If you were planning on resting up this weekend in preparation for Spoleto season — which starts next week — forget about it. There are so many festivals, concerts, benefits, and more going on that you’re going to be busy.
Friday. Get that cocktail dress out, because tonight is Charleston Waterkeeper’s Water Ball, a swanky affair at the S.C. Aquarium. East Cooper Habitat for Humanity is also its gala House Party at Mt. Pleasant Memorial Waterfront Park.
If you’d rather go casual, stop by Folly Friday, where Center Street businesses get together to offer food, drinks, and promotions, or swing by the Vintage Sale at Eliotborough Mini Bar. Or try your hand at contra dancing in West Ashley.
This is the last weekend to see Clybourne Park and Love, Loss, and What I Wore before their Piccolo runs begin, and it’s your real last chance to see Oklahoma! and 33 Variations.
Watch Back to the Future tonight in Marion Square at the last installment of Movies in Marion Square.
Saturday. It’s festival day today — take your pick from the First Flush Festival out on Wadmalaw Island, LezzFest in Park Circle, and the Charleston Beer Garden at Brittlebank Park. The Charleston Jazz Orchestra presents Porgy and Bess Reimagined, the Youth Orchestra of the Lowcountry plays their 40th Anniversary Masterworks Celebration, and Annex Dance Company and Eclectic Chamber Orchestra present Overhaul.
Head to Mt. Pleasant for the first Shaggin’ on the Cooper event of the summer.
The Treasure Nest hosts an Art Fest, and the Center for Birds of Prey hosts their second-to-last Painted Bunting Walk.
Sunday. Feel like a sprint? Get in on the sprint triathlon at James Island County Park. Take the kids for some family-friendly comedy with Chonda Pierce.
The Charleston Music Club presents a Harp Recital, and Lowcountry Voices sing at the Tribute to Gospel Music.
Close out the weekend with the inspiring story of Indian Amlan Ganguly, who is empowering slum children to change their communities for the better, at the Park Circle Films Society’s screening of The Revolutionary Optimists.