By Shawn D. Allison, II
Greetings all you guys and ghouls! Halloween 2017 is here and the horror has hit the QC with all sorts of fun and frightening events! There’s a lot of things, tricks and treats in store for the minions this weekend so be sure to have those costumes ready for loads of endless fun! To know what the scariest moves are this weekend, peep my “Hot List” down yonder!
- THURSDAY – OutenLove Events’ “Happy Hour & Mixer” at Sydney’s Martini & Wine Bar
- THURSDAY – Spice Lab Media, LLC presents “R&B Nights” at Loft & Cellar
- THURSDAY – October Edition Uptown Crawl
- FRIDAY – Saint Harriet Equation hosts “A Conversation About Social Justice” at Advent Coworking
- FRIDAY – The Sound presents “Christian Open Mic” at The Third Place
- FRIDAY – Jazz N’ Soul Music presents “The Spooky Bash – Costume & Concert Party” at The Morehead Tavern
- FRIDAY – “Freaky Friday” Halloween Edition at FireWater Restaurant & Bar
- SATURDAY-SUNDAY – Oneaka Dance Company presents Charlotte African Drumming & Dance Festival
- SATURDAY – 2nd Annual Praise Day & Fall Festival at Clement Memorial AME Zion Church
- SATURDAY – Paintopia Halloween Pumpkin Painting Extravaganza at The Last Word
- SATURDAY – QC Superom presents “Boo Bash” at Area 15
- SATURDAY – 2017 New Growth Fest – A Celebration of Black Beauty at Mooney’s Lounge
- SATURDAY – Carolyn Caldwell’s “ A Coat of Many Colors” stage play at Faith Soldiers Word Ministries
- SATURDAY – Nightmare @ New Era Halloween Party at New Era Music House
- SATURDAY – Halloween WKND Soiree 2017 at Bakadi Lounge
- SATURDAY – Su Casa – We Love FELA! At Petra’s
- SUNDAY – Mr. Nice Guy Media presents “Murder In Paradise….A Murder Mystery Dinner Experience” at Finga Lickin’ Caribbean Eatery
- SUNDAY – Chosen Entertainment presents “A Night to Remember” Adult Masquerade & Prom at The White House
If you would like your event to be listed in “The Rundown” please send a detailed e-mail to me at: sdallison85@yahoo.com
——-THURSDAY, OCTOBER 26——-
OutenLove Events is ready to kick your weekend off the right way as they host the “Happy Hour & Mixer!” Slide out to Sydney’s Martini & Wine Bar for an evening of coolness and sophistication with some progressive and positive Black professionals, enjoy a bevy of cocktail treats including $7 Hennessy specials, make a new connection, make a new friend and get your boogie on from the sounds of Johnny Rock the DJ! Admission is FREE to attend, but please be sure to RSVP here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/happy-hour-mixer-tickets-39226555684. The event will begin promptly at 5 p.m. Sydney’s Martini & Wine Bar is located at 401 N. Tryon St. in Uptown.
Head out to Loft & Cellar as SpiceLAB Media, LLC proudly presents another edition of R&B Nights! Get your after-work groove on with some sizzling and sultry R&B from featured headlining acts, the beautiful songstresses Delxi and crooner Jioan P! Also, be sure to grab some of the tasty drink and meal specials provided by the staff. Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/spicelab-media-presents-rb-nights-tickets-37309458595. Doors open at 5 p.m. and the show will start at 7:30 p.m. Loft & Cellar is located at 305 W. 4th St. in Uptown.
Everyone come and get all 360 degrees of your being filled with art at the October Edition Uptown Crawl! All of Uptown Charlotte’s art treasures will be open for the general public this evening and you’ll get an opportunity to scour and scope art at The Gantt Center, Mint Museum Uptown, New Gallery of Modern Art, Sozo Gallery, The McColl, UNCC Center City, Goodyear Arts and The Levine Museum of the New South. You’ll be able to begin the tour at any of the featured institutions, then travel freely between the stops by foot, trolley, or bike. Each stop on the tour will feature a special look at the art held within. Admission is FREE! All venues and museums are in the Uptown area and will begin at 6 p.m.
