CIAA Guide: 2020

Party like it’s your last chance.

The CIAA tournament is leaving Charlotte after a 14-year run and heading north to Baltimore. If you haven’t experienced the weekend of basketball, parties and performances that come along with CIAA week, here’s your last chance. It’s time to go hard.

THURSDAY

BOBBY V BIRTHDAY BASH
The artist formerly known as Bobby Valentino celebrates his 40th birthday during CIAA.
More: Feb. 27, 9 p.m.-2 a.m.; $20-$500; 321 Uptown Lounge, 321 N. Caldwell St.; more info

TIPSY THURSDAY
You don’t want to get too drunk on your first night out. Celebrate Tipsy Thursday with beautiful ladies from around the region.
More: Feb. 27, 9:30 p.m.; $10; Fusion Lounge, 6432 E. Independence Blvd.; more info

XHALE: TOURNAMENT EDITION
Hosted by Domonique Brooks, Brenton James and Gorgeous Slore, ladies are free until midnight, with food, hookah and drinks available.
More: Feb. 27, 10 p.m.-2 a.m.; Free-$20; Recess Charlotte, 832 Seigle Ave.; more info

WELCOME TO THE CITY
This is being billed as a celebrity tournament kickoff party, but the only names listed thus far are model Ari Fletcher and a special guest rapper, who is clearly going to be Moneybagg Yo, right?
More: Feb. 27, 10 p.m.-2 a.m.; $10-$65; Oak Room, 200 E. Bland St.; more info

FRIDAY

PREGAME SIP AND SHOP
Shop Luxe’s newest collection before it hits the site️, with food catered by Tasty G’s and free with purchase, and a make-up artist on-site so you can get your hair and makeup done before the night’s party.
More: Feb. 28-March 1, times vary; $5, ticket price goes toward purchase; Luxe Lust Boutique, 4822 Albemarle Road; more info

DAY LA SOUL
This day party features DJ Envy and an appearance from Yancy Thigpen, former Pittsburh Steelers All-Pro and a member of the Winston-Salem State University Hall of Fame.
More: Feb. 28, Noon-7 p.m.; Free-$800; Studio Movie Grill, 210 E. Trade St.; more info

LAST GREEK STANDING
Hosted by Natasha Renee, former Murder Inc. president and four-time Grammy Winner Kal Dawson will be the special guest, with music from DJ Freddy Chapo.
More: Feb. 28, 1-7 p.m.; $20-$500; Hollywood Nights Sports Bar & Lounge, 7631 Sharon Lakes Road; more info

HBCUS VS. EVERYBODY
Darren Brand of MTV’s Wild’n Out hosts this party, featuring music from DJ N Genius, DJ Jayy Hawk and DJ Rayvon.
More: Feb. 28, 2-8 p.m.; $15-$150; Explict Lounge, 1000 N.C. Music Factory Blvd.; more info

BLACK FOOD TRUCK FRIDAY
The Black Business Owners of Charlotte hosts this regular event, giving local residents (and CIAA visitors) the opportunity to taste an array of cuisines ranging from seafood to Soul food to amazing desserts and everything in-between, not to mention all the local vendors.
More: Feb. 28, 4-10 p.m.; Free; Freedom Lounge, 3148 Freedom Drive; more info

THE FINAL ACT
Hosted by the Paraison and Douglas couples of OWN Network’s To Have and To Hold: Charlotte, enjoy music and cocktails in two separate lounges and outdoor space as you mingle with hundreds of the people from in and out of town.
More: Feb. 28, 4 p.m.; Max & Lola Bodega, 1501 S. Mint St.; more info

GRAVITATE
This monthly dance party is welcoming CIAA guests with music from DJ Shaanti, Charles Gatling and Steve Howerton, with percussion by Claudio Rafael and Sweat Transfer.
More: Feb. 28, 8 p.m.-1 a.m.; Free; Salud Cerveceria, 3306-C N. Davidson St.; more info

AUXTAILS AND GRAVY
Local musicians are welcome to attend the party and simply plug into the aux cord to have your music heard about music execs and you never know who else in the crowd.
More: Feb. 28, 8 p.m.-3 a.m.; $40-$1,000; 4949 Albemarle Road; more info

