Charleston SC Events May-June 2014

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

Sunset Tour to Fort Sumter

May 2 - June 27

Ft. Sumter Tours is launching a new “Sunset Tour to Fort Sumter” on Friday evenings. A National Park Ranger will narrate from an informative historical perspective upon arrival at Historic Fort Sumter. Next, enjoy your own walking tour during the one-hour visit.The Sunset Tour will feature a cash bar offering beer, wine or your preferred cocktail. Enjoy complimentary hors d’oeuvres with Southern flare on the return trip. Guests board at Liberty Square at 5pm. 843-722-2628, fortsumtertours.com

 7th Annual Dragon Boat Festival

May 3

This event has it all…a fierce competition, a huge party and a celebration of cancer survivors, all benefiting the cancer survivor programs of Dragon Boat Charleston. This is the Lowcountry’s most unique and fabulous event. It’s hard to describe the creative costumes, colorful tents, strenuous paddling, delicious food and fun all set against the backdrop of the gorgeous Ashley River. Come on out for a crazy day of fun with friends, family and co-workers. 843-324-9505, charlestondragonboatfestival.com

 38th Annual Lowcountry Shrimp Festival

May 3

The town of McClellanville rolls out the welcome mat for visitors to enjoy the Lowcountry Shrimp Festival and Blessing of the Fleet. Plan on making the short drive off Highway 17 to the end of Pinckney Street to enjoy the Festival. There will be plenty of local shrimp, as well as options for the non-shrimp eaters to enjoy. Beer and other beverages will be available for sale, no coolers please. Craft vendor area with more than 45 local artisans, and a huge children’s play area. Live music from two bands. Bring the whole family and plan to make a day of it. 11am-5pm. 843-887-3323, lowcountryshrimpfestival.com

Blues & BBQ Harbor Cruise

May 8 - June 26

Every Thursday come hop aboard the Carolina Queen for a "Blues & BBQ Harbor Cruise". Boarding begins at 6:30pm at the Charleston City Marina. The cruise last from 7-9pm and there will be live music from the Shrimp City Slim Band aboard the boat. 843-722-1112, charlestonharbortours.com

 Evenings in the Market

May 9 - July 5

The weekly event, designed to showcase local artists, food vendors and designers, is from 6:30-10:30pm every Friday and Saturday. Local artists are also encouraged to submit artwork to be featured on the event’s promotional poster. The winner of the contest will receive 50 posters and the rights to print and sell additional copies. Historic Charleston City Market, thecharlestoncitymarket.com

 2nd Sunday on King Street

May 11 and June 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

 Sherlock Holmes and the Charleston History Mystery

May 13 - July 3

Join Sherlock Holmes for an Historical City Tour truly for the lazy - where without ever leaving your theatre seat you will explore Charleston's past, present, and ...other worldly...and where should you choose to volunteer you may actually play a victim, villain or vile vision in The Case of Sherlock Holmes and the Charleston History Mystery. The Black Fedora Comedy Mystery Theatre, 843-937-6453. charlestonmysteries.com

Explore Bulls Island - Multi Day Adventure

May 16 - 18

Offered only 8 times each year through Coastal Expeditions, this is a unique opportunity to stay overnight in a National Wildlife Refuge. All the Lowcountry-inspired meals are included, as are transportation to the island, aforementioned accommodations and guide service. Each day, your naturalist guide will lead you alongside freshwater impoundments, down the beach and through hidden trails as they share the refuge history, seek out wildlife, identify shells along the pristine shoreline and leave you with a greater appreciation for the importance of this refuge in our world. This trip is ideal for birders, photographers, adventurers and nature lovers. Sewee Center, 843-928-3368. bullsislandferry.com

 Fly Fishing 201 Schools

May 17

Each fly fishing class is typically offered once a month for $75. They run from 9am-3pm, and include lunch as well as any necessary tackle required for the session. Capt. John will cover everything from fly casting to knots and flies selection for Lowcountry species. Makes for a great birthday present or group activity. Class sizes limited to 10 participants. The Charleston Angler, 843-884-2095. thecharlestonangler.com

