

Bollywood New Years Eve at Hindu Center of Charlotte A family-friendly New Year's Eve party featuring local DJs spinning Bollywood hits. There will also be karaoke, games, and Chowpati-style street food. All ages are welcome, but kids must be accompanied by parents or an adult. All proceeds from ticket sales will benefit the Hindu Center construction project. For more information, call 704-607-8412. $5; free for kids under 12. Dec. 31, 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. Hindu Center, 7400 City View Drive.

Bootleggers Ball: A NYE Celebration at Barreled at the Lift Speakeasy A prohibition shindig on New Year's Eve, featuring beer, cocktails, wine, champagne, hookahs, party favors and music from DJ's Nurotik and Amalgam, who will be playing from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. 21 and up. For ticket information, call 704-626-8850 or email terri@barreledcharlotte.com. Dec. 31, 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. Barreled at the Lift Speakeasy, 1600 E. Woodlawn Road. 704-626-8850. www.barreledcharlotte.com.

Blast from the Past: A StrikeCity New Years Eve Time Warp Strike City turns into a time machine with music from four decades - 70s, 80s, 90s, and the 2000s. Costumes are encouraged, but not required. Price includes drink tickets and appetizers until midnight, a champagne toast, party favors, and more. VIP bowling tickets available for $90 per person (minimum 4 four people, maximum six). $45 (before Dec. 30)-$65. Dec. 31, 9:30 p.m. to 2 a.m. Strike City, 210 E. Trade St. 704-716-9300. www.strikecitycharlotte.com.

Brewery New Year's Eve - The Chilled New Years Eve at Sycamore Brewing: Sycamore Brewing's New Year's Eve Celebration features craft beer, wine, champagne and food (including barbecue sandwiches, mac & cheese and other southern sides) available for purchase. Dec. 31, 7 p.m. to 1 a.m. Sycamore Brewing, 2161 Hawkins St. 704-910-3821. www.sycamorebrew.com.

Brew Year's Eve at the Flying Saucer A New Year's celebration of craft beer at the Flying Saucer. Specialty tappings including Terrapin French Toast'd Wake n' Bake, Founder's Big Lushious, Stone Master of Disguise, Dogfish Head American Beauty, and more. Rare bottles including three liter New Holland Dragon's Milk, three liter Samichlaus, and Sam Adams Infinium. Live DJ starting at 9 p.m. and complimentary champagne toast at midnight. $10-$15. Dec. 31, 6 p.m. to 2 a.m. Flying Saucer, 9605 N. Tryon St. 704-568-7253. www.beerknurd.com/stores/charlotte/.

CLT New Year’s Eve Uptown's family-friendly and alcohol-free New Year’s Eve celebration features live music, a variety of activities and performances and fireworks. Dec. 31, 7 p.m. to 12 a.m. NASCAR Hall of Fame Plaza, 400 E. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.

Draught Gets Lucky: New Year's Eve This New Year's Eve package inlcudes Vegas-style gaming ( blackjack, craps & roulette) with $10,000 in free play money. There's also heavy hors d'oeuvres, beer, wine & liquor options, a champagne toast at midnight, DJs, party favors and prizes. For tickets, visit www.eventbrite.com. $70-$85. Dec. 31, 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. Draught Charlotte, 601 S. Cedar St. 704-375-7566. www.draughtcharlotte.com.

Drop !t featuring Slander at The Fillmore: Disco Donnie Presents and Sugar Society present this New Year's Eve party with Slander. For more information visit www.fillmorecharlotte.com and www.discodonniepresents.com. Wed., Dec. 31, 9 p.m.-2 a.m. The Fillmore, 1000 N.C. Music Factory Blvd. 704-549-5555. www.livenation.com.