QUEEN CITY MEETS BROOKLYN
Hosted by Puff the Mayor, featuring appearances by Lou Got Cash, Day Pesos and Juwop. Spins from DJ Will from 105.1 in NYC and DJ Polo from 92.7 The Block.
More: Feb. 28, 9 p.m.-2 a.m.; $25-$2,500; Brooklyn Lounge, 225 N. Caldwell St.; more info

FREAKY FRIDAY
Friday night is time to get freaky, and this event aims to get all the sexiest ladies together in one spot. If you can’t make it, hit the Luxury Friday day party at 3:30 p.m.
More: Feb. 28, 9:30 p.m.; $10; Fusion Lounge, 6432 E. Independence Blvd.; more info

HBCU BRAWL: THE LAST DANCE
A final showdown between dance and step teams from all participating HBCUs.
More: Feb. 28, 10 p.m.-2 a.m.; $5-$20; location TBA; more info

THE LINK UP
This weekend kickoff features music from DJ Mungo and DJ Lowkey.
More: Feb. 28, 10 p.m.-2 a.m.; $10-$20; La Revolucion; 900 North Carolina Music Factory Boulevard, #1; more info

SATURDAY

NO REASON DAY PARTY
It’s cool that everyone else is making their titles very dramatic and inviting and these folks are just like, fuck it, we don’t need a reason for a party. Hosted by Avant, with music by The Big DM, DJ Prince Ice and DJ Tron.
More: Feb. 29, Noon-6 p.m.; Press Box Bar & Grill, 9609 N. Tryon St., Ste. A; more info

BOSSES, BOTTLES & BADDIES FEAT. JADAKISS
This one is billed as the “Ultimate Tournament Day Party,” featuring Jadakiss and hosts @onlyonerori and @alisahchanel_, plus spins from DJ Chuck T.
More: Feb. 29, Noon-7 p.m.; Free-$30; Studio Movie Grill, 210 E. Trade St.; more info

THE CULTURE UNDERGROUND MUSIC AND VENDOR FEST
Hosted by rapper Slade the Supreme and 601 the Band, the event was created to celebrate all forms of black art including but not limited to music, art, poetry and entrepreneurship.
More: Feb. 29, 1-5 p.m.; $10; Studio 1212, 1212 E. 10th St.; more info

BLACK INK TAKEOVER
Hollywood Hemi, Sky and Caesar host this day party featuring drink and hookah specials.
More: Feb. 29, 2-9 p.m.; $20-$60; Bakadi Lounge, 4205 Monroe Road; more info

AN EVENING WITH Q PARKER
The Bag Boyz present “an enchanted evening” with Q. Parker, formerly of 112.
More: Feb. 29, 8 p.m.-2 a.m.; $20-$300; Red@28th, 9539 Pinnacle Drive, #203; more info

SPRITE DAY PARTY FEAT. FABOLOUS
Quench your thirst traps with this day party featuring a performance from Fabolous, music from DJ Ronnie B and DJ Six30, and hosted by KODiNE of 102 Jamz.
More: Feb. 29, 1-7 p.m.; $10-$2,000; Rooftop 210, 210 E. Trade St.; more info

KANDIE SHOPPE CIAA EDITION
This “sexy and educated” party will feature tons of vendors and performances from author KANDIE Marie, Mary Mack, Will P, Big Bag Brickz, Rakim Allah, Terry Typhoon and poet Da Geechie.
More: Feb. 29, 1:30-4:30 p.m.; Free-$40; NoDa@28th Creative Arts Studios, 2424 N. Davidson St.; more info

THE BREAKFAST CLUB DAY & NIGHT PARTY
Join Charlamagne Tha God and the rest of the BC crew for the 9th annual celebrity party, which touts a yeraly average of 1,200 guests.
More: Feb. 29, 2 p.m.-2 a.m.; $35-$300; Sage Restaurant & Lounge, 505 E. 6th St.; more info

THE LAST CRAWL
Hit four different Music Factory venues for four different genres of music: Soundz of the South, R&B, international and ’90s vs. 2000s, plus a ton of food and drink specials, top hosts and DJs at each venue.
More: Feb. 29, 2-8 p.m.; $10-$500; Avid Xchange Music Factory, N.C. Music Factory Blvd.; more info

DRIP SATURDAY
If you can’t make it on Saturday night, no worries, they’re getting things kicked off with a day party. Followed by the One Night Stand night party at 9:30 p.m.
More: Feb. 29, 3:30 p.m.; $10; Fusion Lounge, 6432 E. Independence Blvd.; more info

