CIAA Week 2018 Events: Saturday, March 3

EPICENTRE

During CIAA Weekend, you'll find the largest concentration of parties at the EpiCentre in Uptown.

The annual Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association Tournament is taking place in Charlotte for the 13th consecutive year, with events scheduled from Tuesday, February 27 to Sunday, March 4, 2018. The CIAA Tournament features 22 men’s and women’s college basketball games across five days at Bojangles' Coliseum and Spectrum Center. Social events and parties surrounding the tournament create additional excitement and draw tens of thousands of visitors to the city.

Below is a list of events scheduled for March 3. Please use the website listed for each event to verify information (click on the event's name). Advance tickets can be purchased through many of the websites as well.

Click here for the rest of the week’s events. | Click here to submit an event to be included in this list.

More events are being added each week, so check back often.

Saturday, March 3

[Day Parties/Events]

*CIAA Super Saturday
This annual CIAA fan event features a cheerleading exhibition, the Miss CIAA Pageant, live performance by Ayo & Teo, and more entertainment. 8:30 a.m.-noon. Free admission. Charlotte Convention Center, 501 S. College St.

*CIAA Fan Fest
It’s a packed schedule of events and activities for fans, including contests, prize giveaways, a sneaker showcase, local vendor village, celebrity appearances, music by DJ Luke Nasty, and a concert headlined by Dave East. Noon-8 p.m. Free admission. Charlotte Convention Center, Halls A and B, 501 S. College St.

*CIAA Women’s Championship
After a full week of basketball games, the final two women’s teams will compete for the tournament championship. 1 p.m. All-session passes, $75 and up. Spectrum Center, 333 E. Trade St.

*CIAA Celebrity Charity Basketball Game
New this year, the CIAA presents a celebrity basketball game in between the two tournament championships. 3:30 p.m. Admission included with purchase of ticket to championship game. Spectrum Center, 333 E. Trade St.

*CIAA Step Show Stepoff: School vs. School
Watch talented high school steppers from around the Southeast compete for the grand prize. Hosted by Darren Brand and Chico Bean of MTV’s Wild ’N Out and Mario The Mic Man of Streetz 103 FM. Doors open 5 p.m.; show starts 6:30 p.m. $15. Charlotte Convention Center, 501 S. College St.

2nd Annual Goodies, Gifts & Gab Shopping Event
Experience this ladies day shopping social that will be filled with spring goodies, music, vibrant colors, prizes and cocktails. Presented by Shoe Sole'cial. Noon-5 p.m. Free admission; RSVP required. Hilton Garden Inn Charlotte North, 9315 Statesville Rd.

Recess Day Party
Indulge in another memorable addition to this annual day party series. Presented by Culture19. Noon-8 p.m. $15 and up. Vida, at EpiCentre, 210 E. Trade St.

SkyHigh Day Party 3
Expect a great vibe, with music from DJ KI of the DMV and DJ TyBoogie of NYC. 1-7 p.m. $20 and up; VIP tables available. Howl at the Moon, at EpiCentre, 210 E. Trade St.

Wine and Writing Live with Tamika Newhouse
National bestselling author and serial entrepreneur Tamika Newhouse sits down for a conversation discussing her work, career tips, and how you, too, can live on your own terms. She will also sign her books and allow writers to pitch their book or screenplay ideas. Presented by Delphine Legacy Media. 2-4 p.m. Free admission. Jewels Royal Boutique, 2025 Ayrsley Town Blvd., Bldg. 1103.

Uptown Block Party with Biz Markie 
With hip-hop legend Biz Markie deejaying and entertaining the crowd, you can expect excitement. Also music from DJ Phalse ID. Enjoy food, lounging, dancing, and mingling. Presented by Eddietainment, Digital Divas, and Bossman Ent. Noon-8 p.m. Free admission before 1 p.m. with RSVP. Vapiano, 201 S. Tryon St.

The Art of Noise with Doug E. Fresh 
The VA's DJ Lonnie B and MC Madd Skillz along with Doug E. Fresh invite you to party with them and their celebrity friends. Enjoy the classic sounds of your favorite music from the '80s, '90s, and 2000s. Presented by Eddietainment. 1-7 p.m. $15 and up. Lucky's Bar & Arcade, 300 N. College St.

WBAV's Ultimate Day Party
Join fellow alumni and friends at this day party. Presented by V 101.9 FM. 1-7 p.m. Admission cost varies; VIP tables available. Bubble Charlotte, at EpiCentre, 201 E. Trade St.

The Best D@%# Day Party Period 
This party is an annual tradition of the last 10 years. Presented by Bestfriendz. Noon-7:30 p.m. $50. Whisky River, at EpiCentre, 210 E. Trade St.

