Fundraising Socials, OMB Grand Opening, ’90s Throwback Night, Avant-Garde Fashion Event, and More – Aug. 14-17

Never put off till tomorrow… when there are great social events today! Check the list.
Thursday, August 14
Networking In A Niche Industry
Local Levo Charlotte, which supports Gen Y women in the workplace, hosts this event focusing on how women in every industry can learn from each other, especially when it comes to mentoring, work-life balance, and ways to network in Charlotte. 5:30 p.m. Free admission, RSVP requested. Sensibly Chic Showroom, 830 Lamar Ave., levo.com/locallevo/charlotte.
Ice Bucket Challenge
You’ve probably seen the attention the “Ice Bucket Challenge” has received in media and social media across the country. Now, this Charlotte bar is getting in on the action to raise money for the ALS Association. Come out and watch people dump buckets of ice water on their heads, and 20 percent of your total food and drink bill will be donated. 6-9 p.m. Angry Ale’s Neighborhood Bar & Grill, 1518 Montford Dr., facebook.com/angryalesmofo.
NoDa Alley Rally (weekly event)
Order tasty items from several local food trucks, plus there will be craft beer, and live music this week by The Dimestore Saints and music from DJ Jon Dix. 6-9 p.m. Free admission and free parking. 15th and N. Davidson streets, facebook.com/nodaalleyrally.
Alive After Five (weekly event)
The city’s largest weekly, after-work party rolls on, this evening featuring Slippery When Wet (Bon Jovi tribute band) on the rooftop stage, and The Charlotte Voice competition continues on the commons stage. And when AA5 ends, your wristband gets you into after-parties at several surrounding venues. 5-10 p.m. Free admission. EpiCentre, 210 E. Trade St., aliveafterfives.com/the-epicentre.
Friday, August 15
The Olde Mecklenburg Brewery Grand Opening
Charlotte’s oldest local brewery has opened a new multimillion-dollar facility, comprised of a brewhouse four times larger than the previous space, an expanded taproom, a biergarten with large patio, and more. Come take a tour (starting at 2 p.m.), enjoy live music (The Neighbors Blue Grass Band will perform at 4:30 p.m., followed by the Plainclothes Operation at 7:45 p.m.), and, of course, beer. 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Free admission. The Olde Mecklenburg Brewery, 4150 Yancey Rd., oldemeckbrew.com.
Click here to read an insider’s preview from Matt McKenzie on the On Tap blog.
Click here to read an insider’s preview from Matt McKenzie on the On Tap blog.
Science on the Rocks: ’90s Throwback Night
It’s the second installment of Discovery Place’s new, monthly party series for adults, and this time there’s a ‘90s theme. You can play a round of Super Mario Brothers or Mario Kart on the giant Smartboards, sort through your favorite music for the 90s CD Shootout, hit the dance floor for The Carlton Dance Off, enter the 90s Sitcom Costume Contest; plus, there’ll be a photo booth, cash bar, and music from Channel 96.1, 102.9 The Lake, 96.9 The Kat, and 106.5 The End. 5-9 p.m. $8 in advance; $10 at the door. Discovery Place, 301 N. Tryon St., discoveryplace.org.
Start Something Social
This monthly summer social series continues, giving you the chance to mix and mingle, enjoy drink specials, appetizers, and music, while raising funds for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Charlotte. (Next event: September 12 at Bubble.) 6-9 p.m. $5 minimum donation requested. Vida Vida, at EpiCentre, 210 E. Trade St., thevidavida.com, bbbsgcvidavida2014.eventbrite.com.
Live Music on the Patio
Alex Christie will perform live on the patio at this popular Uptown barbecue joint. $3 local draft beer specials. 6-9 p.m. Free admission. Queen City Q, 225 E. Sixth St., queencityq.com.
Avant-Garde: A Night of Fashion, Art, and Entertainment
Check out the latest men’s and women’s fashions, as models and local celebrities walk the runway. Vendors will be selling art, jewelry, and other items, and there will be a live auction. There will also be a school supplies drive for A Child’s Place. Presented by Digital Divas. 6 p.m. reception; 7:15 p.m. show time. General admission standing, $25; general admission seated, $40; VIP, $75. Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts + Culture, 551 S. Tryon St., digitaldivasevents.com.
Takeover Friday: Charlotte Pride Edition 

