Calendar
ONGOING EVENTS
Lifeguarded Beaches
Isle of Palms County Park is lifeguarded on weekends beginning May 7, 2016 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Beginning Memorial Day, the lifeguards are on duty every day through mid-August and weekends mid-August through the last weekend in September.
Sullivan’s Island Farmers Market
Enjoy local produce, prepared food and arts and crafts, every Thursday, 2:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. April through June 1921 Ion Ave., Sullivan’s Island. facebook.com/ sifarmersmarket
Fourth Saturday Musket Program
The fourth Saturday of every month Fort Moultrie park volunteers and staff demonstrate how historic weapons evolved and discuss the life of a soldier over the 171 years that Fort Moultrie was used to defend America’s coastline; May 28, June 25, July 23, August 27, September 24, October 22, November 26 & December 24. nps.gov/fosu
Oyster Roasts
Two IOP standbys, Morgan Creek Grill, 80 41st Ave. and The Dinghy 8 JC Long Blvd., host oyster roasts throughout the fall. morgancreekgrill.com, dinghyiop.com
MAY 2016
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 species of turtles that call South Carolina home. Tour the Sea Turtle Hospital, which is the only sea turtle rescue facility in the state. scquarium.org
Wild Dunes Memorial Day Family Fun Run/Walk
Saturday, May 28, 8 a.m. $25 per person, including t-shirt, register at 843.886.7008.
JUNE 2016
Spoleto Festival
For 17 days and nights the arts take over Charleston. Plays, operas, dance and music of all types fill the streets, churches and outdoor spaces. spoletousa.org
Piccolo Spoleto Sand Sculpting Contest
June 4 at 9 a.m. head to Isle of Palms beach for a stunning display of sand-sculpting prowess. The event is part of the Piccolo Spoleto Festival, May 27 through June 12. piccolospoleto.com
Floppin’ Flounder 5K
Run/Walk This community-wide group run hosted by the Charleston Running Club and Sullivan’s Island Fire and Rescue Department has had a faithful following for 25 years. It takes place Saturday, June 4 at 8 a.m. and starts in front of the Sullivan’s Island Fish Fry Shack, 1459 Hennessy St. floppinflounder2015.kimbia.com
Sullivan’s Island Fire and Rescue Fish Fry
Enjoy freshly fried fish served with a smile. One of the three major fundraisers to support the volunteer rescue operations on Sullivan’s. Held at the Sullivan’s Island Fish Fry Shack, 1459 Hennessy St., Saturday, June 25, 5 to 8 p.m. sullivansisland-sc.com
Carolina Day
Celebrate the defeat of the British at the Battle of Sullivan’s Island June 28, 1776 with Fort Moultrie’s weekend of activities. nps.gov/fosu
Summer Reading Programs
The Edgar Allan Poe Branch Library sponsors fun summer reading promotions for the young and old alike. Visit the branch or ccpl.org to discover the line-up of programs and activities. 1921 I’on Avenue, Sullivan’s Island.
JULY 2016
4th of July Fireworks
The Isle of Palms hosts a 4th of July fireworks display over the ocean near 14th Avenue beginning at 9 p.m. iop.net/recreation, 843.886.8294
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.
Wild Dunes Family Fun Run/Walk
Monday, July 4 at 8 a.m. $25 per person, including t-shirt. Pre-registration required: 843.886.7008
Wild Dunes Watermelon-Eating Contest
Come enjoy waterslides and more on the lawn next to Wild Dunes’ Palm Cove pool, July 4 from 11 a.m. from 2 p.m. $10 per person. Watch or compete in the watermelon eating contest at 12 p.m. wilddunes.com
Isle of Palms Beach Run
On July 16 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/recreation, 843.886.8294
Brews & Chews Island Beer Festival
July 24 3 to 6 p.m. head to Wild Dunes’ Palmetto Hall for the 3rd annual Beer Festival and Pool Party. Sip on a selection of local, regional and national craft beers. $40 for adults, $25 for ages 13-20, $15 for ages 4-12. Free for kids under 3. wilddunes.com/ brewsandchews, 843.886.2218
AUGUST 2016
Shark Week
Celebrate our finned friends August 6-14 during this special weeklong celebration at the Aquarium. Friday, August 12 there is a special kick-off event, “Dark Blue,” featuring a concert, food, drinks from 6 to 11 p.m. scaquarium.org
LEGO Experience Opens
The Aquarium opens its new exhibit August 19. Journey from the mountains to the sea through unique, one-of-a-kind animal sculptures built from thousands of LEGO bricks. scaquarium.org
Half Rubber Tournament
This annual tournament takes place at IOP Recreation Center on August 20. Pre-register by Friday, July 29. $25 per person (3 or 4 players per team). Check In/Captain’s Meeting at 7:30 a.m., games begin at 8 a.m.
