ONGOING EVENTS
Apple Picking Orchards
Blue Haven Orchards, John's Island
Open Daily
(864)647-2855
Pick your own apples in one of the best South Carolina apple farms in area.
The HaveNots! Laugh for a Lincoln
Theatre 99, Charleston
Wednesdays
www.thehavenots.com
The HaveNots! Laugh for a Lincoln is the best $5 you can spend! Each week features 2 different sets with different improv groups until February 2009. You'll love it! Show starts at 8 pm.
National Outdoor Sculpture Competition and Exhibition
Riverfront Park, North Charleston
Open daily through March 2009
www.northcharleston.org
The third annual, National Outdoor Sculpture Competition and Exhibition is an eleven month exhibition featuring up to fifteen established and emerging artists displaying imaginative and thought provoking large-scale sculptures. Admission and parking are free.
Summer Wine Strolls
Gardens of Middleton Place, Charleston
Wednesdays
(843) 266-7477
Enjoy wine tasting in the Gardens of Middleton Place every Wednesday from 5:30 to 7:00 pm, $10 pp, reservations recommended.
Mount Pleasant Farmer's Market
Moultrie Middle School, Mount Pleasant
Tuesdays
(843) 884-8517
Spend the afternoon picking up local produce, flowers, preserves, dips, breads, pies, and other homemade treats. Grab lunch at one of the numerous vendors from around the area while enjoying live music. Open from 3pm to dark.
Charleston Farmer's Market
Marion Square, Charleston
Saturdays through November
(843) 724-7305
Come enjoy a bounty of fresh local produce, plants, herbs, and cut flowers. You can also stop by for delicious breakfast, brunch, or lunch, browse through an array of art from the local artisans, and listen to live entertainment.
Magnolia Plantation and Gardens Tours
Magnolia Plantation, Charleston
Open Daily
www.magnoliaplantation.com
Experience both the nature and history of Charleston by visiting Magnolia Plantation and Gardens. Take a tour of the plantation, and go on a bird walk in the garden. Also available are nature train and boat tours to view the area's plants and wildlife. An all inclusive pass is available for $36pp.
Drayton Hall Tours & Exhibits
Drayton Hall, Charleston
Open Daily
House Tours begin at 9am, (From Africa to America program and the African-American Cemetery included with regular admission.) Self directed walking and interactive DVD tour is $7 pp. For more info call (843) 769-2600.
Charleston Museum's Displays & Exhibits
The Charleston Museum, Charleston
Open Daily
charlestonmuseum.org
Come visit America's very first museum, founded in 1773. Exhibits focus on early Native Americans, trade & commerce, the plantation system, African-American contributions, and Civil War memorabilia.
Spring Events
Music, Movies & More
Freshfields Village & Bohicket Marina
May 1-31
21st Annual Governor’s Cup Billfish Tournament Series
Charleston Harbor Resort and Marina
June 25-28
Fourth of July at the South Carolina Aquarium
South Carolina Aquarium in Charleston Harbor
July 4
Summer Events
Charleston Harbor Fest 2009
Charleston Harbor, SC
June 26 - 29
Don’t miss this special celebration of the earth, land and sea. Explore the ships, beautiful waterfront, and enjoy Lowcountry foods and beverages. Take a sailing lesson, a helicopter ride, or watch a flight demonstration.
Fourth of July at the South Carolina Aquarium
Charleston Harbor
July 4
Celebrate the Fourth of July at the South Carolina Aquarium. Jim ‘N Nicks BBQ and Cupcake will be supplying food and Lee Edwards Entertainment will be providing music. And of course, there will be a fireworks show over the Charleston Harbor!
Southern National Barbeque Championship and Bluegrass Festival
Boone Hall Plantation and Gardens
August 31
Attend an intense barbeque competition between professional barbeque teams and experts! Enjoy free samples while they last or purchase full plates from vendors. There are childrens activities as well to entertain the young ones. Tickets are $20 for adults, $7.50 for children of 6-12 years, and free for children under 5.