This evening at The Bechtler Museum of Modern Art, come out for a special presentation of the museum’s acclaimed Modernism + Film Series. Tonight’s feature is the documentary “Journeyman Architect: The Life & Work of Donald Wexler.” Floor-to-ceiling glass walls, sunken bars, massive stone fireplaces and breathtaking views are just some aspects that can be found in a Donald Wexler-designed building. His work is based on logic and efficiency which can be seen through his buildings that fit together perfectly with nothing out of place. Tickets can be purchased here: https://30796a.blackbaudhosting.com/30796a/tickets?tab=2&txobjid=36cb743b-9534-4996-a7c0-c49571706ed7. The event will begin promptly at 6 p.m. The Bechtler Museum is located at 420 S. Tryon St. in Uptown.
——-FRIDAY, OCTOBER 27——-
This evening, gather all of your friends and bring them out to Sycamore Brewing for Bacon Fest Food Truck Friday! Some of the Charlotte’s culinary chariots will be adding bacon as a special recipe infused with many of their dishes—come try some and leave with a satisfactory smile! The brewery will also have special beer pairings for each meal. Admission is FREE to attend. The event begins at 5 p.m. Sycamore Brewing is located at 2161 Hawkins St. in Historic South End.
Join Saint Harriet Equation at Advent Coworking for a live recorded community discussion entitled, “A Conversation About Social Justice.” As noted, this discussion will be recorded live with community leaders and social influencers around issues of race, diversity, inclusion and access to opportunity, particularly as it pertains to Charlotte youth. This video content is intended for use in classrooms to teach students dialogue skills, citation skills to ensure quality of information, and the ability to connect across difference. Tonight’s panel will include many local dignitaries including host and Saint Harriet Equation director Quentin Williams, social media maven Davida Jackson, health advocate Henry Rock, cultural arts activist Manoj P. Kesavan, Harvest Center director Colin Pinkney, attorney Issa Hall and more. Admission is FREE but please be sure to RSVP here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/saint-harriet-equation-live-filming-tickets-38282776816. Donations will also be accepted. The event will begin at 6 p.m. Advent Coworking is located at 933 Louise Ave. in the Plaza-Midwood District.
The MARS 2017 Fall Co-Ed Kickball & Basketball seasons have come to a close. The winners have claimed their prizes and now it’s time to celebrate our athletic accomplishments at Jackalope Jacks for the MARS Awards Banquet! Tonight, join us as we sit back, laugh, enjoy each other’s company, talk smack, enjoy great food and drinks and cheer on the individuals and teams who have been awarded superlatives! Admission is FREE and everyone is invited. The event will begin at 7 p.m. Jackalope Jacks is located at 1801 Commonwealth Ave. in the Plaza-Midwood District. #MARS #Funletics
Relax at The Third Place this evening and get ready for another round with The Sound as they host and celebrate the last “Christian Open Mic” of 2017! Singers, MCs, instrumentalists, poets, comedians and artists come out to showcase your talents for a family-friendly audience honoring The Most High! There will also be raffles, a kids play area, a live performance from a full band and much more! Admission is $5 per person. The event begins at 7:30 p.m. The Third Place is located at 1609 E. 5th St. in Uptown.
Join Jazz N Soul Music for a frightening evening of funky music as they present “The Spooky Bash – Concert and Costume Party!” Enjoy some live Rock, Pop and R&B grooves from Salty Dog & The County and a special sonic set from DJ DR blastin’ some sho’ nuff heat from the speakers! Costumes are encouraged but not required. Ladies are FREE before 9 p.m. Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-spooky-bash-concert-and-costume-party-tickets-37829821013. The party starts at 8 p.m. and will be held at The Morehead Tavern. 300 E. Morehead St. in Uptown.
