Events for the Week: Oct. 27-Nov. 2

Note: If I learn of more events, I’ll update this post throughout the week. Also, for a list of Halloween parties, see right column on this site.

Tuesday, October 28

Early Vote Rally
Event features celebrity appearances by Usher and Hill Harper. Doors open 3 p.m. Free. Grady Cole Center, 310 Kings Dr.

Tone X and Friends (weekly event)
Enjoy a night of stand-up comedy, live skits, improv, and music, along with a performance by the Hunnie Dipz Dancers. 8 p.m. $15. Skandalos, 5317 E. Independence Blvd. 704-890-0771.

Touch One Tuesdays (weekly event)
See Charlotte’s gifted poets perform—and if you have the courage, join them onstage—during this open mic event. Presented by Touch One Productions. Hosted by Filmore and music by DJ Flemingo. 10 p.m. $10. Wine-Up. 3306 N. Davidson St. (NoDa). www.wine-up.com.

Wednesday, October 29

Pop Life (weekly event)
The most popular social networking event on a Wednesday night starts after work but runs late. Music by select DJs. Presented by Creative Loafing and The Sol Kitchen. 6 p.m. Free. Apostrophe Lounge, 1440 S. Tryon St. (South End). www.thesolkitchen.com.

Thursday, October 30

New Paradigm or Politics As Usual?
Hodding Carter and Ed Williams will lead a discussion on southern politics from the past to the present, and presidential leadership and the current campaign. The evening will also feature poet, artist, and storyteller Kali Fergusen. Reception 6:30 p.m., program 7:30 p.m. $10. Reservations recommended. Levine Museum of the New South, 200 E. Seventh St. www.museumofthenewsouth.org.

New Kids on the Block
Relive your teen years and see NKOTB live. Opening act will be Lady Gaga. 8 p.m. $35-$75. Time Warner Cable Arena, 333 E Trade St. www.timewarnercablearena.com.

Touch One Thursdays (weekly event)
Come and enjoy a live band and spoken word by Charlotte’s slam poets. An after-party follows. 9 p.m. $10. Wine Up, 3306 N. Davidson St. www.wine-up.com.

No Limit Thursdays: The Launch Party
It’s the first installment for this new weekly event hosted by Power 98’s No Limit Larry. Music by DJ Buttafingaz and a special appearance by Avant. 9:30 p.m. Free before 10:30 p.m., afterwards cost varies. Stir Nightclub, 3500 E. Independence Blvd. www.stirnc.com.

Friday, October 31

See right column on this site for a list of Halloween parties.

Friday Afterwork Rendezvous (weekly event)
End your workweek on a high note at this networking event, held at a different venue each week. Enjoy live music and drink and appetizer specials. Presented by Talk of the Town. 6-9 p.m. Free. Ruth’s Chris Uptown, 222 S. Tryon St.

Grown Folks Fridays
Party with a 25-and-older crowd. Music by DJ Rham. Kitchen open all night and serving chicken and waffles. Cost varies. 10 p.m. Ladies free before 11 p.m. Stir Nightclub, 3500 E. Independence Blvd. www.stirnc.com.

Saturday, November 1

Carolina Renaissance Festival
Travel back centuries and enjoy outdoor theater, circus entertainment, an arts and crafts marketplace, a jousting tournament, and a feast fit for royalty. This annual festival runs for consecutive weekends October 4-November 16. 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. $17 for adults, $6 for kids ages 5-12. 16445 Poplar Tent Rd., Huntersville (go to website for directions instead of using Mapquest or Google Maps). www.royalfaires.com/carolina.

High Society Saturdays
If you aren’t partied out from Halloween night, come here and come dressed to impress. Hosted by radio personality Ifé Moore. Music by DJ Dr. 9 p.m. $15 and up. Rustic Martini, 616 N. Tryon St.

The Blue Party
It’s a party to celebrate Democratic Presidential Nominee Barack Obama. Partiers are asked to wear blue. 10 p.m. $10 in advance. Ember Grille, inside The Westin, 601 S. College St. www.mazentertainment.net.

Sunday, November 2

Carolina Renaissance Festival
Travel back centuries and enjoy outdoor theater, circus entertainment, an arts and crafts marketplace, a jousting tournament, and a feast fit for royalty. This annual festival runs for consecutive weekends October 4-November 16. 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. $17 for adults, $6 for kids ages 5-12. 16445 Poplar Tent Rd., Huntersville (go to website for directions instead of using Mapquest or Google Maps). www.royalfaires.com/carolina.

Ssshh! Sensual Seduction Sundays
Enjoy an infusion of open-mic poetry and jazz over candlelight. After-party and dancing follows. Presented by Pink Diamond. 9 p.m. $10. Happy Hour Bar and Lounge, 3603 S. Tryon St. www.pinkdiamondpromo.com.