If you're looking
for some fun and interesting things to do, the events in Summerville
and Dorchester County are sure to please. Our calendar of
events continues to surprise and delight visitors (and residents)
of all ages.
You can search for
events by month with the pull-down menu (above) or just scroll
down the page to see the entire listing.
May
2008
Charles Dubose Golf Tournament
May 9
Benefit The Ark (Alzheimer Family Services and Respite Care)Local and Non Profit Organization Registration at 12:00 and Shotgun at 1:00pm.
There will be lunch provided with cookout after the tournament Reistration for teams and individuals/Sponsorships available. Deadline May 2, 2008 Call (843) 607-2050 or email phuntkp@aol.comfor sponsorship or registration forms.
Interactive “Hands-on” Rice Planting
at Middleton Place May 6
Join a costumed interpreter as he describes how Carolina
Gold rice was planted on Low
Country plantations, and learn about the African origins
of rice and its cultivation in South Carolina in the 18th
and 19th centuries. Participants, if they desire, may
get down and dirty in the demonstration rice field
and assist with the planting! Traditional methods will be
employed beginning with the May planting through
the September harvest. Regular Admission. (843) 556-6020
International
Migratory Bird Day/Swampology Day
May
12
In celebration of
International Migratory Bird Day, Audubon Center at Beidler
Forest will offer an early morning bird walk, let by a staff
naturalist, at 8:00 am. From 10am-2pm, other environmental
organizations will set up displays near the visitors center
with activities for children/families. These organizations
include: US Fish and Wildlife Service International Center
for Birds of Prey, SC Coastal Conservation League, Earthfare,
SC Association of Naturalists and the SC Aquarium. Also
from 10-2, watch demonstrations of reptiles, see local Native
American artifacts, area fossils, mammal skulls, beginner's
birdwatching and everything else you wanted to know about
the swamp but were afraid to ask! (843) 462-2150 or beidler@audubon.org.
Outdoor Concert Series
May
15
Bring a beach blanket or a lawn chair and enjoy the sounds of the Heritage Aire Celtic Ensemble. Under the direction of TSgt Sherry Burt, Heritage Aire blends a contemporary musical approach with traditional Celtic music style to create a stunning musical tapestry. The members of Heritage Aire perform on traditional instruments such as the Irish flute, tin whistles, button accordion, and bodhran. They also employ modern instruments like the acoustic guitar and clarinet to achieve their unique sound.
Heritage Aire celebrates America’s great cultural diversity by performing concerts in communities and schools throughout a six state region. The ensemble also provides entertainment and musical support for military protocol events.
Concert begins at 6:30 pm. No alcoholic beverages permitted.
(843) 821-7260
Moms to Moms Sale
May
17
MOMS Club of Summerville-North will be hosting the first annual MOMS to Moms Sale @ The Farm (Wescott) Amenity Center, beginning at 8 am. All proceeds will benefit the Low Country Orphan Relief. The event will include yard sales, crafters and independent business vendors. Snacks and drinks will be available for purchase. For more information or to be a part of the event, please contact: vtsigal@sc.rr.com .
Beidler
Forest Audubon Center Nightwalk
May
17
Ever wonder what
goes on in the swamp after the sun goes down? We do!
And we let you discover it first-hand with our Nightwalks!
There's nothing like a stroll into the swamp after dark...
Reservations are
neccessary. $8.00/person. (843) 462-2150
Renowned sculptors
from across the country present Western, figurative, abstract,
and wildlife sculpture ( from monumental to miniature
). Discover sculpture suitable for sitting room or city
park. Sculptor demonstrations; children's Art's Encounters.
On-site ticket sales: adults $5, students of any age free.
(843) 851-7800
Interactive Rice Cultivation at Middleton Place May 17 and 21
Learn more about the cultivation of Carolina Gold rice in this interactive discussion
led by a costumed interpreter at the demonstration rice field overlook. Visitors
can view Carolina Gold rice growing in the flooded rice field and learn about
the African origins of rice and its importance in colonial and antebellum South
Carolina. Regular Admission. (843) 556-6020
A Taste of Opera - St. Theresa Catholic Church
May 18
Popular and famous arias and ensembles performed by the music professors and students of Charleston Southern University and the SCO, directed by Maestro Alexander Agrest. This exciting program includes Bizet, Puccini, Verdi, Mozart, and Gershwin. Begins at 3pm, tickets $10. (843) 873-5339.
