To cure the Monday blues, I’m sharing the weekly food specials and some activities on the horizon in our area. Shoot me an email at seaislandsdining@gmail.com or @Seaislands101 if you’re seeking an activity you don’t see listed below.

WEEKLY FOOD SPECIALS:

MONDAYS:

On Johns, at Freshfields, the Monday Farmers Market starts tonight and runs from 4-8pm. Click the link for a full list of vendors.

On James, at the Brick House Kitchen it’s Food, Beverage, and Entertainer Discount night. Lily Slay of the Royal Tinfoil performs soul, folk, and rock.

On James, How Art Thou Café has half-price on all wine under $80, and $2 off their hummus sampler. Teachers show your employee ID for 10% off your total bill.

On James, at Smoky Oak Taproom, Mexi-Mondays mean margarita pitchers and steak and shrimp fajitas. If you “Like” their Facebook page, there are budget-friendly dinner specials announced all week long.

On Folly, at Loggerheads, it’s $5.99 burger night, and PBRs are only $1.50.

On Seabrook, Red’s Ice House at Bohicket has all you can eat crab legs on Mondays for $29, happy hour 4-7pm, and the Dave Landeo Band onstage.

In West Ashley, at Ms. Roses Fine Food & Cocktails, it’s half-price burger night and $3 draft craft beers.

In West Ashley, at Creekside Pizza, Kids eat free. Enjoy a view of the marsh as you dine inside or out on pizza or pasta.

TUESDAYS:

In North Charleston, the Regal Square Cinemas 18 shows movies for just $6 admission all day long.

On James, How Art Thou Café has a beer tasting–this week it’s Who Da Thunk It? featuring tastings of Allagash Dunkel, Victory Golden Monkey, Goose Island Pepe Nero, and Rodenbach. There’s also $2 off all sandwiches. Music is a lives blues act.

On James, the Bohemian Bull hosts trivia starting at 7:30pm.

On James, the Lowdown Oven and Bar has trivia starting at 9pm.

On Folly, the Grill and Island Bar celebrates Tuesdays with Brewsday, get a burger and a beer for just $10.

On James, at the Brick House Kitchen, it’s a Drum Circle Night followed by a Graham Whorley show and an artists’ market.

On James, La Tabella has $4 specialty house wines.

On James, at the Stag Erin, it’s Tie-Dye Tuesday. Wear Tie-Dye, get a shot. It’s also trivia night and taco night.

On James, Melvin’s Barbeque has half-price burgers tonight.

On Seabrook, Red’s Ice House at Bohicket has food and beverage (F&B) workers night, with late night appetizer specials, happy hour 4-7pm, $2 vodkas, and Hank Futch & Friends (cover band) playing live acoustic music.

WEDNESDAYS:

On James, at the Brick House Kitchen, tonight means it’s just $25 for a bottle of wine, and a fruit and cheese plate. Tonight’s live music starting at 8pm is the Dunder Chiefs.

On James, Heart Woodfire Kitchen has $6 burgers tonight.

On James, How Art Thou Café has half-price on all wine under $80 and $2 off their charcuterie (read: cured meat) plate. Teachers show your employee ID for 10% off your total bill. Onstage, there’s a live jazz jam.

On James, La Tabella Wine Down Wednesday means $4 glasses of the wine pick that evening, all night long.

On James, Melvin’s Barbeque has one free kids meal per purchased adult meal tonight.

On James, ChaCha’s Bar and Grill holds Get Weird Wednesdays, feat. $2 Vodka, trivia, then DJ United mixing it up until late night. Every week they give away a $50 gift certificate to Roses & Ruins Tattoo Shop.

In West Ashley, at Middleton Place, there’s a Weekly Wine Stroll every Wednesday through June 25th. It’s $25 at the gate, $20 online in advance, and just $15 for Foundation members.

In West Ashley, at Mex 1 Coastal Cantina, it’s Wahine Wednesdays, featuring $4 Skinny Margaritas, $4 Cannonborough Palomas.

In West Ashley, at Hometeam BBQ, every Wednesday is the Lowcountry Blues Club jam. Bring your instrument and make new friends.

