Charleston SC Events January February 2016

Charleston Restaurant Week

Jan 6 - 17

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

Kid Tours at The Charleston Museum

Jan 6

Come explore The Charleston Museum for different fun tours just for kids! Kid Tours meet every first Wednesday of the month at 3:30pm and include a craft project or activity. 843-722-2996, charlestonmuseum.org

2nd Sunday on King Street

Jan 10 & Feb 14

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

The Broadway Tenors

Jan 12

See the Broadway Tenors bring the most popular songs of Broadway to life in this concert. Celebrate the music of Broadway legends such as: Rodgers & Hammerstein, Irving Berlin, Andrew Lloyd Webber, and Kander & Ebb. The Broadway Tenors don't just sing songs, they perform a fully staged and choreographed theatrical show creating an enchanting evening of entertainment. You'll delight to hear favorites from South Pacific, West Side Story, Phantom of the Opera, Les Miserables, Jersey Boys and more. Four leading men. Four unbelievable voices. They'll leave you breathless, recreating the roles they've played on Broadway and on stages all over the world. 7:30pm. Charleston Gaillard Center, 843-724-5212. gaillardcenter.com

Jackson Browne: 2016 Solo Acoustic Tour

Jan 13

Singer-Songwriter Jackson Browne announces solo acoustic tour! Playing guitar and piano, Jackson will perform songs from his entire body of work, with varying set lists each night. North Charleston Performing Arts Center, 843-529-5000. northcharlestoncoliseumpac.com

Alice in Wonderland

Jan 14-24

Follow that rabbit to a delightful, entertaining world of childhood fantasies. Alice journeys into a world of talking animals, comic royalty and races where the contestants run in circles. There are also the Mad Hatter’s frantic tea party, the watch-carrying White Rabbit and talking flowers. Along the way Alice must deal with a sneezing duchess and a baby that turns into a pig. The finale has Alice watching a trial, but she suddenly finds herself the accused! CrabPot Players Theatre, 888-303-0763. crabpotplayers.com

6th Annual Charleston Marathon

Jan 16

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

Charleston Jazz Festival

Jan 22-24

The highly anticipated Charleston Jazz Festival is back for its second year in the Holy City with a star-studded line-up.

The annual festival brings together hundreds of jazz lovers from across South Carolina for three days of jazz performances by award-winning artists. The events is held at multiple locations throughout downtown Charleston, including the Gaillard Performance Hall, the Sottile Theatre, Woolfe Street Playhouse, and Barsa Restaurant. chasjazzfestival.com

A Year With Frog and Toad

Jan 23-24

A Year With Frog and Toad, a Tony-nominated Broadway musical written just for kids, tells the story of ever jolly Frog and his friend, the ever grumpy Toad. They awaken from hibernation in the spring to spend a fun-filled year together. They swim in the summer, scatter the leaves of autumn, take to a sled in the winter and learn a few life lessons along the way. This charming musical for kids, based on the delightful and award-winning Frog and Toad books by Arnold Lobel, promises to be one of the big splashes of the season. Dock Street Theatre, 843-577-7183. charlestonstage.com

Oysters on the Point

Jan 23, Feb 20

A sister of Party at the Point, this once a month winter series features locally steamed oysters, chili, a Bloody Mary bar, live music, and plenty of beer choices. End the afternoon with a gorgeous sunset overlooking the Charleston harbor. 6pm. Charleston Harbor Resort & Marina, 843-284-7022. facebook.com/oystersonthepoint

Peppa Pig's Big Splash

Jan 26

More fun than a muddy puddle! Peppa Pig, star of the top-rated TV series airing daily on Nick Jr., is hitting the road for her first-ever U.S. theatrical tour, Peppa Pig’s Big Splash. The live stage show promises to be the perfect theatre show for all pre-schoolers. 6pm. Charleston Gaillard Center, 843-724-5212. gaillard center.com

Shen Yun

Jan 26-27Based 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

36th Annual Charleston Boat Show

Jan 29 -31

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

Comedy at Kiawah

Jan 29-30

Laughter is the best medicine...Join us for a weekend featuring two nights of nonstop laughter with some of the nation's most acclaimed comedians. The weekend features different lineups of nationally recognized, clean comedians each night. Comedians have credits including shows such as The Late Late Show, Conan and networks including Comedy Central, HBO, Showtime, CMT and many more. Kiawah Island Golf Resort, 800-654-2924. kiawahcomedyweekend.com

