Events for the Week: Labor Day Weekend Edition

Your best weekly list for parties, nightlife, social, and cultural events in Charlotte. This isn’t intended to be a complete list of everything that's going on, but instead are the events GPT recommends.

Thursday, September 3

Alive After Five at EpiCentre (weekly event)
This week’s featured bands are Fantasy (R&B and Motown) performing on the rooftop stage, and Déjà vu (beach music and oldies) playing on the courtyard stage. There will be plenty of drink stations scattered throughout. Wristbands also get you into participating EpiCentre bars. 5-9:30 p.m. Free. The EpiCentre, 210 E. Trade St. www.aliveafterfiveatepicentre.com.

Working Together to Meet Basic Human Needs
This event will feature a panel conversation by community leaders including Taylor Batten (The Charlotte Observer), Brett Loftis (Council for Children’s Rights), Dana McDonald (University Park Baptist Church), Pat Mumford (City of Charlotte), and Mary Wilson (Mecklenburg County). The panel conversation will be followed by a dialogue with the audience moderated by Bob Morgan (Charlotte Chamber) and Willie Ratchford (Community Relations Committee). 7 p.m. Free. University Park Baptist Church, 6029 Beatties Ford Rd.

USC vs. NCSU Football Game Viewing Party
Watch the Gamecocks defeat the Wolfpack at this viewing party for South Carolina fans and alumni. Food and drink specials will be served, and the game will be shown in a reserved room on a big screen. 7-10 p.m. Free. Dilworth Neighborhood Grille, 911 E. Morehead St. Presented by USC Charlotte Club. www.mycarolina.org/charlotte.

ROCK * IT Thursdays
Charlotte has another new nightclub in Uptown and this Thursday night party is your chance to check out the posh new venue (owned by partners from the Sunset Club and Kiss Lounge). 9 p.m. Cost varies. To get on the guest list, email mouzakitis.constantine@gmail.com. Luna Lounge, 521 N. College St. www.lunacharlotte.com.

Friday, September 4

Friday Afterwork Rendezvous (weekly event)
End your workweek on a high note at this networking party, held at a different venue each week. Enjoy drink and food specials while listening to live music. Presented by Talk of the Town. 6-11 p.m. Free. Blue Restaurant and Bar, 214 N. Tryon St. (corner of Fifth and College streets). www.bluecharlotte.com.

America's Most Wanted Music Festival
See Lil Wayne and his Young Money Crew, along with Young Jeezy, Soulja Boy Tell’em, Pleasure P, and Jeremih. 7 p.m. $29-$125. Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre, 707 Pavilion Blvd. www.livenation.com.

Free Fridays
The first Friday of the month means free admission at one of Charlotte’s swankiest lounges. Enjoy the best in hip-hop, R&B, and reggae. On this night, the club often reaches capacity so get there early. 10 p.m. Free until capacity; cover charge after. Kiss Lounge, 204 W. Woodlawn Rd. www.kisscharlotte.com.

First Fridays Charlotte
It’s touted as the number one urban event and it draws a large crowd each month to a different venue. Music by DJ MC and DJ Freedom. Presented by Dee Autry, Troy Veale, and Thomas Washington. 10 p.m.-2 a.m. $10 in advance; ladies free until 11 p.m. Cans Bar and Canteen, 500 W. Fifth St. www.ticketannex.com.

Collegiate Flirt Friday
The Lake Norman area gets it popping at Synergy Nightclub (formerly NV Lounge). And this Friday is a concert after-party. 10 p.m. Ladies free all night with college I.D. Men $5 before 11 p.m. with college I.D., more after. Synergy Nightclub, 20924 Torrence Chapel Rd. www.mysynergynightclub.com.

Saturday, September 5

Charlotte Literary Festival
This two-day festival features authors, book signings (Wahida Clark), artists, music, dance, guest speakers (Rev. Michael Beckwith, Chris Gardener), a carnival for kids, and more. Visit website for event line-up. 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Cost varies. NoDa, E. 36th and N. Davidson streets. www.charlotteliteraryfestival.org.

Jet Set the Evolution
It’s a “day party” to celebrate the end of summer. Party with the sun out—and see beautiful people with clarity. Featuring catered food, a live band, and music by DJ DR. Presented by The A List-Charlotte and The Sol Kitchen. 4-8:30 p.m. $10 in advance. Pravda Bar and Rooftop Garden Patio at The Forum, 300 N. College St. www.alistnc.com.

Groove.Rock.Dance.
Enjoy great live performances by Jared Allan & Co and Jocelyn Ellis & The Alpha Theory, along with music by DJ Arthur Bros. Hosted by slam poet Bluz. 8 p.m. $13. Club Alive, 2909 N. Davidson St. www.grooverockdance.com.

Marquee Saturdays (weekly event)
It’s Charlotte’s newest and hottest Saturday night party at this newly revamped nightclub. Enjoy the large dance floor, plentiful seating, and outdoor patio. DJ Complete playing in the main room and DJ R-Wonz playing on the patio. Presented by Sleeping Giant Productions. 9 p.m. Cost varies. Halo, inside the N.C. Music Factory, 820 Hamilton St. www.haloclt.com.

Pink and Cognac Affair
Come dressed to impress and ladies are asked to wear pink. Hosted by actor Darrin Henson. Music by DJ Flemingo. 9:30 p.m. $10 and up; ladies free before 11:30 p.m. Décor 1202, 1202 Charlottetowne Ave. www.myspace.com/decor1202.

Sunday, September 6

Charlotte Literary Festival
This two-day festival features authors, book signings (Wahida Clark), artists, music, dance, guest speakers (Rev. Michael Beckwith, Chris Gardener), a carnival for kids, and more. Visit website for event line-up. 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Cost varies. NoDa, E. 36th and N. Davidson streets. www.charlotteliteraryfestival.org.

Pre-Labor Day Cookout
Enjoy free food and music by DJ Cuttz. Presented by Presidential Movement Entertainment and Sport E. Odie. 2-7 p.m. Free. Hornets Nest Park, 6301 Beatties Ford Rd.

A Mid-Summer Night’s Dream
Inner Circle Events is taking its popular party to a larger venue and there’s sure to be plenty of attractive young professionals. Summer cocktail attire requested. 10 p.m. $15 and up. Time Warner Cable Arena, 333 E. Trade St. www.innercircleevents.com/midsummer.

End of Summer White Party
It’s two clubs in one and it’s likely to fill up at this party hosted by Carolina Panthers Chris Harris, Charles Johnson, Charles Godfrey, and Jeff Otah. White attire is requested. Music by So So Def’s DJ Shakim. 10 p.m. $15 and up; ladies free before 11:30 p.m. Club 935, 935 S. Summit Ave. www.club935.com.

Déjà Blue
Party in style amongst a beautiful crowd and backdrop. Presented by The Sol Kitchen, Blue Goose, and The A List-Charlotte. 10 p.m. $10 in advance. Blue Restaurant and Bar, 214 N. Tryon St. (corner of Fifth and College streets). www.thesolkitchen.com.

Super Fresh Sunday
Sunshine Anderson hosts this party for those who know how to get fresh. Presented by So Fresh Entertainment. 10 p.m. Kiss Lounge, 204 W. Woodlawn Rd. www.kisscharlotte.com.