Food and drink

Downton Abbey inspired tea at The Ballantyne: Dress in 1920-1930s clothing and enjoy some of Lady Grantham’s tea favorites. $36 for adults and $18 for children – call (704) 248-4100 for reservations. Friday, 3/4 and Saturday, 3/5

Friday Night Festival at The Unknown Brewing Co: Friday is the first night of the new food truck rally taking place at Unknown. There will be food trucks, live music, movie screenings and more beginning at 5 p.m. Friday, 3/4

Cup Your Cakes pop-up: Stop by The Unknown Brewing Co to grab a tasty cupcake and beer from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, 3/5

3rd Annual Charlotte Craft Cocktail Crawl at the EpiCentre: Tickets are $15-$50 and include a T-shirt, cup, two drink tickets, cocktail specials, and no lines or covers at participating bars. Saturday, 3/5

Experience

Kick off party for The Longest Day: The Longest Day is a fundraiser benefitting The Alzheimer’s Association. Friday’s kickoff party will include free apps, prizes, games and more from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Growler USA in Ballantyne. Friday, 3/4

Big Lebowski themed morning at Triple C: Triple C will be releasing their Rum Barrel Aged Imperial Milk Stout at 10 a.m. Celebration includes a bottle share, brunch by Roots Farm Foods, Big Lebowski costume contest, Wii bowling tournament and live music. There will also be a yoga practice taking place at 9 a.m. and $14 Dude Imbibes bombers for sale starting at noon. Saturday, 3/5

Amazing Brains at Discovery Place: Learn about the science of illusions and how your brain interprets them, test your brain with minds-on activities and keep your brain healthy by participating in a Zumba class. All activities begin at 11 a.m. Saturday, 3/5

Dog photos with the Easter Bunny at Lucky Dog Bark & Brew: Dress your furry friend up for a photo shoot with the Easter Bunny from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, 3/5

Plaza Midwood Winter Fling at VanLandingham Estate: Oyster roast, live music, silent auction, local brews, and more beginning at 6 p.m. $35 ticket does not include alcohol – purchase here. Saturday, 3/5

10th Annual Lupus Mardi Gras Gala at CenterStage@NoDa: Celebrate in true New Orleans style – swing dance, enjoy authentic creole cuisine and experience the mystic of fortune telling. Event benefits the N.C. chapter of the Lupus Foundation of America. Tickets. Saturday, 3/5 from 7 p.m. to midnight

Metrolina Antique & Vintage Market Show: Shop 98,000 square feet of fine antiques, vintage heirlooms, shabby chic furniture, accessories, jewelry, gifts and more. Now through Sunday, 3/6

The Arts

The Realish Housewives of Charlotte at Booth Playhouse: A parody based on the Real Housewives show that will take on current events in Charlotte. Tickets. Now though Sunday, 3/6

First Friday South End Gallery Crawl: A fun event for everyone whether you’re shopping for art or just enjoy looking. We suggest you park at Atherton Mill, grab a bite to eat and then start gallery hopping from there. Friday, 3/4

Lagunitas Couchtrippin Tour comes to The Fillmore: Concert by The Black Angels, Lagunitas beer, and more from 7:30 p.m. to 11 p.m. Free – RSVP here.

Charlotte Ballet’s Dancing with the Stars of Charlotte Gala: This annual event pairs a “star” from one of Charlotte’s corporations with a professional Charlotte Ballet dancer to raise money for the charity of the star’s choosing. The gala will take place at the Knight Theater and entry time is staggered based on ticket level – tickets. Saturday, 3/5

Antonio Lysy: The Bach Suites for Cello: This concert is part of The Bechtler’s Living Room concert series and will take place in a private residence. Lysy is a cello professor at the University of California and recipient of a Latin Grammy. Pre-concert cocktails will be served at 3:30 p.m. and the concert will begin at 4 p.m. $80 – tickets. Sunday, 3/6

Fitness

Date Night at Hilliard Studio Method: Sign up for the 6 p.m. class with your partner then stay after for drinks and light snacks. Register here. Friday, 3/4

BB&T Corporate Cup 5K and Half Marathon: Race benefits the YMCA Annual Campaign and is the YMCA of Greater Charlotte’s larger road rase of the year with more than 3,500 runners. Post-race party in Uptown will feature live music, free food and over 20 vendors. Register. Saturday, 3/5

4th Annual RunJenRun 5K: The 5K races starts at Symphony Park at 8 a.m. and goes through the Barclay Downs neighborhood. In addition, there one mile Fun Run. Both races benefit the GoJenGo Foundation, which assists people in their fight against breast cancer. Register. Saturday, 3/5

Sports

Hockey: The Checkers host the Grand Rapids Griffins at Bojangles’ Coliseum on Friday and Saturday night. Both games are at 7:30 p.m. Friday tickets here and Saturday tickets here.

Basketball: The Hornets face the Pacers on Friday at 7 p.m. at Time Warner Cable Arena. Get there early, they’ll be giving away Hugo plush hats to fans. Tickets.

Roller Derby: The Charlotte Roller Girls are kicking off the 2016 season with a double header this weekend at the Grady Cole Center. Doors open at 4:30 p.m. and the first bout is at 5 p.m. Tickets.