Located in the French Quarter, The Vendue hotel presents this dynamic group show that explores the concept of energy through sensory elements. Works include abstract paintings, such as this piece by fine artist David Cheifetz, as well as psychedelic landscapes and an eight-foot-tall sculpture made with resin, steel, silicone, and human hair created by hyperrealist sculptor Kazu Hiro. The Vendue, 19 Vendue Range. Daily, 8am-6pm. Free. (888)528-0725, www.thevendue.com
Created by Broadway veterans Marshall Haggins and Noah Brody and produced by Charleston native Brad Moranz, this world premiere musical from Pure Theatre focuses on Dr. Samantha Williams, a “brilliant yet insecure” ornithologist who teams up with an unusual group of scientists to explore theories of evolution and love within the jungles of Papua New Guinea. Cannon Street Arts Center, 134 Cannon St. Thursday-Saturday, times vary. $35-25. (843)723-4444, www.puretheatre.org
This five-day festival highlights regional and local artists and performers, showcasing hundreds of works of fine arts and crafts and photography. Now celebrating its 42nd year, the festival began as a one-day community event in Park Circle and today includes a lively program of free concerts, theater and dance performances, and children’s programs. Location, dates, & times vary. Free. (843)740-5854, www.northcharlestonartsfest.com
A resident artist at Redux Contemporary Art Center, Alice Colin presents a collaborative installation with local musician Heather Rice and artist Jacob Powell. Viewers will experience the sensation of walking through a whimsical garden path lined with giant flowers, paintings, and plants. Redux Contemporary Art Center, 1056 King St. Tuesday-Friday, 11am-5pm, & Saturday, noon-3pm. Free. (843)722-0697, www.reduxstudios.org
Redux Contemporary Art Center presents a joint exhibition from painter Emily Furr and sculptor Patrick Healy that “explores the emotional nuances of place, experience, play, and familiarity” in the Main Gallery. Redux Contemporary Art Center, 1056 King St. Tuesday-Friday, 11am-5pm, & Saturday, noon-3pm. Free. (843)722-0697, www.reduxstudios.org
The Halsey Institute of Contemporary Art presents the first solo exhibit from local photographer and cultural worker Joshua Parks, whose works analyze the autonomy, survival, and cultural development of African descendants in the Lowcountry, the Caribbean, and West Africa. Parks uses sounds, artifacts, and photographs to share the collective memories of those who suffered enslavement and colonial oppression. An artist talk will be held on May 17 at 2 p.m. Halsey Institute of Contemporary Art, 161 Calhoun St. Monday-Wednesday & Friday-Saturday, 11am-4pm, & Thursday, 11am-7pm. Free. (843)953-4422, www.halsey.cofc.edu
From multidisciplinary artist David Antonio Cruz, this exhibition at the Halsey Institute of Contemporary Art explores themes of family, race, and queerness. Cruz’s drawings are created with layers of ink washes under silhouettes of maps, foliage, and wax pencil figure drawings, portraying Black, Brown, and queer bodies in the Baroque-era seated portraiture style. Halsey Institute of Contemporary Art, 161 Calhoun St. Monday-Wednesday & Friday-Saturday, 11am-4pm, & Thursday, 11am-7pm. Free. (843)953-4422, www.halsey.cofc.edu
Having made stops in other cities including Atlanta, Nashville, and Houston, this performance showcases gifted classical composers and performers of African descent. Talented musicians and vocalists, including soprano Janinah Burnett (pictured) are joined by the festival’s chamber ensemble to perform musical pieces include William Grant Still’s “Mother & Child,” George Walker’s “Lyric,” and Coleridge Taylor Perkinson’s “Cavalry.” Eternal Father of the Sea Chapel, 1096 Navy Way, North Charleston. Thursday, 7pm. Free. www.colourofmusic.org
Experience the three-time Olivier Award-winning musical adapted from the film starring Reese Witherspoon. This show focuses on Elle Woods, a bubbly, blonde sorority girl who breaks stereotypes by becoming a high-achieving Harvard Law School student. Dock Street Theatre, 135 Church St. Wednesday-Saturday, 7:30pm, & Sunday, 2pm. $88-$44. (843)577-7183, www.charlestonstage.com
