Events in July-August 2023

Looking to fill your social calendar? We've got the rundown on how to stay entertained this summer season.

July

Starlight Cinema Series

Wednesdays in July

Join Freshfields Village at Kiawah Island for the Starlight Cinema Series every Wednesday in July at 8:30 pm. Guests are encouraged to bring beach chairs and blankets for the complimentary event. The outdoor movie series will feature a variety of family-friendly movies. A lineup can be found at www.freshfieldsvillage.com. 165 Village Green Lane, Kiawah Island.

Charleston Riverdogs

Through summer

Play ball! Enjoy Charleston’s Minor League Baseball team as they play home games all season at the beautiful Joe Riley Stadium which overlooks the Ashley River. Fireworks follow every Friday game and kids are allowed to run the bases on Sundays. milb.com/charleston

Charleston Farmer’s Market

Saturdays

A weekly farmers market at Marion Square downtown offers a variety of fresh produce, prepared foods and vendors. Saturdays, 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Christmas in July tea with Santa

Sundays in July

Beat the heat with a special Christmas in July edition of Tea with Santa at Camilia’s at Hotel Bennett. Sundays this July, join Santa on his summer break for pineapple decorating, holiday-themed treats, and all things festive. Reservations are required. Ticket prices are $75 for adults and $45 for children 12 and under. Three seatings per Sunday. Call 843-990-5460 or reserve on OpenTable. 404 King Street.

Music on the Green

Fridays

This summer, Freshfields in Kiawah will host a weekly Music on the Green Concert Series on Fridays from 6-9 p.m.! The free, family-friendly concerts feature a variety of music from regional bands including Carolina Beach music, Motown, Top 40, Country and more. Guests are encouraged to bring blankets and chairs. A lineup can be found at www.freshfieldsvillage.com. 165 Village Green Lane, Kiawah Island.

4th of July Fireworks Blast at Patriot’s Point

July 4

Patriot’s Point will kick off a free 4th of July Fireworks Blast celebration on shore starting at 6 p.m. near the USS Yorktown. The event on the grassy area includes live music, food trucks and a fireworks show over Charleston Harbor. Bring chairs and blankets. Prime viewing of the fireworks aboard the USS Yorktown deck is available. www.patriotspoint.org.

Isle of Palms fireworks

July 4

The Isle of Palms fireworks show will take place between on the Front Beach area with an ocean view from 9 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

Family day at The Halsey Institute of Contemporary Art

July 9

Families are welcome to join The Halsey Institute of Contemporary Art staff for a fun-filled and family-friendly celebration of the current exhibition. Guests can enjoy guided tours, art activities that explore the exhibition, healthy snacks and more. 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. Halsey Institute members receive free admission; all non-member families will be asked to make a $5 donation at the door. 161 Calhoun Street.

Second Sunday on King Street

July 9 & Aug. 13

On the Second Sunday of every month, stroll, shop, dine and enjoy Charleston’s “Main Street” on a vehicle-free pedestrian-only afternoon. There will be events and activities, shopping, food, wine and more.

“Calabriations” Starving Artists Supper Club

July 10 & 24

Enjoy culinary and artistic collaborations between Chef Graham Calabria and local artists at Union Station for dinner and a show at a new venue in downtown Charleston. The menus for each event will be inspired by the artist that are being celebrated. The line-up of artists includes artists Maggie Mazza @Maggels_ on July 10 and Lauren Ridenour @LaurenRidenour_Art on July 24. Cocktails at 6 p.m. and supper at 7 p.m. Tickets are $99 each and available through the chef’s website found on his Instagram bio @chefgrahamcalabria. 652A King St.

Seabrook Island Chow Town Food Truck Rodeo

July 12 & 26; August 9 &23

The second annual run of this seasonal event will bring a number of local food trucks to Seabrook Island for evening supper, 5-8 p.m.. There will be live entertainment and beer and wine available. 2001 Seabrook Island Rd. For a list of food trucks and entertainment, visit www.townofseabrookisland.org/announcements

Michael Franti & Spearhead

July 14

Michael Franti blends hip hop with funk, reggae, jazz, folk, and rock. He will hold a show poolside at the Wonderer Charleston, 1705 Meeting St. Rd. Show starts at 9 p.m. Tickets start at $50 with fees and private cabanas are available. www.thewonderer.com

Reggae Nights Summer Concert Series

July 14 & August 4

The Reggae Nights Summer Concert Series at James Island County Park features traditional old-school roots reggae with a new-school attitude in a beautiful outdoor setting. Bring your chairs or blanket. Gates open at 7:30 p.m.; music begins at 8 p.m. July 14 will be Mystic Vibrations and Aug. 4  with be Amani Smith and the Give Thanks Band. Advance tickets are $10 per person, day-of ticket price is $15 per person online or at the gate, gold pass members are free. 871 Riverland Dr. www.ccprc.com.

Caribbean Jerk Festival

July 15

The Charleston Caribbean Jerk Festival is a family-friendly event that celebrates the best in Caribbean culture, music and food using Jamaican jerk seasoning. Bring a blanket and chair and enjoy music, food and fun. Riverfront Park in North Charleston. 3 p.m. until 10 p.m. www.facebook.com/CHSJerkFest.

