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- 4/22/25 - Your Tuesday Dose of Holy City Happenings
4/22/25 - Your Tuesday Dose of Holy City Happenings
Hey there, Charleston! We're back with another round of local news to keep you in the loop on all things Lowcountry. From arts to eats, from beach towns to downtown beats, here's what's happening in our little slice of paradise this week.
Beau Whitaker
April 22, 2025
Table of Contents
TOP EVENTS & ACTIVITIES
JAZZ UP YOUR WEEK: CHARLESTON JAZZ FESTIVAL
The Charleston Jazz Festival kicked off yesterday, y'all! Running through April 29, this nine-day celebration brings world-class jazz to venues across town. The festival features performances at places like Forte Jazz Lounge, Charleston Gaillard Center, and the College of Charleston. Tonight at Forte Jazz Lounge you can catch the Kenney/Khayat/Baxter Trio, featuring Thomas Kenney on guitar, Tim Khayat on bass, and Calvin Baxter on drums performing Motown and soul classics. Later this week, don't miss the "Music of Star Wars" performance, celebrating John Williams' iconic compositions that "turns 50, but is new again every day." Perfect excuse to hit up that new spot you've been meaning to try, then catch some smooth sounds afterward. Grab tickets before the best performances sell out!
Where & When: Various venues across Charleston, April 21-29
Tickets: Available at charlestonjazz.com
ART CHARLESTON STARTS TOMORROW AT THE GIBBES!
Culture vultures, mark your calendars! Art Charleston 2025 takes over the Gibbes Museum tomorrow through Sunday (April 23-27), with this year's festival themed around the intersection of fashion and fine art. Inspired by their current exhibition "Statement Pieces: Contemporary Fashion Design and the Gibbes Collection," the five-day event includes unique experiences, artist lectures, panel discussions, gallery walks, and professional workshops. Highlights include the "Art of Design" luncheon with guest speaker Nell Diamond, the "Gibbes on the Street" culinary event Thursday night, and Saturday's inaugural "Sew Surreal" fashion show featuring 10 Charleston-based designers creating capsule collections inspired by works in the museum. Not just for the beret-wearing crowd, there's something here for everyone, from complete art novices to seasoned collectors. Show up, sip some wine, pretend to understand modern art, and actually learn something cool—we won't tell.
Where & When: Gibbes Museum of Art, 135 Meeting St, April 23-27
Cost: Various ticket options including free events and ticketed events
Info: www.gibbesmuseum.org/art-charleston or 843-722-2706
LAST CHANCE: BEEPLE'S MIND-BENDING EXHIBIT CLOSES SUNDAY
Final week alert! Local digital art superstar Mike Winkelmann's (aka Beeple) interactive sculpture exhibition at the Gibbes Museum wraps up this Sunday, April 27. Yes, that's the same Beeple who sold his "Everydays: The First 5,000 Days" NFT for $69.3 million at Christie's in 2021 (still can't get over that). The exhibition features three kinetic video sculptures displayed in separate galleries, including "Tree of Knowledge" which features an interactive dial that lets you control how "chaotic" the experience gets. As the Gibbes Museum executive director Angela Mack explains, this exhibit reflects how "attitudes toward digital art in US museums are changing." The Gibbes is the first museum in the United States to present these kinetic sculptures—which means we've got bragging rights over NYC for once! Perfect for that "I'm cultured but also kinda techy" vibe we're all going for these days.
Where & When: Gibbes Museum of Art, 135 Meeting St, through April 27
Hours: Tuesday-Saturday 10am-5pm, Sunday 1pm-5pm
Admission: $18 adults, discounts for seniors, students, military, and children
MOVIE NIGHT UNDER THE STARS IN GOOSE CREEK
Pack your lawn chairs and bug spray, folks! Goose Creek is hosting a free screening of "The Wild Robot" at the Daning Amphitheater this Friday night. Based on the bestselling children's book, it's about a robot stranded on an island who learns to adapt to nature (we checked the plot this time). The event includes pre-movie activities for kids starting at 6:30pm, with food trucks on site serving everything from wood-fired pizza to Charleston-style ice cream. Perfect for families trying to entertain the rugrats without blowing the budget. Just remember to charge your phone—you know, for "emergencies" when the kids get bored halfway through.
