June is almost halfway over. Thankfully I haven’t heard about a single hurricane, but it’s early in the season. As a native, I feel our more intense storms tend to happen between late August through early October. As for other weather, we’ve had occasional thunderstorms from the heat. As 90 degree and above temps are becoming the norm, expect sun showers and possible thunderstorms between 4-7pm. What’s nice about these storms is the likelihood of a gorgeous rainbow afterwards. If you have to travel, take it slow and easy, and merge early for your exit.

The mimosa trees are in bloom with their unique peachy-pink feather flowers. And it’s another busy weekend out on the Sea Islands and around Charleston.

This week I had the privilege of interviewing Alex Mueller of Mueller’s Pub, a sports-themed bar that serves some German favorites alongside sports bar classics. From this week through mid-July, it will be World Cup fever at Mueller’s. If you are an expat or an American who loves futbol/football/soccer, this is a great place to find fellow futbol/football/soccer aficionados. In other news, my story interviewing Anthony DiBernardo of Swig & Swine appeared in this week’s West Of Newspaper.

It’s a great Flag and Fathers day weekend to enjoy live music, indie film, farmers markets, family fun and help some local charities.

On with this weekend’s events. For where to catch World Cup action, scroll down to ALL WEEKEND LONG.  For the Terrace Theater’s newest offerings, scroll down to ALL WEEKEND LONG.

FRIDAY (the 13th):

9am: Downtown, it’s the big Friends of the Charleston Library book sale until 5:30pm. Cash, check and credit cards accepted. Items are priced $.50 (50 cents) and up.

9am: On Wadmalaw, at Ambrose Family Farm it’s “you-pick blackberries and blueberries” time. Click the link to see the freshest picks, check out their booth at the Downtown Farmers Market on Saturday (and Sunday mornings during Spoleto), or call 843.559.0988 if you want to go to the farm and pick something up.

10am: **Hey Parents** On Edisto, the Serpentarium is open until 4pm. This is an indoor zoo dedicated to all the Lowcountry’s cold-blooded natives like snakes, alligators, and turtles. Demonstrations allow kids to “pet” these creatures safely as they held by trained handlers.

11am: On Johns (Main Road heading to Savannah Highway), the Main Road Farmers Market, brought to you by Charleston Petal Pushers, is open until 6pm. They are plants for sale (bedding, hanging, tropicals) but the produce is rolling in, including peaches, tomatoes, and other produce on the way as we speak. MRFM’s regular inventory includes fresh fruits, fresh vegetables, frozen prepared food (like yummy Bertolini pasta and pasta dishes), natural compost fertilizer, muscadine wreaths, tropical plants, local grits, local honey, Amish jams, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and homemade boiled peanuts. Please bring cash or check to make purchases. I had the privilege to talk to the owners Chris DeStefano and Lindsay Dickson recently, and the story appeared in the West Of Newspaper.

3pm: On Edisto, at the Bookstore, local authors C. Hope Clark and Rita Shuler will be signing their latest books until 5pm.

4pm: On James, Charleston Pour House, it’s BYOG on the deck. This is a free show. If you haven’t already, check out the Lot’s new deck menu.

5pm: On Johns, at Seanachai, it’s Whiskey Happy Hour. Half-price on all whiskies under $20 until 6pm.

6pm: On Johns, at Freshfields Village, it’s the Chris Crosby group onstage. Bring beach chairs, blankets, and bugspray. If it rains, this event will not happen. Carolina Clay Gallery, just across the green with lots of cute frog sculptures, has a wine tasting and “meet the artists” session every Friday starting at 6 as well.

6pm: On Folly, at Loggerheads, Soulfish Duo is playing until 9pm. Check out the expanded deck and new VW bus bar!

6:30pm: Downtown at Circa 1886, it’s a Freehouse Craft Beer Dinner.

7pm: On Folly, it’s yoga event Namaste Folly at the County Library from 7-10pm.

7pm: Downtown, there’s a Masquerade Ball as part of Charleston Carnival Day, a celebration of Caribbean culture. Click link for details. Tickets are $50 here.

7:30pm: On James, at ChaCha’s Mexican Grill, it’s the Second Anniversary party starting at 7:30pm. There’s a free taco bar, $3 Margaritas, $2 Bourbon, $2 Tecate, $2 Tequila. Music by DJs R Dot and Precise of Club Bullies.

8pm: On James, at the Brick House Kitchen, it’s the Louie D Project.

8pm: On Johns, at Seanachai, the Travelin’ Kline band is playing. This bar doesn’t serve food, but you can order Southern General food from your barstool. The General also has two happy hours: one you might expect from 4-7pm, and a second one at 10.

9:30pm: On James, at the Charleston Pour House, it’s Weigh Station and Quasiphonics. This show is $7 at the door. Doors open at 9. See website for tickets and more information. Check out the Lot’s new deck menu!

10pm: On Folly, at Loggerheads, it’s a Full Moon Party with DJ Wade. Check out the expanded deck and new VW bus bar!