19th Annual Sweetgrass Festival

July 22

The annual sweetgrass festival promotes and brings attention to the contributions of the Gullah Geechee people’s history, culture, traditions and their sweetgrass basket art form that originated in Mount Pleasant. 10 a.m. -3 p.m. Free admission, entertainment and activities. Mt. Pleasant Memorial Waterfront Park, 99 Harry Hallman Jr. Blvd. experiencemountpleasant.com

Charleston Battery Summer Nights $3 beer

July 22

Check out Charleston’s minor league soccer team and get discounted brews as they take on the Pittsburgh Riverhounds at 7:30 p.m. Ticket prices vary. 85 Patriots Point Rd. www.charlestonbattery.com

Folly Beach Wahine Classic

July 29-30

With nearly 250 competitors and countless more families, fans and followers, Folly Beach Wahine Classic is the longest running all-female surf contest on the East Coast and South Carolina’s only all-female surf contest. The competition and camaraderie will be held at The Washout, Folly Beach, 1550 E. Ashley Ave. Registration and a schedule will be listed at www.follywahine.com

Dancing on the Cooper

July 22 & August 19

Summertime calls for live music and dancing on the Mount Pleasant Pier! Local bands perform a variety of live music, including beach/shag, Cuban salsa, funk/soul, rock, jazz, country, Motown, and the greatest hits of the ‘80s and ‘90s. Let loose, breathe in the harbor breeze, and dance the night away under the stars! Advance tickets are $8 per person. Day-of tickets are $10 per person if the event hasn't sold out. On-site tickets, if available, will only be sold via credit card. Children 3 and under are free and do not require a ticket. 71 Harry M. Hallman Jr Blvd, Mt Pleasantwww.ccprc.com

JuLionfish Festival at the South Carolina Aquarium

July 28

This all-inclusive, 21+ evening at the Aquarium includes live entertainment, lionfish demos and tastings, small bites from local restaurants, beer and wine and a silent auction. Connect with other like-minded individuals and learn about conservation efforts and sustainable seafood practices along our coast and the related “Lionfish Derby.” Proceeds benefit South Carolina Aquarium Reef Research. Tickets are $65 for non-members and $60 for members. 100 Aquarium Wharf. Get tickets and learn more at www.scaquarium.org

August

Counting Crows

Aug. 2

For more than two decades, the GRAMMY and Academy Award-nominated rock band Counting Crows have enchanted listeners worldwide with their intensely soulful tunes. The seasoned rockers Counting Crows are coming to the Credit One Stadium on Daniel Island. Joining the tour will be special guests Dashboard Confessional. Tickets start at $38 each. 161 Seven Farms Drive. www.ticketmaster.com.

Live at Firefly: Shakey Graves and Trampled by Turtles

Aug. 3

Alt-indie and folk music standouts Shakey Graves & Trampled By Turtles are bringing their 2023 Tour to Live at Firefly Distillery outdoor venue in North Charleston. Guests are welcome to bring blankets to enjoy the concert from the field. Food from food trucks and beverages, including a dedicated Bend & Steal Whiskey bar featuring their specialty American blended whiskey cocktails, will be available for purchase. 7 p.m. Tickets are $44.50 each plus fees available through Live Nation via link at www.fireflydistillery.com. 4201 Spruill Ave.

First Friday ArtWalk

Aug 4

Discover the vibrant art scene of Charleston and indulge in the delightful festivities of First Friday ArtWalks held from 5 – 8 p.m. at more than 40 local art galleries downtown which have extended hours and receptions. (No ArtWalk in July due to holiday) charlestongalleryassociation.com/artwalk

Live at Firefly: Ryan Adams

Aug. 13

Ryan Adams & The Cardinals will play at Firefly Distillery outdoor venue in North Charleston. Guests are welcome to bring blankets to enjoy the concert from the field. Food from food trucks and beverages will be available. Tickets are $59.50 each plus fees available through Live Nation via link at www.fireflydistillery.com 4201 Spruill Ave.

Patti LaBelle

Aug. 14

R&B legend singer Patti LaBelle will perform live at North Charleston Performing Arts Center on 8 p.m. Tickets start at $112 each. 5001 Coliseum Dr. www.ticketmaster.com

Southeast Crab Festival

Aug. 19

Enjoy all-you-can-eat blue crabs at the Southeast Crab Feast event in North Charleston. Tickets include the crab feast and a side of fish and chips. Live music will be played throughout the day at this family-friendly event. Wannamaker Park 8888 University Blvd North Charleston. Seatings at 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. Tickets are $43 plus fees for adults, $17.50 for kid ages 5-11 and $29 for kids 12 and older. www.southeastcrabfeast.com

Cars & Coffee

Aug. 19

Arrive in your favorite ride or stop by the Village Green in Kiawah Island to browse unique, antique and other cool cars at the monthly Cars & Coffee. Coffee and breakfast will be available for purchase at Java Java. The third Saturday of every month from 9 – 11 a.m. 165 Village Green Lane, Kiawah Island.

Tyler Childers

Aug. 19

Grammy-nominated songwriter Tyler Childers will perform live at Credit One Stadium on August 19 at 6:30 p.m. 161 Seven Farms Drive. Tickets start at $223 each. www.ticketmaster.com.

Summer Wine Festival

August 26

The Summer Wine Festival at the Charleston Harbor Cruise Terminal downtown will feature 50 different wines, mimosas and a selection of beers along with live music. Enjoy the air-conditioned indoor venue and spacious waterfront side patio. Tickets are $50 in advance and $55 after Aug. 17. Tickets include a souvenir acrylic wine glass, entertainment and all wine and beer samples. Food will be available for purchase. 196 Concord Street. 3-7 p.m. www.charlestonwinefestivals.com/summer