EVENT CALENDAR

The Footlight Players present this musical from composer Stephen Soundheim that follows the intertwining lives of fairy-tale characters such as Little Red Riding Hood, Cinderella, and the beanstalk-climbing Jack. The show, which was adapted into a feature film of the same name in 2014, features a sweeping score and musical numbers such as “Agony,” “On the Steps of the Palace,” and “Giants in the Sky.” Queen Street Playhouse, 20 Queen St. Friday & Saturday, 7:30pm; Sunday, 3pm. $56-$30. (843)722-4487, www.footlightplayers.net

Learn the history of chili peppers, from their medicinal and culinary uses to their role in the transatlantic slave trade, during this education session at the stableyards of Middleton Place. Admission includes access to 65 acres of formal landscaped gardens and an exploration of 18th- and 19th-century plantation life. Middleton Place, 4300 Ashley River Rd. Saturday, noon-2 p.m. $32-$10. (843) 556-6020, www.middletonplace.org

The vibrant world of ancient China comes to life through the internationally celebrated Shen Yun dance troupe. Founded in New York in 2006, the classical Chinese dance company blends physical performances, acrobatics, traditional costumes, and a live orchestra. North Charleston Performing Arts Center, 5001 Coliseum Dr. Saturday, 2 & 7:30pm. $200-$90. (843)529-5000, www.northcharlestoncoliseumpac.com

Professionally known as MIKE, rapper and record producer Michael Jordan Bonema has a distinct vocal delivery layered over lo-fi drum beats and contorted jazz loops. Influenced by the likes of Chance the Rapper, Lil Wayne, and MF Doom, Bonema released his latest album, Showbiz!, in late January. Music Farm, 32 Ann St. Sunday, 8pm. $30-$25. (843)853-2252, www.musicfarm.com

This four-day festival draws music lovers from around the globe to celebrate the Holy City’s jazz heritage and a lineup of stellar musical talent. Listen to eight-time Grammy Award winner Terrence Blanchard perform standards and original compositions to narrate the intricacies of African American life through operatic jazz. Other acts include the Donald Harrison Quartet, whose bandleader earned the National Endowment for the Arts Jazz Master fellowship for his role in musical preservation. Locations, times, & prices vary. (843)745-5908, www.charlestonjazz.com

The Empress of Soul has defined the R&B genre as part of her funk family music group Gladys Knight & the Pips and through her solo career. Hear hits like “Heard It Through the Grapevine” and “Midnight Train to Georgia,” which were both inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame. North Charleston Performing Arts Center, 5001 Coliseum Dr. Tuesday, 7:30pm. $188. (843)529-5000, www.northcharlestoncoliseumpac.com

The year’s Art Charleston takes inspiration from the Gibbes Museum of Art’s “Statement Pieces” exhibit, which pairs designer fashions with complementary works of art. Hear Hill House Home founder Nell Diamond, known for her popular “Nap Dress,” at the Art of Design Luncheon. New this year is the Sew Surreal fashion show on Saturday, featuring designers showcasing capsule collections influenced by the museum’s exhibit. And don’t miss Thursday’s Gibbes on the Street party, offering bites by top chefs and live entertainment, or Sunday’s Artisan Fair, showcasing local artists. You’ll also want to make time to participate in the public art project “Spools of Friends,” led by artist Katy Mixon, who will piece together squares created by attendees to produce a large quilted painting. Gibbes Museum of Art, 135 Meeting St. Wednesday-Sunday, times & prices vary. (843) 722-2706, www.gibbesmuseum.org

Hosted by the Gibbes Museum of Art, this multi-day visual art festival features internationally renowned experts in the world of design. Enjoy a lively presentation from Nell Diamond, founder and CEO of the fashion and lifestyle brand Hill House Home, in the Lenhardt Garden during the Art of Design Luncheon & Lecture (April 23). Other events include the Gibbes on the Street party (April 24), a Sew Surreal Fashion Show (April 26), and the “Spool of Friends” community art project created by local artist Katy Mixon. Gibbes Museum of Art, 135 Meeting St. Days, times, & prices vary. (843)722-2706, www.gibbesmuseum.org

TEDxCharleston offers a half day of inspiring, thought-provoking, and entertaining local speakers and performers. Listen to presentations from Henry Riggs and Maari Suorsa of comedy group Nameless Numberhead, journalist Marisa Zeppieri, and Wassamasaw Tribe member Joshua Shumak as they discuss this year’s theme, “Thrive.” Other noteworthy speakers include WCBD-TV news anchor Carolyn Murray and Brenna Lawrence, an advocate against domestic violence. Charleston Music Hall, 37 John St. Wednesday, 12:30pm. $58. www.tedxcharleston.org 

