Charleston SC Events July-Aug 2014

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

The Big Adventure

July 1 – Sept 30

This exhibit encourages imagination and exploration as children use tools, make choices, set goals and solve problems. Children will play in a physically and mentally challenging three-dimensional game board. Each adventure encourages children's natural desires to explore and investigate, as well as challenge their physical abilities in fun activities like a climbing wall, crawling tunnels and a balance beam. Visitors will choose their adventures and work their way through each of the fun, hands-on challenges. Children’s Museum of the Lowcountry. 843-853-8962, explorecml.org/cml

Patriots Point 4th of July Blast July 4 Enjoy a professional fireworks display and shore side party with a beach music band. Tickets on the flight deck will be sold in a limited quantity. For $20 per person ($10 for children 11 and under), guests on the Flight Deck will enjoy special access to the USS Yorktown starting at 6pm, with catered food and beverages available for purchase, as well as live musical performances and activities for kids throughout the evening. Once the sun sets in the Charleston Harbor, the Flight Deck of the Yorktown will offer a front row seat to the fireworks display, which will feature firework shells shot from a barge in the Cooper River. Lawn chairs are encouraged for guests on the Flight Deck, but no coolers or personal food will be permitted. 843-884-2727. patriotspoint.org

Charleston Spirit Triathlon Series July 6 – 7 Now in its 24th year, the five-race Charleston Sprint Triathlon Series features a .3-mile swim, 12-mile bike ride, and 5K run. Over 30,000 people have raced in CSTS over the years, and the Charleston Metro Sports Council has named the series as one of the Top 10 Charleston Signature Sport Events. Single Race Entry Fees: $60/$50 CCR* per race. August 11 Championship Race: $65/$54; Entire 5-Race Series $245/$204; Any 4 Races $205/$170; Any 3 Races $165/$137. *Charleston County residents. James Island County Park. 843-795-4386, ccprc.com

Yoga Under the Oaks July 8 and Aug 5 Yoga is from 6-7pm and will be followed by happy hour at the Legare-Waring House from 7-8pm. In case of rain, yoga will be moved to Founders Hall. $10 (cash only). Charles Towne Landing. 843-852-4200, southcarolinaparks.com

Bob Bell Charleston Summer Classic Horse Show

July 9 – 19

The Charleston Summer Classics were the first horse shows produced by the Classic Company and laid the framework for the shows that would capture the attention of the equestrian community. Located at Mullet Hall Equestrian Center on Johns Island and just a few short miles from the resort islands Seabrook and Kiawah, the Charleston Summer Classics embrace the good life. A multitude of rings, great footing and permanent stabling will greet you. New this year Classic Company will host two Grand Prix in addition to its roster of hunter, jumper and equitation events that provide something for everyone. Bring the family! 843-768-5503, classiccompany.com

The Not Wedding

July 9

The Not Wedding is a bridal show alternative in the form of a big, fake wedding. "Wedding guests" are brides-to-be who enjoy an emotional ceremony, a tasty dinner and a dance-party reception while truly experiencing the wedding vendors in action. Ceremony at 7:00pm. Boone Hall Plantation. thenotwedding.com

Firefly Friday: Charleston Harbor Dolphin Sunset Sail July 11, 18, 25 and Aug 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 Set Sail for a dolphin sunset sail with the Palmetto Breeze with proceeds benefiting the Susan G. Komen fight against breast cancer. With purchase of a ticket, you will receive a free Firefly Vodka cocktail. Set sail from Shem Creek beside Red's Ice House on the Charleston Harbor. $35/adult, $20/children 12 and under. Times vary. Complimentary bottled water and soft drinks. Cash bar for beer, wine and pre-mixed margaritas. Aqua-sararis.com

SUP One Design Race Series

July 10 and Aug 7

Come out and enjoy friendly SUP competitions in this race series: the BIC SUP One Design Challenge. All competitors will use the same board design and gear. All competitors will be entered into a national drawing for a stand up paddleboard. Races held on the lake at James Island County Park. Racers are organized into heats and race around a short, exciting course with multiple buoy turns. Races begin at 5:30pm. 843-795-4386, ccprc.com

Reggae Nights Summer Concert Series

July 11 and Aug 1

Featuring traditional old school roots reggae with a new school attitude in a beautiful outdoor setting. Good Music. Good Vibes. Bring your chairs or blanket. Concerts will be held at James Island County Park. July 11, Da'Gullah Rootz; August 1, Mystic Vibrations. Gates open at 7:30pm, music begins at 8:30pm. 843-795-4386, ccprc.com

Folly Beach Pier Tournament

July 12

Come enjoy or participate in the Folly Beach Pier tournament. The Pier stretches out 1,045’ into the Atlantic Ocean and offers spectacular views, fishing, dining, tournaments, special events, and more. Pier tournaments begin at 6am and end at 2pm, and are followed by prize presentations. Rental equipment is available. Participants may fish with a maximum of two rods at one time. 843-588-3474, ccprc.com

Raise de Roof - Gospel Choir and Gumbo Cooking Competition

July 13

Listen to two dozen of the area's finest Gospel Choirs compete and raise their voices in thanks. Along with the Choirs, taste some of the regions bounty as local chefs offer their Gumbo for judging. Raise De Roof is a competition of Gospel Choirs from around the Tri County area to support the good works of Operation Home. Operation Home's mission is to assist low income homes with critical repairs and HVAC needs. Gates open at 2. Gospel choirs competition starts at 3. Gumbo judging at 5 pm. Joseph P. Riley Stadium. etouches.com

