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- 4/23/25 - Your Charleston Wednesday: Free Yoga, Live Jazz & Water Trails
4/23/25 - Your Charleston Wednesday: Free Yoga, Live Jazz & Water Trails
INSIDE: Free beach yoga returns to IOP + New water trail connects West Ashley to Johns Island
Beau Whitaker
April 23, 2025
WEATHER: Today: 77° Sunny 🌞 | Tomorrow: 79° Partly Cloudy | Rain Chance: 10%
EDITOR'S NOTE
Spring is in full swing here in the Lowcountry, and our team has been busy gathering the freshest local stories for your morning read. With Earth Day just behind us and a calendar full of outdoor events ahead, it's the perfect time to get out and experience all that our beautiful city has to offer. Whether you're a long-time local or just visiting, we hope this edition inspires you to explore something new in Charleston this week!
What's one hidden gem in Charleston you think more folks should know about?
Table of Contents
TOP STORIES
SUNRISE YOGA RETURNS TO ISLE OF PALMS
Sand between your toes, waves crashing nearby, and a perfect sunrise—Isle of Palms is bringing back its popular free beach yoga series! Starting next Tuesday, April 29, the City of Isle of Palms Recreation Department will host "Rise & Shine Beach Yoga" every Tuesday morning at 7:30 a.m. through October. The classes take place at the 25th Avenue beach access and are led by instructor Kathy Berry, who'll guide participants through sequences focused on mind and body wellness. Perfect for all fitness levels, these sessions offer a peaceful way to start your day with the healing energy of our coastline. In case of bad weather, classes will move to the IOP Recreation Center on 28th Avenue. Just bring a large towel, yoga mat, yoga blocks, and water. Namaste, y'all!
Where & When: 25th Avenue beach access, Isle of Palms, Tuesdays at 7:30 a.m., May through October
Cost: FREE! (Registration required at IOP.net)
What to bring: Yoga mat, large towel, yoga blocks, water
PRESCRIPTION DRUG TAKE BACK DAY THIS SATURDAY
Clean out those medicine cabinets for a good cause! This Saturday, April 26, is National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, with collection sites throughout Charleston accepting unused or expired medications from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. This twice-yearly event, coordinated by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), provides a safe, convenient way to dispose of medications that might otherwise end up in the wrong hands or our water supply. Several local law enforcement agencies will host collection sites across the Lowcountry, accepting tablets, capsules, patches, and other solid forms of prescription drugs. It's completely anonymous—no questions asked. Got leftover prescriptions from that surgery last year? Old medications from a family member? Here's your chance to safely get rid of them and potentially prevent medication misuse in our community.
Where & When: Various locations throughout Charleston, Saturday, April 26, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
What to bring: Unused or expired prescription medications (no liquids, needles, or illicit drugs)
More info: Visit DEATakeBack.com for collection sites near you
CHARLESTON FARMERS MARKET EXPANDS WITH NIGHT MARKET
The beloved Charleston Farmers Market is adding evening hours this spring! Starting Friday, May 2, Marion Square will host a special Night Market from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., featuring local produce, artisanal foods, crafts, and live music. This expansion comes in response to growing demand for more market availability beyond the traditional Saturday morning hours. "We're excited to offer Charleston residents and visitors another opportunity to enjoy our local vendors in the cooler evening hours," says market manager Sarah Thompson. The Night Market will run every Friday through September, giving weekday workers a chance to shop farm-fresh produce and unique local goods. Food trucks and acoustic performances will give the evening market a festive atmosphere perfect for kicking off your weekend plans.
Where & When: Marion Square, Fridays 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., May 2 through September
Cost: Free admission
Bonus: Live music and expanded food options
EVENTS & ACTIVITIES
EDITOR'S PICK: CHARLESTON JAZZ FESTIVAL HEATS UP THIS WEEK
The Charleston Jazz Festival is in full swing this week! Running through April 29, this nine-day celebration brings world-class jazz to venues across town including Forte Jazz Lounge, Charleston Gaillard Center, and the College of Charleston. Don't miss tonight's performance at Forte Jazz Lounge featuring the Kenney/Khayat/Baxter Trio playing Motown and soul classics. Later this week, the "Music of Star Wars" performance celebrates John Williams' iconic compositions. With both indoor and outdoor performances scheduled throughout the Lowcountry, there's a jazz experience for every taste and budget.
Where & When: Various venues across Charleston, through April 29
Tickets: Available at charlestonjazz.com
Don't miss: Saturday's New Orleans-style street performance in Marion Square, free to the public
ART CHARLESTON TAKES OVER THE GIBBES THIS WEEK
Art Charleston 2025 begins tomorrow at the Gibbes Museum, running 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 Charleston-based designers.
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
COMMUNITY & CULTURE
LOCAL PRESERVATION SOCIETY UNVEILS HISTORIC GARDEN RESTORATION
After two years of meticulous work, the Charleston Preservation Society has completed the restoration of the historic Calhoun-Simmons Garden on Meeting Street. The garden, which dates back to 1845, has been revitalized with period-appropriate plantings and improved pathways while maintaining its original design elements. "This garden is a living testament to Charleston's horticultural heritage," explains preservation director Eleanor Rhett. "We've used historical records and archaeological findings to ensure its authenticity." The project, funded by private donations and a grant from the National Trust for Historic Preservation, included restoring the original fountain and ironwork gates. Public tours of the garden begin next week, with special programming planned for Garden Week in May.