The Carolina Jazz Concert Series invites you out to The McGlohon Theater at Spirit Square to spend a delightful musical evening with Acoustic Alchemy! This largely unsung band has spent thirty years making music and in that time they have not only received critical acclaim for their albums (including three Grammy nominations), but have built a reputation for being one of the most exciting live bands in the business. By embracing a spectrum of musical styles ranging from straight-ahead jazz, to folk, rock, world music and beyond, the overriding mission of Acoustic Alchemy has been to reach the broadest possible audience by pushing the potential of instrumental music to embrace a broad spectrum of styles for everyone to enjoy. Tickets can be purchased here: http://www.carolinatix.org/events/detail/acoustic-alchemy. The show will begin promptly at 8 p.m. The McGlohon Theater at Spirit Square is located at 345 N. College St. in Uptown.
The spooks fly this evening at Petra’s for a special Halloween edition of “Mirror Moves: The Free Alternative Dance Party!” Don your costumes and come boogie with other partygoers as DJ’s Cody Hare and Jason Herring will be dropping the best of 80s & 90s Pop, New Wave, Techno, House, Synth Pop, EDM and more! Admission is FREE to attend. The party starts at 9 p.m. Petra’s is located at 1919 Commonwealth Ave. in the Plaza-Midwood District.
Tonight at FireWater Restaurant & Bar, get ready for the Halloween edition of “Freaky Friday!” Get your fix of House, Deep House, Hip Hop, Soul and Reggae grooves with all of your friends on the dance floor! Your sound pilots for the evening will be DJs Jazzy Bee, Crime, Tony Motley, G-Sounds and Scott Kyng. Admission is FREE before 10 p.m. The party starts at 9 p.m. FireWater is located at 8708 J.W. Clay Blvd. in the University Area.
——-SATURDAY, OCTOBER 28——-
The Oneaka Dance Company is proud to present the Charlotte African Dance & Drumming Festival this weekend! Come out for a full weekend of nonstop Caribbean and West African dancing, cuisines, music, drumming, fitness workshops, fellowshipping and lots more! All ages are welcome to participate. Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/oneaka-dance-co-presents-the-charlotte-african-dance-and-drumming-festival-tickets-38440678103. The festivities will begin at 9 a.m. Oneaka Dance Company is located at 4450 The Plaza Rd., Suite “A”.
Get ready for some crazy and kooky science experiments at The Discovery Place and celebrate National Chemistry Day! Filled with experiments that glow, bubble and even blow up you’ll be sure to have a blast! There will be Halloween-themed activities with Frankenstein toothpaste, boo bubbles, homemade slime, glow-in-the-dark concoctions and more! This event is sponsored by BASF. Tickets can be purchased here: https://science.discoveryplace.org/explore/events/chemistry-day. The event begins at 9 a.m. The Discovery Place is located at 301 N. Tryon St. in Uptown.
Everyone’s favorite comic book store, Heroes Aren’t Hard to Find invites you out to their new location for the Heroes POP SWAP 2017! They are making the festival extra special this year with a neighborhood block party and special guest Batman and Black Panther author/illustrator Brian Stelfreeze! There will be games and prizes and all kids in attendance with costumes will receive a special prize. The first 500 people will receive an Pop Swap exclusive print from Mr. Stelfreeze. Admission is FREE and the fun starts at 10 a.m. Heroes Aren’t Hard to Find is located at 417 Pecan Ave.
Kids, I’ve got something cool lined up for you this morning! Gather your parents and friends and head over to the South Park Microsoft Store for STEM Saturdays! For today’s installment, get ready to hit the track with some Hot Wheels Speedometry! This hands-on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Math) learning experience features a variety of Hot Wheels cars to measure speed to understand forces and motion. Teachers, students, and parents are welcome to drop by the store to participate in this project-based learning experience! Admission is FREE but please be sure to RSVP here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/stem-saturdays-hot-wheels-speedometry-tickets-38289724597. The event will begin at 11 a.m. All ages are welcome. The Microsoft Store is located within South Park Mall. 4400 Sharon Rd.