New Orleans-based artist Mac Ball debuts a new collection of works showcasing his journey from architecture to full-time painting at the Meyer Vogl Gallery. Known for his evocative landscapes and waterscapes, Ball’s latest pieces reflect on the fragility of marshlands and coastal environments in the face of climate change. An opening reception will be held on May 2nd at 5 p.m. Meyer Vogl Gallery, 122 Meeting St. Monday-Saturday, 10am-5pm, & Sunday, noon-4pm. Free. (843)805-7144, www.meyervogl.com
This group exhibition from Robert Lange Studios spotlights the art of trompe l’œil. The show invites viewers to question what is real through works that mimic architectural details and create three-dimensional effects, exploring themes of perception and authenticity by deceiving the eye. An opening reception will be held on May 2 from 5 to 8 p.m. Robert Lange Studios, 2 Queen St. Free. (843)805-8052, www.robertlangestudios.com
In this farcical comedy from the Flowertown Players, director Daniel Rich offers a glimpse into the behind-the-scenes chaos of live theater with a play within a play. Packed with slapstick humor, this production features rapid-fire entrances, wardrobe malfunctions, misplaced props, and other antics. Flowertown Players, 133 S. Main St., Summerville. Fridays & Saturdays, 7pm, & Sundays, 3pm. $25-18. (843)875-9251, www.flowertownplayers.org
Enjoy a bold, one-night performance from a premier Latino dance organization. Founded by National Medal of Arts recipient Tina Ramirez, Ballet Hispánico celebrates Latino culture and shared human experience through contemporary dance. Gaillard Center, 95 Calhoun St. Thursday, 7:30pm. $55-$20. (843)724-5212, www.gaillardcenter.org
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 including “Agony,” “On the Steps of the Palace,” and “Giants in the Sky.” Queen Street Playhouse, 20 Queen St. Fridays & Saturdays, 7:30pm, & Sunday, 3pm. (843)722-4487, www.footlightplayers.net
Start the weekend off strolling through Marion Square where vendors are selling everything from fresh produce to handmade jewelry and artwork. While enjoying the fresh air, grab lunch or snacks from multiple food trucks and vendors. Marion Square. Saturdays, 8am-2pm. Free. (843)724-7305, www.charlestonfarmersmarket.com
Now in its 25th year, the Bocce Bash has raised more $1.1 million for Special Olympics athletes across the state, supporting sports, education, and health programs offered through the organization. Gather friends for this bracket-style competition, then stick around for food and more fun. Bishop England High School football stadium, 363 Seven Farms Dr., Daniel Island. Saturday, 8 a.m. $750 per team of four. (843) 991-2013, www.boccebash.com
Experience a blend of historic artistry and modern creativity during this new exhibit on display in the Textile Gallery of The Charleston Museum. Guided by fashion stylist Andrea Serrano, local designers were tasked with drawing inspiration from the museum’s collection to create reimagined garments. The Charleston Museum, 360 Meeting St. Monday-Saturday, 9am-5pm, & Sunday, 12pm-5pm. $30-$15. (843)722-2996, www.charlestonmuseum.org
The multiday event features cosplay contests and informational panels on paranormal studies, art, music, literature, filmmaking, and fandoms including Star Trek, Dr. Who, and the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Meet with New York Times best-selling author and this year’s guest of honor Delilah S. Dawson, browse dozens of vendor booths, and watch a shadow cast of actors from Charleston’s Absent Friends perform The Princess Bride. Trident Technical College, 7000 Rivers Ave. Saturday, 10am-9pm, & Sunday, 10am-5pm. $100-$20. www.atomacon.org
Set beneath majestic live oaks, this fi fth-annual event combines wine tastings, live music, and the beautiful grounds of Brookgreen Gardens. General admission grants attendees 10 tasting tickets and a commemorative winetasting glass, as well as access to local food trucks, while VIP guests can pair their sips with a curated charcuterie spread. Brookgreen Gardens, 1931 Brookgreen Dr., Murrells Inlet. Saturday, 1-4 p.m. $135-$55 (843)235- 6000, www.brookgreen.org
