Bubble’s Anniversary, Gumball 3000 Rally, Italian Garden Party, Bar Grand Openings, and More – June 5-8

The first weekend in June is jam-packed with great social events and parties. Carpe diem!

 

 

Ballantyne Business Bash 

The Charlotte Chamber hosts this annual, outdoor lunchtime gathering, featuring food from area restaurants, entertainment, and networking. 11 a.m.-2 p.m. $11; tickets available online only. Ballantyne Corporate Park, 15800 John J. Delaney Dr., charlottechamber.com/events.

 

Alive After Five (weekly event)

You know the drill—it’s the city’s largest weekly, after-work party. Live performances this evening by Same As It Ever Was on the rooftop stage and Suckerpunch on the commons stage. And when AA5 ends, your wristband gets you into after-parties at several surrounding venues. 5 p.m. Free admission. EpiCentre, 210 E. Trade St., aliveafterfives.com/the-epicentre.

 

Sullivan’s Social Hour (weekly event)

Have you visited this South End staple since its recent renovation? Enjoy $7 specials, including the popular martini menu and bar bites. Live music by The Dave Yelverton Band. 6 p.m. Free admission. Sullivan’s Steakhouse, 1928 South Blvd., sullivanssteakhouse.com/charlotte.

 

Danielle Soul Tour Launch

Charlotte-based R&B singer Danielle Soul kicks off her tour tonight, and in addition to her performance, Crazyhorse and Colston (hip hop), Cameron Floyd (acoustic pop), and Life Size (pop/rock) will also hit the stage. 8 p.m. $10. The Visulite, 1615 Elizabeth Ave., visulite.com. 

 

 

Gumball 3000 Rally

The famed, international Gumball 3000 Rally, en route from Miami to Ibiza, stops in Charlotte for the afternoon, displaying some of the world’s most expensive and exotic cars. Several of the drivers will be on hand, and you could possibly spot a celebrity or two. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Entry to outdoor plaza to view cars is free; admission charge to enter hall. NASCAR Hall of Fame Plaza, 400 E. Martin Luther King Blvd., gumball3000.com.

 

Texicali Taco & Tequila Bar Grand Opening

The Saloon closed in late April and renovations began immediately to transform the venue into a taco and tequila bar, now helmed by restaurateur Alex Myrick and Chef Gene Briggs (the duo behind Blue and Osso). Come check out the new menu, redesigned interior, and colorful patio bar. 6 p.m. Free admission; cover charge may apply if entering Friday Live at the Factory event. Texicali Taco & Tequila Bar, 900 NC Music Factory Blvd., texicalicharlotte.com.

 

Platinum Gala: Voices

Time Out Youth, and organization that supports LGBTQ youth in the Carolinas, presents its annual fundraising gala. This adults-only event will feature food, cocktails, entertainment, an art auction, and more. Hosted by Ben Thompson, news anchor for NBC Charlotte. 6:30-10:30 p.m. $100. Center Stage @ NoDa, 2315 N. Davidson St., timeoutyouth.org/voices.

 

Tap Into Fun Fridays

Taking place each Friday this month, guest Chef Barry Francois will conduct cooking demonstrations featuring appetizing food, wines, and olive oils. 7-9 p.m. $10, includes wine tasting. The Olive Tap, 15235 John J Delaney Dr., theolivetap.com.

 

Bubble Charlotte’s One-Year Anniversary Party

This posh champagne bar and lounge celebrates a successful first year, bringing in DJ Lema from Las Vegas. 8 p.m.-2 a.m. Admission varies; for VIP tables, bchristy@bubblecharlotte.com. Bubble, at EpiCentre, 210 E. Trade St., bubblecharlotte.com.

 

Silent Disco

DJs Kyle Biddy and Boy Beats World will battle it out at this event, where the music is played in wireless headphones worn by each partier, rather than traditional club speakers. It’s a mind-blowing experience to watch people seemingly dance in silence. 8 p.m. Free admission. Rooftop 210, at EpiCentre, 210 E. Trade St., rooftop210.com.