HOLLIPALOOZA
DJ Holiday gets some friends together for a party in east Charlotte featuring performances from Derez Deshon, Luke Nasty, Jhonni Blaze, Street Bud, Skooly, Domani and more, plus special guests.
More: Feb. 29, 8 p.m.-3 a.m.; $40-$1,500; 4949 Abemarle Road; more info

NY TAKEOVER 2020
Hosted by Tone X, with music from Kid Capri, DJ Spinderella and DJ Doo Wop.
More: Feb. 29, 9 p.m.-2 a.m.; $50-$600; Harvey B. Gantt Center, 551 S. Tryon St.; more info

CLIMAX: THE HIP-HOP FINALE
KRS-One brings his friends, including Greg Nice of Nice & Smooth, DJ MellStarr and Will Traxx.
More: Feb. 29, 9 p.m.-1 a.m.; Amos’ Southend, 1423 S. Tryon St.; more info

THE MAIN EVENT
Hosted by Mahogany, Sport E Odie, Domonique Brooks and DJ Holiday, one ticket gets you into five venues: Scarlett, Odells, Monarch Room, Halftime and The Garden.
More: Feb. 29, 10 p.m.-2 a.m.; $40-$1,600; Graham Street Station, 2016 N. Graham St.; more info

FINALE GOODBYE
The main event for all alumni of participating HBCUs.
More: Feb. 29, 10 p.m.-2 a.m.; Free-$20; Taproom Social, 430 W. 4th St.; more info

SUNDAY

RESET SUNDAY: BRUNCH & TRAP
A bottomless brunch menu followed by four hours of trappin’ from DJ Flexman mixing with reggae/Soca on the first floor, Tramare the DJ remixing twerk classics inside on the second floor and DJ B-Kirk integrating Afro beats upstairs on the patio.
More: March 1, Noon-7 p.m.; Free-$150; Clutch Kitchen and Pur House, 601 S. Cedar St.; more info

RnB & JAZZ FAREWELL BRUNCH
A solid brunch menu plus music from DJ Kool, The Tre’King Band and Shableek.
More: March 1, Noon-7 p.m.; Press Box Bar & Grill, 9609 N. Tryon St., Ste. A; more info

BROOKLYN TAKEOVER FAREWELL PARTY
Sponsored by DUSSE CHARLOTTE, this party features special guest DJs, hookahs and exotic drink specials.
More: March 1, 2-6 p.m.; $20-$800; Brooklyn Lounge, 225 N. Caldwell St.; more info

CHARLOTTE VS. GREENSBORO BOTTLE WARS
Hosted by Bobbie Bugatti and KODiNE of 102 Jamz, featuring music from DJ Six30.
More: March 1, 2-9 p.m.; Free-$15; Fantasy Lounge, 2415 W. Morehead St.; more info

2 PRETTY 2 PLAY
Ladies are free all night with an RSVP for this tournament farewell party.
More: March 1, 9 p.m.-Midnight; Free-$15; Fantasy Lounge, 2415 W. Morehead St.; more info

LIL’ BOOSIE & STUNNA 4 VEGAS
Two big names help wrap up the tournament weekend plus music from DJ KGrady and DJ Jayhawk.
More: March 1, 9 p.m.-2 a.m.; $30-$50; Oak Room, 200 E. Bland St.; more info

TOURNAMENT FAREWELL PARTY
DJ Kool and Will Traxx perform live, with opening sounds from DJ Mello Dee.
More: March 1, 9 p.m.-2 a.m.; $10-$500; Vibrations Night Lounge, 5237 Albemarle Road; more info

TOURNEY FAREWELL GRAND FINALE
The Mashout King DJ Skillz, Mr. Cheeks of the Lost Boyz and internet sensation DJ Cleve come together for a sendoff party.
More: March 1, 9 p.m.-1 a.m.; $20-$200; Press Box Bar & Grill, 9609 N. Tryon St., Ste. A; more info

SUNDAY GAME NIGHT
Saying goodbye to the CIAA with a Sunday Funday to end all Sunday Fundays.
More: March 1, 9:30 p.m.; $10; Fusion Lounge, 6432 E. Independence Blvd.; more info