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. Use contact/website info listed to verify event details.
Wednesday, May 5
Cinco de Mayo!
Find Your Center Jazz Series
It’s the kickoff of this new monthly, lunchtime jazz series (taking place the first Wednesday of the month until August). Bring your lunch or pay $5 for a great box lunch (catered by McCormick and Schmick’s), and enjoy music by John Alexander’s Band: Big Octave. 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Free. Fifth floor terrace, 201 South Tryon. www.findyourcenter.com.
Cinco de Mayo Party at La Paz
It’s Charlotte’s largest and longest-running Cinco de Mayo celebration. Several drink specials ranging from $1 tequila shots to $4 margaritas, and music by a Red Bull DJ. All day and night. Free. La Paz, 1910 South Blvd. www.lapazcharlotte.com.
Cinco de Mayo at The Bear
Charlotte’s newest bar is looking to create a holiday tradition. Drink specials include $2 Coronas and $3 tequila shots. All to give you the liquor courage for karaoke beginning at 9:30 p.m. 6 p.m.-2 a.m. Free. Black Bear Saloon, at NC Music Factory, 900 Seaboard St. www.blackbearcharlotte.com.
Pop Life – Cinco de Mayo Edition
It’s still the city’s most popular Wednesday night event. Starts after work but runs late. Complimentary food 7-9 p.m. from Sadie’s. Music by DJ DR. 7 p.m.-2 a.m. Free. Luna Lounge, 521 N. College St. www.lunacharlotte.com or www.thesolkitchen.com.
Thursday, May 6
Funny First Thursdays
This month’s featured comedian is Eli, recently seen on The Mo’Nique Show on BET. Hosted by Kenny “FB Famous” Mack. Stay and party after the show. Music by DJ Shogun. Food and drink specials. Presented by Eddietainment and G.A.S.P. 8 p.m.-2 a.m. Twilight Caribbean Restaurant and Bar, 10210 Berkeley Place Dr. (formerly Utopia). www.twilightcaribbean.com.
Strike and the City
It’s a new twist on ladies night at this trendy bowling alley. Each Thursday, enjoy half-price martinis, specialty “skinny” menu items, free shoe rental, and “increased level of attention and pampering.” To kick off this new weekly event, there will be a designer shoes and bag giveaway. Online RSVPs are encouraged. 8 p.m. Free. StrikeCity, inside the EpiCentre, 210 E. Trade St. www.strikeandthecity.com.
Friday, May 7
Fridays at the Factory
It’s a new Friday event that sees the NC Music Factory transformed into a tropical escape. Enjoy entry into Black Bear Saloon, Butter, Halo, and Wet Willie’s. Cabanas and day beds available by reservation. Drinks served at multiple cash bars around the courtyard. Complimentary sushi by Nikko 7-9 p.m. Come dress comfortably—shorts, bikini tops, and flip-flops allowed. Music by DJ Vikas as well as two live bands. Free parking. This week’s installment also features a True Religion Brand Jeans Fashion Show. 5-11 p.m. Free. NC Music Factory, 1000 Seaboard St. www.ncmusicfactory.com.
South End Gallery Crawl
It’s spring, the weather is great, and this month’s gallery crawl is jam packed with 17 participating galleries, including: Bead Me Gallery, Charlotte Art, Charlotte Trolley Museum, Ciel Gallery, Originals by Carolyn DiGiovanni, Elder Gallery, Lark and Key Gallery, Hacker’s Studio Gallery, Studio 21, and more. 6-9 p.m. Free. South End, corner of S. Tryon St. and Camden Road. www.historicsouthend.com.
A Foxy Brown Affair
Spend the evening with actress and author Pam Grier. The event will feature music, film, food, and Grier’s new book, Foxy: My Life In Three Acts. 7 p.m. $25 in advance; $35 at the door. Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts + Culture, 551 S. Tryon St. www.ganttcenter.org or www.realeyesbookstore.com (to purchase tix).
Gentlemen Jack Presents Art, Beats and Lyrics
For the third straight year, Jack Daniel’s brings this national touring show that combines music, art, and drinks. 7 p.m.-12 a.m. Free; register online for ticket. CenterStage @ NoDa, 2315 N. Davidson St. www.gentlemanjackabl.com.
First Fridays Charlotte
It’s one of the city’s largest monthly urban parties, taking place at a different venue each month. Music by DJ Shogun. 10 p.m. Cost varies; ladies free before 11 p.m. Cosmos Café, 300 N. College St. www.ticketannex.com.
Saturday, May 8
The Rose Experience 2.0
A live performance by R&B singer Case highlights the night. Complimentary roses and wine for ladies before 11 p.m. Music by DJ Celo. Presented by T. Hutchison Productions and From A2Z Entertainment. 9 p.m.-2 a.m. $15 general admission; $30 VIP. Allure, 1508 S. Mint St. www.ez-tixx.com.
The Scene
Eat, mix, mingle, and dance at this new weekly Saturday night event. Music by DJ Shogun. Presented by Eddietainment and Firm Events. 9 p.m.-2 a.m. Free. Fiji, 116 W. 5th St. www.fijisushi.com.
Sunday, May 9
Happy Mother’s Day!
Treat your mother to brunch at great places like Blue Restaurant (214 N. Tryon St., www.bluerestaurantandbar.com), Pewter Rose (1820 South Blvd., www.pewterose.com), or Soul Gastrolounge (1500 Central Ave., www.soulgastrolounge.com).
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