Charleston summer’s can turn one into an optimist, and this weekend shows you why. There’s only a 50 percent chance of rain, which is like zero for this time of year. So get out of your house and do something to soak up some summer fun.
Friday Friday is for sports. Put your game face on and visit Blackbaud Stadium to watch the Charleston Battery take on the Dayton Dutch Lions at 7:30 p.m.
Or if you’re more of a quiet, animal lover you can go watch the Charleston Summer Classic horse show at the Mullet Hall Equestrian Center.
If you aren’t interested in being a spectator, Contra Dance your night away at the Felix Davis Community Center. Everyone is welcome. The dancing starts at 7:30 p.m. and is $8 for adults and $4 for children. You could also boogie down at Sol Slam on IOP.
Perhaps you just want to work out your eyes? Check out the annual Palette & Palate Stroll, which pairs art galleries with local restaurants. From 5:30-7:30 p.m., you can view exhibits from internationally renown artists while munching on food catered by some of Charleston’s finest.
Marion Square will host a showing of the Academy Award-winning film Glory about the 54th Massachusetts Regiment’s participation in the Civil War. It’s free, and it’s part of a larger series of events honoring the 150th anniversary of the Battle of Battery Wagner.
Saturday The Tomato Festival is finally here! The festival will be held at Mixson Market and sponsored by GrowFood Carolina. Heirloom varietals will be available for tasting and purchasing. Sake Bloody Marys will be served by Fat & Juicy Bloody Mix and Special BLTs will be available. The event is from 12–4 p.m. and is free.
Another weekend, another chance to adopt some pets. Check out the adorable, adoptable cats and dogs at Old Navy for Pet Helpers monthly Adopt-A-Thon. Then with your new pup in tow head to the Mt. Pleasant Pier for Shaggin’ on the Cooper. Dance to live music by Groove Train at the family friendly event.
Holy City Brewing Company is celebrating its second anniversary. They’ll be celebrating from 12-8 p.m. with food trucks, beer, games, and live music. It’ll be like their Carnival Night, only bigger. The best part is, there’s no cover charge.
Visit Folly Beach Shrimp Company for their benefit for Sgt. Harold Veronda, a member of the Marine Corps who suffered burns on over 65 percent of his body. The cookout features live music and a silent auction. Tickets are $20.
You’ve probably heard of Doctors Without Borders, but have you heard of Engineers Without Borders? Wild Dunes Resort is hosting the third annual fundraiser for the charity with a golf tournament. There’s an $100-entry fee that includes a post-tournament lunch and access to the raffle and silent auction.
The Dock Street Theater is getting in on the Battle of Battery Wagner festivities, with Toward “A New Birth of Freedom.” Meanwhile back at Fort Moultrie, there will be living history programs from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
It’s also a good day to visit the Charleston Museum, especially if you’re into quilting. There will be volunteers on hand from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. to show and teach quilting techniques.
And shopping Saturday is never a bad use of alliteration. Head to the Lowcountry Artist Market to stock up on local crafts.
Sunday You won’t be resting this Sunday because it’s charity bowling at the Alley. Guests can donate the normal rental rate or an additional amount to the Be a Mentor charity.
After an afternoon of bowling, head down King Street for live music and a drink at the Jackie H. Jones Cancer Benefit at Boone’s Bar. Jones has colorectal cancer, and all proceeds from the silent auction will help cover his hospital bills.
If donating to help people didn’t put you in a good enough mood already, the Tin Roof’s Open Mic Comedy Night will. Join local stand-up comedians showcase their new material hosted by funnyman Jason Groce. The mic opens at 8 p.m.
Wrapping up the 54th Massachusetts Regiment events, Mayor Joseph P. Riley, Jr. invites the public to join him at White Point Garden, where there’ll be a ceremonial wreath laying at the Battery.