The Duke Mansion's 100th Birthday Party on New Year's Eve This black-tie New Year's Eve party also celebrates Duke Mansion's 100th anniversary with a multi-course dinner from Chef Harrison Booth in a heated tent adorned with lights on the McGuire Lawn. There will also be music from That Guy Smitty, a champagne toast and a late-evening breakfast. To RSVP, email kellis@tlwf.org or call 704-714-4445. $258 per person; $515 per couple. Dec. 31, 8 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. Duke Mansion, 400 Hermitage Road. 704-714-4400. www.dukemansion.org.

Grand Ball at Hilton Charlotte Center City Southern Skyline presents this New Year's Eve Grand Ball that's. black tie-optional and features entertainment from Tyler Boone, DJ Method, Atlas Road Crew and Mangas Colorado. There will also be heavy hors d’oeuvres and a full bar. For more information and a complete schedule, visit www.southern-skyline.com. $125 per person; $180 for VIP. Dec. 31, 9 p.m. Hilton Charlotte Center City, 222 E. 3rd St.

A Great Gatsby New Year's Eve at Leroy Fox Leroy Fox celebrates New Year's Eve with a taste of the roaring '20s. At 8 p.m. there will be a five-course meal with a selection of prohibition-style cocktails. Then ring in 2015 with a complimentary glass of champagne at midnight. For more information and menu details, visit www.eventbrite.com. $60 (ticket includes five-course meal (with choices for each course), two prohibition-style cocktails, a champagne toast at midnight, entry into Glitter & Glitz after party and live jazz performance). Dec. 31, 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. Leroy Fox, 705 S. Sharon Amity Road. 704-366-3232. www.leroyfox.com‎.

Hollywood Glam New Year's Eve at Whisky River: Whisky River meets Hollywood at this special themed New Year's Eve party. $25. Dec. 31, 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. Whisky River, 210 E. Trade St. 704-749-1097. www.thewhiskyriver.com.

John Tosco's 5th Annual New Year's Eve Variety Show John Tosco’s New Year's Eve tradition continues with family-friendly entertainment, including comedy, a ventriloquist, juggling, kazoos and more. For tickets, call 704-372-1000 of visit www.carolinatix.org. $15. Dec. 31, 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. McGlohon Theater, 345 N. College St. 704-372-1000. www.blumenthalarts.org.

Mojo Ruckus New Year's Eve Bash at Philosopher's Stone Pre- and post- Widespread Panic fans and concert goers might want to consider this your party home. Featuring a set from Mojo Ruckus, a champagne toast and party favors. For more information, visit www.facebook.com. $10. Dec. 31, 9 p.m. to 3 a.m. Philosopher's Stone Tavern, 1958 E. 7th St. 704-350-1331. www.philosophersstonetavern.com.

New Year's Eve Celebration with Jim Quick and Coastline at Queens Landing: Private cruise with Jim Quick and Coastline. Rub elbows with the band while sampling an array of appetizers. There's also dancing, a buffet, a chocolate bar, party favors, a champagne toast at midnight and a cash bar. $60 (main concert & dance, from 8:30 p.m. to 12:30 p.m.)-$100 (celeb cruise, from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.). Dec. 31, 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Queen’s Landing, 1459 River Highway, Mooresville. 704-663-2628. www.queenslanding.com.

New Year' Eve at Nan & Byron's This New Year's Eve party at Nan and Byron's features an open bar and buffet from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m., music from DJ Steven K, a live countdown of the ball drop, party favors, and a champagne toast at midnight. Limited $55 general admission tickets available at. www.ticketleap.com (Keyword: Nan and Byron's). A portion of proceeds will be donated to Levine Children's Hospital's Give Here for Kids Here program. $55. Dec. 31, 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. Nan & Byron's, 1714 South Blvd. 980-224-7492. www.nanandbyrons.com.

