4/25/25 - Fleet Fest, Fashion Flips & Fresh Air (Your Friday Lowdown)

INSIDE: From Dr. Seuss pop art to a tech takeover, here’s what’s lighting up Charleston this week.

Weather: ☀️ 80° Today | 81° Tomorrow | Breezy with possible afternoon thunderstorm

Editor’s Note

Hey y’all — This week we’re spotlighting some feel-good news: clean air accolades, summer camp fun, and Charleston Tech Week powering up our digital future. Plus — we’ll be at the Blessing of the Fleet & Seafood Fest this Sunday! If you’re swinging by, come say hello. We’d love to meet a few readers in person.

Table of Contents

Top Stories

Exciting news for the Holy City! Charleston just earned an “A” from the American Lung Association for air quality, putting us at the top for cleanest cities in the U.S. when it comes to particle pollution. While ozone levels could be better, this is still a major win for our lungs—and our pride.

The city is backing 25 neighborhood-led projects from native pollinator gardens to restoring the iconic Pink House. Mayor Cogswell wants to see every block shine, and this initiative brings the funding to make it happen.

Big things are coming to downtown healthcare—MUSC is building a massive new cancer hospital to bring research and top-tier care under one roof. With a goal of helping over 33,000 patients a year, this new space is a serious step forward for Charleston.

It’s camp preview season! On May 12–13, the Salvation Army opens its doors for a fun and info-packed open house. From hiking and team-building to trauma-informed care and devotions, this summer camp promises way more than s’mores.

Events & Activities

Today

This Weekend

Editor’s Pick

Community & Culture

Local designers are reinterpreting historic textiles from the museum’s 10,000-piece collection into bold, futuristic pieces. Catch the opening May 2 and see the past stitched into tomorrow.

A missing cat post on Reddit has turned into a city-wide search party. The French Quarter feline’s disappearance brought together strangers in the best kind of internet-powered kindness.

265 undergrads and 135 grad students will walk across the stage with views of the Kanawha River and a celebration lineup including a James Beard-winning chef and a Brigadier General. Not your average graduation.

From gritty dramas to quirky comedies, Charleston is a hot filming spot right now — and casting is open. With roles for all ages and solid pay rates, now might be your moment to shine on screen.

From rooftop self-care to trivia nights and a grand finale at Firefly Distillery, Charleston’s inaugural TeacherFest is giving our educators the week of appreciation they deserve.

Food & Drink

From a van to a full cafe in under 7 months — this local favorite adds beer, wine, and community events.

Locally made with notes of cacao and roasted coffee — shake with vodka or soda for a sweet treat.

All-day Monday happy hour and Wagyu Smash Burgers? Count us in.

Recreation & Outdoors

More than 250 acres just north of McClellanville are now permanently protected thanks to the Lowcountry Land Trust. This patch of wild beauty connects to over 350,000 conserved acres and adds to the buffer for Francis Marion National Forest and Santee Coastal Heritage Preserve. Big win for Earth Day.

A sunken sailboat, a passionate filmmaker, and Charleston’s derelict vessel problem. This new documentary explores it all — with a debut screening and silent auction to support clean water efforts.

Business & Development

Charleston continues its downtown revitalization with a new mixed-use project breaking ground in May.

Over 23 events in 9 days spotlight the Holy City’s rising tech tide.

The Pour OverDelivering politically neutral, Christ-first news to over 1 million Christians every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.

Sports Report

The Cougars pulled off a stunner at Patriots Point—stealing home, slugging RBIs, and locking in a season sweep over No. 21 Coastal. Special shoutout to Davis Aiken with a clutch six-out save.

The playoff heat is on. Stingrays and Solar Bears are tied up, and Sunday’s face-off at the Coliseum could be the series breaker. Game Seven looms. Grab your tickets while you can.

Daily DropJoin 1,500,000+ adventurers and learn how to travel hack your way around the world in under 5 minutes a day (witty commentary, gifs and memes included 😉)

Did You Know?

Charleston’s Rainbow Row didn’t get its iconic pastel hues until the 1930s. It started as a preservation effort that turned into an Instagram icon.

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