What to do April 24-May 1

Annual dolphin count

Learn more about Charleston’s other “locals,” the dolphins, and their behaviors and home ranges at this annual event to raise awareness of the ways the community can responsibly view a local ecological treasure. Collect valuable data as a citizen scientist and help educate future generations of marine stewards alongside other participants and experts. Pick one of 11 land-based sites.
April 26. 9 a.m. to noon. Free. Lowcountry Marine Mammal Network. Various locations. lmmn.org

North Charleston Arts Fest

This annual five-day celebration of arts and culture highlights regional and local artists and performers in the areas of dance, music, theatre, visual arts and literature. The event has matured into one of the most comprehensive arts festivals in the state, including concerts, theatre presentations, children’s programs, workshops and demonstrations, public art installations and more.
April 30 through May 4. Event times vary. Event locations vary. North Charleston. northcharlestonartsfest.com

Culinary bazaar

Don’t miss out on the ultimate shop-ortunity for cooks and home entertainers. Visit a culinary marketplace featuring gently used, vintage and new culinary delights including name-brand serving pieces, counter-top appliances, crystal, china, cookbooks, gift baskets and more. This one-day sale offers treasures from the private collections of some of Charleston’s most influential foodies, chefs and kitchens.
April 26. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. $10/10 a.m. to 11 a.m.; Free after 11 a.m. High Wire Distilling Barrel Room. 311 Huger St. Downtown. ldeicharleston.com

Picnic for the parks

Welcome in the spring season with family, friends, fresh air and a fun-filled day at Hampton Park in support of the Charleston Parks Conservancy. This year marks the 18th annual Picnic for the Parks celebration. The event includes an open bar for parents and face-painting, field games and a petting zoo for the kids. Plus, enjoy live music and delicious food from local vendors. Go online for a full list of vendors and activities. Tickets are all-inclusive.
April 27. 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. $125/adults; $50/kids. Hampton Park. 30 Mary Murray Drive. Downtown. charlestonparksconservancy.org

Discover the Cat behind the hat

For more than 60 years, Dr. Seuss’ colorful illustrations have brought a visual realization to his fantastic and imaginary worlds. Explore and acquire works from Dr. Seuss’ best-known children’s books as well as The Art of Dr. Seuss, a mind-expanding collection based on decades of his artwork, which he created at night for his own personal pleasure.
May 2 through May 4. Gallery times vary. Free. Simpatico Gallery. 63 Broad St. Downtown. simpaticogalleries.com

Arts, etc.

Experience where art and inner peace intersect

Christine Johnson’s new solo art exhibit, Art Journey to Authenticity at Park Circle Gallery in North Charleston, is a captivating blend of mixed-media paintings, collages and poetry that explore the path to personal authenticity. This multi-sensory experience encourages gallery-goers to reflect on their own journeys toward individual empowerment and inner peace. Johnson even suggests bringing a journal to further maximize the guided walk-through — think less observation, more meditation.
The exhibit is free and open through April 27. Follow @parkcirclegallery for more.

Celebrate poetry month with writer Mark Nepo

The Sophia Institute welcomes poet and bestselling author Mark Nepo to Charleston April 25 through April 27 for a weekend retreat entitled “You Don’t Have to Do It Alone: The Power of Friendship.” The event, which also coincides with National Poetry Month, is based on Nepo’s new book, and will explore the meaning of kinship and the role friendship plays in personal and spiritual development.
Tickets are $225/virtual, $295/in-person; $30–40/Friday only. Learn more at thesophiainstitute.org.

Author hosts book launch ‘Wine and Sign’ event

Join New York Times-bestselling author Marie Bostwick on May 1 for a Wine and Sign book launch at Buxton Books. Bostwick’s latest title, The Book Club for Troublesome Women, hit shelves April 22 and centers around a group of Southern women in the 1960s as they navigate a tumultuous year in American history. Humorous and serious in equal measure, the novel explores themes of self-discovery, resilience and the power of sisterhood. Bostwick’s Charleston stop is just one in a series of statewide launch events that spans from Spartanburg to Pawley’s Island.
The event is free. Learn more at buxtonbooks.com.

A la carte

What’s new

Charleston–based Bittermilk Bottling Co. recently launched coffee syrups made with golden cane sugar. The collection includes seven classic flavors such as vanilla, hazelnut, caramel and mocha. You can buy 750 ml bottles online at shop.tipplemans.com.

The Loutrel, a downtown boutique hotel, recently launched its Moonlight Martini Trail, which highlights martinis at six destinations: Bar167, Bar Vaute, Hank’s Seafood, The Establishment, The Bar at The Spectator and its own Veranda Lounge. Here’s how it works: Drinkers pick up their passport at the Veranda Lounge and collect stamps from each participating location.

Those who visit all six (and order each bar’s signature martini) will be eligible for prizes, including half-off Fine Brine Pickle Martinis at the Veranda Lounge for the rest of the year, plus the chance to win a staycation at The Loutrel. Learn more at theloutrel.com.

The Select on Meeting Street recently launched new spring menus that focus on local produce and seafood. Culinary Director Julian Parker said: “We’ve woven those ingredients into both the brunch and dinner menus in a way that is sure to excite the palate.” Guests can look forward to dishes like Caribbean ceviche, berry and bleu salad, risotto al verde and burrata du jardin. There will also be new craft cocktails on the bar menu, including the Amber & Oak, made with butter-washed Old Forester, walnut bitters, apricot liqueur and maple syrup, as well as the San Juan Sour, made with Havana Club Anejo Rum, angostura bitters, orgeat, lemon and egg white. Learn more at theselectcharleston.com.

What’s happening

Get your tickets now for La Cave’s next chef’s tasting dinner, to be held at
6:30 p.m. May 6. Part of the restaurant’s monthly dinner series, which is held on the first Tuesday of each month, this event features one seating for a seasonal, five-course menu. The menu is curated by Chef Teshawn Gamble and paired with beverages selected by Beverage Director Hailey Knight. This month, check out dishes like lobster ceviche and Chilean sea bass with a mango reduction, paired with tequila-based cocktails made with Patrón. Book your reservation on resy.com.

Check out our calendar for more events around town!

Need to sell tickets to your next event? Sale them on citypapertickets.com. Contact sales@charlestoncitypaper.com for more information.