 

Automatic Slims Grand Opening Weekend (Friday and Saturday)

With its original location in Miami, this innovative-meets-vintage bar concept has arrived in Charlotte, comprising 11,000 square feet and three venues in one. Old-school music videos are displayed on a 15-screen synchronized video wall, while the DJ spins from an Airstream trailer, and bartending beauties dance on the bar. (Click here to read about my preview tour of the venue.) 9 p.m.-2 a.m. Visit website for free admission offer. Automatic Slims, at NC Music Factory, 820 Hamilton St., autoslims.com.

 

 

Backspin Hip Hop Brunch and Day Party 

This event series continues. Order from a brunch menu featuring chicken and waffles, shrimp and grits, eggs, and more, along with a special juice bar with $15 bottomless mimosas and bellinis. There'll also be hookah, and music from a live band and DJ. Presented by Prive Marketing Group. Brunch, 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m.; day party, 2:30-7:30 p.m. Free admission with RSVP. Tanner’s Bistro & Lounge, 505 E. 6th St., tannersbistro.com, privegroupevents.com.

[photo credit: Prive Marketing Group]

 

Dayhem: The White Party

Don your white threads and party along to the sounds of DJ P-Nut. Presented by The Sol Kitchen, Next Level Charlotte, M. Simmons, and Round Table Ent. 2 p.m. Free admission before 4 p.m. with RSVP; $10 after; for VIP tables, party@suitecharlotte.com. Suite, at EpiCentre, 210 E. Trade St., suitecharlotte.com, dayhemthewhiteparty.eventbrite.com.

 

Charlotte Hempfest Round VI

It’s a celebration of progress in the legalization of cannabis, featuring an all-day lineup of live music, including One Big Love, Bear Cat, Queen City Dub, Mystery Animals, and Zebra Party. 4 p.m.-midnight. $5. JackBeagle's, 3213 N. Davidson St., jackbeagles.com, facebook.com/charlottehempfest.

 

Triple Crown and Down 

Grab a seat at this rooftop bar, and watch the Belmont Stakes horserace as California Chrome attempts to achieve the rare Triple Crown feat. There’ll be $5 Crown and Down drink specials, and you can pick a horse for a chance to win gift cards. 5 p.m. Free admission. Rooftop 210, at EpiCentre, 210 E. Trade St., rooftop210.com.

 

Live Music and Martinis 

Check out Uptown’s new martini and wine bar, while enjoying live music from Karenski and Friends. 9 p.m.-midnight. Free admission. Sydney’s Martini and Wine Bar, 401 N. Tryon St., sydneysmartiniandwinebar.com.

 

Cocktails | Dance

This South End nightclub typically reaches capacity on Saturday nights, and this go-round features three DJs: Edward Shouse, Jay Envy, and Weaponz. 10 p.m.-2 a.m. Free admission; for VIP tables, yussra@oakroomclt.com. Oak Room, 200 E. Bland St., oakroomclt.com.

 

 

Bubble Brunch: Captains of the Industry

The one-year anniversary celebration continues with a brunch party, featuring music by DJs Kevin Focus and Wiggz-N-Wonz. Noon-until. Free admission; for VIP tables, bchristy@bubblecharlotte.com. Bubble, at EpiCentre, 210 E. Trade St., bubblecharlotte.com. 

 

NGAAP-CLT Eighth Birthday Party

The New Generation of African American Philanthropists celebrates eight years of giving back to the community. You’re invited to drop in for a celebratory champagne toast, cake and punch, a pop-up exhibition, and to meet the organization’s members and community partners. 2-4 p.m. Free admission; RSVP requested. The King’s Kitchen, 129 W. Trade St., facebook.com/events/1453608068211212.

 

Italian Garden Party

Celebrate authentic Italian culture, and enjoy food and drink specials, music, bocce ball, and more. 2:30-7 p.m. Free admission. La Tagliatella, at EpiCentre, 210 E. Trade St., facebook.com/latagliatellaepicentre.

 

Citywide Cornhole Tournament Finale

Bar Athletes has organized this cornhole tournament at various bars around the city over the last two months. You’re invited to watch the finalists compete during this Sunday funday event. 3 p.m. Free admission. Icehouse South End, 2100 South Blvd., icehousecharlotte.com, facebook.com/events/475305819237749.

 

Verify dates, times, prices, and other info at the web addresses listed for each event.