Charleston SC Events Jan-Feb 2015

Event Calendar

Looking to fill your social calendar? We've got the rundown on what to do this winter season.

Charleston Restaurant Week

Jan 7 - 18

The next installment of Charleston Restaurant Week is set! The event, executed by the Greater Charleston Restaurant Association, is one of the most highly anticipated culinary events in the Charleston area. It is an opportunity to enjoy the world-renowned cuisine of the Lowcountry as participating restaurants offer prix fixe lunch and dinner menus. For a full list of participating restaurants, please visit the website. charlestonrestaurantassociation.com

Ron White: Nutcracker Tour

Jan 10

Comedian Ron “Tater Salad” White, best known as the cigar smoking, scotch drinking funnyman from the “Blue Collar Comedy” phenomenon returns to North Charleston with his new stand-up show, Nutcracker. White has achieved three Grammy nominations and CD and DVD sales of over 10 million units. North Charleston Performing Arts Center, 843-529-5000. northcharlestoncoliseumpac.com

2nd Sunday on King Street

Jan 11 & Feb 8

Lined with locally owned shops, King Street has been hailed as one of the best shopping spots in America according to U.S. News and World Report. For one Sunday afternoon of every month, cars are re-routed so the street may become a lively pedestrian fair with outdoor dining, live music and special deals offered by the merchants. 2ndsundayonkingstreet.com

5th Annual Charleston Marathon

Jan 16 - 18

The Charleston marathon is a scenic 26.2-mile run that will showcase the beauty and history of the Lowcountry, starting in downtown Charleston and ending in North Charleston. Music and performance groups from local schools and community will dot the course to keep you moving! For registration and additional information, please visit the website. 8am. charlestonmarathon.com

Shen Yun

Jan 22

Based in New York, Shen Yun brings to life 5,000 years of Chinese civilization through classical Chinese dance and music. Shen Yun performs in over 100 cities every year. For thousands of years, Chinese artists cultivated virtue, believing that to create true art worthy of the heavens, there must first be inner purity. Today, Shen Yun’s artists follow this noble tradition. The result is a performance of consummate beauty, purity, and goodness. 6:30pm. North Charleston Performing Arts Center, 843-529-5000. northcharlestoncoliseumpac.com

Miranda Lambert: Certified Platinum Tour

Jan 22

Come see the fearless powerhouse known as Miranda Lambert, for her Certified Platinum Tour. With special guests Justin Moore, RaeLynn, and Jukebox Mafia. North Charleston Coliseum, 843-745-3000. livenation.com

35th Annual Charleston Boat Show

Jan 23 -25

The Charleston Boat Show has grown into  the biggest boat show and sale in the Lowcountry.  It specializes in new powerboats, including everything from small jon boats, skiffs and cruisers, to yachts and ski boats. There is something for everyone’s taste and budget. It’s a fact that this show offers incredible deals, and previews of the hottest new boats available on the market. A must-attend event for family-friendly fun, it’s everything you need for life on the water. Fri noon-6pm, Sat 10am-6pm, Sun 11am-5pm. Charleston Area Convention Center, 843-529-5011. thecharlestonboatshow.com

Braise & Brew Dinner

Jan 24

The annual Braise & Brew beer dinner at Middleton Place is the ideal gift for the man or woman who enjoys the dark, delicious, soul-warming beers of winter, and the flavors of locally-sourced, slow-cooked meats and vegetables. Braise & Brew combines Holy City's finest beers with a robust menu of braised fare, served over several courses in front of a roaring fire in the Middleton Place Pavilion. The three-hour feast will take place from 6-9pm. The Inn at Middleton Place, 843-556-6020. middletonplace.org

32nd Annual Lowcountry Oyster Festival

Jan 25

The Lowcountry Oyster Festival is the world’s largest oyster festival and has been named one of the “top 20 events in the southeast” by Southeastern Tourism Society. Highlights include the legendary “Oyster Shucking” and “Oyster Eating” Contests, live music on the main stage, wine, a selection of domestic and imported beers, a Children’s Area and a “Food Court” showcasing a variety of local favorite restaurants to satisfy everyone’s taste. The Lowcountry Oyster Festival is a charity fundraiser. 10:30am - 5pm. Boone Hall Plantation, 843-577-4030. charlestonrestaurantassociation.com

A Night in the Valley

Jan 30

The 2015 A Night in the Valley will celebrate and support education while highlighting the talents of the instructors and students of the Culinary Institute of Charleston. Six hundred guests will enjoy an evening that will inspire the soul with a decadent four-course gourmet wine dinner and stellar auctions featuring exciting and unique packages. 6:30pm. The College Center, Trident Technical College. tridenttech.edu

