This week's party picks

Here's the best of Charlotte nightlife this week.

Today

Mix at Six

5-9:30 p.m. Ballantyne Village. Free. www.mixatsixballantyne.com.

Check out Ballantyne's version of Alive After Five at the first of fall's Mix at Six series. Simplified performs.

Thursday

Steelers vs. Panthers

The Panthers take on Big Ben and the Steelers in this week's preseason game. If you're a Steelers fan, head to Dixie's to hang with the rest of your Terrible Towel twirling peeps. Panthers fans, check out the tailgate party in Brevard Court, featuring corn hole, beer pong, flip cup and prizes. (If you're looking for a permanent place to tailgate this season, consider joining the Friends of St. Jude tailgating group at Church and Second streets. You can sign up at Angry Ale's after the game Thursday. The $125 membership dues include free food and drinks and are tax deductible, directly benefitting St. Jude's.) 

Thirsty Thursday

7:15 p.m. Knights Stadium, Fort Mill. $7-$13. www.charlotteknights.com.

The Knights kick off their final home stand tonight in Fort Mill which means only one Thirsty Thursday left in the season. Get out to Knights Stadium and enjoy $1 beers and $1 sodas. 

Friday

RockHouse night

8 p.m. Corner of Fifth and College streets. www.rockhouseevents.com.

Start your long weekend off by knocking back a few cold ones courtesy of RockHouse Events. The professional partying company is buying two kegs at Buckhead Saloon. Just mention RockHouse at the door and you’re all set until supplies run out.

Saturday

Charlotte Music Festival

3 p.m. 400 W. Tremont Ave. $10. www.tremontmusichall.com.

Fifty bands are set to pack Tremont Music Hall for two days of metal this weekend. Among them: Lucky Five, Final Curse and Junior Doctor. One ticket grants you head-banging access to both days.

Sunday

Labor Day Luau

6 p.m. 210 E. Trade St. (in the EpiCentre). $5. www.howlatthemoon.com.

More than $500 in cash and prizes will be given away at Howl at the Moon’s holiday bash. Drink specials include $2.75 Coors Light, $6 Beach Bombs and $25 86-ounce Paradise Skyy buckets.

Wednesday

Race for the Cure Kickoff Party

5-9 p.m. Cans, 500 W. Fifth St. Free ($5 donation earns you a pink bracelet). www.komencharlotte.org.

The 2009 Race for the Cure is a little less than a month away and Charlotte's affiliate of the Susan G. Komen Foundation is working to build the buzz surrounding the big event. At next week's kickoff party hosted by radio personality Jacinda of 96.1 The Beat, guests can wear pink, make a donation and celebrate with friends. ($2 beers, $4 Red Bull vodkas and light appetizers will be served.)