Fall Events
Reggae Nights
North Charleston
September 19 and October 17
www.ccprc.com
Dance to Reggae music in the beautiful outdoors or enjoy listening to the smooth sounds from the comfort of a blanket on the grass. Music begins at 8:30 PM; however, you can bring your family early for a nice dinner in the park. Admission will be $6 for adults and children under 12 are free. For more information call (843) 795-4386.
Scottish Games and Highland Gathering
Boone Hall Plantation
September 20
Celebrate the traditional Scottish Highland Games and spend the day exploring one of the oldest working plantations in America. Witness and participate in many athletic activities, highland dancing, competitions, kid’s games, and bagpipe bands. Tickets are $15 for adults, $5 for children and free for children 5 years old or younger.
2009 MOJA Arts Festival
Charleston, SC
September 24 - October 4
Come to this annual celebration of African-American and Caribbean art. As MOJA is a Swahili word for “one,” the event commemorates harmony among all people. Along with the art, there will be various concerts, ethnic foods and crafts.
Charleston’s Fall Tour of Homes & Gardens
Charleston, SC
September 25 - October 26
Attend the 33rd annual tour of Charleston’s historic homes and gardens. Tours are by foot and are self-guided, with volunteers offering information and guidance. Tickets are $45 per person.
Charleston Corn Maize
Johns Island, SC
October 1 - 30
Get lost in a 5-acre maze! Also explore the Pumpkin Patch and various family activities. Concessions and free parking will be available.
French Quarter Art Walk
Downtown Charleston, SC
October 2
Come see the works of more than 500 artists of all different styles and mediums. Appreciate the history and artistic culture that this area has to offer.
Salsa Under the Stars
Folly Beach Edwin S. Taylor Fishing Pier
October 9
Dance to salsa and Latin music and enjoy food and beverages available for purchase. Advance tickets are $8 for Charleston County residents. All available tickets are $10 at the gate.
The Taste of Charleston Celebration
Boone Hall Plantation
October 9 - 11
Come taste samples from more than 40 local restaurants with imported and specialty beers. There will be cooking demonstrations, contests, live bands and activities for the kids. In addition, there will be an Iron Chef Competition and Taste of the Arts. General Admission is $12 per person.
St. Paul’s Halloween Extravaganza
Gibson Road, Hollywood, SC
October 17, 23 and 24
www.charlestonlowcountry.com
Travel through the woods of Charleston on a 40 minute hayride as actors try to spook riders in the night. There will be plenty of children’s games, a petting zoo, food, funnel cakes and more! Admission for Adults is $7, children between the ages of 6-12 will be charged $5, and children under the age of 6 are free. For more information call (843) 889-1330.
Trunk or Treat
James Island, SC
October 28
www.charlestonlowcountry.com/Bethany
Best for family, friends and young children, the annual Trunk or Treat event held at Bethany United Methodist Church is a safe and convenient way to treat your children to a fun night of trick-or-treating. Prizes are given to the best decorated car trunk and adults are encouraged to hand out candy, as well as dress in costume. Less walking and the safety of no moving traffic between homes, this night will be pleasant for adults and fabulous for excited children. Come early for a Halloween feast, games, and a haunted walk. Admission is free. For more information call (843) 795-3527.
Harvest Festival
Johns Island, SC
November 7
This event offers a huge variety of activities for children, adults and families. Some events include craft shows, pony rides, barbeque and festival foods, contests, hay wagon rides, games and dancing.
Civil War Reenactment of the Battle of Sucessionville
Boon Hall Plantation
November 8 and 9
www.battleofsecessionville.org
One of the first Federal Infantry attempts to capture Charleston, the battle that took place June 16, 1892, is reenacted annually to remember the historic fight and the nearly 900 men that were lost. Bring your family to experience a piece of Charleston’s history live and learn more about the cities unique heritage. For more information please call (843) 884-4371.