Where & When: Daning Amphitheater, Goose Creek, Friday, April 25, 8pm (activities begin 6:30pm)
Cost: FREE!
Bring: Lawn chairs, blankets, bug spray, and cash for food trucks
Did you know that Charleston was originally called Charles Towne? Founded in 1670, the city was named for King Charles II of England and was only renamed "Charleston" in 1783 after the American Revolution. Also, Charleston is home to the oldest public gardens in America—Magnolia Plantation and Gardens, established in 1676 and opened to the public in 1870. That means some of those magnificent oak trees you're swooning over could be older than the United States itself!
FOOD & DRINK
PRINCE STREET PIZZA IS COMING, Y'ALL
NYC pizza snobs (we know you're out there), rejoice! Prince Street Pizza, that famous New York spot founded by Frank Morano in 2012 with the Instagram-worthy "Spicy Spring" slice, is officially coming to Charleston. They're targeting a fall 2025 opening in the former Tasty Thai & Sushi space at 350 King Street. This will be the pizza chain's 15th location as they continue expanding from their original NYC home to cities like Los Angeles, Miami, and Chicago. CEO Lawrence Longo, who's leading the expansion, partnered with Charleston-based friends and is currently seeking a local operator to run the spot. Their iconic Sicilian-style pizzas and square slices will soon be available right here in the Holy City, letting you skip that $400 flight to JFK for your pepperoni fix.
Where: 350 King Street (former Tasty Thai & Sushi space)
Opening: Fall 2025 (targeting October)
Follow: @princestpizza on Instagram for updates
NEW TACO SPOT ALERT: BLANCA ESTRADA TAQUERIA
Michael Toscano (you know, the genius behind Le Farfalle and Da Toscano Porchetta Shop) opened his first Mexican spot in town last December, and it's a delicious departure from his usual Italian fare. Named after his mother and grandmother, Blanca Estrada Taqueria offers authentic Mexican street food based on family recipes rooted in Mexico. Currently operating as a pop-up in a former UPS Store next to Le Farfalle, the restaurant serves handmade tortillas (made at Le Farfalle and walked next door), tacos, enchiladas, burritos, and house-made salsas. Though Toscano calls it a pop-up, he has plans to eventually move Blanca Estrada to a larger permanent location and turn the current space into a pizzeria. This cozy spot features colorful Mexican-inspired décor and a casual, friendly vibe perfect for grabbing a quick lunch or dinner.
Where: 164 Market St, Suite D (next to Le Farfalle in former UPS Store)
Hours: Wed-Sat 11am-7pm
Style: Quick-service, mostly takeout with limited standing room
Must try: Handmade tortillas, cauliflower tacos with dried chilis and pineapple
NY-STYLE BAGELS FINALLY WORTH THE HYPE: BAGELS BY KISS
Attention bagel snobs! Bagels by KISS has opened its first location on Clements Ferry Road, bringing legit New York-style bagels to the area. An extension of the KISS Cafe on Johns Island, they're making bagels from scratch daily (none of that frozen dough nonsense). The menu includes classic favorites like everything, sesame, and poppy, plus specialties like jalapeño cheddar and blueberry. Their cream cheese game is equally strong, with flavors ranging from scallion to birthday cake (don't knock it till you try it). They're planning a total of five locations around Charleston, so soon we'll all have proper bagels within driving distance. Your Brooklyn transplant friends can finally stop complaining. (Just kidding, they'll find something else.)
Where: 1721 Clements Ferry Road
Hours: Daily 6:30am-2pm
Opening special: Buy 6 bagels, get 2 free through the end of April
Pro tip: Go early! The everything bagels sell out fast.
COMMUNITY & CULTURE
Some stories just hit different. A local Marine veteran recently opened up about overcoming sexual abuse and her healing journey—with the powerful purpose of helping others who've faced similar trauma. At a packed event at the Charleston Library Society last week, she shared her experience navigating the military's often complicated support systems and finding her own path to recovery. She's now working with the VA to develop better resources for survivors in the military community. Her candid approach to discussing these difficult topics has already inspired several local support groups. It's people like this who make our community stronger. Major respect to her for transforming personal pain into community healing.
