Events for the Week: October 6-12

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

Tuesday, October 7

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. 9 p.m. $10. Wine-Up. 3306 N. Davidson St. (NoDa). www.wine-up.com.

$3 Tuesdays (NEW weekly event)
It's a $3 cover, $3 drink specials, and $3 chicken and waffles each Tuesday night. Also enjoy old school hip-hop and R&B spun by DJ Supreme. Ladies free before 10 p.m. Stir Nightclub, 3500 E. Independence Blvd. www.stirnc.com.

Wednesday, October 8

Pop Life (weekly event)
After taking a month off to change venues, the popular Wednesday social networking event hasn’t missed a step. Presented by Creative Loafing and The Sol Kitchen. 6 p.m. Free. Apostrophe Lounge, 1440 S. Tryon St. (South End). www.thesolkitchen.com.

Mary J. Blige with Robin Thicke
CANCELLED...Again.

Thursday, October 9

Taste of the World
This annual guided tour through East Charlotte's International District includes opening and closing receptions at the Charlotte Museum of History and the VanLandingham Estate, and samplings of cuisine at authentic international restaurants. Buy a ticket and bring a friend for free. 5 p.m. Charlotte Museum of History, 3500 Shamrock Dr. www.charlotteeast.com/TasteofWorldnext.htm.

Premiere Party for GoodWorks with Rahman Khan
It promises to be a swanky party to introduce a great new TV show that will showcase the best Charlotte has to offer. 6-8:30 p.m. $35. Ballantyne Village Theatre, 14814 John J. Delaney Dr. www.goodworkstv.net.

Friday, October 10

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. To learn this week’s location, text “rendezvous” to 58714. 6-9 p.m. Free.

SCarowinds
The Carolinas’ popular theme park is transformed into a place of fright for the Halloween season. 7 p.m.-12 a.m. $34 and up. Carowinds, 14523 Carowinds Blvd. www.scarowinds.com.

Fresh Fest
If you love ol’ school hip-hop, you’re going to love this. See Naughty By Nature, Doug E. Fresh, Slick Rick, Big Daddy Kane, Whodini, and The Force MD’s perform your favorites from the 1980s and ‘90s. 8 p.m. $35.50-$42.50. Cricket Arena, 2700 E. Independence Blvd. www.cricketarenacharlotte.com.

Saturday, October 11

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.

The Ciao, Italia! Festival
This annual one-day festival displays Italy's rich culture, traditions, arts, wine, and cuisine. The day features entertainment such as performances by the Opera Carolina Chorus, mandolin players, Italian singing sensation Franco Corso from San Remo, Italy, and the International Pizza Toss Champion Siler Chapman. There will also be Italian language lessons, wine tasting, and a variety of children's activities. And, of course, there's the food. The Club's famous sausage and pepper sandwiches top the menu, along with eggplant parmigiana sandwiches, pasta, pizza, Italian ice, and an array of Italian pastries and cookies. 11 a.m.-7 p.m. $3. Wachovia Atrium, 301 S. Tryon St.

South End JazztoberFest
Enjoy an all-day free jazz concert featuring performances by The Timo Vollbrecht Band, John Alexander Group, Ziad Group, Uncommon Jazz, and Noel Freidline Group. 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Free.
Atherton Mill Parking Lot, Tremont Avenue and South Boulevard. www.historicsouthend.com.

Bank of America 500
It's the fifth race in the 10-race Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Championship. Gates open 2 p.m., race starts 7:25 p.m. You'll want to get there early to catch all of the pre-race festivities, including a concert by Jessica Simpson. Visit website for ticket prices. Lowe's Motor Speedway, 5555 Concord Pkwy. South, Concord. www.lowesmotorspeedway.com.

SCarowinds
The Carolinas’ popular theme park is transformed into a place of fright for the Halloween season. 7 p.m.-12 a.m. $34 and up. Carowinds, 14523 Carowinds Blvd. www.scarowinds.com.

Fresh and Magnificent
Break out your '80s attire and enjoy '80s hip-hop, '80s dancing, and even '80s drinks. 9 p.m. $10. Ladies free before 10 p.m. Presented by Pink Diamond. Prevue, 2909 N. Davidson St. www.dothewop.com.

Sunday, October 12

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.

Latin American Festival
This annual one-day festival has grown so large that it's moved to a new venue this year. About 25,000 people are expected to come for a variety of entertainment, arts and crafts, food, and activities rooted in Latin American culture. The live music includes performances from Richmond's fusion salsa octet Bio Ritmo; Atlanta's 10-member Mariachis De Pepe Lopez; and Miami's multicultural Bachaco. 12-7 p.m. $5. Symphony Park at South Park, 4400 Sharon Rd. www.festivallatinoamericano.org.

An Evening with Eric Benet
Even though he broke Halle Berry’s heart, his music is still good. Presented by The Sol Kitchen. 8 p.m. $25 in advance. Neighborhood Theatre, 511 E. 36th St. www.thesolkitchen.com.