Holiday Festival of Lights
James Island County Park, SC
November 13- January 3
www.ccprc.com
Enjoy the beauty of five-hundred thousand lights as they illuminate the James Island County Park. The three mile long drive will display many Christmas themes, including Santa’s sweet shop, toy shop, gingerbread houses and will conclude with a grand tree lighting. There is also the option to ride a train through the lights for those who would prefer the sights in the night air. There is a $10 charge per vehicle, a $2 charge for train ride passengers and children under the age of two are free. For more information call (843) 795-7275.
Charleston Sleigh Ride
Charleston Harbor
Every Thursday-Sunday Evening in December
www.ThrillerCharleston.com
With waterproof blankets and hot chocolate travel mugs, enjoy an evening ride through the harbor to admire the holiday lights from the water. Traveling at slower speeds, you will be thoroughly pleased with this gentle ride, holiday music, traditional story telling and accessibility to the beautiful views. Admission for adults will be $40 and $30 for children. For more information call (843) 276-4203.
Charleston Tree Lighting Ceremony
Downtown Charleston
December 6
www.ccprc.com
At the heart of Marion Square, the Christmas tree lighting will be an event for the entire family. Over 60 feet tall and sparkling in golden lights, the beautiful Christmas tree will be a sight to see. Both the Mayor Joseph P. Riley and Santa Clause will be helping with the lighting ceremony. Admissions will be free to all guests attending. For more information call (843) 795-7275.
Parade of Boats
Waterfront Park, The USS Yorktown and The Battery Area
December 6
www.charlestonarts.sc
Beginning the journey on the Cooper River, fabulously decorated boats will proceed through the blue waters of the Charleston Harbor and complete their travels in the Ashley River. There are several viewing points at which the boats will be visible and from any waterfront location spectators should have front row seats for the fireworks display at the conclusion of the boat parade. The parade is to begin at 5:00PM on the water and the fireworks at 6:45. For more information call (843) 724-7305.
5K Reindeer Walk/Run
Downtown Charleston
December 9
www.reindeerrun.org
This festive holiday run is an event for all reindeer and friends. Participants who dress to impress in their holiday attire have the opportunity to win great prizes. Runners of all ages are welcome, as well as walkers, dogs, strollers, and scooters. Entry fees are offered at a discount price until November for all runners, walkers, children, and dogs. After November there will be an additional $5 charge and a $10 charge on the day of. For more information call (843) 345-6906.
Charleston Christmas Special
Downtown Charleston
December 10-20
BradandJenniferMoranz.com
Prepare to be dazzled by this year’s Christmas Special as former Broadway actors direct and produce this amazing musical. Dancers, singers and musicians will perform to all of your family’s favorite Christmas songs and provide comedic commentary that will boost your holiday spirit. Ticket prices range from $32.50 to $19.50 and do offer special prices for senior citizens, military personnel, parties of 15 or more, students with a school Id, and children under the age of 12. For More information call (843) 416-8453.
Nutcracker Ballet
Gaillard Auditorium
December 13 & 14
www.charlestonballet.com
A heartwarming performance that the entire family will treasure, the Nutcracker Ballet, will be preformed at the Charleston Ballet Theater for three very special performances in the month of December. This timeless classic will be sure to capture younger audiences and delight those who have experienced the magical performance before. Tickets will range from $30 to $40 and children will receive a $10 discount off their ticket price. For more information call (843) 723-7334, M-F.
Happy New Year Charleston
Marion Square, Downtown Charleston
December 31, 2009
Celebrate the New Year in a family oriented, alcohol-free environment in the heart of Charleston at Marion Square. Beginning at 4PM and ending at 10:30 PM, there will be music for all tastes, cultural dancing, children’s activities and games, as well as a fireworks display. Admission is free for all individuals. This event will please all family members and be a fun way to begin the New Year. For more information call (843) 724-7305.