 Charleston Beer Garden

May 17

The city's largest pop-up beer garden returns to Brittlebank Park for the 3rd annual celebration of the suds. The festival features an impressive line-up of over thirty craft brews from the Palmetto state & beyond, with something for absolutely everyone. Beer is available in samples or pints. Craft beer, live music, homebrewers, beer olympics, awesome food and more! 12-8pm. charlestonbeergarden.com

 Shaggin' on the Cooper

May 17 and June 14

This popular live beach music and shag dance event series returns. Celebrate the arrival of warmer weather with some dancing. Local bands perform live at the end of the Mount Pleasant Pier throughout the season, and the dance floor is open for all ages. Gates open at 7pm for all events, and tickets are $10 per person ($8 in advance for Charleston County residents). 843-795-4386, charlestoncountyparks.com

 Charleston Sprint Triathlon Series

May 18

The Charleston Sprint Triathlon Series kicks off at James Island County Park. From the first race on May 18 to the Championship Race on August 10, it's going to be another exciting summer for athletes. Cooler weather, a smaller field (260-300 registered), and a chance to pick up some early season points is a great way to start off the year! ccprc.com

 First Flush Festival

May 24

A celebration of America's own tea garden and its popular product line, American Classic Tea. The festival name, First Flush, is defined as the growth of new leaves on the tea plants in the spring time after a winter of rest. Their "first flush" of new growth is harvested to produce what avid tea drinkers deem to be the most unique, fresh, and amazing cup of tea. However, the festival is not just about tea! Residents from Charleston and all neighboring towns trek to picturesque Wadmalaw Island to enjoy music, entertainment, art, and local cuisine. Fun for the whole family. Charleston Tea Plantation, 843-559-0383. charlestonteaplantation.com

Green and Lean 5K Run/Walk

May 31

The USA TF certified 5k begins 8am at Brittlebank Park, follows a scenic route around Hampton Park, past the Citadel, and ends back at Brittlebank Park. This is a family event and everyone is welcome. Immediately following the 5k, Clara's 50-yard Tot Trot will be held for children ages 2-5. Race proceeds will benefit the mission of Keep Charleston Beautiful. 843-628-1479, greenandlean5k.com

 Sweetgrass Cultural Arts Festival

June 6 - 7

This intricate handiwork of Gullah crafts is the highlight of this cultural showcase that includes gospel songs, praise dance, rhythmic drumming and basket-weaving demonstrations. Featured events include: Friday 6-9pm, The "Real" Taste of Gullah featuring delicious Gullah Geechee Cuisine provided by the Culinary Institute of Charleston, the Cafe on Main, Joe's Catering Service, Cruncho Enterprise and Culinary Concepts LLC. Saturday 9am-2pm, Gullah Geechee Group Seminar - Local scholars and resource agencies will provide information and engage participants in discussion concerning health, education, land & heirs property issues within the African American communities. Saturday 12-7pm, Sweetgrass Festival 10th Anniversary Celebration - Experience the Gullah Geechee people's history and culture through the sounds of gospel songs, Gullah storytelling's and African drummers and dancers. Mt. Pleasant Waterfront Park. 843-856-9732, sweetgrassfestival.org

 The Head and The Heart

June 12

It wasn't that long ago that the members of Seattle's The Head and the Heart band were strumming their acoustic guitars on street corners as they attempted to attract the attention of passersby. That unbridled energy was honed in local clubs before eventually being captured on the band's 2011 debut album for hometown label Sub Pop. Then, something unexpected happened. That music began to reach audiences all over the United States and the rest of the world, and the album became one of Sub Pop's best-selling debut releases in years. And slowly but surely, ideas began to form for the band's second album, imbued with the experiences of traveling the world and cultivating a listenership with a deep connection to the music. North Charleston Performing Arts Center 8pm. 843-529-5000, northcharlestoncoliseumpac.com

Naturalization Ceremony

June 25

The U.S. government will bestow those rights on dozens of new American citizens at a Naturalization Ceremony at Middleton Place. Held each year on Arthur Middleton's birthday, the Naturalization Ceremony has become a distinctly patriotic event. It serves as a reminder of the varied makeup nation's citizenry which, through natural birth or Naturalization, weaves the cultural patchwork that is the United States. 843-556-6020. middletonplace.org

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