Ay, cinco de mayo. You just don't get enough credit for all the joy and wisdom you bring us. Like last year, when I learned I had a fondness for Herradura tequila and drag queens in sombreros. Some memories can't be replaced.
In honor of the Corona-soaked memories you're sure to make (and then, re-make), here's our list of 25 events for you to check out this weekend.
Fiesta Cuatro at Tilt. Friday May 4. 4pm to 8pm. $4 Cover Includes complimentary XXs Drafts 4pm to 8pm and a complimentary Taco Buffet from 530 to 7pm. Other Specials -$4 1800 Shots, $4 Redbull Vodkas. DJ Litz will be spinning from 8pm to close. 127 W. Trade St.
World of Beer. Viva la cerveza! The fiesta starts at noon. Extensive Mexican draft lineup, "Most interesting man" lookalike contest, complimentary food from Phat Burrito, live entertainment starting at 9pm, beer oriented giveaways (Dos Equis, Triple C growlers.) 222 E. Bland St.
Howl At The Moon. Cinco de Drinko. Coronas, 1800 margaritas and 86 oz Blue Margarita buckets. Doors open 6pm. 210 E. Trade St.
Salsa-Thon Cinco de Mayo Celebration. Festivities kick off Uptown at 12pm. Admission is free and features a variety of entertainment for the entire family, highlighting salsa dancing and salsa music. Dance exhibitions will take place throughout the day, as well as live musical performances, sponsor displays with products to sample, authentic Latin food and arts and crafts by local artists. Visit www.Charlotte5deMayo.com for more information.
Krazy Fish. Cinco de Mayo BBQ & Fish Fry. $1 beers and $2 tacos. BBQ and fish fry in the parking lot, with the full menu inside. 3pm-2am. 2501 Central Avenue.
Hey Charlotte! What are you doing next Tuesday, other than voting NO against Amendment One?
Oh nothing? Awesome. You should definitely come to the Post Vote party at Petra's, on May 8 at 7:30 p.m. then.
What's that? You need some compelling reasons to head out on a Tuesday night? Sure, I'm happy to comply:
* There will probably be cake
* There will definitely be many and much cocktails
* Ample opportunities to practice dance moves
* Free hugs. Mouth kisses for $1 (Kidding ... mostly.)
* A chance to celebrate all of the effort and hard work that has gone into inhibiting Amendment One and everyone who is trekking to the poles to vote against it - high fives and chest bumps! (Those, too, are also complimentary.)
Come one, come all and partake in the fun time that will be had next Tuesday night. Win, lose, or draw, this vote has brought out the best in many and created a sense of community among the like, open minds of our fair city.
For more details (address,etc) visit the event page here.
Some occasions call for a red carpet to be rolled out. Others for the installation of a bright orange, 200 foot long steel art canopy. The Ten at Park Lanes (1700 Montford Dr.)"> grand opening falls under the latter category.
Formerly and famously known as George Pappas' Park Lanes, ownership of the popular bowling alley changed over to Montford Bowling Partners last April. Partner Adam Williams, a born and raised Charlottean, has been a regular visitor since he was a kid. "I never would've thought I'd be doing this project," says Williams, "but I'm lucky to do it.
The key aspect of the renovation can be summed up with one word: Americana. Ten has been renovated to echo the feel of the original space. The design of the patio draws inspiration from the architectural style called "googie," which was especially popular from the mid '50s to mid '60s. "Obviously we updated mechanical systems and audiovisuals and all that," says Williams, "but everything we're doing is homage to that period."
About 1 out of every 88 children is diagnosed with a form of autism, according to the CDC. With the disorder occurring in all racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic groups, it's no wonder that advocates have banded together to champion research into a better future for autistic individuals and their families. The Second Annual Autism Speaks Light it Up Blue Gala promotes just that.
