MAY 2015
Shark Shallows Grand Opening
Come fingers to fins with sharks. Throughout May the South Carolina Aquarium celebrates the opening of its brand new state-of-the-art exhibit. Experience sharks in a whole new way with an interactive touch tank experience where you will be able to touch sharks and stingrays. The exhibit will feature nurse and bonnethead sharks as well as Southern and cownose stingrays. scquarium.com
World Turtle Day
Celebrate the iconic reptile at the South Carolina Aquarium on May 23, with a day full of turtle-themed activities and learn about the turtle species that call South Carolina home. You can also celebrate World Turtle Day by touring the Sea Turtle Hospital, which is the only sea turtle rescue facility in the state. scquarium.org
Piccolo Spoleto Sand Sculpting Contest
The 27th annual sand sculpting contest takes place Saturday, May 30 beginning at 9 a.m. on Front Beach. Come out and watch as fabulous creations grow from the sand before your very eyes. iop.net, 843.886.8294
JUNE 2015
Floppin’ Flounder 5K Run/Walk
This community-wide group run hosted by the Charleston Running Club and the Sullivan’s Island Fire and Rescue Department has had a faithful following for 24 years. This year it takes place Saturday, June 6 at 8 a.m. The race starts in front of the Sullivan’s Island Fish Fry Shack, 1459 Hennessy St. floppinflounder2015.kimbia.com
Sullivan’s Island Fire & Rescue Fish Fry
One of the three major fundraisers to support the volunteer rescue operations on Sullivan’s. Held at the Fish Fry Shack 1459 Hennessy St., Saturday June 27, 5 - 8 p.m. sullivansisland-sc.com
Carolina Day
Celebrate the defeat of the British at the Battle of Sullivan’s Island with Fort Sumter National Monument’s weekend of free activities, Saturday and Sunday, June 28 and 29. nps.gov/fosu/learn/historyculture/ fort_moultrie, 843.883.3123
Every Hero Has a Story
Laugh and learn at the library this summer with a variety of reading programs and performances. Children, young adults and adults can keep track of reading and earn prizes. Family programs are on Fridays and Saturdays in June and July at 10:30 a.m. at the Edgar Allan Poe Branch Library, 1921 Ion Avenue, Sullivan's Island. Visit ccpl.org for a full schedule of branch and county-wide summer reading activities. 843.883.3914
JULY 2015
4th of July on Isle of Palms
The Isle of Palms hosts a 4th of July fireworks display over the ocean near 14th Avenue beginning at sunset. iop.net, 843.886.8294
4th of July on Sullivan’s
The Town of Sullivan’s Island sets off its fireworks display at Stith Park on Middle Street, beginning at dusk. Festivities begin at 5:30 p.m. sullivansisland-sc.com
4th of July Golf Cart Parade
Deck out your golf cart or bicycle for this annual parade celebrating America’s independence. Start at the Sullivan’s Island Fire Station, end at Stith Park. Meet at 8:30 a.m.
Isle of Palms Beach Run
On July 25 choose from a Youth Fun Run, 5K or 10K run on the beach. Start at The Windjammer, 1008 Ocean Blvd. IOP, at 8 a.m. iop.net, 843.886.8294
AUGUST 2015
Shark Week
Kick off Shark week on August 7 with Dark Blue, a “fin-tastic party.” Enjoy sustainable small plates from Good Catch partner restaurants, live music and bar. Ages 21 and up. Then celebrate the ocean’s apex predator with fun shark activities all over the aquarium, including special dive shows, educational stations and photo opportunities. scaquarium.org
Half Rubber Tournament
This annual tournament takes place at IOP Recreation Center on August 15. Preregister by Friday, July 31, 2015. $25 per person (3 or 4 players per team). Check In/Captain’s Meeting August at 7:30 a.m., games begin at 8 a.m.
SEPTEMBER 2015
Jammin’ for Jammer
The annual Islands Turtle Team fundraiser takes place September 23 at The Windjammer, on IOP’s Front Beach. Come out for a night of food, fun, live music and a silent auction to benefit the efforts of the turtle team. the-windjammer.com/wp/events/
IOP Community Wellness Fair
Thursday, September 24, 7 to 11 a.m. at the Recreation Center. The Recreation Department has teamed up with the East Cooper Medical Center to offer blood work for local residents including cholesterol screenings and lipid profiles. iop.net, 843.884.7031
OCTOBER 2015
Isle of Palms Connector Run and Walk for the Child
This fundraising event for the Isle of Palm’s Exchange Club’s programs to help abused children takes place October 3 on the IOP Connector, beginning at 8 a.m. ioprun.com
Morgan Creek Grill Oyster Roasts
The Morgan Creek Grill, 80 41st Avenue, IOP hosts oyster roasts throughout the fall. morgancreekgrill.com
Migration to Memminger
Support the Center for Birds of Prey at the Annual Gala, Migration to Memminger, October 15. The Center is the premier avian medical facility in South Carolina and operates the only permanent oiled bird response facility of its kind on the Eastern seaboard. thecenterforbirdsofprey. org, 843.971.747
IOP Halloween Carnival
Enjoy games for all ages at the annual carnival on Saturday, October 31. Jump castles, temporary tattoos, face painting, Halloween candy, prizes and more. At the Isle of Palms Recreation Department, 28th Avenue, Isle of Palms, from 5 - 7 p.m. The costume contest begins at 5:30 p.m.
