Feb 14, 2019 - Things to Do

35 NBA All-Star parties and events taking over Charlotte Feb. 15-17

Katie Levans

This story is proudly presented by Budweiser, The King of Beers.

Get to all the top events safely with Lyft. The first 100 people to redeem the Lyft code AGENDAALLSTAR19 will receive $5 off one ride to or from Uptown Friday, 2/15 – Monday, 2/18.

The 68th NBA All-Star game will take place at the Spectrum Center on Sunday, Feb. 17.

It’s a major event for Charlotte projected to have a $100 million economic impact on the city. Here are a few quick logistical things to know about the weekend before we let the good times roll:

Traffic will be a nightmare. More than 150,000 visitors and 1,800 media members will descend on the city for the weekend festivities and big game on Sunday. Heavy pedestrian traffic and street closures around Spectrum Center will leave Uptown congested all weekend. And you can expect gridlocked delays Friday afternoon on Independence Blvd. ahead of the NBA All-Star Celebrity Game at Bojangles’ Coliseum.

Light rail travel will include extra security measures. After 5 p.m. on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, purses, backpacks, suitcases and bags of any kind will not be allowed on the train. Riders passing through the 3rd and 7th Street stops must disembark for security sweeps before continuing on. And no trains will stop at the CTC station closest to the Spectrum Center.

Celebrity sightings will be unusually high so keep your radar up. In addition to the league’s biggest-name athletes on the court, you can expect to catch celebrity fans in town to watch all the action. You’ll see names like DMX, Floyd Mayweather, Gucci Mane, Fabolous and Allen Iverson booked to host or perform at parties at bars and restaurants throughout the weekend. And the official game entertainment will feature Meek Mill as the opening act, Anthony Hamilton performing the National Anthem, Carly Rae Jepsen singing the Canadian national anthem and J. Cole with the halftime show.

You’ll kick yourself decades from now if you don’t stock up on limited-edition gear. The last time Charlotte hosted the NBA All-Star game was 1991 and that throwback gear would look pretty cool on a second run right about now — if you had it. (You can actually buy a 1991 Charlotte All-Star snapback from Black Sheep.) For 2019 gear, check out the Hornets Fan Shop, 704 Shop and Glory Days Apparel.

Now that you’re mentally prepared and properly dressed, on to the parties. Official NBA All-Star events are marked with an asterisk (*).

Charlotte NBA All-Star Parties and Events

Thursday

Welcome to Charlotte Block Party – Floyd “Money” Mayweather hosts the 4-venue event with “A-list” celebrity friends at Oak Room, Slate, All American Pub and Hot Taco. 9 p.m. to 3 a.m. $25-$8,000 (many ticket levels sold out).

Friday

NBA All-Star at Epicentre* – The official free fan destination features customized experiences, retail offerings and NBA partner activations. Open daily noon to 7 p.m. Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Free to enter but advance reservations and wristbands required.

All-Star Bar Crawl – Three Epicentre bars — World of Beer, Empire and Wild Wing Cafe — are hosting one mega day party featuring DJ Kool, DJ Chuck Chillout, DJ Red Alert and DJ Flex. Noon to 6 p.m. $20-$30.

The Answer Day Party – Allen Iverson and friends host the day party at Oak Room and Slate featuring music by DJ SnS and DJ Infamous. 1-8 p.m. $35-$60.

Black Food Truck Friday: NBA All-Stars – Black-owned food trucks convene at Recess for a family-friendly affair. 4-10 p.m. Free to enter; purchase tickets for food and games.

NBA All-Star Celebrity Game* – Celebrities join NBA and WNBA athletes for an entertaining game at Bojangles’ Coliseum. Last year Quavo was the MVP. 7 p.m. Tickets are sold out.

Welcome to Charlotte All-Star Weekend Celebration – Real Housewives star and Charlotte nightlife mogul Peter Thomas welcomes visitors to All-Star weekend at ClubONE featuring Kid Capri downstairs and DJ Daddy D upstairs. 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. $50-$75.

Mtn Dew Ice Rising Stars* – Ten first and second-year NBA players from the U.S. take on 10 first and second-year NBA players from around the world in the league’s annual showcase of premier young talent at Spectrum Center. 9 p.m. Available tickets start at $220.

All-Star Weekend Kickoff – Gucci Mane and Gunna will be live at Centerstage @ NoDa’s Atrium of Charlotte. 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. Tickets $120-$180.

704 All-Star Weekend Party ft. Deniro Farrar – One of Charlotte’s best hometown rappers takes over The Rabbit Hole with Vegas McClain, Jayway Sosa and Power 98’s Mr. Incognito. 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. $20-$1200.