THURSDAYS:

On James, How Art Thou Café has a wine tasting at 6pm. Thursdays  mean $2 off the international cheese sampler.  Onstage, the live music is Oscar Rivers Jazz.

On James, Stag Erin it’s pint night. Try a select beer and get a free glass to add to your home bar collection.

On Folly, at Loggerheads, it’s just $24.99 for a crab legs feast.

On Seabrook, Red’s Ice House at Bohicket, tonight means an Oyster roast that’s just $12 for a bucket of oysters and two Buds.

On James, at La Tabella Italian Restaurant, it’s Prime Rib night.

For Friday-Sunday activities, see the SIDG Weekend Update, published at 1pm on Fridays.

ACTIVITIES:

Charleston County Waterparks are open 8am daily starting in June. On James Island, that’s Splash Zone at the James Island County Park open until 6pm. General admission is $20, Seniors 60 and up $9.99, under 48″ $14.99 a person, children 2 and under free. If you anticipate multiple visits all summer long, check out the splash pass. [NOTE: the 48″ height is required for several large slides, see the splash pass link for details.] In North Charleston, at Wannamaker County Park, Whirlin’ Waters is open until 6pm, and in Mount Pleasant, at Palmetto Islands County Park, Splash Island is open until 6pm.

WEEKLY ON MONDAYS: On Johns, at Freshfields, the Monday Farmers Market. Click the link for a full list of vendors.

WEEKLY ON WEDNESDAYS, 5-9pm: On Folly, it’s the Farmers Market on Center Street. Click link for updates and a list of vendors. Afterwards, there’s a movie on the Beach. This week’s movie is Finding Nemo.

WEEKLY ON WEDNESDAYS, 11am: On James, at the Terrace Theater, Lowcountry Parent magazine, and the Post and Courier present the eighth Family Film Series. Kids $10 and under are free, everyone else is $4. This week it’s 1960’s Swiss Family Robinson.

WEEKLY ON WEDNESDAYS STARTING May 28th, 8:30pm: **Hey Parents!** On Johns, at Freshfields, the outdoor Starlight Cinema shows a family-friendly film every week, weather permitting. This week’s film is 1989’s Honey I Shrunk the Kids with Rick Moranis. Kids and the neighbors kids are accidentally shrunk by accident with their Dad’s latest invention and accidentally get thrown in the garbage, they manage to escape to the backyard but find its quite a jungle out there when you’re suddenly smaller than ants and bees. Bring blankets, lawnchairs, beachchairs, and don’t forget the bugspray.

WEEKLY ON THURSDAYS STARTING May 29th: On Kiawah, there’s a dive-in movie at 8:30pm at the Sanctuary Pool. Admission is free. This week’s film is Despicable Me II.

WEEKLY ON THURSDAYS: On Folly, the Grill and Island Bar features bluegrass music.

WEEKLY ON THURSDAYS: In North Charleston, Wannamaker County Park’s Whirlin’ Waters is just $10.99 all day for Tropical Thursday.

WEEKLY ON SATURDAYS, 9-1pm: On Johns, it’s Homegrown Farmers Market across from Bi-Lo and next to Island Chiropractic. Click link for updates and a list of vendors. **Hey Parents** Coming up June 14th, there’s a tractor demonstration.

WEEKLY ON SUNDAYS, 11-2pm: Sunday Brunch Farmers Market in Riverland Terrace. Click link for updates and a list of vendors.

Just a PSA, please drive with extra caution from now until the kids and college students (aka rookie drivers) return to school in mid-August. There are also adults on bicycles to watch for and motorcyclists.

Just one more PSA: On summer nights, unlocked cars are a super-easy target for spare change in their consoles and other valuables. Always lock your car when you leave it parked. 

June through August: Sign up at your local Charleston County Library to participate in its summer reading programs and a scavenger hunt for all ages. Fizz Bang Read is geared for babies through age 11, Spark a Reaction is grades 6-12, and for adults 18 and over, Reading Wave. Book On Downtown is a scavenger hunt for all ages incorporating lots of Downtown venues. Register online or go to any branch to sign up. You will need to report each book read during the summer to increase your chances of winning prizes. Book On Downtown also requires a scorecard which can be picked up or downloaded online.

