If you’re anything like us, you’re hoping that old man winter had his last big hoorah for 2016, and the 70 degree weather forecasted for this weekend will be here to stay. Join us in some positive thinking as we review the top events going on this weekend around the Queen City.

Mark Your Calendars: scroll down for our round up of all the CIAA events going on next week, as the tournament comes to Charlotte Feb. 23-27. 

Science on the Rocks: Fire & Ice
Friday, Feb. 19
Discovery Place

Discovery Place is back with its monthly adults-only party, and this time they’re turning up the heat. Explore all things hot and cold with hands-on demonstrations, experiments and of course, a specialty cocktail or two. Buy tickets online in advance to secure your spot, this is a popular Friday night pick!

Birdsong Art Opening
Friday, Feb. 19
Birdsong Brewing Co.

Come grab a pint, some bites from Queen City Q and warm welcome artists Tim Shearer to Birdsong Brewing Company. There will also be live music from Tim Fast.

Sustainable Living Series: Understanding the Food System
Friday, Feb. 19
Mecklenburg Cooperative Extension, 1418 Arnory Dr, Charlotte, NC 28204

Ever wonder how your food got to the table? Take a look into the cultivation, preparation, distribution and consumption of food most of us take for granted. Admission is only $5.

Bechtler By Night
Friday, Feb. 19
The Bechtler Museum of Modern Art

With one of Charlotte’s finest art museums open into the late evening, there’s no excuse not to peruse the modern collections at The Bechtler Museum of Modern Art. As part of their “Bechtler by Night” program, the museum is offering complimentary gallery tours from 5 pm to 9 pm on each third Friday of the month.

Uptown Chic Behind-the-Scenes Food Tour
Saturday, Feb. 20
Uptown Charlotte

In case you haven’t noticed, Uptown Charlotte is having a bit of a foodie moment. But instead of trying to get a taste of what’s cooking on your own, hop aboard a walking tour of the hottest kitchens with Feast Food Tours. This weekend’s tour goes behind the scenes and gives participants a unique glimpse into Charlotte’s culinary scene with wine and beer pairings, cooking demonstrations and samples.

The Beach Boys
Saturday, Feb. 20
Ovens Auditorium

So hoist up the John B’s sail…See how the mainsail sets…Call for the Captain ashore…One of the world’s best-selling bands of all time is bringing some summer flavor to Charlotte this weekend. Jam along to your all time favorites at Ovens Auditorium on Saturday night.

Cooking Class: Sushi 102
Saturday, Feb. 20
Upstream

Take your sushi knowledge to the next level with this Saturday afternoon class taught by the pros at Upstream.

15th Annual Charlotte Bartenders Ball
Sunday, Feb. 21
Rooftop 210

Sip, sample and savor signature cocktails and beers from over 25 of Charlotte’s beast bars, clubs and restaurants. Dance along to six local DJ’s, enjoy live entertainment and mingle with the city’s best mixologists.

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2016 CIAA Tournament
February 23-27

The 71st Men’s Basketball Tournament and 42nd Women’s Basketball Tournament
Tuesday, Feb. 23-Saturday, 27
Time Warner Cable Arena

First thing’s first. The games are the stars of the show this week. Catch them starting on Tuesday, Feb. 23 and see who will win the men’s and women’s championship games on Saturday, Feb. 27. See the full game schedule here.

CIAA Toyota Fan Fest Live
Thursday, Feb. 25-Saturday, Feb. 27
Charlotte Convention Center

Enjoy live performances, the Locker Xchange sneaker showcase and plenty of excitement for three straight days at the Charlotte Convention Center. Most events are free and open to the public. View full event listing here.

CIAA Old School Skate Party
Thursday, Feb. 25
Kate’s Skating Rink

Just like in the good old days, here’s your chance to lace up and skate around to your favorite old school jams. Hosted by Old School 105.3, this party is a great way to get out of the city for a brief basketball break.

CIAA Legends of Hip Hop Concert
Thursday, Feb. 25
Charlotte Convention Center

Join an all star cast for a mid-tournament hip hop concert at the Charlotte Convention Center. Buy tickets online here.

Food Lion Teen Summit
Thursday, Feb. 25
Charlotte Convention Center

High school juniors and seniors are invited to attend this candid conversation about college and careers while hearing the real life experiences of students and young professionals. The free event also includes food, a DJ, contests and prizes.

CIAA Step Show Throwdown
Friday, Feb. 26
Charlotte Convention Center

Watch as steppers from fraternities and sororities representing CIAA’s member schools battle it out in the stepshow throw down. Get your tickets here.

McDonald’s Super Saturday
Saturday, Feb. 27
Time Warner Cable Arena

free and open to the public, at Time Warner Cable Arena. The event features the highly anticipated CIAA cheerleading exhibition and the crowning of the 2016 Food Lion Miss CIAA.

CIAA Coors Light Day Party
Saturday, Feb. 27
Rooftop 210

Get warmed up for the big championship game Saturday night by partying under the city skyline by day. Purchase tickets online in advance here.

CIAA Post Tournament Concert
Saturday, Feb. 27
Charlotte Convention Center

Celebrate in style with a live concert featuring Mint Condition, Vivian Green and Lyfe Jennings. Show starts at 10:30 p.m. Get tickets here.

Post-Tournament After Party
Saturday, Feb. 27
Charlotte Convention Center

Continue the party with the official post-tournament afterparty. Purchase your tickets here.