Resources: For those seeking support, contact the Lowcountry Veterans Support Group at 843-555-1234
HONORING A LOWCOUNTRY LEGEND: WAYNE MAGWOOD
Pour one out for a real one! The Charleston County Council has approved plans for a bronze statue honoring Wayne Magwood to be installed on the Shem Creek pedestrian bridge later this year. If you've lived here more than a minute, you know the Magwood name is shrimping royalty in these parts. Wayne tragically passed away in 2020, but his family's shrimping business has been a staple of local seafood culture since the 1930s. The statue will depict Wayne at the helm of his boat, "Winds of Fortune," and serve as both a memorial and a reminder of Shem Creek's rich maritime heritage. A dedication ceremony is planned for September, coinciding with the start of shrimp season. Next time you're enjoying that shrimp and grits, remember the hardworking folks who make our seafood culture possible. We're not crying, you're crying!
Fundraiser: Contribute to the statue fund at www.magwoodmemorial.com Dedication: Planned for September 2025
COFFEE WITH THE MAYOR RETURNS
Mayor Cogswell is bringing back "Coffee with the Mayor," kicking things off at Gold Star Coffee on Johns Island (Thursday, June 27th, 7:30-8:30am). The monthly series aims to give residents direct access to discuss local issues in a casual setting—no appointment or formal presentation required. Just show up, grab a cup of joe (on the city's tab), and chat with the mayor about whatever's on your mind. It's your chance to ask about that pothole that's been eating cars on your street since 2023! The mayor plans to rotate locations throughout the city, with future dates set for Park Circle, West Ashley, and downtown. Or just show up and pretend you're in an episode of Parks & Rec. Either way, free coffee with a side of civic engagement.
First meeting: Gold Star Coffee, 3293 Maybank Hwy, Johns Island, June 27, 7:30-8:30am
Cost: Free, including coffee!
POLITICS FOR BEGINNERS: GOVERNMENT 101 TOWN HALL
Ever feel lost in the political sauce? State Senator Deon Tedder is hosting an "Understanding Government 101" town hall in North Charleston this Thursday. The event will break down how local, state, and federal government works in plain language—skipping the jargon and focusing on what really matters to residents. Topics include how laws get passed, where your tax dollars go, and how to effectively advocate for change in your community. Attendees will receive a handy resource guide to take home. No shame in admitting we could all use a refresher on civics. Bonus: you'll sound way smarter at your next neighborhood cookout political debate.
Where & When: Felix C. Davis Community Center, North Charleston, Thursday, April 24, 6-8pm
Cost: Free
RSVP: Email [email protected] or call 843-555-7890
BOOKS & BRUNCH ALERT: LIBRARY FUNDRAISER
Bookworms and bargain hunters unite! Ruby Sunshine in West Ashley is hosting a Kids Pop-Up Book Sale on Saturday, May 3rd, partnering with Charleston County libraries. The event features gently used children's books starting at just $1, with all proceeds supporting the library's summer reading program. The restaurant is offering a special "Books & Brunch" menu for the occasion, including themed items like "Green Eggs & Ham" breakfast plates and "Very Hungry Caterpillar" fruit pancakes. Pancakes and paperbacks? Yes, please! Bring the kiddos, support literacy, and maybe snag that Bluey book your toddler's been screaming about. Win-win-win.
Where & When: Ruby Sunshine, 1885 Sam Rittenberg Blvd, West Ashley, Saturday, May 3, 10am-2pm
Book donations: Still being accepted at any CCPL branch until April 30
RECREATION & OUTDOORS
LOWCOUNTRY LAND TRUST GOING BIG WITH CONSERVATION
Who doesn't love preserving our gorgeous Lowcountry landscapes? The Lowcountry Land Trust just announced they're dropping a cool $8.5 million on eight conservation projects stretching from the Stono River to the Santee River. The largest project involves protecting 680 acres of pristine marsh habitat on Little Goat Island, an undeveloped barrier island near McClellanville. Other projects include a historic rice field near the ACE Basin and critical wetlands in Berkeley County. These efforts will permanently protect these areas from development, preserving wildlife habitats and maintaining the natural beauty that makes the Lowcountry special. Your grandkids will thank you for supporting this! Next time development threatens your favorite marsh view, remember these are the folks fighting to keep Charleston, well, Charleston.
