World Cup Viewing Parties, Happy Hour Events, Caribbean Celebration, Fashion Show, and More – June 12-15

Get out, make some new friends, and maybe even learn a thing or two!
Thursday, June 12
2014 FIFA World Cup Kickoff and Viewing Parties
Occurring once every four years, this international soccer tournament kicks off today and runs through July 13, with 32 teams from around the world competing. Several Charlotte bars are hosting viewing parties as well as showing all of the games over the next month. Today’s only matchup is Brazil vs. Croatia at 5 p.m., fifa.com/worldcup.
@ EpiCentre
World Cup kickoff party combining with Alive After Five. EpiCentre—in The Commons and several participating bars, 210 E. Trade St., epicentrenc.com/events/gameday.
@ Heist Brewery
World Cup month-long celebration includes a bracket challenge, $3 pint specials, parking lot parties, team-inspired cocktails, and giveaways. Heist Brewery, 2909 N. Davidson St., heistbrewery.com.
@ Whiskey Warehouse
Watch the World Cup on the largest TVs in Plaza Midwood, and the Top Shelf Patio will be open for all games. There’ll be daily drink specials. Whiskey Warehouse, 1221 The Plaza, whiskeywarehouse.com.
@ Rí Rá
This Irish bar shows soccer games regularly, and is revving up for the World Cup. Daily food and drink specials, and live music and DJs on select nights. Rí Rá, 208 N. Tryon St., rira.com/charlotte.
@ Kennedy’s
All World Cup games will be shown, and there’ll be $3 Bud Light draft and $5 Guinness on game days, along with daily specials. Kennedy’s Premium Bar & Grill, 366 N. Caswell Rd., kennedyscharlotte.com.
@ Nan and Byron’s
Watch the World Cup games in the bar room, and check out the new summer menu. Nan and Byron’s, 1714 South Blvd., nanandbyrons.com.
Charlotte Green Drinks
It’s a monthly gathering for the eco-conscious and eco-curious to network, enjoy drinks, and discuss ways to improve the environment. This evening’s guest speaker is Hannah Mitchell of Solarize Charlotte, a nonprofit organization that makes getting rooftop solar systems easy and affordable. 5:30-7:30 p.m. Free admission. Heist Brewery, 2909 N. Davidson St., heistbrewery.com, greendrinksclt.com.
Charlotte’s Favorite Happy Hour
This popular happy hour series returns, led by prominent couple Herb and Felicia Gray, and offering complimentary hors d’oeuvres, drink specials, and music from DJ Shogun as well as live music by The Harvey Cummings Project. Hosted by radio personality Fly Ty from V 101.9 FM. 5:30-9:30 p.m. Free admission. Shu, 1426 S. Tryon St., shusalon.com, click here for more event details.
Mods & Rockers
Automatic Slims opened at NC Music Factory last weekend, and rolls on with this special Thursday night event. It’s a celebration of National Sailor Jerry Day, with rock-n-roll, a retro atmosphere, bartending babes, and drink specials. Music by DJ Matt Bolick. 9 p.m.-2 a.m. Free admission. Automatic Slims, at NC Music Factory, 820 Hamilton St., autoslims.com.
Friday, June 13
World Cup Hooligans (daily)
Perhaps the most intense viewing of the World Cup matches will take place with Courtyard Hooligans, the Brevard Court bar that not only is a dedicated soccer spot but it has set up a massive outdoor bar in the parking lot behind the building. The 40-foot bar is covered, with plenty of seating and a large projection screen with surround sound. Opening daily at 11 a.m. Courtyard Hooligans, 140 Brevard Court, courtyardhooligans.com, facebook.com/courtyardhooligans.
Village Tavern at 5
Hit the after-work scene in SouthPark, and enjoy live acoustic music by Joey Whitaker, and drink specials such as $3 Budweiser and Bud Light, $5 wines, and $5 margaritas. 5-10 p.m. Free admission. Village Tavern, 4201 Congress St., villagetavern.com, paschalpromotions.com/events/village-tavern-at-5-june.
Full Moon Party
Come howl at the full moon, as this dueling pianos bar will be decked out in lunar décor, and featuring a Moon Walk contest and drink specials such as $5 Blue Moons, $5 Midnight Moon apple pie shots, and $20 Rocket Fuel buckets. 5 p.m.-2 a.m. Free admission with sign up. Howl At The Moon, at EpiCentre, 210 E. Trade St., howlatthemoon.com/charlotte.
Movie Night with Cocktails
Slow Food Charlotte, an organization the supports local farming and food markets, is presenting a screening of the award-winning documentary, Growing Cities, which examines the role of urban farming in America. The evening will also include complimentary cocktails by TOPO Distillery and hors d’oeuvres. 6-9 p.m. Free admission. UNC Charlotte Center City, 320 E. 9th St., slowfoodcharlotte.org/event-view/growing-cities.
Top 30 Under 30: Future Leaders of Charlotte Celebration
It’s an annual party to celebrate the impressive young men and women who’ve made the Top 30 Under 30 list. Event begins with a cocktail hour, followed by the awards presentation. 8-11 p.m. Free admission before 10 p.m.; RSVP requested, rsvp@elevatelifestyle.com. Suite, at EpiCentre, 210 E. Trade St., suitecharlotte.com, facebook.com/elevatelifestyle.