Outdoor Concert Series
May
19
Bring a beach blanket or a lawn chair and enjoy tour outdoor concert. Held in Historic downtown concerts begin at 6:30 pm.
The 31-year-old multi-arts
festival is noted for opera, theater, dance and various fine-arts
spectacles. For more information on this event call 1-843-722-2764.
June
2008
Summerville Community Orchestra
Piccolo Spoleto Performance
June
2
A Taste of Opera - Citadel Square Baptist Church, 328 Meeting St., Charleston. Tickets $10. (843) 873-5339
Spoleto Finale June 8 Bring a blanket and picnic supper to enjoy under the live
oaks on the Middleton Place Greensward. Then conclude the Spoleto
Festival with a concert by the Festival Orchestra performed at
the Butterfly Lakes and a dazzling display of fireworks over
the Ashley River . Tickets available through the Spoleto Festival
Box Office or at the ticket gate the evening of the event.
Beidler
Forest Audubon Center Nightwalk
June
14
Ever wonder what
goes on in the swamp after the sun goes down? We do!
And we let you discover it first-hand with our Nightwalks!
There's nothing like a stroll into the swamp after dark...
Reservations are
neccessary. $8.00/person. (843) 462-2150
Riverfest June 14, 15
Paddling festival on the Edisto River in Canadys, SC. Guided
trips down the blackwater Edisto River. Workshops on canoeing
and displays of outdoor gear provided. (843) 549-5591
Outdoor Concert Series
June 19
Bring a beach blanket or a lawn chair and enjoy tour outdoor concert. Held in Historic downtown concerts begin at 6:30 pm.
July
2008
Red, White
and Blue on the Green
July
4
Summerville D.R.E.A.M.'s annual 4th of July celebration will be held Friday, July
4 from 4 - 7 p.m. on Summerville's Town Square.
Join the non-motorized parade, featuring kids on bikes, in wagons, on rollerblades, in strollers - all decked out for America. Magic Show, games and activities for children of all ages, live music, jump castles and food vendors round out this fun event. Registration for the non-motorized parade begins at 4 p.m. Prizes will be awarded for Most Patriotic, Most Original and Most Patriotic Pet. Fireworks show will start at 9 pm at Gahagan Sports Complex. Music and concessions start at 7 pm. No coolers/alcoholic beverages allowed. Fireworks show sponsored by Dorchester County and the Town of Summerville.
(843) 821-7260
Fireworks
July
4
After "Red, White and Blue on the Green" head to Gahagan Sports
Complex located at 515 West Boundary Street for fireworks.
Concessions and music will begin at 7 p.m. Fireworks show
will begin at 9 p.m. Bring a beach blanket and lawn
chair but no coolers or alcoholic beverages permitted.
Fireworks show sponsored by The Town of Summerville. (Cars
parked on the Berlin G. Myers Parkway will be towed.) (843)
821-7260
Beidler
Forest Audubon Center Nightwalk
July
12
Ever wonder what
goes on in the swamp after the sun goes down? We do!
And we let you discover it first-hand with our Nightwalks!
There's nothing like a stroll into the swamp after dark...
Reservations are
neccessary. $8.00/person. (843) 462-2150
The Challenge of Independence
July 14 -17
The “Challenge of Independence” will be held in conjunction with the “Doctors With a Heart” (DWAH) Foundation, the largest doctor-sponsored charity in the nation. Dr. McPhail will participate in this nation-wide, week long competition with chiropractors, physicians and health professionals across the nation to raise the most money for a charity of choice. Dr. McPhail has chosen to support the Dorchester Children’s Center (DCC), Dorchester County’s only Child Advocacy Center. The DCC provides a safe haven and treatment for abused and neglected children. During this challenge New Patient Examination is only $17.76, in celebration of the year our country was founded, 1776 (New Patient Examination normally $199.00) A donation of $17.76 for existing patients will entitle them to a complimentary office visit. For more information call
(843) 873-2225
Art Walk
July 17
Artists, jewelers, craftsmen display and sell their art on Short Central Avenue, tangently across from Hutchison Square (at the corner of Richardson and Central) in Historic Summerville. 5 -8 pm. Call (843) 871-0297 for details.
