Happy First Day of Summer. It’s time to fire up the grill. Better yet — plan a backyard gathering with your closest friends and family to celebrate the sunshine season.
To get you started, we’ve rounded up everything you need to have the perfect summer grill out with all locally sourced products.
Entertain your guests with games + activities. Wonder Works Toys has games for kids of all ages and even activities for adults.
Events
Thursday, June 20
The Art of Abstraction: Modernism in Quilting | Thursday, June 20 | 9 a.m.-5 p.m. | The Charleston Museum, 360 Meeting St., Charleston | Free | Explore abstract artwork + quilts thanks to a partnership with the Gibbes Museum of Art and the museum.
North Charleston Farmers Market | Thursday, June 20 | 3-7 p.m. | Park Circle Pavilion, 4800 Park Cir., North Charleston | Price of purchase | Head to Park Circle to stock up on lots of local goodies.
Lady Loutrel’s Afternoon Tea | Thursday, June 20 | 11 a.m.-5 p.m. | The Loutrel, 61 State St., Charleston | $85-$225 | Pinkies, up: This luxe afternoon tea service features botanical-flavored teas, light bites, and stunning views of the Charleston skyline.
Bumpa’s Third Thursday | Thursday, June 20 | 4-7 p.m. | Bumpa’s, 5 Cumberland St., Charleston | Price of purchase | Enjoy food, live music, and local vendors.
Friday, June 21
Candle Making Class | Friday, June 21 | 6-7 p.m. | The Candle Studio at Charleston Candle Co., 218 St. Philip St., Charleston | $55 | You’ll mix and create your own custom-scented soy wax candles with a selection of curated, certified-clean fragrance oils to choose from.
Music on the Green | Friday, June 21 | 6-9 p.m. | Freshfields Village, 165 Village Green Dr., Kiawah Island | Free | Pack a blanket and bring the family to this outdoor concert series featuring regional bands.
Next Stop Comedy | Friday, June 21 | 8-9:30 p.m. | Tradesman Brewing Company, 1647 King St. Ext., Charleston | $20-$25 | Each show features a novel line-up with acts seen on TV and heard on your favorite podcasts.
Saturday, June 22
Speedos & Mo-Titos | Saturday, June 22 | 1 p.m. | The Backyard at Little Palm, 237 Meeting St., Charleston | Free | Strut your stuff in your boldest speedo because the winner will win an overnight stay at The Ryder.
We have a Lewis Barbecue update. The restaurant is temporarily shifting to outdoor dining only, and guests can place their order at its trailer window or order takeout. The indoor dining space is closed for repairs due to termite damage. Pro tip: All orders are cashless.
Sports
For their season home opener, the CofC men’s basketball team will face the University of South Florida at TD Arena on Friday, Nov. 8. This will be the first time we see the Cougars in action under new head coach Chris Mack. The full schedule for the team’s upcoming season hasn’t been announced yet. (WCIV)
Cause
Charleston FRIENDS of the Library will host a Book and Beer Market fundraiser at The Garden by Charles Towne Fermentory on Saturday, July 13. From 5 to 8 p.m., attendees can explore books, art prints, vintage t-shirts, raffles, music, local authors, food trucks, and beer specials. Proceeds will go to Charleston County Library’s 18 branches. (Holy City Sinner)
Outdoors
Is photography your hobby? The Charleston Parks Conservancy is looking for volunteer photographers to help capture the beauty of its local parks and programs. See the guidelines to apply.
Film
Local filmmaker Mark Iverson will debut his first feature-length film, “For Prophet,” this weekend. The film explores one man’s everyday struggle, which leads him on a spiritual journey. The film will open in select theaters around the US, including Citadel Stadium 16 in West Ashley + Northwoods Stadium Cinema in North Charleston. (The Post and Courier)
Today is
The summer solstice, which means it’s the first official day of summer and the longest day of the year. Need something to do on your longer day? Check out our guides on what to do around the Holy City.
Family
Craving some good food and family fun? Check out Crush Yard, a unique restaurant + bar featuring air-conditioned indoor pickleball courts, classic American comfort food, and a wide selection of beers, wines, and cocktails. Bonus: There’s an arcade to keep the kiddos entertained. Plan your visit.*
Earlier this week, after we ran our Q+A with Jenny Ferrara of Philosophers & Fools, we asked you what books you’re currently reading and if you have ever been to a bookstore bar. Here’s what you said:
Have never been to a bookstore bar: 68%
Have been to a bookstore bar: 32%
Here’s what some of you are reading:
“Demon Copperhead” by Barbara Kingsolver
“Year of the Tiger” by Alice Wong
“The Orphan’s Tales” by Catherynne M. Valente
“The Paris Library” by Janet Skeslien Charles
“Creep” by Jennifer Hillier
“Listen to the Marsh” by Michael Lindley
“Ghosted” by Jenn Ashworth
“House of Earth and Blood” by Sarah J. Maas
“A Spark of Light” by Jodi Picoult
“Home Body” by Gerry Boyle
“My Losing Season” by Pat Conroy
“Empire of the Summer Moon” by S.C. Gwynne
Thank you to everyone who participated, and happy reading.
I am super excited that Chef Shin Horiguchi is returning with his sushi Omakase pop-up at the Thoroughbred Club. I got to try some bites at the last pop-up, and I can’t express enough how tasty it was. I recommend the Sweet Tiger specialty roll. You can attend this pop-up beginning today, June 20, through Saturday, June 29.
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