The annual Charlotte Pride Festival and Parade is this weekend, and Takeover Friday, a popular LGBTQ-friendly happy hour event that also takes place throughout the year, is always one of the most-attended parties. Music by DJ Little Betty, and drink specials. 7-11 p.m. Free admission. The Westin Charlotte, 601 S. College St., westincharlottehotel.com, www.takeoverfriday.com/events.
Click here to see the full list of affiliated Charlotte Pride events.
Click here to see the full list of affiliated Charlotte Pride events.
[photo credit: facebook.com/takeoverfriday]
Young Professionals After-Hours Mixer
Network with members of the Charlotte Chamber’s Young Professionals, and enjoy drink specials and complimentary appetizers. 9-11 p.m. $5. Label, 900 NC Music Factory Blvd., labelcharlotte.com, charlottechamber.com/events.
Rock the Block Party
The weekly Pulse party at Cosmos expands across two venues for this special event. Music by DJ Flash, DJ Mydnite, and DJ Dexter Dynamite. Presented by ANTique Events. 10 p.m. Free admission. Cosmos Café and Re:Public, 300 N. College St. and 314 N. College St., facebook.com/antiquecharlotte.
Saturday, August 16
#TakesOnCancer
Support a local woman’s fight against cancer, and enjoy a fun evening, including a cornhole tournament. 4-9 p.m. General admission, $12; admission and cornhole tournament entry, $17. VBGB Beer Hall and Garden, at NC Music Factory, 920 Hamilton St., vbgbuptown.com, eventbrite.com/e/takesoncancer-tickets-11878455781.
Freedom Summer Series
The outdoor summer jazz series concludes for the season, featuring performances by The Terence Young Experience, Steve Cole, and Brian Simpson, with guest emcee Tammy Greene. Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and picnic blankets. Food and beverages will be available for purchase from Brixx Pizza, K&K Fun Foods, Thrasher Dawgs, Junior Scoops Italian Ice, JK Cones, and Belly Backers. 6-9 p.m. Free admission. Freedom Park, 1900 East Blvd., parkandrec.com.
The Mix Day Party and Fashion Showcase
This fashion event will showcase local boutiques and designers, and feature a swimsuit runway show. There will also be music performances, and the evening is hosted by V101.9 FM’s Fly Ty. 7 p.m.-midnight. General admission, $20. Tanner's Bistro and Lounge, 505 E. Sixth St., tannersbistro.com, themixdayparty-showcase.eventbrite.com.
Turtle Crawl
Come dressed as your favorite turtle crime fighting character, and stroll to several Uptown bars, including Fitzgerald’s, Tilt, Ri Ra, Prohibition, Sip, and Roxbury. 7 p.m.-2 a.m. $15. Check-in at Fitzgerald’s Irish Pub, 201 E. Fifth St., turtlecrawl.eventbrite.com.
Make It a Montford Night (weekly event)
This is a Saturday night hotspot on Montford Drive, offering cocktail specials, music by DJ Wylie, a dance floor, and large patio. 9 p.m.-2 a.m. Free admission. Southside, 1600 Montford Dr., southsideclt.com.
Complete Saturday
Popular Charlotte DJ—and official DJ of the Hornets—DJ Complete rocks the party at this posh nightclub. 9 p.m.-2 a.m. General admission, $5 and up; VIP tables available, secured@vaultnc.com. Vault, at EpiCentre, 210 E. Trade St., facebook.com/vaultnc.
Off the Wall: Michael Jackson Tribute Party
The JETA Team presents its annual tribute to the King of Pop, with music spun by DJ Justice and Aking. A food truck will be on site. 10 p.m. Free admission before 11 p.m.; cover charge after. Crown Station Coffee House & Pub, 1425 Elizabeth Ave., crownstationpub.com, eventbrite.com/e/off-the-wall-mj-tribute-tickets-12584595865.
Sunday, August 17
Cans:Recycled – Panthers vs. Chiefs
Before the Panthers kick off their second preseason game (game time 8 p.m.), the Roaring Riot fan club hosts this pre-game party at Uptown’s newest bar. Music by DJ Matt Bolick. 4 p.m. Free admission. Draught Charlotte, 601 S. Cedar St., draughtcharlotte.com, facebook.com/thecansrecycled.
Panthers vs. Chiefs Tailgate Party

This tailgate party takes place in the shadows of the stadium, featuring a full bar, food from local restaurants, indoor seating, live music on an outdoor stage, a live WFNZ broadcast, and several TVs. 4 p.m. Free admission. The WFNZ/Coca-Cola Doghouse, 401 W. Morehead St., facebook.com/cbsradiodoghouse.
[photo credit: Facebook]
Sunday Fundae (weekly event)
Popular Charlotte DJ duo Wiggz N Wonz man the turntables, while a different guest bartender joins the staff each week to serve up specials, including $3 U-Call-Its and $5 Vodka Red Bull Slushies. And there are games such as beer pong and cornhole. Doors open 8 p.m.; DJs begin at 10 p.m. Free admission. Prohibition, 200 N. Tryon St., prohibitionclt.com.
Verify dates, times, prices, and other info at the web addresses listed for each event.