Events for the Week: October 20-26

Note: If I learn of more events, I’ll update this post throughout the week.

Wednesday, October 22

Pop Life (weekly event)
It’s the most popular social networking event on a Wednesday night. It 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.

Speed Dating
If you’ve never gone speed dating, you’re missing out. Complimentary refreshments and drink specials will be served. Presented by Coretta Livingston. 6-9 p.m. $15. Kokomo’s Coffeehouse, 901 E. 4th St.

Thursday, October 23

Business After Hours
Held at a different venue each month, this event offers great hors d’oeuvres and drinks while you mingle with Charlotte’s business leaders and professionals. Presented by the Charlotte Chamber. $15 for non-Charlotte Chamber members, free for members. 5:30-7:30 p.m. Hyatt Place Charlotte Airport, 2950 Oak Lake Blvd. www.charlottechamber.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.

Friday, October 24

Wine Day Fridays (weekly event)
This event recently moved from Wednesdays to Fridays so you can roll right into the weekend. Enjoy some new wines while listening to music. 5 p.m. Free. Village at SouthPark, corner of Sharon Road and Morrison Boulevard (in front of M5). www.elevatecharlotte.com.

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. The Grape at SouthPark, 4400 Sharon Rd.

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, October 25

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. 16445 Poplar Tent Rd., Huntersville (go to website for directions instead of using Mapquest or Google Maps). www.royalfaires.com/carolina.

Insatiable Saturday
Party with a lively crowd, including JCSU alumni celebrating their homecoming. Presented by MAZ Entertainment. 10 p.m. $10 and up. City Tavern Uptown, 214 N. Tryon St., inside Hearst Tower.

Uptown Saturday Night
Party in the heart of uptown at this special JCSU Homecoming edition. Music by DJ Stretch-O-Matic. Presented by IV Horseman Entertainment. 10 p.m. $10-$15. Verona Lounge, 127 N. Tryon St., second floor of the Ivey Building.

Sunday, October 26

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. 16445 Poplar Tent Rd., Huntersville (go to website for directions instead of using Mapquest or Google Maps). www.royalfaires.com/carolina.

Ebony Fashion Fair
It’s the 51st annual event where great fashion and hair will be on display. Prizes will also be given away at this event with proceeds going to local charities. Presented by the Zetas of Charlotte. 6 p.m. $25. Ovens Auditorium, 2700 E. Independence Blvd. www.zetasofcharlotte.org.

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.