Outdoor Concert Series
July 17
Bring a beach blanket or a lawn chair and enjoy tour outdoor concert. Held in Historic downtown concerts begin at 6:30 pm.
August
2008
Beidler
Forest Audubon Center Nightwalk
August
16
Ever wonder what
goes on in the swamp after the sun goes down? We do!
And we let you discover it first-hand with our Nightwalks!
There's nothing like a stroll into the swamp after dark...
Reservations are
neccessary. $8.00/person. (843) 462-2150
Art Walk
August 21
Artists, jewelers, craftsmen display and sell their art on Short Central Avenue, tangently across from Hutchison Square (at the corner of Richardson and Central) in Historic Summerville. 5 -8 pm. Call (843) 871-0297 for details.
Outdoor Concert Series
August 21
Bring a beach blanket or a lawn chair and enjoy tour outdoor concert. Held in Historic downtown concerts begin at 6:30 pm.
September
2008
Ridgeville Arts & Culture
Festival
September
1-3
Old-fashioned Labor Day celebration
in downtown Ridgeville town square.
Festival includes family entertainment, children's activities,
parade, carnival, and of course food. (843) 851-2970
See-Saw Days- Harleyville
September
8-10
Arts, crafts, kids'
games, amusement rides, K9 dog show, Harley-Davidson bike
show and poker runs, nightly street dancing.
(843) 462-7676
Beidler Forest Audubon
Center Nightwalk
September
13
Ever wonder what
goes on in the swamp after the sun goes down? We do!
And we let you discover it first-hand with our Nightwalks!
There's nothing like a stroll into the swamp after dark...
Reservations are
neccessary. $8.00/person. (843) 462-2150
Interactive
Rice Harvest at Middleton Place September 13, 16, 25
Its harvest time on the plantation. Join a costumed interpreter
at the rice field overlook as he describes and demonstrates
how Carolina Gold rice was harvested on Low Country plantations.
This interactive program will also enable participants
to understand how the grain went from the field
to the plate as they learn about the laborious task
of processing the grain after harvest. Regular Admission.
(843) 556-6020
Art Walk
September 18
Artists, jewelers, craftsmen display and sell their art on Short Central Avenue, tangently across from Hutchison Square (at the corner of Richardson and Central) in Historic Summerville. 5 -8 pm. Call (843) 871-0297 for details.
Outdoor Concert Series
September 18
Bring a beach blanket or a lawn chair and enjoy tour outdoor concert. Held in Historic downtown concerts begin at 6:30 pm.
October
2008
Scarecrows
on the Square
Annual display of scarecrows and pumpkin-folk created by
local families and groups, displayed throughout the on
historic Town Square.
Beidler Forest Audubon
Center Nightwalk
October 11
Ever wonder what
goes on in the swamp after the sun goes down? We do!
And we let you discover it first-hand with our Nightwalks!
There's nothing like a stroll into the swamp after dark...
Reservations are neccessary. $8.00/person. (843)
462-2150
Mark your calendar to attend this
spectacular event. Beautiful homes in historic downtown
Summerville will open their doors to share their kitchens,
with meals prepared by some of the area's best chefs. Proceeds
benefit Children In Crisis, Inc. Special lodging packages are available. Tickets are $50. (843)
875-1551
Charleston Garden Festival at Middleton Place October 17, 18, 19
Come discover the famed gardens and plantation on the Ashley
River as the setting for an extended weekend of speakers,
vendors, exhibition gardens, tours, demonstrations, as well
as festive meals and gatherings. For ticket information,
call (843) 723-9293 or visit the website at www.charlestongardenfestival.org
BOO In the Swamp
October 17 - 18
Described as “a Night Walk on
steroids, we take what is naturally spooky about the swamp
at night and ramp it up a couple of notches! The night is
designed to be “family friendly” as NO blood,
guts, demons, chainsaw massacres, or other nightmare inducing
scares will be included. However, participants should expect
to be spooked, creeped out or otherwise given the heebie
jeebies, along the way! Beginning at 5:30 for parents with
younger children and 7:00 for parents with braver kids! Cost
is $10.00/adult and $6.00/child. Reservations must be made
at 843-462-2150. Weenie roast, smores, hot cocoa, and other
kid stuff will entertain you while you wait.