New Year Eve Masquerade Ball at L4 Lounge This New Year's Eve Masquerade Ball at L4 Lounge includes an open hors d' oeuvres buffet from 9 p.m. to 11:30 p.m., party favors and giveaways, a best mask contest, the ball drop broadcast on flat screen TVs, music from DJ Arthy and a champagne toast at midnight. Doors open at 9 p.m. 18 and up. For tickets, visit www.eventbrite.com. Limited VIP tables/bottle service available. For reservations, text Tam at 336-953-0162. Dec. 31, 9 p.m. to 2:30 a.m. L4 Lounge, 2906 Central Ave. 704-567-2158. www.l4lounge.com.

New Year's Eve: A Night of Whimsy at New Gallery of Modern Art Charity ball that will support Restore International (www.restoreinternational.org). Doors open at 9 p.m. and dress code is formally colorful. Features a full bar plus appetizers and desserts. Popcorn, cotton candy, and adult snowcones will be available as well. There will also be a DJ, a dance floor, prizes and a champagne toast at midnight. For tickets, visit http://restoreint.myevent.com or www.eventbrite.com. $85 until Dec. 15. Dec. 31, 9 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. New Gallery of Modern Art, 435 S. Tryon St. 704-373-1464. www.newgalleryofmodernart.com.

New Year's Eve at 5Church This New Year's Eve party features an open bar and buffet from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m., music from DJ Lee Connor, a live countdown of the ball drop, party favors, and a champagne toast at midnight. Limited $85 general admission tickets available at www.ticketLeap.com (Keyword: 5Church). Private VIP horseshoe room available. Doors open 10 p.m. A portion of proceeds will be donated to Levine Children's Hospital's Give Here for Kids Here program. $85. Dec. 31, 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. 5Church, 127 N. Tryon St. 704-919-1322. www.5church.com.

New Year's Eve at Heist Brewery To celebrate New Year's Eve, Heist Brewery will have a specially-crafted NYE menu, in addition to beer and cocktails features. No cover. Dec. 31. Heist Brewery, 2909 N. Davidson St., Suite 200. 704-375-8260. www.heistbrewery.com.

New Year's Eve at All American Pub: The all-inclusive party includes multiple bars and DJ's, in addition to party favors, a champagne toast at midnight, screening of the ball drop, coat check, a photo area and more. VIP packages available. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.sportslinkus.com. $25 for designated drivers; $65 for general admission and $90 for VIP. Dec. 31, 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. All American Pub, 200 E. Bland St. 704-370-2000. www.allamericanpubclt.com.

It's time to start making plans for Halloween, folks. For details on events - including parties, haunted houses and other activities - check out our big, growing list below. Not on the list? To get added, email anita.overcash@creativeloafing.com.

Scarowinds Carowinds transforms with horrifying mazes and scarezones. $32.99-$55. Oct. 17, 7 p.m. to 12 a.m.; Oct. 18, 7 p.m. to 1 a.m.; Oct. 19, 7 p.m. to 12 a.m.; Oct. 24, 7 p.m. to 12 a.m.; Oct. 25, 7 p.m. to 1 a.m.; Oct. 26, 7 p.m. to 12 a.m.; Oct. 31, 7 p.m. to 12 a.m.; Sat., Nov. 1, 7 p.m. to 12 a.m. Carowinds, 14523 Carowinds Blvd. 704-588-2600. www.carowinds.com.

Zombie Hollow Gastonia's new haunted attraction. Costumes welcome, but no masks allowed. Opens at 5 p.m. for concessions. Trail tours begin at dusk. Open until 12 a.m. on Friday/Saturday and 10 p.m. on week nights. Held at 330 Lewis Road, Gastonia. $10 for adults; $5 for kids 10 years old and under (cash only). Oct. 23-26; Oct. 29-31; Nov. 1. For more information, visit www.facebook.com/zombiehollow.

Scarrigan Farms The 130-acre farm transforms into a haunted trail with. four parts: "The Funhouse," "3D Maze, "Tragic Bus," and "Corn Maze." Ticket sales begin nightly at 6:30 p.m. (first victims enter at dark) and end at 10 p.m. For more information, visit www.scarriganfarms.com. $20, cash only. Oct. 17-19; Oct. 23-26; Oct. 30-31; Nov. 1. Carrigan Farms, 1261 Oak Ridge Farm Highway, Mooresville. 704-664-1450. www.carriganfarms.com.