Enjoy an intimate three-course dinner and private jazz performance from the Richard White Trio at downtown eatery The Establishment as part of this year’s Charleston Jazz Festival. The ensemble is led by pianist Richard White, who has played locally with the Charleston Jazz Orchestra, the Charlton Singleton Quintet, and the Charleston Symphony. The Establishment, 28 Broad St. Wednesday, 6-8pm. Call for price. (843)789-4028, www.charlestonjazz.com

This alternative rock duo produces a sound inspired by ’90s nostalgia. In 2023, Slothrust released the EP I Promise in conjunction with announcing a tour promoting the10th anniversary of their 2014 album, Of Course You Do. Weakened Friends, a lo-fi synth-rock trio based in the Midwest, joins. Music Farm, 32 Ann St. Wednesday, 9pm. $25-22. (843)853-2252, www.musicfarm.com

Now in its 17th year, the iFiveK race returns, starting and finishing at the Charleston Tech Center downtown. Cool down after the run with food and drink from neighborhood eateries and microbreweries including Kickin’ Chicken, Edmund’s Oast, and Revelry Brewing Co. Proceeds support the Charleston Digital Corridor’s Diversity initiatives. Charleston Tech Center, 997 Morrison Dr. Thursday, 6:30-8:30pm. $55-$42. (843)607-1264, www.ifivek.com

Join forces with Charleston Habitat for Humanity to raise funds for low-income families that need access to safe housing during this 10th-annual event. The evening includes delicious bites, silent and live auctions, and lively entertainment. The Cedar Room, 701 East Bay St. Thursday, 6:30-10pm. $250-$175. (843)722-0777, www.charlestonhabitat.org

The iFiveK weekday evening race is the official business, athletic and social event for Charleston's tech professionals. Since its 2007 debut, the iFiveK has become a much anticipated event. The race venue is at the Charleston Tech Center in downtown Charleston. Proceeds from the iFiveK support scholarships at the new Charleston Learning Center.

Date: April 24,2025 

TIme: 6:30pm-8:30pm

Cost: $47.50

Signup Link: https://bit.ly/4gMOpzc 

Brought to life by the World Ballet Company, this global premiere is inspired by author F. Scott Fitzgerald’s dramatic novel set in the 1920s. Featuring handcrafted costumes and a troupe of professional ballet dancers, this show revitalizes a classic tale with beautiful choreography and dynamic musical scores. North Charleston Performing Arts Center, 5001 Coliseum Dr. Thursday, 7pm. $105-$55. (843)529-5000, www.northcharlestoncoliseumpac.com

Join interior designer and author Jeffrey Alan Marks at the Charleston Library Society for a discussion of his latest release, This is Home, which showcases contemporary interiors from coast to coast. This second release from Marks, known for his hit TV show Million Dollar Decorators, highlights the layered interiors of his 1925 beach cottage in Montecito, California; his family home in Greenwich, Connecticut; and other abodes. Charleston Library Society, 164 King St. Friday, 10:30-11:30am. $15-$10. (843)723-9912, www.charlestonlibrarysociety.com

This family-friendly affair emphasizes support for local Blackowned businesses. Attendees can immerse themselves in the culinary heritage of the Lowcountry by sampling a wide array of cuisines, including American soul food and West African dishes, from more than 40 food trucks. Don’t miss Friday’s “Rhythms & Booze” opening party at the International African American Museum. Exchange Park Fairgrounds, 9850 Hwy. 78, Ladson. Saturday & Sunday, noon-7 p.m. $225-$15. www.blackfoodtruckfestival.com
 

In 2024, this singer-songwriter was dubbed an “Artist to Watch” by Rolling Stone and won the CMA’s Song of the Year for his platinum hit “Burn It Down.” McCollum’s musical style ranges from blues and roots rock to country and Americana, citing Ryan Adams, Townes Van Zandt, and George Strait as influences. Credit One Stadium, 161 Seven Farms Dr., Daniel Island. Friday, 7pm. $98-$18. (843)856-7900, www.creditonestadium.com

Part of the 2025 Charleston Jazz Music Festival, this performance stars Grammy-nominated singer Jazzmeia Horn, renowned for her dynamic vocal range and captivating stage presence. Hear a blend of soulful, expressive jazz from Horn, as well as the Four Women ensemble created by Lowcountry vocalist Tonya Nicole, which pays homage to industry greats Nina Simone, Billie Holiday, Erykah Badu, and Lauryn Hill. Charleston Music Hall, 37 John St. Friday, 7-9pm. $67-$30. (843)853-2252, www.charlestonmusichall.com