Kings and Queens Day Party
It's a party that focuses on the 30-and-older crowd. Enjoy music by DJ Hukher, food, and top-shelf drinks including the option to buy an open-bar ticket. Presented by Star 23 Enterprise. 1-7 p.m. $20 and up; free parking. Extravaganza Depot, 1610 N. Tryon St.

The Ultimate Day Party Experience
This day party sells out every year. Music from The Dream Team: DJ DR and DJ Skillz. Food menu will be available. Presented by Sol Kitchen and Dynasty 5. Noon-6:30 p.m. $20; VIP tables available. Studio Movie Grill, at EpiCentre, 210 E. Trade St.

No Chaser: The Tournament Weekend Edition
Charlotte is the first stop on the 2018 #NoChaserTour. Music will be provided by DJ Spazo, DJ Crush Groovey, and resident Izzy The DJ. Ticket includes access to the open bar while supplies last. Please drink responsibly. 1-6 p.m. $20-$30. BlackFinn, at EpiCentre, 210 E. Trade St.

[Night Parties/Events]

*CIAA Men’s Championship
After a full week of basketball games, the final two men’s teams will compete for the tournament championship. 7 p.m. All-session passes, $75 and up. Spectrum Center, 333 E. Trade St.

All Black at BlackFinn
Celebrate a night of power, elegance, and excellence while adorned in the color of prestige. Presented by Culture19. 10 p.m.-2 a.m. $15 and up. BlackFinn Ameripub, at EpiCentre, 210 E. Trade St.

Hush! The Silent Headphone Party
Silent parties is a new wave of culture where the audience is in total control of their musical and social environment. 10 p.m.-2:30 a.m. $15. Draught Charlotte, 601 S. Cedar St.

Revived 3 with DJ Envy & Friends
It's a New York City DJ invasion with Power 105.1 FM's DJ Envy of The Breakfast Club. Presented by Floyd Hodge and Get Live Ent. 9 p.m.-2 a.m. $20 and up; VIP tables available. Howl at the Moon, at EpiCentre, 210 E. Trade St.

Grown-ish
Arrive early to feast on delectable food and great drinks. The crowd will be treated to an array of music by two of the area's finest, DJ 360 and DJ E-Class. Presented by Digital Divas and Eddietainment. 8 p.m.-2 a.m. $10 and up. Vapiano, 201 S. Tryon St.

Upper Echelon
Party to the sounds of ATL's DJ Tayrock and VA's Izzy The DJ. Presented by Eddietainment, LGBurna, and NxlevelQC. 10 p.m.-2 a.m. $15 and up. Vida, at EpiCentre, 210 E. Trade St.

Red Cups & Pizza
Check out this newly renovated lounge, while enjoying free pizza, red cup drink specials, and music from 92.7 The Block's DJ Glory. 10 p.m.-2 a.m. $20-$30; VIP tables available. Apostrophe Lounge, 1440 S. Tryon St.

DJ Drama Live
Spend your Saturday night partying with the one and only DJ Drama. 10 p.m.-2 a.m. Admission cost varies; VIP tables available. Bubble Charlotte, at EpiCentre, 201 E. Trade St.

Represent Your Decade: '80s vs. '90s
Party with the alumni of Winston-Salem State University and represent your favorite decade of music, spun by DJ Adam T and DJ Precise. 10 p.m.-2 a.m. $20. Charlotte Marriott City Center, 101 W. Trade St.

The Night Cap with Michael Vick and DJ SNS
Enjoy music from celebrity DJ SNS and DJ Tay. Hosted by NFL great Michael Vick. Food menu available until 1 a.m. Presented by FAZE Inc., Knuckleup Ent., YBE, and 4 Real Life Ent. 10 p.m.-2 a.m. $30 and up; VIP tables available. Ink N Ivy, 222 S. Church St.

7th Annual Kid Capri & Doug E. Fresh Celebrity Grand Finale
Be entertained by two hip-hop legends, Kid Capri and Doug E. Fresh, with music from DJ Spazo of New York City's Hot 97. In addition to the large dance floor, you can also enjoy bowling. 9:30 p.m.-2 a.m. $20 and up; VIP tables available. StrikeCity, at EpiCentre, 210 E. Trade St.

The Good Life Finale: Diamonds and Pearls Edition
Music by DJ Frank Ski, DJ Phife, and DJ Father Scott. Presented by Good Life Ent., Pearl Vision Group, Lefoy Grant, and The Kwins. 9 p.m.-2 a.m. $20 and up; free admission before 10 p.m. with RSVP; VIP tables available. Loft and Cellar, 305 W. 4th St.