Harvest Moon Hayride and Ghost Walk October 25
The Junior Servic League and Summerville D.R.E.A.M. will host this annual event to include ghost stories, hayrides that wind through darkened streets,
glow-in-the-dark face painting, and children's stateions with activities such as a cupcake walk, apple jumping, fortune tellers, pumpkin decorating and more. Town Square 6-9 p.m. (843)
821-7260
November
2008
Plantation
Days at Middleton Place
Every
Saturday in November www.middletonplace.org
Craftworkers demonstrate the skills practiced by slaves
as they prepared the antebellum plantation for harvest
time. Each Saturday from 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. a different
aspect of 18th and 19th-century plantation life will be
explored: Regular admission. (843) 556-6020
Beidler
Forest Audubon Center Nightwalk
November 8
Ever wonder what
goes on in the swamp after the sun goes down? We do!
And we let you discover it first-hand with our Nightwalks!
There's nothing like a stroll into the swamp after dark...
Reservations are neccessary. $8.00/person. (843)
462-2150
Seventh Annual Taste of
the Town
November
9
www.summervilletasteofthetown.com
If you like food and you like fun, then bring the family to Summerville’s 7th Annual Taste of the Town, noon to 4 pm, presented by the Greater Summerville/Dorchester CountyChamber of Commerce. This Veteran’s Day, come show your patriotic spirit as Summerville’s Azalea Park is turned red, white, and blue in support of our Veterans. Enjoy all that Summerville has to offer while sampling the delicious food from Summerville’s top restaurants, listening to live music, playing in our Kid’s Zone complete with jump castles and slides, and meeting our local merchants, artists and entertainers. Free admission, individually priced “tastes.” Come “taste” all that Summerville had to offer this fall at this fun-filled family event. (843) 873-2931
The Woodlands Thanksgiving
Holiday Menu
November
27 www.woodlandsinn.com
Enter Woodlands' stately Dining Room whose columns echo those
on the mansion's magnificent veranda. Gather with family
to enjoy a delicious three-course menu. Seatings are
available beginning at 12:30 p.m. For reservations call the
Woodlands Resort & Inn (843) 308-2115/(800) 774-9999.
December
2008
Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony
at Summerville Town Square
TBD • 6:30pm
Experience the warmth of Summerville's holiday spirit at
the Annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony, featuring the
Summerville High School Chorus and Band. Watch Summerville's
Mayor turn on the 12,000 twinkling lights to welcome in the
holiday season. (843) 871-6000.
HollyFest
December
13 www.summervilledream.org
Shopping in Historic Downtown Summerville during the holidays is full of hospitality and charm. Our “old fashioned” evening shopping stroll features twinkling white lights, friendly merchants, cider, cookies, carolers and carriage rides. (843) 821-7260
Beidler
Forest Audubon Center Nightwalk
December
6
Ever wonder what
goes on in the swamp after the sun goes down? We do!
And we let you discover it first-hand with our Nightwalks!
There's nothing like a stroll into the swamp after dark...
Reservations are
neccessary. $8.00/person. (843) 462-2150
Saturdays
with Santa
December 13, 20 www.summervilledream.org
Children may have their photos taken with Santa and leave with a candy cane as well as the knowledge that Santa “knows what they want this year.” Parents may photograph the memory with their own camera, or let our Christmas elves “snap” the moment. Elf Central is located at 100 S. Main St. in the Investment Advisory Center.
From 12-4 p.m. Sponsored
by D.R.E.A.M. (843) 821-7260
Woodlands
Resort & Inn Christmas Lunch & Tours
December 6, 13, 20, 27 www.woodlandsinn.com
Held every Saturday in December, the culinary team offers
a beautifully prepared three-course menu. The house is decorated
for the season and tours are available following lunch. For
reservations call (843) 308-2115/(800) 774-9999
Lowcountry
Singing Christmas Tree
December 12 - 15
Celebrate Christmas
at the Lowcountry Singing Christmas Tree. A spectacular
30-foot tree filled with lights, drama and a 90-voice choir
accompanied by an orchestra. Tickets are available at
Summerville Baptist Church or www.summervillebaptist.org.
