The CIAA tournament is as much about the parties as it is about the hard court, as thousands of alumni from historically black colleges and universities gather for an informal reunion. Here are a few of the most anticipated events going on next weekend. (See the entire list of events at www.cltcentral.com.)

Thursday, Feb. 28

The Jump Off at Vapiano (201 S. Tryon St.): Jack Daniels will be on hand giving away samples and party favors. Music provided by D.C.’s DJ Biggs and Virginia’s DJ Lonnie B (of the Heavy Hitters). 5 p.m.-2:30 a.m. Free before 10 p.m. (with RSVP); $20 after. http://thejumpoff2013.eventbrite.com.

Heaven at Blue Restaurant (206 N. College St.): DJ 06 starts things off, followed by D.C.’s Let It Flow Band. Enjoy a late-night menu, free parking with validation, and cocktail specials. This party has sold out for the last seven years. 8 p.m.-2 a.m. $30 and up. www.TalkoftheTownEnt.com.

Friday, March 1

The 3rd Annual Ciroc & Bad Boy Ent DJ SNS Day Party at The Roxbury (116 W. Fifth St.). 1-7 p.m. $20 and up. Tickets: http://djsnsfridaydayparty.eventbrite.com.

The Westin Experience (601 S. College St.): The entertainment bill includes Trey Songz, Kenny Burns, DJ Kool and DJ B Barnes. The ballroom will be filled with more than 20 bars, a VIP section, free samples provided by Grey Goose Cherry Noir, a champagne fountain, personal cocktail servers, and the “30 and Up Lounge,” which will “give you that old and new school/R&B mix.” 9 p.m.-2 a.m. $45 and up. Details: 919-961-5372; AVelvetList@gmail.com; www.AVelvetList.com.

I Luv the ’90s at the Omni Hotel (132 E. Trade St.): Headlined by DJ Jazzy Jeff, this party will be hosted by Skillz. DJ Tron will open. 10 p.m.-2:30 a.m. $40. Details: 919-434-7492; info@dynasty5.com; www.eventbee.com/v/iluvthe90s or www.thesolkitchen.com.

Saturday, March 2

“Classics” at Howl at the Moon (210 E. Trade St., third floor of the EpiCentre): Featuring Pete Rock, Young Guru and 9th Wonder. Noon-7 p.m. $30. www.classics.eventbee.com.

The Official Day Party Headquarters, Part 2 at Fox and Hound (330 N. Tryon St.): The eighth annual event will feature five DJs, live bands, 50 screens and 10 pool tables on three levels. Noon-midnight (we recommend that you show up in the afternoon). $30 and up. www.TalkofthetownEnt.com.

Mike Epps at Bojangles’ Coliseum (2700 E. Independence Blvd.): His stand-up show will also feature openers Doug E. Fresh and Gary Owen. 8 p.m. $45-$75. 800-745-3000; Ticketmaster.com.

And remember: The CIAA men’s and women’s finals are at Time Warner Cable Arena – 5 p.m. for the women and 8:30 p.m. for the men. Without the basketball tournament, none of these other events would be possible.