From turtle cams to the Scissor Sisters, the Democratic national convention involves some serious social action too. According to the non-partisan Sunlight Foundation, which monitors political transparency, there are more than 400 parties or concerts scheduled over the four days in Charlotte so far, with a sprinkling of star names including Jessica Alba and Kathleen Turner.
Here's a list of the key parties and concerts this week.
Monday
StartUp Rock On: The Roots, Allen Stone, and special guest will.i.am will perform at this event at Amos' Southend in downtown Charlotte, which is organised by start-up companies EventFarm, HyperVocal and Fighter Interactive. In addition to the music, the event organisers have "assembled some of the top innovators in the country and will be integrating digitally like never before", whatever that means. 8pm-12.30pm.
National Journal/The Atlantic kick-off party: "Get the 2012 Democratic convention started with style at this welcome to Charlotte celebration," reads the blurb. Little more is known, other than that the party is invitation-only.
Tuesday
Politics and Pints: Washington Post-organised politics, news and pop culture quiz, hosted by Chris Cillizza, managing editor of digital politics coverage for the Post. The quiz will be held at Rí Rá Irish Pub in downtown Charlotte. Insider info: a British team won the Post's Tampa equivalent. 6pm
BuzzFeed Party Animals: The Tampa party thrown by the socially-driven news website was the talk of Tampa, at least among certain media types. The Charlotte effort promises a "rainforest room" complete with a turtle sporting a "turtle cam", enabling attendees to "experience the party in the turtle's eyes", according to the invite.
People for the American Way Foundation Celebrates the Right to Vote: This party championing freedom in America will be an opportunity to party with, or at least be under the same roof as, Alec Baldwin, David Hyde Pierce, Kathleen Turner, and a long list of congress men and women. 10pm - 1am.
Wednesday
Got Your 6 Benefit Concert: Flo Rida will perform at the benefit for Got Your 6, an organisation devoted to helping military veterans, at Amos' Southend. The non-partisan organisation held an event in Tampa, too, with Wycleff Jean as the main event.
Creative Coalition benefit gala: the B52s will headline the concert, which promises to bring together "leaders from entertainment, policy and business communities". It's at the North Carolina Music Factory, from 10pm.
Voto Latino Purple Carpet Bash: This party/fundraiser at All American Pub in Charlotte will list Taboo of Black Eyed Peas–fame and business/hip-hop mogul Russell Simmons among its attendees. Voto Latino encourages young American Latinos to register and vote. 9.30pm - 2am.
Thursday
Main convention: By the time Obama formally accepts the Democratic nomination at the Bank of America stadium on Thursday night those inside the stadium will have been treated to performances by James Taylor, Foo Fighters and Marie J Blige, as well as speeches from former Republican gov-turned-Democrat Charlie Crist. 4.30pm onwards.
Super-O-Rama: Jessica Alba and her producer husband Cash Warren will host the convention closing party at the Fillmore, with music provided by the Scissor Sisters and Pitbull. The event is hosted by three fundraising groups – Priorities USA Action, Majority PAC and House Majority PAC. 10.30pm.
• We mistakenly reported that Alec Baldwin was scheduled to attend the convention. This has now been corrected.
