Friday, April 25
Eastern Surfing Association Mid-Atlantic Regional Championships – Happening RIGHT NOW through Sunday, stop surfing the web and head to Folly Beach to watch the REAL surfing! The competition brings more than 260 surfers to Folly to compete for their spot at the Easterns, the championship for the Eastern Surfing Association held in September in Nags Head, N.C. To get there, surfers must first compete at the regional competition when it returns to Folly — last time it was held here was in 2006 — but they’ve moved from the Washout to just in front of the Tides. 1 Center Street. Free to watch! All day long through the weekend.
Party at the Point – Party at the Point kicks off tonight with another amazing season of live music overlooking the Charleston Harbor! This series of concerts goes through the summer and is one of the most popular, public, summer events in the Lowcountry. Tickets are really inexpensive ($5 for most bands) and you’ll enjoy a cash bar and food vendors throughout the evening. Tonight features a Dave Matthews tribute band. Charleston Harbor Resort and Marina, 20 Patriots Point Road. Doors open at 5:30pm. $5-$7 per show.
Charleston Food Film Festival – What do Charlestonians love even more than tidal creeks and a good surf on Folly Beach? FOOD! This festival Celebrates the art of beautiful, close-up images of food set to music. Also included in this festival is The Food Porn Party, which showcases unique food films and dishes from local and national chefs and purveyors, from West Coast doughnuts and Baja fish tacos to funky fondue! High Wire Distilling, 652 King Street. $60 at the door. 7:00pm
Laura Ball and Friends – Join pianist Laura Ball for a delightful evening of both classical and contemporary pieces for an incredible night exploring the world of “The Piano Woman” (as Laura Ball describes it). You’ll enjoy hits from Sara Bareilles, Alicia Keys, Tori Amos, Regina Specktor along with classical composers Bach, Shubert and and Barber. Charleston Music Hall, 37 John Street. Doors open at 6:00pm. $20 at the door. $10 for students with valid student ID.
Saturday, April 26
Charleston Farmers Market – The Charleston Farmers Market is back for the summer! Head downtown every Saturday morning throughout the summer for live music, fresh produce from local farmers, gorgeous local artwork and crafts, food trucks and MORE. This Saturday morning tradition is a Lowcountry staple for residents and tourists alike. Marion Square, Corner of King and Calhoun Streets. 8:00am-2:00pm.
Isle of Palms Annual Yard Sale – Calling all bargain hunters and antiquers! This annual, word-of-mouth event happens once a year and features a conglomerate of antique dealers, IOP locals and artists who come together for one day only to sell their favorite finds and one-of-a-kind pieces! Isle of Palms Recreation Dept, Hartnett Blvd. Free! 8:00am-12:00pm
Shaggin’ On The Cooper – Steamy nights at the Mt. Pleasant Pier (under the Cooper River Bridge) return for the summer this Saturday! Live shag music every weekend throughout the summer returns to the Lowcountry. This is a weekly event that should not be missed! All ages are welcome to dance the night away and food and drinks are available for purchase. Mt. Pleasant Pier, 71 Harry Hallman Blvd. $10 per person. 7:00pm
Sunday, April 27
Blessing of the Boats – Overlooking beautiful Charleston Harbor in Memorial Waterfront Park, the Blessing of the Fleet and Seafood Festival has become one of the most highly anticipated events of the year for Charlestonians. The main event of the festival is a boat parade and ceremonial blessing of the shrimp/fishing fleets that will leave Charleston’s shores for the fishing season – an incredibly important and exciting event in the Lowcountry! Enjoy delicious seafood samplings available for purchase by some of Mount Pleasant’s favorite restaurants, live music, an arts/crafts show, shag dancing and shrimp-eating contests, and family-friendly activities. Memorial Waterfront Park and Pier. Free! 11:00am-6:00pm
Chef’s Potluck – This 7th annual festival has become one of the most popular food festivals in the Lowcountry! The highly anticipated Chef’s Potluck was created and hosted by Lowcountry Local First and raises money for local projects and initiatives. You’ll enjoy food from Caviar and Bananas; Closed for Business; Cru Cafe; Cypress; Edmund’s Oast; EVO; Glass Onion; The Grocery; Indaco; Middleton Place Restaurant; Monza; The Ordinary; Poogan’s Porch; SNOB; Social Restaurant + Wine Bar; Two Boroughs Larder. Middleton Plantation, 4300 Ashley River Road. 4:00pm-7:00pm