10pm: On James, the Bohemian Bull has live music by Noelle Brown and Friends. PS-Don’t forget, the Bohemian Bull serves food late into the evening.

SATURDAY (the 14th) FLAG DAY:

8am: On Daniel Island, the Charleston Duck Race‘s Paddleboard Race starts now. For the rest of the festivities scroll down to 11:30am.

8:15am: **Hey Parents!**On James Island, Splash Zone at the James Island County Park is open today 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 today until 6pm, and in Mount Pleasant, at Palmetto Islands County Park, Splash Island is open today until 6pm.

9am: On Wadmalaw, at Ambrose Family Farm it’s “you-pick blackberries and blueberries” time. Click the link to see the freshest picks, check out their booth at the Downtown Farmers Market on Saturday (and Sunday mornings during Spoleto), or call 843.559.0988 if you want to go to the farm and pick something up.

9am: On Johns (Main Road heading to Savannah Highway), the Main Road Farmers Market brought to you by Charleston Petal Pushers is open until 6pm. Fresh fruits, fresh vegetables, frozen pasta and pasta meals, Amish roll butter, amish bacon, natural compost fertilizer, Dirt in a Sock (for small gardens), wreaths, bedding plants, tropical plants, local grits, local honey, Amish jams, and homemade boiled peanuts are just some of the goodies you will find here. I had the privilege to talk to owners Chris DeStefano and Lindsay Dickson recently, here’s the link.

9am: On Johns, at the Homegrown Farmers Market, there’s a Tractor Demonstration. It has 40+ vendors, including local farms, artisans, and specialty food products. There are also food trucks, like Chucktown Mobile Seafood cooking up “FryDaddy” rice, and live music. The farm is open until 1pm.

9am: Downtown, it’s the big Friends of the Charleston Library book sale until 5:30pm. Cash, check and credit cards accepted. Items are priced $.50 (50 cents) and up.

9am: On Folly, at City Hall, MUSC Hollings Cancer Center is holding free skin cancer screenings until 2pm. If you are pale but always loved the sun, if you’ve worked outdoors extensively, or if your skin is developing moles, blemishes or blisters that don’t ever seem to heal, those are three good reasons it’s worth getting checked out by dermatologist at this event, or scheduling an appointment on your own time. Pardon my soapbox moment here, but its extremely important to not ignore skin cancer: it does not stay in one place, it does not stay on the surface, and it can reoccur if not managed properly, and it can be deadly. Famous people it’s killed include musicians Bob Marley and Eve Cassidy.

10am: In Mount Pleasant, at Memorial Waterfront Park, it’s Yoga in the Park brought to you by Whole Foods Lowcountry. Participants receive a coupon for free juice at their store at the corner of Hwy. 17 and Houston Northcutt.

10am: Downtown, Enough Pie at 1630 Meeting is holding Fieldwork, 17 different installations, a mini-cinema, teepees, performances, graffiti, and yarn bombing. Local Works facility will also be open for tours. It’s really nice to see that double porch brick building on Meeting be put to local creative use after sitting empty for so long.

11:30am: On Daniel Island, it’s the Charleston Duck Race. Benefitting six different rotaries in Charleston, this event centers around thousands of little rubber ducks dropped off the Wando bridge that float to the finish. Prizes are in store for the first 35 ducks to win, and there’s a grand prize too. A festival has grown up around this race including food vendors, live music, face painting, and jump castles. There’s a paddleboard race at 8am, the ducks are dropped at 11:30.

12noon: On Wadmalaw, it’s Sippin’ Saturday with live music by Jah Creation and food by Stono Cafe. Bring Dad TODAY for a complimentary tasting.

12pm: In North Charleston, Holy City Brewing is holding a Burger and Beer Festival for Flag Day. This event benefits Pet Helpers and the Charleston Animal Society.

2pm: Downtown at Brittlebank, it’s a Charleston Carnival Day, a celebration of Caribbean culture. Click link for details.

2pm: ROADTRIP: Beaufort’s River Dog’s Anniversary Party  is today. Click link for details.

2pm: Downtown, it’s the big Friends of the Charleston Library book sale. Friday and Saturday the hours are 9am-5:30pm, and Sunday they are 2-4pm. Cash, check and credit cards accepted. Items are priced $.50 (50 cents) and up.

4pm: On James, Charleston Pour House, it’s Hungry Monks playing Jerry Garcia on the deck. This is a free show. If you haven’t already, check out the Lot’s new deck menu.

5pm: On Johns, at Seanachai, it’s Whiskey Happy Hour. Half-price on all whiskies under $20 until 6pm.

6pm: On Folly, at Loggerheads, Howard Dlugasch is playing. Check out the expanded deck and new VW bus bar!

7pm: In Mount Pleasant, at the Pier it’s Shaggin’ on the Cooper. Future dates will be July 4th, July 19th, August 16th, September 13th. Bands will include Shem Creek Boogie Band, Permanent Vacation, the Sneakers, the Coppertones, and the Ocean Drive Party Band.