The members of Clement Memorial AME Zion Church and Mosaic Live invites everyone out to their 2nd Annual Praise Day Party & Fall Festival. This year will be bigger and better with featured speakers, choirs, liturgical dancers, spoken word artists, vendors and lots more. The theme for this event is The Beatitudes (The eight Beatitudes in Matthew 5:3–12 during the Sermon on the Mount). Admission is FREE to attend and the event will begin at 11 a.m. Clement Memorial AME Zion Church is located at 2207 Newland Dr. in the Lincoln Heights Community.
Calling all families—get ready for the Charlotte Kids Fest today! This multisensory exhibition will consist of four main areas: the Education Zone which will offer activities and displays that focus on promoting learning. The Play Zone centers around outdoor and healthy activities. The Discover Zone which will present interactive performing arts experiences. Lastly, the Create Zone which zooms in on interactive activities such as arts & crafts creation area and workshops hosted by non-profits. The mission of this festival is to expand educational & entertainment options for the children and their families in the Charlotte area. Also, a multitude of food trucks will be on hand to service your stomach’s needs. Admission is FREE to attend and the fun starts at 11 a.m. The address of the venue is 9100 Robert D. Snyder Rd. in the University Area.
This afternoon, come out to Romare Bearden Park and join I Am SolidShe, Inc. as they host the “Out Of Darkness Suicide Prevention Walk.” Mental illness and suicide is real! Statistics show that a person dies by suicide every 13.3 minutes, claiming more than 39,500 lives each year. It is also estimated that an attempt is made every minute, with close to one million people attempting suicide annually. Did you know that one African American person dies by suicide every 4.5 hours in the U.S.? Come walk to raise awareness for this harrowing mental ailment and help save a life. Please be sure to RSVP here: https://afsp.donordrive.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=donorDrive.teamParticipants&teamID=160240. The walk will begin at 1 p.m. Romare Bearden Park is located at 300 S. Church St. in Uptown.
Create Amazing, LLC invites you out to The Carole A. Hoefener Center for the 2017 Queen City Arts & Crafts Expo! This colorful community festival will feature 50 vendors from the Charlotte Metro area showcasing their respective arts and crafts companies. Spice up your residence with homemade products from local crafters and artisans. Food trucks, live music, and more surprise goodies will round out the event. Admission is FREE to attend. The event will begin at 1 p.m. The Carole A. Hoefener Center is located at 615 E. 6th St. in Uptown.
Parents, be a witness to your youth’s creativity at the The Last Word and come out for the Paintopia Halloween Pumpkin Painting Extravaganza! My good friend and acclaimed painter, Christopher Clarke will provide your child(ren) with a different and fun painting experience this afternoon! Create your own fun image on the surface of a pumpkin using acrylic paint. No pumpkin carving tools will be in use. Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.paypal.me/artfromtheheart. Your admission will include all painting supplies, music and a take-home pumpkin. The event begins at 1 p.m. The Last Word is located at 5744 N. Tryon St.
Kids and parents, I’ve got some more fun for you on this glorious Saturday! Join the super-duper wonder woman known as QC SuperMom at Area 15 for “Boo Bash” this afternoon! Gather all the little ones and come enjoy a festive afternoon full of treats, games and more interactive fun! The theme of this event is “Not Voting Is Scary” which is purposed to not only encourage voting but to honor the rights we have been given to cast our ballots. Admission is FREE and the event will begin at 2 p.m. Area 15 is located at 516 E. 15th St. near the outskirts of Uptown. #QCSuperMom
Abari Game Bar wants to add some digitalized fun to your festive Saturday as they host the second annual “Abari Monster Bash!” Invite your friends for some spooked-out fun, games and fellowship! Also, a list of horror-themed games will be free play. Prizes will be awarded for the best male, female and couples costumes, Blood Diamond will be spinning some dope Halloween 80s and 90s tunes and Casa Food Truck will be out there to serve your stomach’s needs! The fun kicks off at 5 p.m. Abari is located at 1721 N. Davidson St. in the NoDa District.