Participate in this trek through James Island County Park to honor those living with pancreatic cancer and those who have died from the aggressive disease. Hosted in more than 60 cities across the country, the annual fundraiser supports the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network in providing personalized, no-cost treatment to patients and aiding in research to find early detection methods and new treatments. James Island County Park, 871 Riverland Dr., James Island. Saturday, 7:30-11am. $50 donation goal. www.secure.pancan.org

Honor the life of TyWanza Sanders, the youngest victim of the 2015 Mother Emanuel AME Church massacre. Participants can run or walk solo or as a team from South Windermere Shopping Center down the West Ashley Greenway to Krispy Kreme Doughnuts, where they‘ll eat a dozen donuts before heading back. Race proceeds benefit the TyWanza Sanders Scholarship Fund and other philanthropic outreach programs. South Windermere Center, 61 Folly Road Blvd. Saturday, 9am-noon. $35-$10. (843)992-8158, www.race4achievement.org

Curious kiddos ages eight to 12 can explore the natural habitats of local parks during Charleston County Park’s Junior Naturalist program. Children will engage in nature-based crafts, art, and activities along with educational staff. Caw Caw Interpretive Center, 5200 Savannah Hwy., Ravenel. Saturday, 10am-noon. $10. www.ccprc.com

We’re thrilled to welcome Caroline Moore Art for a one-day-only pop-up event at Rhodes Home & Gift! Known for her vibrant watercolors and signature matchbook prints, Caroline’s work captures the charm of Charleston, collegiate pride, and coastal beauty like no other. https://carolinemooreart.com/

The Lowcountry music festival returns to Riverfront Park with headliners Lord Huron, Mt. Joy, Arcade Fire, and Counting Crows. Other musical guests, including Medium Build, The Backseat Lovers, Trampled by Turtles, and local act Easy Honey, will appear across two stages, playing folk, rock, and country. Riverfront Park, 1061 Everglades Ave., North Charleston. Saturday & Sunday, times vary. $1,750-$140. (843)258-4338, www.highwaterfest.com

Little ones can take part in an educational excavation at Middleton Place. Participants will learn about historical discoveries found on the estate’s grounds through creating archeological field journals. Middleton Place Stableyards, 4300 Ashley River Rd. Saturday, noon-2pm. $32-$10. (843)556-6020, www.middletonplace.org

For more than two decades, the Charleston Walk for Autism has funded thousands of scholarships for children affected by autism in the Lowcountry area. Support the organization by enjoying a scenic walk through Hampton Park, then stick around for live music, jump castles, therapy dogs, and more. Hampton Park, 30 Mary Murray Dr. Saturday, 9am-noon. $30. www.walkforautismcharleston.org

Hosted by the local chapter of Les Dames d’Escoffi er, the biannual Culinary Bazaar raises funds for scholarship programs and other philanthropic efforts for women in the F&B and hospitality industries. Shop gently used and high-quality kitchen and culinary items, including vintage and antique cookware; complete sets of flatware, glassware, and linens; and working countertop appliances at this year’s culinary marketplace, which also includes china, crystal, barware, and rare and valuable cookbooks. High Wire Distilling, 311 Huger St. Saturday, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. $10. www.ldeicharleston.com

The Charleston Jazz Orchestra joins forces with Cuban American artist Paquito D’Rivera for an evening of Latin jazz and modern sounds. The Grammy-winning virtuoso is known for his mastery of the alto saxophone and clarinet. Charleston Music Hall, 37 John St. Saturday, 5 & 8pm. $67-$10. (843)853-2252, www.charlestonmusichall.com

Be transported to a galaxy far, far away during the North Charleston Pops orchestra’s 2024-2025 season finale highlighting the works of legendary composer John Williams. Listen to the foreboding “Imperial March,” the thrilling Star Wars’ main theme, and other iconic pieces from the film series’ soundtrack. North Charleston Performing Arts Center, 5001 Coliseum Dr., North Charleston. 7:30-9:30pm. $64-$28. (843)202-2787, www.northcharlestoncoliseumpac.com

Enjoy light bites and cocktails during this all-ages celebration benefiting the Charleston Parks Conservancy. Now in its 18th year, the event raises funds that go toward sustainable gardening, flood mitigation, and other environmental stewardship projects in order to protect and sustain public spaces. Rose Pavilion at Hampton Park, 30 Mary Murray Dr. Sunday, 11am-2pm. $125-$50. (843)724-5003, www.charlestonparksconservancy.org