21st Annual Carolina Renaissance Festival Sure, there’s jousting, comedy shows and turkey legs at the fest, but if you come this weekend you can get a Halloween spin on the medieval merriment. Tricks and treats are lurking around the 22-acre village. Oh, and the jousting gets a zombie tweaking (“Knights of the Living Dead”), too. $9-$21. Halloween-themed shenanigans, Oct. 25-26. Festival continues through Nov. 23. 16445 Poplar Tent Road, Huntersville. www.royalfaires.com/carolina.

Camp Fear The multi-attraction event features a haunted trail, a maze, "Clown Chaos", an "Insane Asylum", a "Living dead Dollhouse," and a "Freak Show." $14-$18. Oct. 10-11; Oct. 17-18; Oct. 24-26; Oct. 31-Nov. 1. Camp Fear, 601 Princess Lane, Hiddenite. www.campfearnc.com.

NoDa Ghosts & Legends Walking Tour Free tours of NoDa filled with stories of ghosts and the spirits that continue to haunt the neighborhood. No pre-registration required. Tours leave approximately every 15 minutes and last about one hour. Free. Oct. 17, 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. Boudreaux's Louisiana Kitchen, 501 E. 36th St. www.facebook.com/NoDaHistory.

Things That Go Bump in the Night Featuring music like "Don’t Fear the Reaper," and The Homecoming Queen’s "Got a Gun," campfire horror stories, and a “zombie camp” loaded with tips on how to look extra creepy this year for Halloween. $20. Oct. 18, 8 p.m. McGlohon Theater, 345 N. College St. 704-372-1000. www.blumenthalarts.org.

That Type! Rocky Horror Charlotte’s Rocky Horror Cast, That Type!, performs with the screening of this cult classic. Oct. 17; Oct. 24; Oct. 31; Nov. 7; Nov. 21. Cinebarre, 8008 Providence Road. 704-543-4581. www.cinebarre.com.

Horror Night Double Feature This horror night double feature will include the premiere of HoneySpider, a locally filmed and produced movie and George A. Romero's 1968 zombie classic, Night of the Living Dead. Oct. 18. Gem Theatre, 111 West 1st St., Kannapolis. 704-932-5111. www.gem-theatre.com.

Back Alley Film Series Screening The Texas Chainsaw Massacre. $5-$10. Oct. 23, 7:30 p.m.; Oct. 27, 7:30 p.m. Crownpoint Stadium 12, 9630 Monroe Road. backalleyfilmseries.com.

Retro Horror Series Oct. 24-30: Silence of the Lambs. Oct 31-Nov. 6: The Shining. $5. Screenings at 7 p.m. and 10 p.m. Ayrsley Grand Cinemas, 9110 Kings Parade Blvd. 980-297-7540. ayrsleycinemas.com.

The K of D, An Urban Legend PaperHouse Theatre presents this spine-chilling (one woman) show that tells the story of a young girl whose brother's death sets off a mysterious series of events. $20. Oct. 23-25, 8 p.m.; Oct. 29-30, 8 p.m.; Oct. 31, 10 p.m.; Nov. 1, 8 p.m. Duke Energy Theater, 345 N. College St. 704-372-1000. www.blumenthalarts.org.

Sleepy Hollow Full Moon Party The full moon party will feature a giveaway for Gravedigger's Ball tickets. Oct. 24. Whisky River, 210 E. Trade St. 704-749-1097. www.thewhiskyriver.com.

Ghostbusters Costume Party Dress in Ghostbusters attire for this costume party at Roxbury. Drink specials include $5 fire balls, $5 vodka flavored drinks and $2 bottle beers. Also, the ECTO-I (Ghostbuster car) will be available for pictures. $5. Oct. 24. Roxbury Nightclub, 115 W. 5th St. 704-375-8090. www.roxburynightclub.com.