All-Star Celebrity Basketball Game After Party – Confirmed celebrity guests include Damarre Carroll of the Brooklyn Nets and Gary Clark of the Houston Rockets. 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. $25-$2000.

Saturday

All-Star Brunch Party – DJ Phat Boi provides the soundtrack for brunch at SportsONE beginning at 11 a.m. See the menu.

All-Star Weekend Brunch – Enjoy an all-you-can-eat buffet brunch along with music and drinks at Ink N Ivy. Noon to 4 p.m.Available tickets are $70.

Good Company Style & Grooming Lounge – Get ready for the game with hair styling, makeup, massages, men’s grooming, nail services and more at Sugar Creek Brewing. They’ll also have a cigar lounge, car service and food and beverages. Noon to 6 p.m. $40.

LaDiDaDi Day Party – Four venues, three DJs and one live gogo band will take over Oak Room, Slate, All American Pub and Hot Taco. Doug E. Fresh is a confirmed celebrity appearance. Noon to 8 p.m. Available tickets are $50-$2,000 (several ticket levels sold out).

Day Dreaming Day Party – Fabolous and Allen Iverson host the “star studded” day party at Ink N Ivy. 4-9 p.m. $100-$150.

All-Star Bar Crawl – Featuring drink specials, gifts, beads and more at 6 venues — Sports ONE, Flight, Sage, Centerstage, Factory Cafe, La Revolucion and VBGB. $60-$1000.

The Crossover ft Rick Ross – Founders Hall becomes the ultimate All-Star VIP experience with live performances, celebrity DJs and guest host Cam Newton. 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. $150-$20,000.

Redefine Black Tie All-Star Saturday Night – “Dress competitively” for this affair at the Gantt Center. 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. $25-$75.

Sneaker Ball Day Party – The adult arcade will have $100 prizes for best sneakers and top score on games like Pac-Man, Ms. Pac-Man, Donkey Kong and more. 12:30-7:30 p.m. Free if you RSVP before 2 p.m. on Feb. 14. $25-$400.

State Farm All-Star Saturday Night* – The fan favorite prelude to the big game features the Taco Bell Skills Challenge, Mtn Dew 3-Point Contest and the AT&T Slam Dunk Contest.

All-Star Main Event ft. Migos – Migos take the stage at one of the biggest events of the weekend hosted at Centerstage @ NoDa’s Atrium of Charlotte. 9:30 p.m. to 2:30 a.m. Tickets $150-$250.

Sunday

All-Star Brunch – Chef Jamar and Chef Deja will be dishing out an all-you-can-eat buffet at Explicit Bistro & Lounge stacked with signature waffles, chicken wings, scrambled eggs, home fries, shrimp & grits and more. 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. $30-$45.

Pure Energy Day Party ft. DJ Khaled – ANOTHER ONE. DJ Khaled along with DJ Self and DJ SNS bring the pre-game energy at Fitzgerald’s. 12-8 p.m. Tickets $60-$2,500.

Henny & Waffles – Enjoy all-you-can-eat waffles, bottomless mimosas and $10 Hennessy cocktails all afternoon at Oak Room. 1-4 p.m. $35 buffet, $15 bottomless mimosas.

All-Star Weekend Grand Finale – Enjoy two parties for the price of one at Loft and Cellar with the Day Dreams Day Party and Finale Watch Party. 1 p.m. to 2 a.m. $75-$100.

All-Star Sneaker Summit – Buy, sell, trade, browse and discuss rare and collectible footwear, clothing and accessories at the Gantt Center. 1-5 p.m. $25.

Day Party and Pop-Up – Featuring pop-up apparel and art vendors at Recess. 1-4 p.m. $25-$50.

68th NBA All-Star Game* – The main event. The Los Angeles Lakers’ LeBron James and the Milwaukee Bucks’ Giannis Antetokounmpo lead the list of 10 players – two guards and three frontcourt players from each conference – selected by fans, current NBA players and a media panel. 8:20 p.m.

DMX & Kid Capri Live All-Star Finale – Catch Kid Capri on the 1s and 2s and a live performance from DMX at Fitzgerald’s. 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. $60-$2,000.

All-Star Weekend Grand Finale ft. Meek Mill – Meek Mill closes out the weekend at Centerstage @ NoDa’s Atrium of Charlotte. 9 p.m. to 2:30 a.m. Tickets $65-$200.

Gucci Mane Trap Gala – Gucci Mane hosts the All-Star game post-party Trap Gala at Ink N Ivy. 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. $60-$85.

The Crossover featuring Diddy – Founders Hall becomes the ultimate All-Star VIP experience with live performances and celebrity DJs. 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. $150-$20,000.

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