Chase After A Cure

Jan 31

The annual gala, “An Evening in Paris,” is set for 7 pm at Memminger Auditorium. The gala raises money to fund local research for treatments and cures for childhood cancer, and welcomes Charleston vocalist Quiana Parler as the featured entertainment. This black-tie optional gala features food from top local restaurants, an open bar and a live and silent auction. chaseafteracuregala.com

7th Annual Gourmet & Grapes

Feb 6 - 8

Gourmet & Grapes is a weekend-long culinary extravaganza that is the only fundraiser in the Lowcountry that brings together renowned chefs and winemakers to raise money for cancer research. The event takes place at The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Golf Resort, benefits Hollings Cancer Center at the Medical University of South Carolina. During the weekend you'll experience an exclusive Black Tie Private Dinner, Lunch and Wine Seminars, Wine Odyssey, Silent and Live Auction, regional chefs preparing specialty and traditional favorites, vintner wine parings, and so much more! 843-768-6296, kiawahresort.com/gourmet-grapes

The Chocolate Affair

Feb 7

This gala event offers gourmet catering and chocolate desserts from Charleston's finest restaurants and specialty shops. An open bar is available and the Reception Menu includes a variety of hors d'oeuvres. The evening also features more than 200 auction items for every budget. Auction items include jewelry, fantasy vacations, furniture, artwork, dinner packages, gifts, and services.  Dance the night away with the help of Charleston's First Class Band. 6:30pm. Daniel Island Club, thechocolateaffair.net

Bacon and Bourbon 2015

Feb 7

A Night of Brown Water Debauchery & Cuisine, Bacon Lovers begins at 7:30 pm. Unlimited samples of Bacon dishes and Bourbon tastings, Live Music, Bull Riding Championship, Laser Skeet Shooting, and a Cigar Cabana. The VIP Preview goes from 6:00pm - 7:30pm. In addition to Bacon Lovers Access VIP's will have 1.5 hours to eat, drink, and converse with chef's about their bacon creations. Memminger Auditorium, 843-819-5947. baconandbourbonsc.com

Cirque de la Symphonie: Pops!

Feb 7

Cirque de la Symphonie, a company of aerial flyers, acrobats, contortionists, dancers and jugglers, choreograph their performances to some of the world’s greatest love songs, performed by the North Charleston POPS. North Charleston Performing Arts Center, 843-202-2787. northcharlestonpops.com

The Diary of Anne Frank

Feb 13 - Mar 1

Come see the famous story unravel in a charming and insightful play on the courageous story of Anne Frank. She was a handful--mischievous, incorrigible, never at a loss for words (her family nickname was chatterbox). Fortunately Anne channeled that energy into her diary, capturing not only the world of hiding into which she and her family were forced, but also giving remarkable insights into her own hopes, dreams and remarkable humanity. Dock Street Theatre, 843-577-7183. charlestonstage.com

Southeastern Wildlife Exposition

Feb 13 - 15

SEWE is a three-day showcase of everything we love about wildlife and nature. It brings together people of all ages, men and women, sportsmen and conservationists, artists and artisans, fans and families. Through an incredible lineup of events – from fine art exhibits, conservation education, sporting demonstrations and parties, SEWE invites us all to explore our “wild” side and pay tribute to our naturally beautiful world. For a full event schedule, please visit the website. 843-723-1748, sewe.com

Christina and Michelle Naughton

Feb 16

Dynamic two-piano twin sister duo make their Charleston performing debut, as they perform an evening of works for two pianos showcasing the celebrated works of the great composers. The duo has quickly made a name for themselves, being hailed by the San Francisco Examiner for their “stellar musicianship, technical mastery, and awe-inspiring artistry.” 7:30 pm. Sotille Theatre, 843-953-6340. christinaandmichellenaughton.com

Heart Live

Feb 24

Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductees Ann and Nancy Wilson first showed the world that women can rock when their band, Heart, stormed the charts in the ‘70’s with hits like “Crazy on You,” “Magic Man,” “Barracuda,” “Straight On,” and so many more. Heart continued topping the charts through the ‘80’s and ‘90’s with huge hits like “These Dreams,” “Alone,” “What About Love,” “If Looks Could Kill,” “Never,” and a string of other hits that showcased the sisters’ enormous talents as musicians, singers and songwriters. 7:30pm. North Charleston Performing Arts Center, 843-529-5000. northcharlestoncoliseumpac.com

African American Heritage Festival

Feb 27

Educators throughout the Lowcountry and beyond are invited to bring their students to the 2015 African American Heritage Festival. Through demonstrations, performances, and hands-on experiences, students will explore African American history and culture from its roots in Africa to the Americas, especially South Carolina. 9am - 2pm. North Charleston Wannamaker Park, 843-795-4386. ccprc.com