Six-time Grammy-nominated comedian Jim Gaffigan embarks on his latest tour, delivering humorous anecdotes on fatherhood, food, and life with five “loud and expensive” kids. North Charleston Performing Arts Center, 5001 Coliseum Dr. Saturday, 8pm, & Sunday, 7pm. $120-50. (843)529-5000, www.northcharlestoncoliseumpac.com
Led by vocalist Sam Cieri, this New York-based pop/rock band has built a devoted following with viral social media engagement and chart-topping hits such as “How Do You Love Me” and “What Makes You Sad.” Music Farm, 32 Ann St. Saturday, 8pm. $50-$25. (843)853-2252, www.musicfarm.com
Join interior designer Amanda Lindroth for this discussion of her new book, Island Dreaming, which offers insights into the coastal design aesthetic. Lindroth will share her creative journey, shaped by her 1970s Florida upbringing, and career highlights, which includes work with the cottage-inspired Dunlin hotel. Charleston Library Society, 164 King St. Tuesday, 6-7pm. $15-$10. (843)723-9912, www.charlestonlibrarysociety.org
Root for the home team as the Charleston RiverDogs face the Columbia Fireflies for a six-game homestand. Later in the month, local athletes will hit The Joe again to take on the Salem Red Sox and Kannapolis Cannon Ballers. Joseph P. Riley Jr. Park, 360 Fishburne St. Tuesday-Friday, 7pm; Saturday, 6pm; & Sunday, 5pm. $84-$53. (843)5773647, www.milb.com
Score fun finds outside Moultrie Middle School on Tuesdays. Check the seasonal crop calendar online for farmer offerings, and browse baked goods, butcher cuts, homemade preserves, and other goodies. Moultrie Middle School, 645 Coleman Blvd., Mount Pleasant Tuesdays, 3:30–7pm. Free. (843)884-8517, www.experiencemountpleasant.com
“The Godfather of Shock Rock” delivers an explosive concert, drawing from a discography spanning more than five decades. Guitarist Nita Strauss rejoins the band for this North American tour. North Charleston Performing Arts Center, 5001 Coliseum Dr. Monday, 8pm. $247-$56. (843)529-5000, www.northcharlestoncoliseumpac.com
Despite W.E.B. Du Bois calling him “the leading portrait painter of the race,” Edwin Harleston’s contributions to the Charleston Renaissance have largely gone undocumented. Learn about the leader of Charleston’s NAACP chapter, and his wife, Elise, a noted photographer, during this two-day symposium hosted by the Charleston Library Society. Attend a lecture on Thursday night, featuring filmmaker Charles Kaufman, who produced a documentary about the influential couple and their contributions to the Southern art scene and the Civil Rights Movement. On Friday, watch a screening of the documentary and engage in small-group discussions. Charleston Library Society, 164 King St. Thursday, 6 p.m., & Friday, 1 p.m. $55-$35. (843) 723-9912, www.charlestonlibrarysociety.org
Since 2015, Americana jam band Perpetual Groove has offered fans a wide range of original music accompanied by eye-catching light shows. Music Farm, 32 Ann St. Thursday, 8pm. $30-$25. (843)853-2252, www.musicfarm.com
Blending roots rock, folk, and jam-band energy, Donna the Buffalo creates a vibrant, feel-good experience that has captivated audiences since 1989. The band has played at major festivals including Bonnaroo and Austin City Limits and founded The Finger Lakes Grassroots Festival of Music and Dance in 1991. Music Farm, 32 Ann St. Thursday, 8pm. $30-$25. (843)853-2252, www.musicfarm.com
Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Brent Cobb showcases his signature blend of country, soul, and Southern rock. A Georgia native, Cobb’s music reflects the rich traditions of the South, as heard on his latest album, Southern Star. The Windjammer, 1008 Ocean Blvd., Isle of Palms. Thursday, 8pm. $30-$25. (843)886-8596, www.the-windjammer.com
Go Greek for the weekend during this three-day celebration that includes traditional dance performances, church tours, and a smorgasbord of authentic eats, ranging from spanakopita and gyros to pastries, like baklava. Dating back to 1970, the festival draws more than 35,000 attendees each year. Take advantage of free parking and shuttle service from the Citadel’s football stadium. Greek Orthodox Church of the Holy Trinity, 30 Race St. Friday, 4-9 p.m.; Saturday, 11 a.m.-9 p.m.; & Sunday, noon-5 p.m. $5-$3. www.charlestongreekfestival.com