Electric Carnival
This themed party will feature 16 DJs on three stages, creating three different areas of sound with some of the best local and regional talent. There will also be entertainment from the Chaotic Cupcakes (dancers), fire dancers, drummers, and apparel vendors. Presented by S.P. Entertainment and Inphamous Lifestyle Charlotte. 10 p.m.-2 a.m. $10 and up; VIP tables available. Label, 900 NC Music Factory Blvd., labelcharlotte.com, facebook.com/spentertain.
Jen Hill Pop’s Birthday Celebration
Cowbell’s resident artist Jen Hill is celebrating her birthday with a dance party, featuring music from DJ Knight Thyme, drink specials such as $5 Jack Daniels and $4 pop art shots, and you’re invited. 10 p.m.-2 a.m. Free admission. Cowbell Burger & Whiskey Bar, 201 N. Tryon St., eatmorecowbell.com.
Ultra Carnaval: Euforia Mundial (Global Euphoria)
Uptown’s authentic Latin nightclub is partying in the name of the global euphoria surrounding the World Cup. Guests are invited to wear their favorite country’s jersey (and be admitted free before 11:30 p.m.). DJ Chaka and DJ Cali will spin the best in salsa, bachata, samba, punta, reggaeton, and cumbia music. Presented by Ultra Entertainment. 10 p.m.-2 a.m. $10 and up. Latorre’s, 116 W. 5th St., latorrescharlotte.com, ultracharlotte.com.
Saturday, June 14
DAYscape: The Summer Series
King Entertainment continues its day party series, giving you the chance to party at posh nightclubs in the afternoon. Music by DJ Ngenius. 4-8:30 p.m. $15; VIP tables available, brooks@kingentevents.com. Vault, at EpiCentre, 210 E. Trade St., facebook.com/vaultnc, kingentevents.com.
Entirely Natural with a Fashion Flare
This annual fashion event will feature a runway show with local and national designers, highlighting recyclables, natural fabric, and fitness and wellness. Hosted by Bianca Chardei of America’s Next Top Model. There will also be cocktails, music, a silent auction, and more, with proceeds benefitting Mulata’s Magnificent Minds. Presented by Divine Expressions By Sondra. Doors open 6 p.m.; show starts 7:30 p.m. $40 and up. Embassy Suites, 4800 S. Tryon St., divine-expressions.com.
Joedance Jam
An organization founded in honor of Joe Restaino, who passed away from cancer at age 20, Joedance hosts an evening of live music from Dynamo, Sinners & Saints, The Sammies, Amigo, Sherman Hellville, and members of Ancient Cities and The New Familiars. Your donation at the door gets you two drink tickets and food catered by Dandelion Market. There will also be raffle prizes. Proceeds will benefit Levine Children’s Hospital for rare pediatric cancers research. 6-10 p.m. $20 donation requested. Prohibition, 200 N. Tryon St., prohibitionclt.com, joedance.org.
Azúcar
The Latin American Coalition presents its signature Caribbean celebration for the fifth year, with a night full of authentic music, dance, food, and more. Brooklyn’s Ola Fresca headlines the festival, along with performances by Bachata Flow and dance lessons from the Rumbao Latin Dance Company. There will be dance and domino competitions. Doors open at 7 p.m.; show starts 8 p.m. $12 in advance; $15 day of. Neighborhood Theatre, 511 E. 36th St., latinamericancoalition.org/azucar.
Signature Saturdays
Taking place the second and last Saturday of every month, this edition features live jazz by Tragik Soundz, followed by music from DJ C Rob. Drink specials include $6 martinis and $99 Moët bottles, and the food menu is available until midnight. Presented by Eddietainment. 9 p.m.-2 a.m. Free admission before midnight; for VIP tables, eddiet456@gmail.com. Vapiano, 201 S. Tryon St., facebook.com/vapianoclt, eddietainment.com.
Fight FOMO 

Break out of your funk and hit this Montford Drive hotspot to mingle with a good-looking crowd, do some dancing, and enjoy great drink specials. Music by DJ Jon Wylie, and there are new TVs on the patio. 9 p.m.-2 a.m. Free admission. Southside, 1600 Montford Dr., southsideclt.com.
[photo credit: facebook.com/southsideclt]
[photo credit: facebook.com/southsideclt]
Sunday, June 15
Sunday Funday: Father’s Day Edition
Bring Dad out to watch the final round of the U.S. Open Golf Championship, while enjoying $2 mimosas, $2.50 Bud Light bottles, and $4 Bloody Marys. Noon. Free admission. All American Pub, 200 E. Bland St., allamericanpubclt.com.
#BeautifulPplQC: A Brunch Series
This monthly brunch party features good people, good food (by Chef Barry Francois), and good music (by Elevator Jay). Hosted by Ablack. 1-4 p.m. Dupp & Swat, 2424 N. Davidson St., duppandswat.com, facebook.com/events/338053006319840.
Chill-N-Grill and Sunday on the Patio
It’s a cookout at one of NoDa’s best bars for good food and drinks, with live music from Colby Dobbs. 5-8 p.m. Free admission. Heist Brewery, 2909 N. Davidson St., heistbrewery.com.
Verify dates, times, prices, and other info at the web addresses listed for each event.