8pm: On Johns, at Seanachai, blues and soul piano man Ed Porkchop Meyer is playing. This bar doesn’t serve food, but you can order Southern General food from your barstool. The General also has two happy hours: one you might expect from 4-7 pm, and a second one at 10.

9pm: On Johns, at New Moon Pizzeria, it’s Hooligans band performing live.

9:30pm: On James, at the Charleston Pour House, it’s Yo Mamma’s Big Fat Booty Band. Show is $10 in advance, $13 at the door. Doors open at 9. See website for tickets and more information. Check out the Lot’s new deck menu!

10pm: On Folly, at Loggerheads, the reggae band the Dubplates is playing. Check out the expanded deck and new VW bus bar!

10pm: On James, the Bohemian Bull has live music by hip-hop futuristic band New Galaxy. PS-Don’t forget, the Bohemian Bull serves food late into the evening.

10pm: On Folly, at Surf Bar, the Screaming J’s are playing.

8pm: In North Charleston, at Wannamaker County Park, it’s a Family Movie Night featuring Despicable Me II at 8pm. Gold passes are accepted, and everyone else pays $1 for regular park admission. More movies are coming July 12th, August 9th, and September 13th, but haven’t been announced just yet.

SUNDAY (the 15th) FATHERS DAY:

8-11am: On James, the Coastal Cyclists will be cycling from James, to Kiawah and back, about 40 miles total. Please drive and pass carefully.

10am: **Hey Parents!**On James Island, Splash Zone at the James Island County Park is open today 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 today until 6pm, and in Mount Pleasant, at Palmetto Islands County Park, Splash Island is open today until 6pm.

11am: On James, the Sunday Brunch Farmers Market features food trucks, local farmers, and local vendors. Live music is also on site. Now open until 2pm.

3pm: On Folly, at Loggerheads, the Yellowknife band is playing.

4pm: On James, at the Charleston Pour House, it’s Sunday Phunday with Runaway Gin playing Phish covers on the deck. AutoBanh food truck will be in attendance. This show is free. Check out the Lot’s new deck menu! There is no later act scheduled at this time. 

5pm: On Johns, at Seanachai, it’s Whiskey Happy Hour. Half-price on all whiskies under $20 until 6pm.

6pm: On Folly, at Loggerheads, One Kool Blow band is playing.

6pm: On Folly, at the Grill and Island Bar, it’s Jazz on the Edge, featuring food specials and a jazz jam.

10pm: On Folly, at Surf Bar, it’s the Funk You Folly band.

12pm: Just a reminder, it’s Fathers Day. On Johns, Sweeney’s is holding a cookout at their restaurant from 12-4pm. Drafts are just $3 for dad. There will be brats and hotdogs. Inside, there will also be regular Sunday brunch and dinner served that evening.

2:30pm: On James, at Cup Fine Coffee Roasters, it’s a coffee lecture and tasting at the Roastery. This week it’s Brazilian and African coffees.

2pm: Downtown, it’s the big Friends of the Charleston Library book sale until 4pm. Cash, check and credit cards accepted. Items are priced $.50 (50 cents) and up.

ALL WEEKEND LONG

WORLD CUP HOTSPOTS (barring special events at these spots) 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 Senor Tequila. On Daniel Island, Three Lions Pub at the Charleston Battery stadium or DIG in the Park. 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. UPDATE: Mellow Mushroom locations and Wild Wing Cafes are also a pretty good bet.

On James, at the Terrace Theater, the following film opens today: 22 Jump Street, starring Channing Tatum and Jonah Hill.

Other movies currently playing are the teen romantic drama based on John Green’s novel, The Fault in Our Stars (Shailene Woodley, Ansel Elgort), the modern humor meets the Old West comedy A Million Ways to Die in the West (Liam Neeson, Charlize Theron, and film creator Seth MacFarlane), Belle, an autobiographical account of Dido Elizabeth Belle (Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Emily Watson, Matthew Goode), The Immigrant a drama about a Polish immigrant sold into prostitution (Marion Cotillard, Joaquin Phoenix), and Chef, a film about a chef who leaves his glamorous restaurant post in search of something new (Robert Downey Jr., Jon Favreau). Click titles for the trailers.

For a bite to eat before or after, Zia Taqueria, Crust WoodFired Pizza (check out my interview here), and How Art Thou Café are just steps away. If you take a quick sprint across the street, you’ll find Charleston’s best indie music spot, The Pour House, and its excellent farm to table restaurant, The Lot.

For dawn and dusk hours, bring bug spray as the “no-see-ums”  (a.k.a sand flies, midgies) are already back and spring rains (like we had just this week) mean the mosquitos aren’t far behind.

The Charleston County Public Library kicked off its 2014 summer reading programs for all ages this month. Fizz Boom Read is for babies through age 11, Spark a Reaction is for teens, and Reading Wave and Book On Downtown are for adults 18 and up. Click the links for details. Please sign up at any location or online.

As always, whatever you get into, have fun and please be safe. If I see other happenings I will update this post.

For events coming up this week and future weekends, watch for Monday’s post!