Find ways to celebrate in the city. | Photo provided by the City of Charleston
Juneteenth is a holiday observed on June 19, marking the day in 1865 when federal troops entered Galveston, Texas, announcing the emancipation of enslaved people. It became a federal holiday in 2021 — here are events to observe the holiday in the Holy City.
J.O.Y.: Juneteenth on the Yard | Thursday, June 19 | 10 a.m.-3:30 p.m. | The International African American Museum | Celebrate freedom with displays and an outdoor party including performances, a live Z93 Jamz radio show, and a community market. The museum will also offer complimentary admission all day — reservations are recommended.
Juneteenth Block Party | Friday, June 20 | 4 p.m. | Building 64, North Charleston | DJ Dirty hosts this celebration featuring music, dance groups, line dancing, and representation from community groups + organizations. Tickets are $22.
J19 Week Parade | Sunday, June 22 | 3 p.m. | Montague Avenue, North Charleston | This parade will travel through the Liberty Hill neighborhood and feature displays, performances, and community organizations. The celebration will continue at the Felix Pinckney Center.
Tuesday Burger Night at Sesame | Tuesday, June 17-Tuesday, Dec. 30 | Times vary | Sesame Burgers and Beer, North Charleston | Free | Build your own burger every Tuesday at the Park Circle and Mount Pleasant locations, starting at $8 with your choice of beef, turkey, chicken, or black bean patty, plus free and premium toppings.*
Rooftop Yoga | 6 p.m. | The Restoration Hotel | $5+ | Reset with this all-levels yoga class where you can admire the downtown skyline — don’t forget your mat.
North Charleston POPS! Jazz in the Park | 6-8 p.m. | Riverfront Park, North Charleston | Free | Bring a chair or blanket and enjoy local, jazzy talent under the setting sun — tonight’s show features Abdiel Iriarte.
Doug Stanhope | Tuesday, June 17-Thursday, June 19 | 8 p.m. | Wit’s End Comedy Lounge, North Charleston | $53 | The comedian, podcaster + activist performs his brash but humorous stand up.
Wednesday, June 18
Charleston Medical Spa’s 20th Anniversary Celebration | 3-7 p.m. | Charleston Medical Spa, Charleston | Free | Celebrate 20 years of glowing skin and gorgeous results — enjoy sips, snacks, giveaways, and exclusive specials while mingling with the team.*
Avril Lavigne: “The Greatest Hits Tour” | 7 p.m. | Credit One Stadium | $46+ | Don’t make it “Complicated,” this show will be “Perfect” with guests Simple Plan + We the Kings.
World Peace Meditation + Reiki Share | 7-8:30 p.m. | Carr-Richardson Park | Free | Channel healing energy at this donation-based group meditation class.
Thursday, June 19
Pups for Pride | 4-7 p.m. | Dog Park at Wannamaker County Park, North Charleston | $2 | Bring your dogs to this inclusive celebration to promote local LGBTQ+ causes and animal welfare.
Ladies-Only Sip + Swing | 6-8 p.m. | The Bays, Mount Pleasant | $40 | Grab your gal pals and try your hand at the golf simulator, sip on wine samples, and shop the Southern Slice popup.
Temperatures are increasing, and Charleston is rising to the occasion. The region released the Lowcountry Heat Action Plan Toolkit to help locals stay safe in extreme temperatures, using data from the Charleston Heat Health Research Project. The effort includes information on understanding warnings, cooling off, and health resources.
Transit
No fare — gas prices are on the rise, but Lowcounty residents can get free rides today. To acknowledge National Dump the Pump Day, all fixed-route service through Charleston Area Regional Transportation Authority + TriCounty Link will be available at no cost. (WCIV)
Open
West Ashley is saying hello to Ciao Bella — a new restaurant serving southern Italian comfort food. The concept operates in the same location that used to house La Fontana and is owned by the same family. It’s open Tuesdays through Sundays. (The Post and Courier)
Outdoors
What’s flying around Charleston this week? The county’s Mosquito Control program will be conducting aerial inspections through Monday, June 23. The effort aims to identify and treat areas where mosquitoes could collect, generally locations with stagnant water. (WCIV)
Biz
A downtown Charleston complex at 200 Meeting Street has been acquired by Fourthline Capital Management LLC — its first change in ownership in 20 years. The 145,000-sqft facility includes retail + office spaces and a multi-level garage. Fourthline announced intentions to renovate, but has not revealed a timeline. (Charleston Regional Business Journal)
Pets
If you’re wondering how to help a wandering pet, a new microchip scanning station can be found at James Island Town Hall. The scanner will read microchipped pets, providing information that can help the animal reunite with its owner. The station is available for use 24/7. (The Post and Courier)
Eat
Craving fresh seafood with a view? Head to Shem Creek Crab House in Mount Pleasant for waterfront dining and a menu full of Lowcountry favorites. Dig into dishes like the Carolina Platter, she-crab soup, and world-famous steampots loaded with Alaskan snow crab + Dungeness crab. See the full menu.*
The fun doesn’t have to end here. After reading the newsletter, head over to our games page. Games refresh with new challenges every day at 6 a.m. from crossword puzzle to Sudoku to themed word search.
Summer officially begins this week, and I can already feel the weather heating up. This just makes me crave ice cream more, so I’ll take this as a reminder to check Off Track Ice Cream’s menu to see what flavors it has available.
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