Current Events: May 17-19

Cooper River Bridge From Old Village by Matt Anderson Properties

Spring is in full force in Charleston this weekend, and everyone is trying to take advantage of the beautiful weather. Many of the events this weekend are outdoors, so grab your sunscreen, bug spray and a beach blanket, and head out there!

Friday, May 17

  • 33 Variations. See Threshold Repertory Theatre’s production of this Moises Kaufman play that transcends time and location as it explores themes of parenthood and passion. 8 PM. 84 ½ Society Street (downtown). Adults $20, Seniors $15, Students and Children $10. (Additional shows Saturday at 8 PM and Sunday at 3 PM).

  • Party at the Point. Longtime South Carolina favorites The Blue Dogs take the stage this weekend. Doors open at 5:30, and the first band takes the stage at 6:30. Cash bar. Cover charge $7 per person. Don’t forget your blanket or beach chair.

  • Summer Concert Series at the Sanctuary. Come listen to The Coastal Breeze Variety Band and dance to your favorite songs from the ‘70s, ‘80s, and ‘90s as you relax on the Grand Lawn at Kiawah Island’s Sanctuary Hotel. Bring a beach chair or blanket. Food and beverages available at the Lobby Bar.

  • Movies in Marion Square. Take advantage of the beautiful late spring weather as you watch Back to the Future on the outdoor screen in Marion Square. Food tents will open at 6 PM and the movie begins at dusk. Make sure to bring your own beach chair or blanket. Free.

Saturday, May 18

  • 7th Annual First Flush FesTEAval. Have you visited America’s only tea plantation? It’s worth the short drive to Wadmalaw Island to experience a part of Charleston’s rich tea heritage as the first harvest of this year is celebrated. Live music (featuring Old Crow Medicine Show), local food, and tea tastings make this an event not to miss. Gates open at 1 PM, and the show begins at 2 PM. Tickets are $25 for adults, and free for children under 10. 6617 Maybank Highway, Wadmalaw Island.

  • Porgy and Bess. The Charleston Jazz Orchestra presents a special selection of songs from this classic Charleston folk opera, which is based on a book of the same name and was written by a Charleston native,  DuBose Heyward. It was made famous by the Gershwins and has remained a standard in American theatre ever since. Charleston Music Hall at 37 John Street. Two performances: 7 PM and 10 PM. Adult tickets start at $30, and senior tickets start at $25.

  • Shaggin’ on the Cooper. Break out those dancing shoes and spend a few hours listening to the beach music made famous by this region. Held at the Mount Pleasant Pier. Gates open at 7 PM and the music starts at 8 PM. Purchase your tickets early because this event often sells out!

  • 2nd Annual Charleston Beer Garden. If you’re a beer connoisseur, this is the event for you. Come sample craft beers in the garden, attend beer school, and enter to win the beer Olympics. Brittlebank Park. Noon to 8 PM. General admission tickets are $25 in advance and $30 at the door (includes 5 beer tickets), VIP tickets are $50 in advance only, and Designated Driver tickets are $15.

Sunday, May 19

  • 23rd Annual Charleston Sprint Triathalon. Swim, bike and run at James Island County Park in this first race of the 2013 Charleston Sprint Triathalon series. The race begins at 7:15 AM. Tickets are $55–purchase early as the event is limited to 400 participants and often sells out.

  • Sherlock Holmes and the Charleston History Mystery. Sherlock Holmes travels to the Lowcountry to do some sleuthing in this mystery-comedy presented by the Black Fedora Comedy Mystery Theatre. Adults $24, students and military $22, and children $12. 164 Church Street downtown near Tommy Condon’s. 7:30 PM.