33rd Annual Lowcountry Oyster Festival

Jan 31

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

8th Annual Chase After A Cure

Feb 6

The annual gala, “Chasing Cures in a Garden of Possibilities,” is set for 7pm at Charleston Gaillard Center. 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

Southeastern Wildlife Exposition

Feb 12 - 14

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

Garth Brooks World Tour

Feb 12-14

The electrifying return of America’s most powerful concert force and number one selling solo artist in U.S. history - Garth Brooks makes his first appearance in North Charleston in 19 Years! North Charleston Coliseum, 843-529-5000. northcharlestoncoliseumpac.com

Ovation Concert Series - From Paris, with Love

Feb 13

The final Ovation concert of the season from Chamber Music of Charleston brings us to Paris for a romantic evening of chamber music for piano and strings. Guests can choose Bistro Table Seating (with complimentary wine) or Theater Seating. Memminger Auditorium, 843-763-4941. chambermusiccharleston.com

Cupid's Undie Run

Feb 13

This Valentine’s Day weekend, come put the hilarity in charity with hundreds of half-naked runners taking to the streets in celebration of their fundraising for the Children’s Tumor Foundation. Be a part of something great. Last year Cupid’s raised over $3.5 Million to EndNF so let's make this year’s fundraising (and party) the biggest and best yet. Start a team, join a team, or just run solo and make some new friends! Noon-4pm. Loggerhead's Beach Grill, cupidsundierun.com

Chicago the Musical

Feb 16-17

Set amidst the razzle-dazzle decadence of the 1920s, CHICAGO is the story of Roxie Hart, a housewife and nightclub dancer who maliciously murders her on-the-side lover after he threatens to walk out on her. Desperate to avoid conviction, she dupes the public, the media and her rival cellmate, Velma Kelly, by hiring Chicago’s slickest criminal lawyer to transform her malicious crime into a barrage of sensational headlines, the likes of which might just as easily be ripped from today’s tabloids. North Charleston Performing Arts Center, 843-529-5000. northcharlestoncoliseumpac.com

Disney Live! Mickey and Minnie's Doorway to Magic

Feb 18

Open the door to reveal mesmerizing worlds of unforgettable Disney moments and grand illusions when Disney Live! comes to town. Join Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse and the comical duo of Donald and Goofy as 25 of your favorite characters surprise and captivate at every turn of the knob. See the Fairy Godmother transform Cinderella’s rags into a beautiful ball gown in a split second; the Toy Story gang defy the dimensions of Andy’s toy box with the help of the green army men; and the spectacular stage debut of Rapunzel and Flynn Rider as they rise into the sky amidst the floating lanterns. With special appearances by Snow White, Tinker Bell and Aladdin’s Genie, you never know what to expect or who might join in the fun. North Charleston Performing Arts Center, 843-529-5000. disneylive.com

8th Annual Gourmet & Grapes

Feb 19 - 21

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

Bacon and Bourbon 2016

Feb 20

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

Chefs' Feast

Feb 21

Led by Chef Robert Carter, Chefs' Feast is an annual collaboration between the Lowcountry Food Bank and nearly 30 of the area's most celebrated chefs who offer up delectable bites – both savory and sweet – for guests to enjoy. Beyond the decadent array of food offerings, nearly 1,000 guests indulge in a hosted bar, enjoy the Big Band sounds of the Ray Michaels Band, and meet the Lowcountry's own celebrity chefs as they serve up their signature dishes. 843-747-8146, lowcountryfoodbank.org

Women's Golf Getaway

Feb 25-28

In true "bootcamp" style, this weekend is designed to improve your golf game fast. Attendees will rotate through short game, long drive and trouble shot stations with seasoned golf professionals and then take those skills to the course with 9 holes of on-course instruction. 4:1 student to pro ratio. For Beginner & Intermediate Level Golfers. Kiawah Island Golf Resort, 800-576-1570. kiawahresort.com

African American Heritage Festival

Feb 26

Educators throughout the Lowcountry and beyond are invited to bring their students to the 2016 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 - 1pm. North Charleston Wannamaker Park, 843-795-4386. ccprc.com

The Chocolate Affair

Feb 27

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. Memminger Auditorium, thechocolateaffair.net