Want to know what’s going on this weekend in the Queen City for CIAA? Here you go!
H/T: Charlotte Magazine
Thursday, February 26
*Rickey Smiley Morning Show
A nationally syndicated radio show broadcast is being added to the Thursday lineup, in what traditionally has only been on Friday. Comedian and radio personality Rickey Smiley and his co-hosts will entertain audiences, and you can expect celebrity guests to appear. Doors open, 5:30 a.m.; show, 6 a.m.-10 a.m. Free admission. Charlotte Convention Center, Halls A and B, 501 S. College St., theciaa.com/bballtournament.
*CIAA Career Expo
This expo is open to all current college students and alumni who are searching for graduate school opportunities or jobs. Visit the website for a list of participating universities and employers. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Free admission. Charlotte Convention Center, Hall C, 501 S. College St., theciaa.com/bballtournament.
*CIAA Men’s Tournament Quarterfinals
Basketball action continues between the men’s teams. 1 p.m., 3 p.m., 7 p.m., and 9 p.m. All-session passes, $60-$530. Time Warner Cable Arena, 333 E. Trade St., theciaa.com/bballtournament.
*CIAA Fan Fest Presented by Toyota: Faith & Family Night
A full schedule of events and activities for fans, including prize and ticket giveaways, car displays, video games and interactive zones, cooking exhibitions, celebrity appearances, and concerts by national recording artists. 5 p.m.-10 p.m. Free admission. Charlotte Convention Center, Halls A and B, 501 S. College St.,theciaa.com/bballtournament.
*Fifth Annual Food Lion CIAA Teen Summit
High school juniors and seniors (boys and girls) are invited to an evening of “real talk.” This summit encourages teens to have candid conversations and interaction among their peers, and will also include food, a step show exhibition, DJ, contests, and prizes. Hosted by Girl Talk Foundation, Inc. 5:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m. Free admission; advance registration required. Charlotte Convention Center, Room 217A, 501 S. College St.,girltalkfoundationinc.com.
*CIAA Old-School Skate Party
The CIAA offers a night of roller-skating fun for adults, to the sounds of some of your favorite old-school hip-hop and R&B music. Presented by Old School 105.3 FM. 9 p.m.-2 a.m. $20 and up. Kate’s Skating Rink, 14500 Independence Blvd., Indian Trail, theciaa.com/bballtournament.
*The Legends of Hip Hop Concert
Hip-hop legends Doug E. Fresh, MC Lyte, Slick Rick, Big Daddy Kane, and Chubb Rock will perform. Be one of the first 1,000 people to purchase tickets and receive free admission to the after-party. Doors open 8 p.m.; concert begins 9 p.m. $25-$45. Charlotte Convention Center, Hall C, 501 S. College St.,theciaa.com/bballtournament.
*Legends of Hip Hop After-Party
Concert-goers will make their way upstairs to this after-party. Tickets to the party will also be sold separately from the concert. 11 p.m.-2 a.m. Charlotte Convention Center, Crown Ballroom, 501 S. College St.,theciaa.com/bballtournament.
* WPEG Power 98 Tip-Off Spectacular
Get your day partying on earlier in the week. Hosted by Mr. Incognito and QCB. Noon-6 p.m. $5. Suite, at EpiCentre, 210 E. Trade St., tipoffspectacular.eventbrite.com.
* Meet-and-Greet with Tom Joyner Day Party
Help welcome the nationally syndicated radio show host to Charlotte. Presented by Old School 105.3 FM, The Sol Kitchen, and Dynasty 5. 1-7 p.m. Admission cost varies; limited number of free tickets available for admission before 3 p.m. Bubble Charlotte, at EpiCentre, 210 E. Trade St.,theoldschool1053dayparty.eventbrite.com.
* The Jumpoff 2015
This party drew a big crowd last year. Music by DJ Lonnie B. and DJ Biggs. Presented by Eddietainment, Pearl Vision Group, Eddleton Events, and J&J Entertainment Group. 6 p.m.-2 a.m. Free admission before 8 p.m. with RSVP; $10 and up after. Vapiano, 201 S. Tryon St., thecharlottejumpoff2015.eventbrite.com.