June 12th-July 13th WORLD CUP HOTSPOTS: On Johns, check out New Moon Pizzeria, the Southern General, or King  Street Grille at Freshfields. On James, check out Stag Erin, Max & Henry’s, Smoky Oak Taproom, Yo Bo Cantina Fresca, the Lowdown Oven and Bar. In West Ashley, check out Mueller’s Pub, Manny’s Greek, 3 Matadors Tequileria, Southside 17 Bar & Grill, or La Hacienda. On Daniel, Three Lions Pub at the Charleston Battery stadium. As a general rule, seek out Irish, British, or German-themed pubs, or any authentic Mexican restaurant: there’s a La Hacienda in every corner of Charleston (it’s local nickname is “LaHa”.) There’s also Señor Tequila’s and Los Arcos with several locations, and La Norteña and Los Reyes in North Charleston.

June 17th: ROADTRIP In Myrtle Beach, Charleston natives Heyrocco play at the House of Blues. See link for more info.

June 17th-18th: In North Charleston, its Googlefest, a set of workshops about Google targeted to non-profits, small business, and educators. This event is free and being held at Trident Tech’s North Charleston campus on Rivers Avenue.

June 19th: ROADTRIP In Beaufort at the Highway 21 Drive-In, join other Parrortheads for an massive outdoor concert Jimmy Buffet is putting on at a drive-in movie theater in Fort Worth, Texas and broadcasting to drive-ins all over America at the same time. Tickets are just $18.

June 20th: At the Brick House Kitchen, the Weigh Station band is playing.

June 20th: In North Charleston, at the Southside 17 at Tanger, it’s a Party with a Purpose, a Lowcountry Orphan Relief benefit from 4-8pm.

June 21st: On James, at the Charleston Pour House, it’s Solstice Muffin, the perfect event to ring in the first official day of summer & the longest day of the year. Live music includes Dangermuffin, Mama’s Love, Les Racquet, Dallas Baker and Friends, Wallace Mullinax, Bobby Hogg, and the Deer Creek Sharp Shooters.

June 21st: On Johns, at Freshfields Village, it’s Cars and Coffee.

June 21-22nd: The Catawba Art & Agriculture Tour kicks off tonight in Richburg, in Chester County. The event takes place June 21-22 York, Lancaster, Fairfield, and Chester, it’s a self-guided tour of art, farms, and farmers markets. It’s free, and its the largest free farm tour in the nation.

June 21st: All over the world, teams are joining together for their favorite activity to raise money for Alzheimers’ research. Click here for more information.

June 22nd: In McClellanville (east of Charleston, north of Mount Pleasant) it’s the Lowcountry Blueberry Festival at Blue Pearl Farms.

June 23rd: On James/Folly, Asheville’s White Duck Taco opens today at 792 Folly Road.

June 26th: Downtown at the Royal American, it’s Drink and Draw tonight at 6:30pm. If you like to draw, you like beer, and you like being around people who like to draw and drink beer, this is an event for you.

June 27th, July 11, August 1: On James, at the County Park, it’s a Reggae Nights concert featuring Reggae Infinity. (Future dates feature Da’Gullah Rootz and Mystic Vibrations.) Admission is $8 for ages 13+, free for ages 12 and under, and free for Gold Pass Members.

June 28th: On Johns, at Legare Farms, the Electric Foam 5k happens today. It was rescheduled from May.

June 30th: Registration opens for The Iron Brew Competition brought to you by Mellow Mushroom and Holy City Brewing. See link for details.

June 30th: In North Charleston, at EVO Pizzeria, it’s the Nightshade Summer Social party. Enjoy the best of Thackeray Farms at 7pm for just $50 a person including food, wine, two specialty beers by Holy City Brewing, and live entertainment.

July 4th, July 19th, August 16th, September 13th: In Mount Pleasant, at the Pier it’s Shaggin’ on the Cooper. Bands include Shem Creek Boogie Band, Permanent Vacation, the Sneakers, the Coppertones, and the Ocean Drive Party Band.