NOVEMBER 2015
Polar Express
Catch the Christmas classic at the South Carolina Aquarium’s spectacular 4-D theater beginning November 1. The 15-minute movie plays multiple times a day, and tickets can be purchased with entry to the Aquarium or individually. The 4-D experience includes 3-D visuals, movement, and flurries of snow which will all make you feel like you are on the magic train bound for the North Pole. scquarium.org
Scuba Claus
Beginning November 27, Santa dons his wetsuit and visits the South Carolina Aquarium through December 23. He’ll be swimming around with hundreds of animals in the Great Ocean Tank during his special dive shows, red suit in tow. scquarium.org
DECEMBER 2015
Sullivan’s Island Tree Lighting
Light up the night at the Fire and Rescue Holiday Lighting at the Sullivan’s Island Fire Station, 2050 Middle St., December 4, 5:30 p.m. Also enjoy singing, hot cocoa and visits with Santa. sullivansisland-sc. com
Holiday Street Festival
Join the Isle of Palms’ mayor as he lights the 22-foot holiday tree on December 5 from 2 - 7 p.m. Visit with Santa, enjoy carnival rides, photo booth, local res - taurant food specials, jump castles, and a climbing wall at this family-friendly street festival on Front Beach. iop.net, 843.886.8294
Gingerbread Making
The Town of Sullivan’s Island hosts a gin - gerbread house party generally around Dec. 15 at the Fire Station. sullivansis - land-sc.com
JANUARY 2016
Dunleavy’s Polar Bear Plunge
“We’re freezin’ for a reason.” The Plunge has been around since 2003, with the pub and its patrons raising thousand of dollars for the Special Olympics of South Carolina. Jump in into the chilly waters of the Atlantic on January 1. Meet at 2213 Middle St. Sullivan’s Island at 2 p.m. dunleavyspubpolarplunge.com, 843.795.5316
Charlie Post Classic 15K/5K
The Charleston Running Club hosts the 33rd annual Charlie Post Classic 15K & 5K January 9, 2016. The signature running event of the club, the race hon - ors the memory of Dr. Charlie Post, a well-known Charleston runner, triathlete and family physician who volunteered his time and medical talents to the run - ning community. The race starts at 8:30 a.m. in front of the Sullivan's Island Fire Department, 2050 Middle St., Sullivan's Island. charlestonrunningclub.com
FEBRUARY 2016
Sullivan’s Fire & Rescue Oyster Roast
Saturday, February 6 enjoy all you can eat oysters, hot dogs, and fish stew and support the local firefighters. Held at the Fish Fry Shack, 1459 Hennessy St. from 5 - 8 p.m. Tickets $30 in advance, $35 day of. sullivans-sc.com
Doggie Day at the Rec
A dog show, including cutest puppy, most attractive, most ear’resistable, caps off this annual celebration of all things canine, held on Saturday, February 6, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. iop.net, 843.886.8294
Lowcountry Blues Bash
Enjoy a weekend filled with live blues music on Isle of Palms. The Lowcountry Blues Bash is an annual event held at various venues throughout the Charles - ton metro area including the IOP Recre - ation Center. February 6 - 15. bluesbash. com, 843.886.8294
Southeastern Wildlife Expo
SEWE is a three-day showcase of every - thing we love about wildlife and nature. View fine art exhibits, learn about conser - vation and watch sporting demonstra - tions in downtown Charleston, February 12 through 16. sewe.com
Hunley Memorial Event
Confederate Heritage Trust hosts a memorial to the Civil War Hunley subma - rine beginning with a parade to Sunrise Presbyterian Church, 3222 Middle St. Wednesday, February 17.
MARCH 2016
St. Patrick’s Day
The Town of Sullivan’s Island hosts a family-friendly event starting at 10 a.m., Saturday, March 19 at Stith Park on Middle Street. sullivansisland-sc.com
Island Gras
This party on Front Beach celebrates the start of the season with local musicians, food vendors, jump castles, and other entertainment. iop.net, 843.886.8294
Hope on Goat
This annual fundraiser held on Goat Island benefits a different charity each year. goatislandgatherings.com
APRIL 2016
Cooper River Bridge Run
Charleston’s largest 10K run takes place April 2, 2016 and shuts down most of Mount Pleasant for the morning—just don’t try to drive! bridgerun.com
Round on the Mound
An annual event hosted at the Marshall Stith Park on Sullivan’s Island benefiting the Park Foundation. Every year res - taurants prepare hors d'oeuvres while acoustic music accompanies the eve - ning’s activities. sullivansislandparkfoun - dation.org/round-on-the-mound.html
Isle of Palms Annual Yard Sale
Every year, residents of Isle of Palms sell their old and gently used items in an island-wide yard sale just outside the IOP Recreation Center. 8 a.m. - 12 p.m. iop.net, 843.886.8294