things to do in charleston

$300 Million Downtown Nexton Development is Underway

A multi-million dollar development in Downtown Nexton is currently underway.

The $300 million development, which is being developed by Sharbell Development Corp. out of New Jersey, will include everything from restaurants, apartments, hotels and retail stores. In addition, outdoor amenities like walking trails and parks will also be available.

The development will cover over 99-acres in total between Sigma Drive and Brighton Park Boulevard.

Tom Troy, president of Sharbell Development Corp, said “Our intent with this project is to provide residents with their own version of a downtown where they can find everything they need, from groceries and dining experiences to fitness classes and boutiques, without having to ever get in their car.”

Construction on the development will occur in phases over the next five years, starting with an apartment complex that will offer units from studio apartments up to three bedrooms.

Officials are hopeful this development will continue to revitalize the area.

Eat & Drink

How to Celebrate Cinco de Mayo Around Charleston

Let’s taco ‘bout Cinco de Mayo, which is coming up on Wednesday, May 5th! Here’s how you can celebrate the upcoming holiday with a fiesta of your own.

Cinco de Mayo at 3 Matadors

Cinco de Mayo wouldn’t be complete without tacos and margaritas – both of which the 3 Matadors prides themselves on. On Cinco de Mayo, 3 Matadors is having a special celebration for the holiday with live music, food and drinks!

Cinco de Mayo at Mex 1

Mex 1 is bringing out all the stops for Cinco de Mayo this year. The West Ashley location is hosting a Cinco Block Party with live music from Yellowknife and Friends. The Park West and Sullivan’s Island locations will also feature live music. In addition, each location will have $5 margaritas all day long on Cinco de Mayo.

Cinco de Mayo Day Sip n’ Paint

Sip and Paint at this Cinco de Mayo themed painting class. Enjoy a variety of assorted tequilas while exploring your creative side. The event will take place on Wednesday, May 5th at the East Cooper Disco. Tickets are only $35 and include a complimentary drink, apron and painting supplies.

Events

Highly Anticipated Blessing of the Fleet This Weekend

The Annual Blessing of the Fleet and Seafood Festival is coming up this weekend in Mount Pleasant.

The event takes place every year and is a celebration of Mount Pleasant’s local shrimping and fishing industry. This year’s Blessing of the Fleet will take place on April 25th from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm at the Memorial Waterfront Park.

According to their website, “participants are treated to a boat parade and ceremonial blessing of the shrimp/fishing fleet, savory seafood samplings sold by some of Mount Pleasant’s best restaurants, live music, a craft show, Shag and shrimp-eating contests, and family-friendly activities.”

Admission to the festival is free for festival-goers. In addition to free admission, there will also be free shuttle buses running all day from various locations in Mount Pleasant to Memorial Waterfront Park.

Officials are encouraging attendees to engage in social distancing and wear face masks during the event.

Events

Country Star to Headline Upcoming Outdoor Concert

Mark your calendars! On May 20th, country artist Jimmie Allen will be performing live in Charleston.

As a “platinum-selling recording artist and songwriter Jimmie Allen has already made history as the first Black artist to launch a career with two consecutive No. 1 hits on country radio – the first being his debut single ‘Best Shot’ – which claimed the No. 1 spot for three weeks – and second being his latest single ‘Make Me Want To.’”

Jimmie Allen also received the Country Music Awards nomination for New Artist of the Year at the 54th annual CMA Awards last year.

Allen will be headlining one of Firefly Distillery’s Safe Sounds outdoor concerts, which will also include a performance from Chase Martin.

The concert will begin at 7:00 pm and take place at Firefly Distillery (4201 Spruill Avenue in North Charleston). Tickets are $41.25 per person for general admission tickets or you can purchase a 10’x10’ square for you and three friends for only $165.

Click here to purchase your tickets before they sell out!

Events

Charleston Farmers Market Starting Back Up in “Essentials Only” Format

Marion Square is welcoming back the Charleston Farmers Market on Saturday, April 10, 2021. However, it will be following the “essentials-only” format, only allowing certain vendors to take part in the event.

The Charleston Farmers Market first began in 1989 and is a weekly showcase of local crafts and goods.

The “Charleston Essentials Market” will only include goods from farmers and growers as well as crafters and artisans. Both vendors and individuals who wish to attend must follow CDC guidelines including wearing a mask and social distancing.

The farmers market will be open every Saturday from 8:00 am – 1:00 pm until November 27, 2021. The market is not currently accepting applications for new vendors to participate but hopes to open up to allow more businesses soon.

Charleston officials are continuing to monitor the COVID-19 pandemic and determine if and when it is appropriate to open the farmers market to run at full capacity.

Events

Charleston RiverDogs Announce 2021 Schedule

After their 2020 season was cancelled due to COVID-19, the Charleston RiverDogs are eager to get back on the field.

The RiverDogs recently announced their 2021 schedule, which will begin on May 4th with a home game against Myrtle Beach.

You can grab your tickets to one of their upcoming games on Thursday, April 1 when single game tickets go on sale. It is important to note that there will be some seating modifications in order to follow the COVID-19 protocols set forth by the city and MLB.

Dave Echols, RiverDogs President and General Manager said, “We know that fans are looking forward to coming to games in person and we are looking forward to hosting them in a way that is safe and comfortable. Our motto is “Here for the Holy City” and we have been active throughout the community in the 17 months since the last ballgame at The Joe. It is comforting that we are getting ready to welcome the community back into “our house” where we can entertain them as we always have.”

Click here to view and print a copy of the RiverDogs 2021 schedule.

Events

Eggstravagant Easter Events Around Charleston

Spring has sprung and Easter is coming up on April 4th. To celebrate, there are a variety of socially distant, family-friendly Easter events in and around Charleston.

Easter Egg Hunt at Alhambra Hall

Grab your Easter baskets and head to Alhambra Hall on Wednesday, March 31st for an Easter Egg Hunt. Kids can enjoy a variety of Easter-related activities and can also snag a picture with the Easter bunny.

Easter Egg Drop on Isle of Palms

In place of the annual Easter Egg Hunt, the Isle of Palms Recreation Department, Fire Department and Police Department will be hosting an Easter Egg Drop. Register online and the Easter Bunny will drop off Easter eggs to your home on Saturday, April 3rd.

Easter Egg Hunt & Brunch at Salty Dog Seabrook Island

The Salty Dog Seabrook Island/Charleston is hosting an Easter Egg Hunt on Sunday, April 4th from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. There will be a different egg hunt each hour in order to keep groups small. Enjoy a delicious brunch afterwards at the Salty Dog.

Easter Egg Toss and Parade on Kiawah Island

Start your Easter morning with a parade through Kiawah Island. The parade starts at 10:00 am and will cover the East Beach Village area. Follow the parade with the annual Easter Egg Toss at Night Heron Park from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm.

Events

Sip and Stroll Returning This Spring to Middleton Place

Beginning on Wednesday, March 24, the popular Garden Strolls and Wine Tastings event will be back at Middleton Place.

Middleton Place is a National Historic Landmark and is “home to the oldest landscaped gardens in America and an enduring, vibrant, and essential part of the Charleston and American experience.”

Each Wednesday night, grab your friends and family for a night in one of America’s oldest landscaped gardens. You can sip on a variety of wine while strolling through a different garden each week. Snacks will also be provided.

The event will take place every Wednesday from 5:30pm – 7:30pm. In compliance with CDC guidelines, face masks will be required for parts of the event. Tickets are $20 for members and $25 for non-members. The last night of the sip and stroll will be May 26th so be sure to reserve your spot in advance.

Click here to purchase your tickets.