TGIT! Thank goodness the weekend is almost here. Looking for something to do tonight? You’re invited to join the Southern Piedmont Chapter of the National Forum for Black Public Administrators for its 2016 Holiday Social. It’s an opportunity to reconnect over networking, good fun and good music. (Details)

Here’s a look at what else is happening around the Qcity this weekend:

FOOD + DRINK

I Still Love the 90s Brunch
Saturday @ Sports One Bar & Grill
Enjoy your favorite Southern brunch dishes alongside $5 mimosas as DJ CK spins your favorite 90s tunes. This weekend’s brunch as serves as the watch party for the North Carolina Central Alumni ad they take on Southern in the Celebration Bowl. (Details)

Private Tasting with Nappy Chef
Sunday @ The Vue
Celebrity chef, Nappy Chef is hosting a private tasting on the 50th floor of the Vue located in downtown Charlotte, NC. Attendants will enjoy southern gourmet dishes while being entertained by a special guest performer. (Details)

NIGHT LIFE + ENTERTAINMENT

DJ SNS Celebrity Birthday Takeover Hosted by Doug E. Fresh
Friday @ BluNote of Charlotte
Come out and celebrate with two of Hip Hop’s greatest entertainers as BluNote transforms into New York’s Palladium Ball Room for one night. (Details)

Hip-Hop & Hookah: The Little Brother Edition
Friday @ Apostrophe Lounge
DJ Steel Wheel & DJ Kato of AfroPop Nation are teaming up for the 3rd installment of the “Hip-Hop & Hookah” series, celebrating one of Hip-Hops most iconic groups “Little Brother”. Admission is just $5 before midnight. (Details)

Paint & Play December Edition
Friday @ Industry
Paint & Play is a fusion of the arts. The event features live painters, live spoken word, live music, food, free giveaways and a live dance performance from the 432 dance group. (Details)

Vision Board Party
Saturday @ Packard Place
Don’t wait until Dec. 31 to start making plans for the New Year. Create your vision now. Refreshments and materials will be provided. (Details)

Carolyn Malachi’s #RiseTour
Saturday @ Wadsworth Estate
From Washington, DC’s rich Blues, Jazz, Spoken Word, GoGo and R&B music scene emerges Carolyn Malachi with a fresh blend of music. Celebrate the release of her album, “Rise (Story 1),” this weekend with a special, intimate performance at the Wadsworth Estate. A portion of the proceeds of this event will help provide food to homeless and low-income CMS students during their winter break. (Details)

HOLIDAY PARTIES + EVENTS

Speedway Christmas
Through Dec. 31 @ Charlotte Motor Speedway
It’s going to be a busy weekend at the Charlotte Motor Speedway as hundreds flock to see the annual light show extravaganza. Speedway Christmas features of 3 million lights along a drive-thru 3.75-mile course and runs nightly through the end of the year from 6 to 10 p.m. (Details)

Holidays at The Garden
Through Jan. 1 @ Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden
Holidays at the Garden is a must-see annual tradition for many. Family and friends gather to see The Garden transform into a natural winter wonderland filled with unique festive décor including twinkling trees, sparkling fountains, a towering tree of orchids, more than 600,000 lights, and illuminated displays. (Details)

Toys, Games & Trains
Through Jan. 7 @ Kings Mountain Historical Museum (Kings Mountain, NC)
This annually recurring exhibit fills the Museum with model train displays assembled by the Piedmont “S” Gaugers, as well as railroad memorabilia, and antique toys and games. Visitors of all ages will be enchanted as they explore the miniature snow-covered scenes that line the tracks, and discover the interactive features such as a carousel, chocolate factory, hot air balloons, and mailbag pickup. (Details)

Breakfast with Santa
Through Saturday @ NASCAR Hall of Fame
Celebrate the holiday season with magical events and festive fun including Holiday’s On Ice and Breakfast with Santa. It’s the perfect destination for families, date nights or fun outings with friends. Sunday is Princess Day. The Holiday on Ice Kingdom will welcome Elsa and Cinderella to the rink. (Details)

Charlotte Ballet’s Nutcracker
Through 23 @ Belk Theater
Enjoy a production of “Nutcracker” as you’ve never seen it, complete with live music from the Charlotte Symphony. Thanks to a generous gift from the McColl family, choreographer Jean-Pierre Bonnefoux is collaborating with a world-renowned design team to re-imagine this annual tradition with all new sets and costumes. (Details)

The Seen Ball (A Formal Holiday Ball)
Friday @ Charlotte City Club
The Seen Ball, brought to you by Charlotte Seen, features a chef-inspired sit-down dinner, desserts, cocktails, beer or wine, live performances, presents and dancing. (Details)

2nd Annual Ugly Holiday Sweater & Clothing Drive
Saturday @ Rooftop 210
Celebrate the holidays with the second annual Ugly Sweater Holiday Party and Clothing Drive. Enjoy Christmas Carol Karaoke, contests, prizes, a photo op with Santa Clause and it’s all for a good cause. Clothing donations are being collected for the Salvation Army Center of Hope, which serves over 350 homeless women and children in the Charlotte area (Details)

Tis’ The Season Holiday Soiree
Saturday @ Firewater’s
“The Gift” is a very FESTIVE stage play/musical, written by Vickie L. Evans, that highlights the true meaning of Christmas, It is a “Good Samaritan” tale with a modern-day twist. Come out as see a “feel good” story presented musically by some very gifted local actors and actresses. (Details)

10th Annual Jingle Bell Jam
Saturday @ The Embassy Suites – Concord
Now in its 10th year, this annual event features the smooth sounds of The Matt Kelly Band performing R&B and soul hits from both past and present, music by DJ 06, cash bar and heavy hors d’oeuvres. Come dressed to impress. (Details)