Where: 27 Meeting Street
Opening celebration: Sunday, April 27, 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Tours: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., starting April 29
Admission: $12 adults, $8 students/seniors, free for Preservation Society members
CHARLESTON ACADEMY OF MUSIC SUMMER MUSIC PROGRAMS
Looking to keep those creative juices flowing this summer? Charleston Academy of Music has your kiddos covered with their fantastic summer music programs! As one of the Lowcountry's leading music schools since 2003, CAM offers expert instruction from active local musicians in a variety of instruments. Their Mount Pleasant campus provides the perfect setting for budding musicians to hone their craft while making new friends who share their musical passions.
When: MSessions ultiple
Instruments covered: Piano, Violin, Viola, Cello, Guitar, Saxophone, Clarinet, Flute and many more (Instrument Petting Zoo)
FOOD & DRINK
Coast Brewing Company on Sullivan's Island is embracing spring with its seasonal lineup, released just in time for porch-sitting weather. All spring releases are available in the taproom
Where: Coast Brewing Company, 1250 Island Drive, Sullivan's Island
Taproom hours: Wednesday-Sunday, 2 p.m. to 8 p.m.
RECREATION & OUTDOORS
WATER TRAIL CONNECTING WEST ASHLEY TO JOHNS ISLAND
Kayakers and paddle boarders, should check out the walking and water trails connecting West Ashley to Johns Island via a series of carefully marked routes through scenic marshes and tidal creeks. The Stono River Water Trail offers paddlers a safe, navigable path. Check it out today, and if you do share a photo with us.
Trail access points: Bulow Landing (West Ashley), Ross Marine (Johns Island), and Limehouse Bridge
Difficulty level: Moderate (suitable for intermediate paddlers)
Guided tours: Saturdays at 9 a.m., $1
CAW CAW INTERPRETIVE CENTER - BIRD WALKS
Rise and shine with the birds at Caw Caw Interpretive Center! Every Wednesday and Saturday at 8:30 a.m., join a guided walk through diverse habitats—marshes, forests, and former rice fields—home to over 250 bird species, including bald eagles and swallow-tailed kites. No registration needed; binoculars available on-site
Where: Caw Caw Interpretive Center, 5200 Savannah Highway, Ravenel
When: Wednesday Morning Bird Walks
Learn more: ccprc.com/calendar.aspx?CID=85
BUSINESS & DEVELOPMENT
TECH INCUBATOR LAUNCHES YOUTH ENTREPRENEURSHIP PROGRAM
The Harbor Accelerator, Charleston's leading tech incubator, is expanding its focus to the next generation with the launch of "NextGen Innovators," a summer entrepreneurship program for high school students. The six-week curriculum will teach business fundamentals, design thinking, and digital marketing skills to teens interested in starting their own ventures. "We're seeing incredible creativity from young people in Charleston," says program director Maya Washington. "This program gives them the tools to turn those ideas into viable businesses." Participants will work with successful local entrepreneurs as mentors and present their business concepts at a public showcase in August. Twenty scholarships are available for students from underrepresented backgrounds.
Program dates: June 16-July 26
Eligibility: Rising 9th-12th graders in Charleston County
Application deadline: May 15
More info: harboraccelerator.com/nextgen
HEALTH & WELLNESS
FREE NARCAN STANDS ROLL OUT ACROSS CHARLESTON COUNTY
The Charleston County Sheriff’s Office just made a major move in the fight against opioid overdoses: free Narcan stations are now popping up across the county. Each stand is stocked with naloxone — the life-saving drug that can reverse opioid overdoses — and is 100% free and anonymous to use.
“No red tape. No questions. Just help,”
“This is about saving lives.”
The initiative aims to cut overdose deaths and get critical tools into public hands fast. You'll find stands at key spots like libraries, transit centers, and parks. They also include easy instructions and info on local addiction recovery services.
Where: Main Library, North Charleston City Hall, CARTA Transit Center, and more
What's Inside: Free Narcan doses + how-to-use guides
No Cost. No ID. No questions asked.
Learn More: charlestonsheriff.org
MUSC OPENS CALM, QUIET WELLNESS SPACE FOR STAFF + STUDENTS
Feeling burnt out? MUSC just opened a calming new retreat right on campus. Their new 4,000-square-foot Wellbeing Space is designed for mental recharge — think soft lighting, yoga mats, cozy seating, and total peace and quiet.
“This isn’t just a break room — it’s a mental reset button,” said Dr. Susan Johnson, director of health promotion.
It’s part of MUSC’s push to support the people behind the scrubs and textbooks. Drop in to stretch, meditate, read, or just breathe — no appointment needed.
Where: Colbert Library, MUSC Charleston Campus
What's Inside: Meditation pods, yoga space, quiet zones, wellness library
Who Can Use It: MUSC students, staff, and faculty
Bonus: Weekly guided meditation + monthly wellness events
More Info: web.musc.edu/wellbeing
DID YOU KNOW?
Did you know that the sweetgrass baskets you see in Charleston markets represent one of the oldest West African crafts in America? This tradition, brought by enslaved people from West Africa in the 17th century, has been passed down through generations of Gullah-Geechee families. Originally created as functional rice winnowing fans, these intricately coiled baskets evolved into a distinctive art form that's now recognized as a state symbol. Today, sweetgrass basket makers continue this cultural legacy, primarily along Highway 17 in Mount Pleasant at stands that have been operated by the same families for decades.
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