Whether you’ll be out celebrating with CIAA events or getting ready to toast to who wore it best at the Oscars, we have you covered with what’s going on this weekend. Our round-up of what to do and where to go this weekend in Charlotte:

Modernism + Film: Renzo Piano
Thursday, February 23
Bechtler Museum of Modern Art

The latest in the Modernism + Film series screens this Friday. The 52-minute film documents three projects of Renzo Piano, an Italian architect and engineer. A reception with a cash-only bar and light bites begins at 6 p.m., follow by the screening at 7 p.m. Tickets $10 for the public and $8 for museum members. Buy tickets online, at the admissions desk or by calling 704.353.9200.

Bon Appétit!
Through Thursday, February 23
JWU Charlotte

Opera is coming in hot to the kitchen as Susan Nicely takes the stage for this one-woman opera based on a classic Julia Child cooking show. Both foodies and music lovers will unite over a love for Nicely’s feverish flair, wit and classic French chocolate cake. Runs February 22 and 23 in JWU Charlotte’s Demonstration Kitchen. $25 per ticket. Get yours here. 

Fashion Defined Presents: RUNAWAY
Thursday, February 23
Mint Museum Randolph

Storytelling, visual and performing arts, fashion and social topics fuse at the sixth Fashion Defined concept show. Runaway will take place in the Mint Museum Randolph’s Van Every Theater. 7 p.m. $30 per ticket. Get yours here.

Blumenthal Celebrates Dance featuring Twyla Tharp Dance
Saturday, February 25
Belk Theater

Celebrate the joy and health benefits of dance with exhibits, demonstrations and discussions about the power of dance and a performance from the world-renowned Twyla Tharp Dance. $10 per ticket. Exhibits and demonstrations begin at 6 p.m. followed by the performance at 8 p.m. Purchase tickets here.

Studio Party at McColl Center
Saturday, February 25
McColl Center for Art + Innovation

Find your groove and travel the funky spaceways at Studio Party at McColl Center for Art + Innovation’s  annual party and contemporary art sale. The night will feature complimentary cocktails and delicious delicacies, followed by late night sweets (think radioactive macaroons and moon pies). Artwork by McColl Center Alumni Artists will be in sale. And the night’s not over yet, attendees will dance under laser beams and disco balls at the After Party with DJ That Guy Smitty. Tickets start at $25. Plan your evening trip to another galaxy here.

Barks and Brews
Saturday, February 25
Free Range Brewing

Curious about adopting? Join in on this meet-and-greet event that teaches attendees about fostering, adopting or volunteering with German Shepherds. You’ll even be able to meet some of the adoptable on-site. 12:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Mardi Gras
Saturday, February 25
Twenty-Six Acres Brewing Company

Twenty-Six Acres Brewing Company is starting the Mardi Gras party early with tunes from D.J. Festive, a crab broil and of course, tons of beads and beer. The fun starts at 12 p.m.

WestEnd Chili Cook-off
Saturday, February 25
Blue Blaze Brewing

Sure, everyone may have a favorite chili recipe. But this cook-off requires that all submissions include one special ingredient: Blue Blaze Brewing beer. Come out to sample and vote for your favorite. Admission is free. Sampling is from 1 p.m. – 4 p.m., voting extends through 4:30 p.m., with the winner announced at 5 p.m.

Charlotte Concert Band’s “Celebrations”
Saturday, February 25
Queens University Charlotte

Join the Charlotte Concert Band for a lively program featuring guest conductor James Curnow.  The concert is free and open to the public.  Donations will be accepted. Begins at 7 p.m.

Free Range / Pure Pizza Beer Launch & Farm Supper
Sunday, February 26
Pure Pizza

What goes better together than beer and pizza? Free Range Brewing and Pure Pizza are teaming up for a Farm to Table Beer Dinner that celebrates a brand new beer and shared commitment to locally-sourced ingredients. The five-course menu, crafted by Chef Austin Crum, is complemented by five seasonal Free Range beers. $50 per person. Book your seat here.

