It’s Friday again, which means it’s time for the Friday Five, our weekly roundup of five fun events happening throughout the Charleston area this weekend. Eat some oysters, have a fun history lesson, sample the city’s best dishes, and more. Whatever you choose to do, the staff and agents at Johnson & Wilson Real Estate Company hope you have a safe and happy weekend!
The new West Ashley Area Chamber of Commerce will host the inaugural West Ashley Restaurant Festival on Sunday. The festival takes place from 4pm until 8pm at the recently renovated Schoolhouse Event Venue on Magnolia Road in West Ashley. Several West Ashley restaurants, as well as visiting restaurants from nearby districts, will serve 2-3 ounce samples of signature menu items. In addition to food, music, and entertainment, there will also be a VIP & Sponsors Food Sample Hour.
The South Carolina Historical Society hosts their Second Saturday at the Society this weekend with the Charleston Chapter of the National Railway Historical Society. The discussion focuses on the Best Friend of Charleston, the first locomotive built in the United States for public service. A working model of the Best Friend made by Lionel Trains will be on display, and children will be able to paint a wooden model of a train to take home.
Join the Charleston County Parks and Recreation Commission this Saturday for Shuckin’ on the Cooper. This event costs $8 in advance or $10 on-site and takes place at the Mount Pleasant Pier from 1pm until 4pm. Enjoy live music, $10 buckets of oysters from Charleston Bay Gourmet, and other food and beverages for sale, like hot dogs from Dave ‘n’ Dubs. Outside alcohol, beverages, and coolers are strictly prohibited. A registered and paid chaperone is required for participants under the age of 15, and photo ID is required for entry at the gate.
Run through the #1 City in the U.S. this Saturday at the annual Charleston Marathon. The event includes the marathon, half marathon, Shrimp & Grits 5K, and youth marathon. Runners will jog through historic parts of Charleston and end up in North Charleston for a celebration at Riverfront Park. The post-race party will include an awards ceremony, free shrimp and grits and beer/mimosas for all participants (over 21 for alcohol), and musical entertainment. Proceeds from the race benefit Engaging Creative Minds, a local nonprofit that works to provide all students equal access to quality learning opportunities.
Make your way to The Citadel’s Johnson-Hagood Stadium on Saturday for The Charleston Mac Off—America’s largest mac & cheese event. Your $15 general admission ticket includes free parking, live music, and access to multiple vendors, the Berlin’s kitchen demo, and a kids’ area. There will be mac & cheese samples for $2 each, other foods for $4 to $7, $5 or $6 beers, $5 wines, $7 cocktails, and more! VIP tickets are available for $125 and include VIP parking, an open bar, private bathrooms, catered food, access pass to mac & cheese vendors, and a beer garden.