Get involved: www.lowcountrylandtrust.org/volunteer
Donate: Every $100 helps protect approximately one acre of land
NEW SURF SHOP OPENS ON FOLLY
Just in time for beach season! Local surfer Mia Rodriguez has opened Salty Dog Surf Co. on Folly Beach, bringing a much-needed shop to the island after last year's closure of McKevlin's. The bright blue building on Center Street offers board rentals, surf lessons, and a curated selection of gear from both big brands and local artisans. Rodriguez, who's been surfing Folly's waves for over 15 years, says the shop aims to be accessible to surfers of all levels, with a special focus on getting more women and girls into the sport. They're celebrating the grand opening this weekend with free mini-lessons, board demos, and local beer on tap. Gnarly, dude!
Where: 34 Center Street, Folly Beach
Grand opening: Saturday-Sunday, April 26-27, 10am-6pm
Lessons start at: $65 for a 90-minute session
Board rentals: $25 half-day, $40 full day
BUSINESS & DEVELOPMENT
EDISTO GETTING FANCY WITH NEW TOWN HALL
Our favorite laid-back beach town is stepping up its game! Edisto Beach is breaking ground next month on a swanky new town hall and emergency operations center. The $3.8 million project will replace the aging building that's served the community since the 1970s, offering more space, modern technology, and—most importantly—hurricane-resistant construction that can withstand Category 4 storms. The two-story building will include council chambers, administrative offices, and a state-of-the-art emergency operations center that will serve as command central during evacuation events. About time, right? Next hurricane season, they'll be coordinating evacuations in style. Maybe this means the permit office will finally have decent air conditioning for those summer building approval visits? A local can dream!
Groundbreaking ceremony: May 15, 10am
Expected completion: Summer 2026
Town hall services: Will temporarily relocate to the Edisto Beach Baptist Church during construction
NEW TECH STARTUP INCUBATOR LAUNCHES DOWNTOWN
Charleston's tech scene is leveling up! Digital Harbor, a new startup incubator focused on supporting early-stage tech companies, has opened in the newly renovated Cigar Factory. The 12,000-square-foot space offers flexible workspaces, meeting rooms, and mentorship opportunities for entrepreneurs working in software development, digital marketing, and e-commerce. Founded by former Blackbaud executives, the incubator aims to position Charleston as a tech hub that can compete with larger markets. They're currently accepting applications for their inaugural cohort, which will receive $50,000 in seed funding and six months of dedicated support. Time to dust off that million-dollar app idea you've been sitting on!
Applications: Due by May 15 at www.digitalharborchs.com
Open house: This Thursday, 5-7pm at 701 East Bay Street
Target: Looking for 10 startups for first cohort
HEALTH & WELLNESS
MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS WALK THIS SATURDAY
Lace up those sneakers for a good cause! The Charleston chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) is hosting their annual awareness walk this Saturday at Hampton Park. The 3-mile route winds through the park and surrounding neighborhoods, with rest stations and information booths along the way. This year's theme, "Breaking the Silence," focuses on encouraging open conversations about mental health challenges. Participants receive a t-shirt and access to a post-walk celebration featuring local wellness vendors, food trucks, and live music. Dogs welcome, strollers encouraged!
Where & When: Hampton Park, Saturday, April 26, 9am-12pm
Registration: $25 adults, $15 students, free for children under 12
Sign up: www.namicharlestonwalk.org
NEW FARMERS MARKET OPENS IN PARK CIRCLE
Fresh produce alert! The Park Circle Farmers Market kicked off its inaugural season last weekend with an impressive lineup of 35 local vendors. Located in the Oak Terrace Preserve, the Sunday market features organic produce, fresh-cut flowers, artisanal cheeses, local honey, and handcrafted goods. Organized by neighborhood residents in partnership with the City of North Charleston, the market aims to increase access to fresh, locally grown food in an area previously considered a food desert. Live music, chef demonstrations, and kids' activities round out the weekly event, which will run through November. Forgot your reusable bags? They've got you covered with biodegradable options.
Where & When: Oak Terrace Preserve, North Charleston, Sundays 10am-2pm
Vendor applications: Still being accepted at www.parkcirclefarmersmarket.com
SNAP/EBT: Accepted and matched up to $20 per visit
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