Wedding Showcase 2017
Sunday, February 26
Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden

Calling all brides! Make planning easy with a trip to Daniel Stowe’s annual Wedding Showcase. You’ll mingle and view the work of the best of the best in the Charlotte wedding industry and get tons of inspiration for your big day. Over forty vendors will be on-site, in addition to Garden event planners who will give tours at 1 p.m., 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. The icing on the (wedding) cake: free champagne for the first 250 guests. Free for brides, grooms and Garden members, while general admission applies to all other guests.

2017 CIAA Weekend Event Round-Up

The CIAA is back in Charlotte for its 12th consecutive year. our round-up of the best parties and events not to miss:

Thursday, February 23

CIAA Toyota Fan Fest
5 p.m.- 10 p.m.
Charlotte Convention Center Hall A & B
Free and open to the public

Jump Off 2017
6 p.m. -2 a.m.
Vapiano

Heaven @Blue Restaurant
9 p.m. – 2 a.m.
Blue Restaurant and Bar

Friday, February 24

Top of the Top Epicentre Day Party
Doors open at 12 pm
Rooftop 210

Step Show Throwdown
Charlotte Convention Center
Doors open at 6 p.m.; show begins at 7:30 p.m.
$15-30. Purchase tickets here

Pandemonium: The Official CIAA Tournament Celebrity Concert & After Party
Charlotte Convention Center
9 p.m. – 2 a.m
Click here to purchase tickets

Saturday, February 25

Recess @ Vida
12-7 p.m.
Vida Cantina
Purchase tickets here.

SaturDazed
1-7 p.m.
Ink N Ivy
Tickets start at $20

Women’s and Men’s Championship Games
Women’s: 4 p.m.; men’s: 7 p.m.
Spectrum Center
Buy tickets here

Sunday, February 26

Farewell Day Party
3-8 p.m.
Suite Charlotte

Plan Ahead – Events you should get tickets for now

6th Annual Charlotte Mardi Gras – Parade of Beads Celebration
Tuesday, February 28
Rooftop 210

You’ll feel as if you’ve stepped into the New Orleans’ French Quarter when the Epicentre throws their Parade of Beads celebration next Tuesday. Starting at 7 p.m., enjoy street performers, music and fun before the official parade begins at 8 p.m., led by marching bands. The “Krewes” will be made up of different area social groups, charities and organizations. Parade is free and open to the public. $18.19 ticket price includes admission into participating bars, a Mardi Gras T-shirt, hurricane cup and beads.

Mardi Gras Mixer
Tuesday, February 28
Piedmont Social House

Break out the beads and masks for Mardi Gras-Piedmont Social House style. The Arysley hotspot is celebrating with prizes, beads and masks, jazz music, drink specials and a special Creole-inspired menu. Start planning your night out here.

Mint Eight-O Aloha Party
Friday, March 3
Mint Museum Uptown

To celebrate their 80th Anniversary of the Mint Museum, the Mint Museum Auxiliary is throwing an Eight-O Aloha party  with a Hawaii Five-O theme, 70s and 80s music by The Bad Daddies, Hawaiian-stye eats and a specialty cocktail called the Kanawalu. Proceeds benefit the MMA mission to support the museum. get your tickets here.

To channel your luau style, check out our best ideas for what to wear from Monkee’s of Charlotte here.

Pat’s Place Rhythym and Brews
Saturday, March 4
The Peninsula Club

Make plans to join 250+ of Pat’s Place’s closest friends and supporters for a night of fun on Lake Norman. With live music, delicious food, local craft brews and a silent and live auction, it’s shaping up to be a great night for a great cause. All proceeds support the programs and services Pat’s Place offers to children and families affected by abuse in Mecklenburg County free of charge. 7:30 p.m. Get tickets here.