RiverDogs Youth Baseball Camp & Hitting Clinic

July 15 – 18

Join the Charleston RiverDogs’ players this summer to learn the game of baseball from future New York Yankees. Kids will learn introductory skills and reinforce the game's fundamentals, hitting, catching, fielding, throwing, base-running and agilities. Camp will be held at Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Park for children between the ages of 6-13. Camp July 15-17 is $150 per a child and the advanced hitting clinic held on July 18 is $50. Only 120 spaces available and pre-registration is required. 843-723-7241, rileyparkevents.com

Kid Tours: African Arts

July 16

Explore artifacts from Africa in our latest Kid-story exhibit, Adventures in Africa. Kid Tours meet every Wednesday at 3:30pm, and include a craft project or activity. Free for Museum members and free with admission ($10/adults, $5/children, under 3 free). The Charleston Museum. 843-722-2996, charlestonmuseum.org

Thursday Night Boogie

July 17 and Aug 14

The Mount Pleasant Pier will be rockin' with the sounds of DJ Jim Bowers spinning a variety of unforgettable oldies, beach music classics, and line dancing hits. 6pm - 10pm. 843-795-4386, ccprc.com

9^th Annual Palette & Palate Stroll

July 18

The Charleston Fine Art Dealers’ Association’s Palette and Palate Stroll will present some of the most exciting restaurant and gallery pairings yet. Attendees will once again stroll through the streets of the historic city, making stops at local fine art galleries for an evening dedicated to fine art, unique cuisine and wine. The ticketed event benefits local art programs. 5:30-7:30pm. $45. cfada.com

IOP Beach Run 5K and 10K Run/Walk

July 19

Start your Saturday with a beautiful run on Front Beach at Isle of Palms. All events are entirely on the flat, wide, hard-packed beach (near low tide) and begin and end behind the Windjammer. Event held rain or shine. Events include: 5K and 10K Run/Walk, 100 yard - 4 and under, 1/2 mile - 5-8 years old, 1 mile - 9-14 years old. 8am. iop.net

Shaggin’ on the Cooper

July 19 and Aug 16

Get ready for summer – this popular live beach music and shag dance event series returns to the Mount Pleasant Pier. Celebrate the arrival of warmer weather with some dancing. Local bands perform live throughout the, and the dance floor is open for all ages. Gates open at 7pm for all events, and tickets are $10 per person. Space is limited, so advance purchase is recommended. 843-795-4386, charlestoncountyparks.com

Fight for Air Climb

July 26

Climb 1,144 steps at the North Charleston Coliseum, and proceeds benefit the American Lung Association. It is suggested that climbers arrive 45 minutes prior to their scheduled start time to check-in, retrieve your bib and timing chip, and stretch. Teams and individual participants can use the event as a fitness target, as a race, or as a great way to be active and meet new friends. Your participation will raise the funds necessary to provide lifesaving education, research, and advocacy so we can beat lung disease and soon find a cure. North Charleston Performing Arts Center. 843-556-8451, lung.org

Sustainable Seafood Dinner

July 27

Savor the past while helping sustain the future of our coast. Middleton Place will host the South Carolina Aquarium for a Sustainable Seafood Dinner at "America's oldest landscaped Gardens." The five course meal, artfully designed by Middleton Place Restaurant's Executive Chef Brandon Buck, will be specifically paired with wines from around the world and a craft brew from one of Charleston's local breweries. Ten percent of the proceeds will go to the South Carolina Aquarium's Sustainable Seafood Initiative. 6pm. 843-226-7477, middletonplace.org

Maxwell Summer Soulstice Tour

July 29

In concert, the singer and songwriter is lauded for his impeccable vocals, his connection to his audience and the sheer physicality of his performance. Last summer, at the Essence Festival in New Orleans, AOL's "Black Voices" wrote "This night belonged to Maxwell…a perfect show. From the set's beginning until its end, the audience sang along to every note, every lyric, and every riff as the balladeer performed some of his biggest hits and crowd favorites." North Charleston Performing Arts Center. northcharlestoncoliseumpac.com

American Motors Association International Convention

July 30 - Aug 2

Make plans for the 2014 AMO International Convention, celebrating 60 years of AMC. There will be hundreds of American Motors Association cars on display. Spectators are welcome, and there is no charge. Anyone interested in showing a car must be an AMO member. InnPlace Hotel. carolinaamc.com

Cocktails & Cufflinks Charity Bachelor Auction

Aug 2

Ladies Enriching the Community, Inc. will present their inaugural charity bachelor auction at the Rebekah Jacob Gallery. Silent and live auction. 7pm. 843-284-3394, letcinc.org

Crosby Stills & Nash

Aug 12

More than four decades since they first harmonized in Laurel Canyon, and played their first-ever concert as a trio at the legendary Woodstock festival, its members continue a creative partnership that is one of the most influential and enduring in music. David Crosby, Stephen Stills, and Graham Nash have each been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame two times-once with Crosby, Stills & Nash, and a second time with The Byrds, Buffalo Springfield, and The Hollies, respectively. North Charleston Performing Arts Center. 843-529-5000, northcharlestoncoliseumpac.com

Shrimp and Grits Charleston

Aug 30

Shrimp and Grits Charleston is a chef's competition with a portion of the proceeds benefiting the Charleston Animal Society. Sixteen Charleston chefs will compete to create the best shrimp and grits, and locals and tourists alike are invited to come and experience some of the best of downtown Charleston. There will be live music, a pet talent show, and plenty of shrimp and grits to go around. Tickets are $30 in advance, $35 at the door. 7-10pm. Charleston Visitor's Center Bus Shed. shrimpandgritscharleston.com