* Third Annual We Are Prodigal Son!
Raise money for programs serving local youth while networking and enjoying drink specials, appetizers, and a DJ. Presented by The Prodigal Son Foundation. 6-9 p.m. $5 donation requested. Vida Vida, at EpiCentre, 210 E. Trade St., prodigalson2015.eventbrite.com.
* The HBCU Alumni Throwdown
Inviting all HBCU alumni for a night of networking, dancing, and cocktails, and the late-night food menu will be available. Presented by Digital Divas and The Queen City Pirates. 8 p.m.-2 a.m. $20 and up. Osso Restaurant & Lounge, 1000 NC Music Factory Blvd., digitaldivasevents.com.
* 3D: The Mixer
Mix and mingle over food and drinks. Hosted by Dre Brown, James Rickmond, Ron Tate, and the National Black MBA Association, with music from DJ CK. 6 p.m.-2 a.m. $15 and up. Eight Sushi & Asian Kitchen, 1000 NC Music Factory Blvd., 8tourneymixer.eventbrite.com.
* The World Famous Kid Capri
After an opening set by Technician The DJ, the legendary DJ Kid Capri will spin. Presented by The Sol Kitchen and Dynasty 5. 10 p.m.-2 a.m. $20 and up. Suite, at EpiCentre, 210 E. Trade St.,kidcapriatsuite.eventbrite.com.
* Heaven @ Blue: Fetish for Fierce
Join Talk of the Town for its annual signature party, featuring music by DJ 06 at the beginning of the night, and ending with live music by the Let It Flow Band. 8 p.m.-2 a.m. $30. and up. Blue Restaurant and Bar, 206 N. College St., talkofthetownent.com.
* Trifecta
This event welcomes local professionals, socialites, and Queen City visitors. Music by DJ Paradime. Presented by Urbane CLT and Eddietainment. 9 p.m.-2 a.m. $10 and up; limited VIP booths available. BlackFinn Ameripub, at EpiCentre, 210 E. Trade St., urbaneworldwide.com/trifecta.
* The Commencement
Enjoy the elegance and sophistication of this venue amongst a mature crowd. Presented by Raynmakers Entertainment. 9 p.m.-2 a.m. $10 and up. Courtside Lounge, 505 E. Sixth St.,commencement2015.eventbrite.com.
* Soulful Night @ Sydney’s (Thursday)
Enjoy live performances by Miles Jaye, Kevin Anthony, and Yvette Michelle. Presented by Hamilton and Brown Productions. 8 p.m.-3 a.m. General admission, $40; VIP tables available. Sydney’s Martini and Wine Bar, 401 N. Tryon St., milesjaye-kevinanthony-yvettemichelle.eventbrite.com.
* The Exclusive Cigar Lounge
Spend your afternoon partaking in specialty cigars, craft beer from NoDa Brewery, and enjoying music by a DJ. Presented by Charlotte Cigar Lounge, A&J Salon, and US Tax Express. Noon-6 p.m. $10-$30. Charlotte Cigar Club, 105 E. Morehead St., tourneycigarlounge.eventbrite.com.
* Jumpball
Featuring music by DJ LP. Presented by The A List, Get Live Ent., and Floyd Hodge. 10 p.m.-2 a.m. Pay general admission at the door; VIP tables available. Vanity Charlotte, 500 W. Fifth St., jumpball.eventbrite.com.
* Michael Kors Stylist Event (Thursday-Saturday)
Ladies are invited to visit this store to get styled for their parties. Complimentary champagne will be served. Noon-9 p.m. Michael Kors – SouthPark Mall, 4400 Sharon Rd., michaelkors.com.
* Pink Groove X: Platinum & Pearls Edition
It’s the tenth year for this popular annual party. Music by DJ Skillz and DJ DR. Presented by Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated Rho Psi Omega Chapter. 9 p.m.-2 a.m. General admission, $30; VIP admission, $50. Label, 900 Music Factory Blvd., ratedpinkgroovex.eventbrite.com.
For the rest of the weekend’s events, flip the pages.