Orchestrated by the Autism Speaks - Greater Carolina Chapter, this fundraiser aims to support global bio-medical research into the causes of autism, as well as its treatments and a cure. The evening will feature food and drink for its guests while live and silent auctions take place.
Friday, April 20. 6:30 p.m. TIAA-CREF Atrium. 8500 Andrew Carnegie Blvd. Black tie optional. For sponsorships and tickets call 704-561-0003 or email Lauren Kidder at Lauren.Kidder@autismspeaks.org.
Support Johnson C. Smith University this weekend by hanging out at the club. Yep, I said it. Go to the club for a good cause.
Big Tigger, best known for his gigs hosting BET's Rap City and 106 & Park, will be back in Charlotte this weekend to host the shenanigans at RE:Public for The Red Takeover, and a portion of the proceeds from the night will be donated to JCSU.
Get your $10 advance tickets here.
While many of us may be scheduled to hunt for eggs and tuck into a glazed ham come Easter Sunday, other options do exist for those looking to branch out and spend the day socializing outside the family tree. Intrigued? Look no further thanSunday B_Sides at VBGB .
South End's Black Sheep skate shop put this together, so naturally the day will honor all things skateboarder. DJs Ahuf, A-Minor, Dirt-Squad, Stranger Day and J Overcash will be spinning the soundtrack to your shenanigans. You can also stimulate your visual senses by checking out the live painting by Carlleena 'Savnac' Person.
If you went without a family meal, or you're still feeling a little peckish, the Sunday special will be a BBQ plate with two sides for $5; vegetarian and vegan options will be available, too.
The event promises to be family-friendly, so you don't have to feel bad about bolting on the fam - go ahead and bring out your nearest and dearest.
I love the nightlife, I love to boogie and I don't give a damn who you partner with on or off the dance floor. The "Vote NO Drag Show" at Hartigan's Pub is an event clearly designed for people after my own heart.
Taking place tonight, April 6, the show aims to raise awareness for the preposterous yet very real threat proposed by Amendment One. Hosted by Roxy C. Moorecox and featuring performances by entertainers such as Jamie Monroe (Ms. North Carolina USA 2012/2013), the event will also serve to further engage partygoers by having someone on hand to register new voters, from 8pm through the end of the show.
All in all, it's about having a great time with a great crowd, loving it and them, and refusing to let anyone tell you who you should love.
18+. Doors open at 10 p.m.
Maybe you're just now hearing about Jesse Marco, the 22-year old now nationally known for his role as the DJ in the PROJECT X movie.
But this is hardly his first time in the spotlight. The NYC native began his career DJing prep school parties around Manhattan, playing everything from Buddy Holly to Lauryn Hill.
He's bringing his diversified sound to the Q.C. tonight, spinning for the crowd at Butter.
Preview what you'll be in for below:
Reserve your table: Yussra@buttercharlotte.com
Get on the guest-list: Arthur@buttercharotte.com
So it's Friday night, and you're looking for something to do. Should you go out dancing? Grab a couple drinks at a cozy bar? Find a way to feel like a productive member of society? Thanks to the '80s Dance Party at Hartigan's Pub, you don't have to choose.
Doors open at 9, and your $5 cover is really a donation that goes straight to the LGBT Community Center. Besides the wonderfully horrendous fashion, partygoers can also look forward to drink specials and games like cornhole and beerpong.
And, of course, you can dance if you want to.
Bass for your face, indeed: Charlotteans can't seem to get their fill of electronic dance music. Even venues not usually known for booking EDM talent are abiding by the law of supply and demand. Tonight's event at Caviar Nightlife is a prime example.
The dance club will transform into what it's dubbed "electronic dance music lavishness," hosting DJ Antiserum and featuring local EDM eye candy, the Chaotic Cupcakes.
If you're craving a heavy bass line but your pockets are a little light, buy your ticket in advance and enter the promo code "international," which gets you $3 off the price of entry if you're 18+ or $2 off the price of entry if you're 21+.