This Summerville tradition hleps give the Spirit of Christmas
to thousands each year. (843) 873-2440
Christmas Yuletide at Middleton Place December
13 www.middletonplace.org Families can enjoy storytelling around a warm fire, Christmas caroling, ornament and wreathmaking, candle dipping, a live nativity scene featuring many of the Plantation's animals and craftspeople working in their shops by candlelight. Hot cider and seasonal refreshments are also included. Event held from 5:30 pm to 8:00 pm and reservations are required.
(843) 556-6020
Annual Summerville
Christmas Parade
December 14
Begins at 2 p.m. in downtown Summerville. Over 150 entries
make this one of the best Christmas parades in South Carolina!
Traditionally sponsored by the Summerville Jaycees, this
year the parade has new sponsors: Summerville D.R.E.A.M.
and the Summerville Fire Department. (843) 821-7260 for info
or a registration packet.
Woodlands
Resort & Inn Christmas Menu & Dessert Buffet
December
25 www.woodlandsinn.com
Celebrate this special holiday with your family and loved
ones as we prepare a delicious three-course menu complete
with a beautiful dessert buffet. Seatings begin at 12:00 pm.
Call for reservations (843) 308-2115 or (800) 774-9999
Ring in the New
Year with Woodlands at our annual Gala. Guests can feast upon
a seven-course dinner, enjoy live entertainment and dance
until the stroke of midnight. Call for reservations (843)
308-2115 or (800) 774-9999
January
2009
Beidler
Forest Audubon Center Nightwalk
January
9
Ever wonder what
goes on in the swamp after the sun goes down? We do!
And we let you discover it first-hand with our Nightwalks!
There's nothing like a stroll into the swamp after dark...
Reservations are
neccessary. $8.00/person. (843) 462-2150
February
2009
Timrod Library
Lecture Series
TBD
A series of two
lectures. On Feb. 3rd, hear Steve Brown, SC author of mysteries and historical fictions et in Myrtle Beach and Charleston. ON Feb. 10th, hear Dr. Norman SinklerWalsh, author of "Plantations, Pineland Villages, Pinopolis and Its People." Both will take place
at 3 p.m. at Bethany United Methodist Church. Cost is
$50 per couple for a series subscription. (843) 871-4600
Camellia
Walks at Middleton Place
February
3, 5, 7, 10, 12, 14, 17, 19, 21, 24, 26, 28 www.middletonplace.org
Special guided tours focus on Camellias throughout the original gardens as well
as the "new" camellia garden of the 1950's. Middleton Place has hundreds
of varieties, including the 1786 Reine des Fleurs, one of the first
camellias planted in America. Tours begin at 11 a.m. at the Garden Market Nursery
and last approximately 1 1/2 hours. Reservations are required. Regular admission.
Call (843)556-6020.
Southeastern Wildlife Exposition February 13 - 15
The nation's largest
wildlife art and nature event, SEWE '08 will feature 400 artists
and exhibitors, presentations by Jack Hanna, retriever demos,
antique decoys, a sporting village, children's activities
and much more. (843) 723-1748
Beidler
Forest Audubon Center Nightwalk
February
8
Ever wonder what
goes on in the swamp after the sun goes down? We do!
And we let you discover it first-hand with our Nightwalks!
There's nothing like a stroll into the swamp after dark...
Reservations are
neccessary. $8.00/person. (843) 462-2150
March
2009
African-American
Focus Tours at Middleton Place
Daily www.middletonplace.org
This interpretive tour focuses on the lives of the African
American
slaves and freedmen that lived and worked at Middleton Place
and their contributions to the Low Country culture. Interpreters
explore domestic life, rice cultivation, religion, and spirituality
and the role of the slaves in creating and maintaining the
landscaped Gardens. Tours begin at 11:00 a.m. & 1:00 p.m.
and last approximately 1 1/2 hours. Regular admission. (843)
556-6020
Camellia
Walks at Middleton Place
March 3,
5, 7, 10, 12, 14, 17, 19, 21, 24, 26, 28, 31 www.middletonplace.org
Special guided tours focus on Camellias throughout the original gardens as well
as the "new" camellia garden of the 1950's. Middleton Place has hundreds
of varieties, including the 1786 Reine des Fleurs, one of the first
camellias planted in America. Tours begin at 11 a.m. at the Garden Market Nursery
and last approximately 1 1/2 hours. Reservations are required. Regular admission.