National Park Service Birthday
Throughout the day August 25, Fort Moultrie hosts 15-minute programs about how it became a National Park site. nps.gov/fosu
SEPTEMBER 2016
Turtle Trot Beach Run
September 10, 5 to 8 p.m. Isle of Palms. iop.net/recreation
IOP Community Wellness Fair
On September 22, from 7 to 11 a.m. the IOP Recreation Department teams up with the East Cooper Medical Center to offer blood work for residents including cholesterol screenings and lipid profiles at the Recreation Center, 24 28th Ave., IOP. iop.net/recreation, 843.884.7031
Jammin’ for Jammer
Islands Turtle Team annual fundraiser is September 28 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. bergwerfgraphics.com
OCTOBER 2016
Isle of Palms Connector Run & Walk
Fundraising event for the Isle of Palm’s Exchange Club’s programs to help abused children takes place October 1, IOP Connector, 8 a.m. ioprun.com
Fire Prevention Celebration
Look for a SI/IOP parade of engines October 12, at Sullivan’s Island Fire House, 2050 Middle St., Sullivan’s Island.
Ghostly Tide Tales
Spooky stories by bonfire light on the beach at Isle of Palms. October 21, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. iop.net/recreation
IOP Halloween Carnival
l Enjoy games for all ages at the annual carnival on October 31, IOP Recreation Department, 24 28th Avenue, from 5 to 7 p.m. Costume contest at 5:30 p.m. iop.net/ recreation, 843.886.8294
NOVEMBER 2016
Polar Express
Watch the Christmas classic come to life at the South Carolina Aquarium’s 4-D Theater beginning November 1 and running through the end of December. $6.95 (free for members or with general admission), scquarium.org
America the Beautiful Quarter release
Be one of the first to get your hands on a new Fort Moultrie quarter at the official release party at Fort Moultrie on November 17. nps.gov/fosu
DECEMBER 2016
Scuba Claus
Beginning December 1 Santa dons his wetsuit and visits the Aquarium through December 23. scquarium.org
Sullivan’s Island Tree Lighting
Light up the night at the Sullivan’s Island Fire Station, 2050 Middle St. December 2, 5:30 p.m. Enjoy carols, 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 3 from 2 to 7 p.m. Visit with Santa, enjoy carnival rides and more on Front Beach. iop.net/recreation, 843.886.8294
Gingerbread Making
The Town of Sullivan’s Island hosts a gingerbread house party around Dec. 15 at the Fire Station. Check website for exact date. sullivansisland-sc.com
JANUARY 2017
Dunleavy’s Polar Bear Plunge
“We’re freezin’ for a reason.” Jump into the chilly waters of the Atlantic on January 1. Meet at 2213 Middle St. Sullivan’s Island at 2 p.m. dunleaveyspubpolarplunge.com, 843.795.5316
Charlie Post Classic 15K/5K
The Charleston Running Club will host the 34th annual Charlie Post Classic 15K & 5K January 8, 2017. The race starts at 8:30 a.m. in front of the Sullivan’s Island Fire Department, 2050 Middle St. charlestonrunningclub.com
IOP Exchange Club Oyster Roast
The most scenic oyster roasts this side of the Atlantic. Get your knives out on January 28, 4 to 7 p.m. at the Exchange Club, 201 Palm Blvd., Isle of Palms. iopexchange.org/oyster-roast
FEBRUARY 2017
Sullivan’s Island Fire & Rescue Oyster Roast
Enjoy all you can eat oysters, hot dogs, and fish stew and support local firefighters on February 4. Held at the Fish Fry Shack, 1459 Hennessy St. from 5 to 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, and most ear’resistable, caps off this annual celebration of all things canine, held on February 4, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. iop.net/recreation, 843.886.8294
Southeastern Wildlife Expo
SEWE is a three-day showcase of everything we love about wildlife and nature. February 17 through 19. sewe.com
Hunley Memorial Event
Confederate Heritage Trust hosts a memorial to the Civil War-era Hunley submarine beginning with a parade to Sunrise Presbyterian Church, 3222 Middle St., Sullivan’s Island, on February 17.
MARCH 2017
Front Beach Fest
This annual party on Front Beach celebrates the start of the season with local musicians, food vendors, jump castles, and other entertainment. March 4, 12 to 4 p.m. iop.net, 843.886.8294
St. Patrick’s Day
The Town of Sullivan’s Island hosts a family-friendly event starting at 10 a.m. on March 18 at Stith Park on Middle Street. sullivansisland-sc.com
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. on March 25. iop.net, 843.886.8294
Hope on Goat
This annual fundraiser held on Goat Island benefits a different charity each year. goatislandgatherings.com
APRIL 2017
Isle of Palms Easter Egg Hunt
The Saturday before Easter, April 15, come hunt eggs and get your photo with the Easter Bunny at 10 a.m. sharp! Jump castles, face painting and balloon artists round out the fun at the Isle of Palms Recreation Center, 24 28th Ave. iop.net/recreation
Isle of Palms Exchange Club Easter Sunrise Breakfast
Enjoy homemade pancakes, sausages, eggs, grits, coffee and beverages courtesy of the Exchange Club members who serve up this hearty breakfast for free April 16 from 6:50 a.m. to 10 a.m. Easter morning at the Exchange Club, 201 Palm Blvd.