What to do April 17-24

Chili peppers of Africa and the Caribbean

Head to Middleton Place for an exploration into the history and origin of chili peppers — where they originated, how they came to the new world via the Transatlantic slave trade and their usage in African American cuisine. This discussion will include different varieties of African and Caribbean chili peppers, and their various medicinal and culinary applications.
April 19. Noon to 2 p.m. $29/general admission. Middleton Place Stableyards. 4300 Ashley River Road. West Ashley. middletonplace.org

Easter at the Harbor

Celebrate the “hoppiest” time of the year with an Easter Day beach party at the Charleston Harbor in Mount Pleasant. Hit the water for an unforgettable celebration filled with live music, a bounce house, beach games and, of course, an Easter egg hunt. Bring the whole family and enjoy a fun-filled afternoon in the sun — just bring your own Easter basket.
April 20. Event starts at 1 p.m. Free. Charleston Harbor Resort and Marina. 20 Patriots Point Road. Mount Pleasant. charlestonharborresort.com

Sunday Brunch Farmers Market

Head to The Pour House for a 100% local market brimming with more than 40 local farmers and artisans, a deck bar, live music, good eats and all kinds of amazing area-made goods. Cap off your weekend by kicking back, enjoying the local tunes and stocking up on unique goodies. This farmers market is open every Sunday between April and January.
Sundays. 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Free to attend. The Pour House. 1977 Maybank Hwy. James Island. sundaybrunchfarmersmarket.com

Conservation in action

Join biologists and conservationists for a discussion surrounding the work that goes into protecting endangered sea turtles and manatees in South Carolina. Michelle Pate heads the S.C. Sea Turtle Program, coordinating a network of volunteers. Kelly Lambert works with the S.C. Department of Natural Resources’ endangered species program, reporting and monitoring endangered animals across the state.
April 22. 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Free. Charleston Visitor Center. 375 Meeting St. Downtown. charleston-sc.gov

Charleston Farmers Market

Browse through a bounty of seasonal fruits and vegetables, handcrafted goods and prepared foods as you explore the charming stalls inside Marion Square. From farm-fresh produce to food truck favorites, there’s something for everyone at the Charleston Farmers Market. Bring the whole family and enjoy live music, special events and activities for all ages in the heart of downtown.
Saturdays. 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Free to attend. Marion Square. 329 Meeting St. Downtown. charlestonfarmersmarket.com

A la carte

MAD for Spring flight of cocktails

Millers All Day recently launched a “MAD for Spring” flight of cocktails at its King Street location. Curated with Mother’s Day and spring brunches in mind, the trio of cocktails is infused with botanicals like hibiscus, butterfly pea and chamomile and garnished with edible blooms and seasonal citrus and veggies. Sip on concoctions like the butterfly pea gin cucumber mint gimlet and the hibiscus tequila cocktail with pineapple, orgeat and lime. Learn more at millersallday.com.

Mediterranean flavors at Bar167

Bar167 recently expanded its spring menu, inspired by Mediterranean flavors and fresh, local ingredients. Check out seasonal dishes like a meze platter, lamb kofta, crispy octopus and house-made cappelletti stuffed with crab and ricotta. Owner Jesse Sandole said in a press release that while Bar167 was originally built to focus on cocktails and snacks, it has evolved to offer a more expansive food menu. In addition to its larger spring menu, Bar167 also recently added a new happy hour menu, available from 3 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday. Check out specially priced items like $2 oysters and $10 cocktails. Learn more at bar167charleston.com.

Shop, volunteer and learn at Fresh Future Farm

North Charleston’s Fresh Future Farm (FFF) recently announced new hours, offering more opportunities for community members to shop, take farm tours, attend classes and volunteer. You can now visit the farm from noon to 6 p.m. Wednesday through Friday and volunteer from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m on the third Thursday of each month. Shop the FFF store, which includes local produce, grocery essentials, free seeds and farm merchandise. Head to FFF’s social media to see when and where educational programs will be offered. Learn more at freshfuturefarm.org.

American Lung Association’s Oxygen Ball

Get your tickets now for the American Lung Association’s Oxygen Ball, which will be held on May 9 at the Charleston Gaillard Center. Bid on the opportunity for a dinner with chefs like Robert Carter and Frank Lee.
For tickets or more information about the Charleston Oxygen Ball, visit charlestonoxygenball.org.

Arts, etc.

Weather adventures for the whole family

Head to the Children’s Museum of the Lowcountry between John and Ann streets downtown every second Saturday of the month from 11 a.m. to noon for an interactive experience with a Live 5 First Alert meteorologist. Kids (and adults!) will learn about weather-related topics, take part in corresponding activities and find out answers to any and all climate questions. Free with museum admission. Learn more: explorecml.org.

Laughway to the weekend

Wednesday nights are a Charleston tradition at Theatre 99 on Meeting Street downtown. Each week, a team of sketch players performs an improv show featuring three acts of hilarious and unscripted comedy. Every hour-and-a-half show is different and completely based on audience suggestions.
Performances start at 8 p.m. Tickets $10. Appropriate for ages 15 and older. Location:
280 Meeting St. Learn more: theatre99.com.

High Water Festival celebrates 5 years

The 5th annual local music festival returns to North Charleston’s Riverfront Park April 26 and 27 with a weekend-long performance lineup that includes Wilco, Counting Crows, Trampled by Turtles (pictured above) and more. Throw in a motorcade’s worth of food trucks and plenty of epic people-watching opps, and it’s a surround-sound, all-senses entertainment experience. Showtimes, stage locations and ticket prices vary. Learn more: highwaterfest.com.

Check out our calendar for more events around town!

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