Call (843)556-6020.
Beidler
Forest Audubon Center Nightwalk
March
8
Ever wonder what
goes on in the swamp after the sun goes down? We do!
And we let you discover it first-hand with our Nightwalks!
There's nothing like a stroll into the swamp after dark...
Reservations are neccessary. $8.00/person.
(843) 462-2150
Easter Eggstravaganza at Middleton Place
TBD
It wouldn't be Easter without an egg hunt, and what better place to look for
them than in America 's oldest landscaped gardens where spring flowers abound
with their colorful displays. The Easter Bunny will lead the hunt for candy and
prize eggs, hidden for children of all age groups. Reservations required. Regular
admission; Foundation Members are free. Call (843) 556-6020
Charleston Fashion Week March 24 - 28
After a highly successful inaugural year, Charleston magazine announces its Second Annual Charleston Fashion Week. It will be held under the tents in Marion Square March 25-29, 2008. For more information, please visit www.charlestonfashionweek.com
April
2009
African-American
Focus Tours at Middleton Place
Daily www.middletonplace.org
This interpretive tour focuses on the lives of the African
American
slaves and freedmen that lived and worked at Middleton Place
and their contributions to the Low Country culture. Interpreters
explore domestic life, rice cultivation, religion, and spirituality
and the role of the slaves in creating and maintaining the
landscaped Gardens. Tours begin at 11:00 a.m. & 1:00 p.m.
and last approximately 1 1/2 hours. Regular admission.
Flowertown
Festival
April
3, 4, 5 www.summervilleymca.org
Sponsored by Summerville Family YMCA. Largest arts and crafts
extravaganza in the Southeast! Over 200 arts & crafts
booths, food, rides for kids, music, FUN! Free admission.
(843) 871-9622.
St. Paul's Tea Room & Gift
Shop
TBD
St. Paul's Tea Room
& Gift Shop will be serving lunch and homemade desserts
from 11:30 am-2 pm each day except Sunday. Handmade jewelry,
crafts and art will be sold in the gift shop. Take-out
orders will be available from 9:30-11 am. For a complete
menu or more information, visit www.StPaulsSummerville.org.
Reservations requested for groups of eight or more.
(843) 873-1991
Grits Festival April
17 - 19 Town of St. George.
Annual celebration includes parade, arts & crafts, street
dancing and the hilarious “Quaker Rolling in the Grits”
contest. Great gifts and meals by the American Legion. (843)
563-2150
Beidler
Forest Audubon Center Nightwalk
TBD
Ever wonder what
goes on in the swamp after the sun goes down? We do!
And we let you discover it first-hand with our Nightwalks!
There's nothing like a stroll into the swamp after dark...
Reservations are
neccessary. $8.00/person. (843) 462-2150
Wine and
Warblers at Beidler Forest
TBD
Wine, cheese and
hors d'oeuvres will be served along the boardwalk, while expert
birders will lead participants on a casual stroll past the
1000-year-old bald cypress trees that Beidler Forest is famous
for. Reservations are required. $40 per person.
(843) 462-2150
Golden Age of Summerville Festival
TBD
The Golden Age of
Summerville, held in historic downtown Summerville, begun in 2006 as the Golden Age of Inns to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Mobile
Five-Star Woodlands Resort and Inn, the annual event is to showcase the beauty and unique
spirit of historic Summerville. For more information contact
(843) 821-7260 or visit www.goldenageofsummerville.com.
Sheep and Wool Days at Middleton Place
TBD
Experience the joys of sheep and the crafts made from their wool during Sheep
and Wool days at Middleton Place. See sheep dogs herding and sheep being sheared
and bathed. Artisans will be dyeing, spinning, weaving and knitting with wool.
Adults may participate in a wine and sheep cheese tasting while children enjoy
fun activities making crafts out of wool. Regular admission. Call (843)556-6020.
All dates subject to change.
Please confirm with the event host.
Take a Stroll Through
Historic Summerville!
Pick up a FREE Summerville Walking Trail
of Homes and Flowers brochure at the Summerville Visitor
Center when you're in town. This is a pleasant, self-guided
walk through the historic neighborhoods of Summerville, and
the brochure brings history to life with lots of fascinating
facts.