Join Sexy Lifestyle Specialists at Mooney’s Lounge this evening for the 2017 New Growth Fest – A Celebration of Black Beauty! This event is dedicated to natural Afroentric fashion, holistic culture, products, music, art, and more elements of Black excellence. There will be a drum circle, vendors, free giveaways, food, live performances and lots more. After the celebration, get ready to sweat it out on the dance floor with a hot mix of Calypso, Soca, Dancehall, Reggae and more indigenous grooves! Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/new-growth-fest-2017-tickets-36470175276. The event will begin at 6 p.m. Mooney’s Lounge is located at 2525 N. Graham St.
From the brilliant mind of Carolyn Caldwell comes the all-new Gospel stage play, “A Coat of Many Colors!” In this vibrant production, you will experience a range of emotions with an ultimate goal to set you free from any form of bondage or stronghold that is currently haunting you in your livelihood. If you are going through or know anyone that has gone through a divorce, bullying situation, or domestic violence and has struggled in forgiveness, this is the play for you! Tickets are $15 per person and can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/a-coat-of-many-colors-gospel-stage-play-tickets-36615354511. Doors open at 5:30 and the show will begin promptly at 6 p.m. The performance will be held at Faith Soldiers Word Ministries. 857 Eastway Dr.
Yo CLT Raps! and New Era Music House invite you out for the Nightmare @ New Era Halloween Party! Get your musical fix of treats and tricks with live performances from local rappers Phaze Gawd, Th3 Higher and Keychainz Hefner! Also, there will be an “Art of Sound” competition, vendors, art, networking and a special community bonfire! Costumes are highly encouraged and there will be food and drinks available. Tickets are $7 and can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/nightmare-new-era-tickets-38916728984. The fun starts at 7 p.m. New Era Music House is located at 5814 Old Concord Rd. #NewEraMusicHouse
The Guerilla Poets are putting some spoken word fright in your Saturday night as they host “Halloween Bash @ Encore Open Mic!” The rabble-rousing rhymers invite you out to dress up in your best costume with you best frightening scary stories and dark poetry pieces. Food and drinks will be available. Admission is FREE to attend. The event begins at 7 p.m. at The Last Word. 5744 N. Tryon St. #GuerillaPoets
Upscale Entertainment, LLC invites you out to The Morehead Tavern for “The Old School Halloween Party!” Bring your crew, co-workers and older cousins for an evening of nonstop fun and classic throwback R&B, Hip Hop, House, Funk, Soul and Pop jams! Drink and meal specials will be available. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/old-school-halloween-party-tickets-38790231627. The event begins at 8 p.m. The Morehead Tavern is located at 300 E. Morehead St. in Uptown.
This evening, step out to the Gantt Center for an evening of sophisticated fun and join The Rat Pack for “Casino Nights!” The museum will be transformed into a Vegas-styled, high-rolling casino and night club. All four levels of this upscale venue will be utilized to optimize your pleasurable experience. There will be real life casino games with dealers, complimentary cash you can use to compete for different prizes, cash bars, show girls, a live band and special guest celebrity DJ Kaos rockin’ out the tunes! Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/casino-nights-with-celebrity-dj-kaos-tickets-38368811147. Dress code is mature. The event will begin at 9 p.m. The Gantt Center is located at 551 S. Tryon St. in Uptown.
NBOC Entertainment & Africana Connections are back at Bakadi Lounge to add some spooky spice to your Saturday night as they present Halloween WKND Soiree 2017! Join hosts Paul Prince and The Dynamic DJ Kato as they spin the latest grooves in Afrobeat along with another fly array of Afro-flavored tunes! Dress code is “spooky” for the gentlemen and “sexy” for the ladies. Also, be sure to come correct with your Halloween costume! Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/halloween-wknd-soiree-2017-bakadi-lounge-tickets-38754433554. The jump off is at 9 p.m. Bakadi Lounge is located at 4205 Monroe Rd.