Rich & Bennett’s 14th Annual Halloween Pub Crawl Tickets are $20 and include drink specials, an event koozie, individual/group costume contests, giveaways, and cover into participating bars. Oct. 25, 1 p.m. For tickets, visit www.richandbennett.com.

Hollywood Halloween MAZ Entertainment presents this Hollywood-themed Halloween party with music from DJ Complete. For tickets, visit www.eventbrite.com/e/hollywood-halloween-v-tickets-13425240255. Oct. 25, 10 p.m.-2 a.m. Phoenix, 300 N. College St., Charlotte. 704-375-8765. www.phoenixcharlotte.com.

The art series that started up back in July, brought another monthly installment to NoDa last Sunday. There was a diverse assortment of artwork lining the walls of Neighborhood Theatre, which included works by Adam McGalliard and other local artists. (Photos by Zach Nesmith)

Comic book enthusiasts invaded Charlotte Convention Center for the annual HeroesCon. The three-day event features plenty of comic book artists, illustrators, vendors and other special guests. There are also panels, workshops, lectures and other forms of entertainment - including one of the best: people watching. Folks dress up as their favorite superheroes, villains and/or comic book characters for the full experience. (Photos: Jeff Hahne)

There was plenty of drinking during Creative Loafing's Margarita Wars at Rooftop 210, which took place the first day of summer. Some of Charlotte's finest bartenders participated in the showdown to concoct the best margaritas.

*drumroll* And the winners were: Carrburritos for "Best Tasting: People's Choice" and Verde for "Judges Choice: Most Creative." (Photos by Zach Nesmith)

Foodies and chefs united for Creative Loafing's second annual Iron Fork at Silver Hammer Studios last night.

Four chefs, including Troy Gagliardo (WCCB News Rising), Luca Annunziata (Passion8 Bistro), Aaron Rivera (The Chrome Toaster), Alyssa Gorelick (Chef Alyssa's Kitchen) competed against defending Iron Fork champion, chef Geoff Bragg. And the winner is: **drumroll, please *** Chef Alyssa Gorelick.

While chef's cooked up dishes to dazzle a panel of hardcore judges, folks attending also roamed the venue to eat, drink and be merry. (Photos by Justin Driscoll)

Gather 'round, lads and lassies! It's time to plan for how and where you'll spend your St. Patrick's Day. The shenanigans below, happening in Charlotte and the surrounding area, are all good choices for drinking, eating, being entertained and merry. Cheers to finding a pot o' gold!

Friday, March 14
5th Annual Buff Faye's Get Lucky Party Bus Check-in for the party bus ride is at Hartigan's Irish Pub, from 7:30 p.m. to 8:15 p.m. The bus stops at a variety of LGBT-friendly pubs (including Chasers, The Bar at 316, Cathode Azure, and Hartigan's) and drag performer Buff Faye and her divas are there throughout the ride. Proceeds from ticket sales will benefit Campus Pride for LGBT youth. $15-$25. March 14, 10:30 p.m. to 2 a.m. Hartigan's Irish Pub, 601 S. Cedar St. 704-347-1841. www.hartigans.com.

Leprechaun Jizz: All Green Paint Party at Bar Charlotte As the event's flyer states: "Come in white, leave in green." Drink specials include select $5 beers and $5 vodka energy drinks. Text "green" to 980-333-8633 to get on the VIP list for free admission. Doors open at 9 p.m. 18 and up are welcome. March 14, 9 p.m. Bar Charlotte, 300 N. College St. 704-342-2545. www.barcharlotte.com.

St. Practice Day/St. Patty's Pre-Game Party at Whisky River The party before the party will feature DJ Boss and 103.7's own Austin and Big Sexy. Drink specials include $6 Irish car bombs and $3 select beers. Kitchen opens at 11 p.m. March 14. Whisky River, 210 E. Trade St. 704-749-1097. www.thewhiskyriver.com.

