The C5 Checklist: 6 things you should do this weekend | Jan. 20-22

I’ve had my Friday night planned for a couple of weeks now. Ever since my boyfriend snagged advanced tickets for Discovery Place’s sold-out Science on the Rocks: Wizarding World. That’s right, Quidditch Beer Pong, here I come.

If your Hogwarts letter for this magical shebang got lost in the mail, you still have a chance to buy tickets at the door when the Jan. 20 event begins. Doors open at 5 p.m. at Discovery Place, 301 N. Tryon St.

As for the rest of the weekend, here are your options:

(1) If you need to get over the inauguration…

Donna Scott Productions is presenting a free reading of the play “The Taming” by Lauren Gunderson on Jan. 20. The satirical, feminist play touches on political and gender stereotypes. Scott decided it was important to be a part of this widespread inauguration night reading of the play to show that DSP is fighting for causes it believes in no matter who’s in the White House. (Hear more on this week’s episode of the CharlotteFive Podcast.) 7 p.m. RSVP here. Charlotte Art League, 1517 Camden Road.

(2) If you want to be part of something big…

Lace up some comfy walking shoes and head to First Ward Park on Jan. 21. More than 3,000 people are expected to show up for the Women’s March on Charlotte. This march is organized by a committee of volunteers and is being held at the same time — 10 a.m. Jan. 21 — as the Women’s March on Washington.

Charlotte is one of many cities around America holding Women’s Marches in conjunction with the Washington march, and is “sending a clear message to our government that women’s rights are human rights.” First Ward Park, 301 E. 7th St.

(3) If you’re craving authentic Chinese food…

Off you go to the 20th Anniversary Chinese New Year Festival on Jan. 21. The Peaceful Dragon Cultural Center hosts this celebration from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Chinese food will be available for purchase, and performances will be in full swing from traditional Lion Dances and Dragon Dances, to Chinese cultural arts performances including kung fu, music, tai chi, traditional Asian dance and yoga. Admission is $3 for individuals/$5 per family, or free with a non-perishable food item that will be donated to Loaves and Fishes. 12610 Steele Creek Road.

(4) If you’re ready to reshape your perspective…

Wrap your mind around the idea of “thought alchemy” during a talk called Years End by Loren Fletcher on Jan. 22. Thought alchemy is a method of reworking thoughts and experiences, giving you an opportunity to reflect on this past year and reshape experiences and events as sources of inspiration. Fletcher spoke at TEDx Albuquerque in 2015. 1-2 p.m. Lenny Boy Brewing Co., 3000 S. Tryon St.

(5) If you’re in the mood to sing…

Admit it. Sometimes belting out your favorite Josh Groban song in the shower just doesn’t cut it. Enter: The Tosco Music Party at 7:30 p.m. on Jan. 21. This evening of music features an eclectic mix of all styles, with performances by about 15 acts, professional and amateur. And, as always, there will be singalongs.

Tickets are $14-$24 and can be found at www.carolinatix.org or the Box Office: (704) 372-1000. Knight Theater at Levine Center for the Arts, 430 South Tryon St.

(6) If you’re a parent who’s all about babies in breweries…

You’re in luck. This month’s Dads + Bags + Brews gathering, sponsored by Baby+Company, is Jan. 22 at Free Range Brewing. This monthly event invites dads, dads-to-be, moms and kids to meet up. There will be plenty of craft beer and cornhole for the adults. 2-4 p.m. Free Range Brewing, 2320 N Davidson St.

Photos: AP, Donna Scott Productions, Loren Fletcher.

This story was originally published January 18, 2017 at 9:08 PM with the headline "The C5 Checklist: 6 things you should do this weekend | Jan. 20-22."