Su Casa returns to Petra’s for one of its most popular editions this Saturday evening—“We Love FELA!” This annual celebration of the life and legacy of Fela Kuti with colorful sounds and grooves set to a funky Afrobeat rhythm! Resident turntablists DJ Justice, DJ Steel Wheel, Loot-Tenant Trax and special guest DJ Underdog bringing nothing but that pure, raw and uncut African flavor straight to your earholes! Admission is $10 and the party starts at 10 p.m. Petra’s is located at 1919 Commonwealth Ave. in the Plaza-Midwood District.
——-SUNDAY, OCTOBER 29——-
Today, Finga Lickin’ Caribbean Eatery along with Mr. Nice Guy Media is adding some suspenseful flavor to its menu as they proudly present, “Murder In Paradise….A Murder Mystery Dinner Experience!” Audience members will be along for the ride as someone is murdered in the midst of dinner. With numerous suspects, the audience will have to work together to solve the investigation and determine “Who dun it?” while enjoying an authentic four-course Caribbean meal. Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/murder-in-paradise-a-murder-mystery-dinner-experience-tickets-38675840480. The event will begin at 11 a.m. Finga Lickin’ Caribbean Eatery is located at 2838 The Plaza Rd. in the Plaza-Midwood District.
Enjoy a beautiful Sunday afternoon at The Levine Museum of the New South with your family and come out for the Dia de Muertos/Day of the Dead Festival. Join Museum staff along with the Latin American Coalition and community members as you will eat tasty treats, dance to some festive music, create arts and crafts associated with the Mexican holiday. Admission is FREE to attend. The fun starts at 12 noon. The museum is located at 200 E. 7th St. in Uptown.
Enjoy your Sunday in style at The Morehead Tavern and get your ears ready for the classic sounds of the Charlotte Jazz Orchestra! Join the finest classically trained, innovative, jazz musicians in the QC playing upbeat traditional Jazz, Bossa Nova, Big Band and Swing! Admission is FREE and be sure to arrive early for dance lessons. The music starts at 3 p.m. 300 E. Morehead St. in Uptown.
Old School 105.3 invites you out to ROC’s Jazz Bar for a special evening social – The Jazzy Masquerade featuring Calvin Richardson! In celebration of Halloween, we want you to pull out your cocktail dresses, suits and special masks for a sexy Sunday night soiree which will serve as an album release party for the new jazz album from the Soul Brother Calvin Richardson! The event will be hosted by Old School 105.3 personality Olympia D. Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/a-jazzy-masquerade-with-calvin-richardson-old-school-1053-tickets-38607223244. The event will begin at 5:30 p.m. ROC’s Jazz Bar is located at 1000 NC Music Factory Blvd.
Relive the prom you attended or didn’t attend this evening at The White House as Chosen Entertainment proudly presents the “A Night to Remember” Adult Masquerade Prom! Get dressed in your best threads and enjoy and enchanting night of fellowship, romance, dancing and lots of music! Whether you are single, coupled or grouped with friends, everyone is welcome! DJ The Answer will be spinning some mood setters on the wheels of steel and there will be a special performance from Charlotte’s own D-Vision! Your host for the evening is the radiant and ravishing Chosen the Poet. Attire is mature and classy. Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/a-night-to-remember-masquerade-adult-prom-tickets-36809413948. The event will begin at 6 p.m. The White House is located at 4809 Wilkinson Blvd.
COMING SOON…
11/3 – Blow Your Head with DJs Flock of Slages at Jah Freedom at Crown Station
11/4 – 2017 Queen City Business Expo
11/7 – SociaLight presents Business Card Bingo
11/11 – Juicy Body Goddess’ “Plus Size Fashion Show”
11/13 – 11/18 – UNCC Organization of African Students presents “African Week”
11/17 — Science on the Rocks: In a Galaxy Far, Far Away
11/19 — #FeastYourEyesCLT – A Dinner Experience
11/24 – Black Food Truck Friday
12/2 – Off The Wall: “Wu-Tang Forever V.5’
Everyone have fun, be safe, spread love and be someone’s joy this weekend! Peace.
Live. Laugh. Love. Learn. Listen. Give.
#WeekendWarrior #TheBlackFerrisBueller #CommunityFirst