Events for the Weekend: April 16-18

Your best weekend 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. Use contact/website info listed to verify event details.

Friday, April 16

Free Fridays After Work
It’s a new after-work social networking event and it’s taking place at South End’s newest martini bar. Enjoy a free food buffet and drink specials. Presented by Eddietainment.com and Firm Events. 5-9 p.m. Free. On the Roxx, 1520 South Blvd. www.eddietainment.com or www.roxxsouthend.com.

Grand Opening of BlackBear Charlotte
It’s the newest venue to open at the NC Music Factory and there'll be a live band, DJ, and plenty of drink specials. Below the Belt will be performing live on the patio (5-8 p.m.) and DJ Kommotion goes on at 9 p.m., followed by the Swingin' Richards at 10:30. Drink specials include $12 domestic buckets and $3 Soco lime shots. 5 p.m.-2 a.m. Free. BlackBear Charlotte, 900 Seaboard St. www.blackbearcharlotte.com.

Mary B. Morrison’s Pajama Jam
The bestselling author hosts this evening of conversation, networking, and fun at NoDa’s eclectic bookstore. Food and drinks will be served. Sponsored by RealEyes Bookstore, Touch One Productions, Mingleberry, and JSW Media. 8 p.m.-midnight. $30. RealEyes Bookstore, 3306-B N. Davidson St. www.realeyesbookstore.com.

Freedom Fridays
It’s a new monthly event taking place on the third Friday, and this edition celebrates the birthdays of Aries. 10 p.m. Free. Luna Lounge, 521 N. College St. www.lunacharlotte.com.


Saturday, April 17

Charlotte Clean and Green
In recognition of the 40th anniversary of Earth Day, this half-day event has a lot of fun and educational activities. There will be more than 65 green exhibitors and vendors in tents lining Elizabeth Avenue between Charlottetowne Avenue and Kings Drive. There will also be seminars on energy and recycling, a food pavilion and a kids zone. Enjoy the music of 16 bands performing throughout the day on the Tosco Live Music Stage. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Free. Central Campus of Central Piedmont Community College, 1201 Elizabeth Ave. www.charlottecleanandgreen.com.

Daybreak Vol. 1
The popular party promoters have ended their hiatus since throwing some of the largest parties in the city during CIAA Week. Now they’re kicking off their spring/summer series with a day party featuring a cookout on the patio, games, three bars, music, and more. Presented by MAZ Entertainment. 1-6 p.m. $10 and up. Kashmir Nightclub, 116 W. 5th St. www.mazentertainment.net.

25 Most Stylish People in Charlotte
Charlotte STYLE Magazine reveals this list and its new issue during a stylish evening. Event also includes five fashion shows and complimentary hors d’oeuvres. A portion of proceeds will benefit the American Heart Association. 6:30 p.m. red carpet and pre-event activities; 8 p.m. main event. $50. Ballantyne Hotel, 10000 Ballantyne Commons Pkwy. www.charlottestylemag.com.

Mexican Blü
Blü Magazine is celebrating Cinco De Mayo three weeks early, and celebrating the release of its tenth issue. Look for piñatas, moustaches, donkeys, sombreros, and upside down margaritas. Special guest DJs Electric Friends, from Charleston. 9:35 p.m. RSVP to blu.parties@gmail.com to get in free before 11 p.m. Dharma Lounge, 1440 S. Tryon St., Suite 105 (entrance faces West Summit Ave). www.dharmacharlotte.com.

Sunday, April 18

Charlotte Bobcats vs. Orlando Magic
Find a sports bar (or watch at home) and root for the Bobcats in the opening game of the team’s first-ever playoff series. 5:30 p.m. Airing on Fox Sports Carolinas and TNT. www.bobcats.com.