Weekend Events: Garden Festival, Fall Out '08, Horse Tranqs and Carriage People, Oktoberfest

THEATER | Watch out for those carriage people

Horse Tranqs and Carriage People is a new dark comedy involving sex, drugs, and rock ‘n’ roll, presented by the reliably cutting-edge folks at PURE Theatre. Written by R.W. Smith, the play was actually produced during a PURE Lab writing workshop. Smith is featured in the cast, along with Brian De Costa, Nat Jones, and Jenny Pringle, big players in both the local theater scene and improv circuit. When writing the play, Smith says he was attempting to blend the violence of Resevoir Dogs with the quirky humor of Buffy the Vampire Slayer. The heavily anticipated play is already on schedule for a sequel, expected next fall — keep your eyes open for Cole Slaw and French Fries. Opening night is already sold out, and these cheap tickets are sure to continue selling out, so get yours now. —Mark Glenn Oct. 16-18, 23-25. 8 p.m. $10, (843) 723-4444, www.puretheatre.org. Circular Congregational Church, 150 Meeting St., (Downtown), (843) 577-6400

EVENT | Life’s a garden … Dig it!

To fill us in on the upcoming Charleston Garden Festival, organizers sent a pamphlet about the size of a small paperback chock full of schedules of events, demonstrations, lectures, escapes, and more. There’s no way to fit all of the weekend’s events in this small space, but here are some highlights. The weekend’s theme is “metamorphosis”: celebrating the life cycle of the natural world. Middleton Place is the perfect setting for this annual event, because of their dedication to ecologically-friendly gardening practices. Stroll among exhibit gardens created by landscape designers, connected by a 200-foot stream and koi pond. Listen to lectures from Dr. Allan Armitage, “the Indiana Jones of Horticulture”; Jack Philips on “The Soul of an Oak”; and Urvashi Rangan, on “Where Science Meets Sustainability.” Free demonstrations focus on bonsai trees, honeybees, recycling with mushrooms, and more. But don’t start thinking it’s all learning and no play — plant people know how to party. Throughout the weekend there are a number of dinners and wine tastings, as well as a food and wine market available all day. And for the kids, activities include Dr. Seuss World and the Barnyard Olympics. Alright, that’s all we’ve got space for here. Check the website for the full schedule of events. —Erica Jackson Oct. 17-19. $25, www.charlestongardenfestival.org. Middleton Place, 4300 Ashley River Road, West Ashley, (843) 556-0500

EVENT | Fill ‘er up

Ladies and gentlemen, start your engines. Fuel is hosting their second block party on Saturday. All ages are welcome, and bring your little dog too! The proceeds from the party will benefit the Charleston Humane Society. Another bonus is that your first beer is on the house. If you’re not thirsty, then you can always get delicious Caribbean-influenced dishes; specialties include black bean burgers and grilled tuna tacos. The tropical setting of Fuel provides large porches and patios, a full bar, and plenty of outdoor room for your furry companions. Bring your friends and enjoy a long afternoon of drinks and live music — if it’s anything like Fuel’s first party, it’s sure to be a good time. Come early though, because the popularity of Fuel might leave some waiting at the pump. —Mark Glenn SATURDAY Oct. 18, 2-10 p.m. $4. Fuel, 211 Rutledge Ave., (Downtown), (843) 737-5959, www.fuelcharleston.com.

EVENT | Prost!

The Charleston Battery is set to turn Blackbaud Stadium into a Bavarian beer hall. Though Daniel Island is halfway across the world from Germany, Oktoberfest proves that love can cross oceans. That love of course is the love of good beers. While Halloween tries to sugarcoat and dress up its intentions with candy and costumes, Oktoberfest gets straight to the point. It’s all about getting jolly on booze. In addition to good beer, this year’s celebration offers local teams the opportunity to compete in the German Cup, a series of contests including tug-o-war, barrel races, and bratwurst eating competitions. You don’t have to leave the kids at home either. There will be plenty of fun for the whole family like mini-soccer games, a mountain slide, and inflatable jump castles. Caution: Jump castles and beer do not mix. There will also be German dancers and an Oompah band. Parking is free and proceeds will go to benefit the Salvation Army and Live 5 News’ Debi’s Kids. Move over Halloween. It’s time for a real party. —Myles Hutto SUNDAY Oct. 19, 12-5 p.m. $5/advance, $7/day of, (843) 971-4625, www.charlestonbattery.com. Blackbaud Stadium, 1990 Daniel Island Dr., (Daniel Island).

Next week: Charleston Home Market, Rocky Horror Show Live, Clefs & Chefs, Skinful Halloween, Mend, Saw’s Scream Farm