Pour Days of Green at Kennedy's The pub is celebrating St. Patrick's Day, starting on Friday and continuing through Monday. During this time there will be screenings of college basketball games, live music, beads and giveaways and food and drink specials. Kennedy's Premium Bar & Grill, 336 N. Caswell St. 704-375-0218. www.kennedyscharlotte.com.

The Chuckleheads at The Tavern The Charlotte improv troupe presents its "Some Folks Have All the Luck Comedy Improv Musical Variety Extravaganza." The St. Patrick's Day themed show features improv games, musical activities, game show elements, and the heavy-duty audience participation. For advance tickets, call 704-301-1564 or visit www.planetimprov.com. March 14, 8 p.m. $10-$15. 300 East Morehead St.

Saturday, March 15
18th Annual St. Patrick's Day Parade & Charlotte Goes Green Festival This year's parade features floats, pipe and drum bands, Irish dancers, musical groups, marching bands and more. Includes performances from Loch Norman Pipe Band, Federal Clan Kings, Lissakeole, Rince Na' Eireann Dance School, Rince Na' Eireann Dance School and more. The parade will step off at 11 a.m. at Tryon Street and 9th Street. It will march south on Tryon Street to 3rd Street and then march on to Caldwell Street. March 15, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. For more information, visit www.charlottestpatsday.com.

6th Annual Green Party at EpiCentre The party features a live performance from Swedish synth-pop trio NoNoNo (think of that whistling single: "Pumpin' Blood") and music from DJ Roshay. March 15, 3 p.m. Pavilion at EpiCentre, 210 E. Trade St. www.pavilionatepicentre.com.

Green River Revival at U.S. National Whitewater Center The celebration will kick off with the Color Me Green 5K, a trail race similar to the Color Run. Following the race, the whitewater rapids will turn a bright green in honor of St. Patrick's Day. There will then be live music (Love Cannon and The Mike Strauss Band), food and drinks and a corn hole tournament. The river will remain open to those who want to raft or kayak. For full details, visit www.usnwc.org/green-river-revival-2/. March 15. U.S. National Whitewater Center, 5000 Whitewater Center Parkway. 704-391-3900.

Rich and Bennett's 14th Annual St. Patrick's Day Pub Crawl The Q.C.'s largest St. Patrick's Day pub crawl. Ticket price includes an event T-shirt, koozie, giveaways and cover into all bar stops on the crawl. Check-in is at 12 p.m. at Dixie's Tavern. For tickets, visit www.rockhouseevents.com. $20-$30. March 15. Dixie's Tavern, 301 E. 7th St. 704-374-1700. www.dixiescharlotte.com.

Get Lucky St. Patty's Day Party at Roxbury The party features drink specials, including $2 Mickeys, $2 Pabst Blue Ribbon, $5 fireballs and mixed drinks. $7 cover. March 15, 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. Roxbury Nightclub, 115 W. 5th St. 704-375-8090. www.roxburynightclub.com.

St. Patrick's Day Bash at Hickory Tavern The party features a live DJ inside and live performances by Burning Bright and Simplified on the venue's outside patio. There will also be drink specials. March 15, 2 p.m. to 2 a.m. Hickory Tavern (Metropolitan location), 1100 Metropolitan Ave. 704-334-5155. www.thehickorytavern.com.

Shamrock 'N' Roll at RiRa Pay tribute to S. Patrick with traditional Irish music, food and cold beer. Crashbox performs at 10 p.m. Drink specials include $2 Miller Lite and Coors Lite bottles; $2 PBR cans, $3 pints of Heineken and $5 Jagerbombs. March 15. RiRa, 208 N. Tryon St. 704-333-5554. www.rira.com.

Kids (12 years old and under) busted out their breakdancing moves up at Lake Norman on Saturday. The event, presented by Cosmic Union Zulus, featured individual and group competitions. (Photos by Jeff Taylor)