July 4th: It’s the Fourth of July. Fireworks shows typically happen after 9pm at Folly, Mount Pleasant, Summerville, North Charleston and Isle of Palms. Prior to that, in Mount Pleasant the park opens at 7pm. There’s live music and dancing, and food at Riverwatch Cafe. In North Charleston, in Riverfront Park, it’s a festival starting at 3pm featuring live music by Eddie Bush, party band Plane Jane, Charleston Groove Factory, the Mighty Kicks, a laser light show by Big Hair Dave.

July 4th: Downtown, at Wentworth Mansion and Circa 1886, there’s a Fourth of July celebration including dinner and champagne under the fireworks for just $70 a person. See circa1886 for information.

July 10-11th: **Hey Parents!**In West Ashley, Charlestowne Landing is holding 5ks throughout June and July. There are 5ks for kids, and there’s food (and beer for adults) available after races. Click the link for more information.

July 10th: On James, at the Charleston Pour House, Charleston natives Heyrocco are playing.

July 11-12th: On Johns, it’s VW Drag Racing.

July 13th: On Wadmalaw, Ambrose Farm is holding a good ol’ fashioned tomato fight. Tickets are $25 in advance, $30 at the gate, $10 for kids. There’s also live music, local beer, and lots of local eats.

July 17th, and August 14th: In Mount Pleasant, at the Pier, it’s Thursday night boogie with live music. Admission is $10 at the gate, and $10 in advance, and $8 for Charleston County residents.

July 19th: On Johns, at the Homegrown Farmers Market, there’s a fun with farm animals and Dr Russell Bauman. Homegrown’s new hours are 9am-1pm.

July 19th:  It’s Charleston Jerk fest, a celebration of caribbean cooking.

July 20th: In Mount Pleasant at the Shriners Temple, it’s The Charleston Bridal Show from noon to 5pm. It’s just $10 to enjoy the latest bridal fashions, sample elegant cakes and hors d’oeuvres, and meet 75 vendors to help plan your special day or other big, elegant party.

July 24th-26th: On Johns, at the County Library, there’s a book and media sale Friday the 25th 9am-6pm and Saturday the 26th  9am-4pm. Friends of the Library enjoy a special preview sale on the 24th.

July 26th: On Johns, at Trophy Lakes, it’s the Johns Island Water Festival, a celebration of watersports and the outdoors. It runs 1-7pm. See link for details.

August 2nd-10th: All over Charleston, it’s Charleston Pride festival, a celebration of LGBT culture.

August 4th: Downtown, the Silicon Harbor Welcome Center opens.

August 17th: In North Charleston, at the Coliseum Convention Center, it’s the Southern Bridal Show from 12-5pm.

August 30th: On James, the Charleston Pour House is having a 12th anniversary party. Tickets for the Zoogma show that night are on sale now.

August 30th: Downtown at the visitors bus shed is the Shrimp and Grits Cookoff benefitting the Charleston Animal Society.

September 21st: Kiawah Triathalon starts today at 7:30am. It features a .7 mile swim, 25.1 mile flat terrain bike ride, and a 6.1 mile run. There’s an amazing finish line and awards. You can also do a relay team with two friends.

October 4th: In Mount Pleasant at Patriots Point, it’s Hogs for the Cause. This event has been a huge draw in its native New Orleans. The “cause” is pediatric brain cancer research.

October 5th: In North Charleston, at Wannamaker Park, it’s the Latin American Festival from 12-6pm. Admission is $10 for adults, $5 for students and military, kids 12 and under are free, and gold pass members are free.

October 18th: The Iron Brew Competition brought to you by Mellow Mushroom and Holy City Brewing. Registration is June 3oth-July 3oth.

November 7th: The Furball benefitting Pet Helpers is happening.

November 14-16th: In North Charleston, at the Charleston Plaza Hotel, it’s ATOMACON, or the “All Types of Media Convention”. Click here for tickets.

This years TEDx Charleston lineup of speakers is now on Youtube.

I will update this post as needed. Thanks for reading!