What’s Happening in Charleston: January 2018

Between New Year’s Day hangovers and hiding out from Snowpocalypse 2018, we have already found ourselves a third of the way through the first month of the year. Luckily, there is still plenty of time and plenty of events to enjoy. From wedding dress trunk shows to a snowboarding competition here is what is happening around town in January.

Museum Mile Month (Whole Month) Location: 11 Museums across Charleston

Presented by Charleston Museum Mile, this program gives access to 11 museums and historical sites throughout Charleston. Purchasing the Museum Mile Month pass at any Charleston Visitor Center location, downtown, in North Charleston or in Mount Pleasant, will grant unlimited access to participating sites for the duration of the month of January. These properties include the Aiken-Rhett House Museum, Gibbes Museum of Art, Children’s Museum of the Lowcountry, The Charleston Museum and more. For more information or to see a list of all participating sites, please visit www.charlestonmuseum.org.

Restaurant Week (Jan. 10-21) Location: Over 100 Participating Restaurants in Charleston

Restaurant week is a great time to experience new restaurants or those that are a bit pricier. With over 100 participating restaurants, there are options for every type of cuisine in every part of town. Some deals we’re extra excited about, like Hall’s Chophouse’s three courses for $45, Bistro Toulouse’s three courses for $35, plus additional wine pairings for only $16, and Mex1’s three courses for two people for $25, plus 2 specialty cocktails for only an additional $12. For a list of participating restaurants and their menus, please visit www.restaurantweeksouthcarolina.com.

Mex 1’s 5 Year Anniversary & Rail Jam (Jan. 13) Location: Mex 1 West Ashley

Pro-am snowboarders and 18,000 pounds of snow in Charleston? Mex 1’s Snowboard Rail Jam & Five Year Anniversary Party promises to be an event no one will forget. Set at their West Ashley location, Mex 1 will present a snowboarding competition, live DJ and plenty of drink specials. Tickets are available for $15 now and $20 day of and will include a drink. Attendees will also have the opportunity to enter the “Snow Bro” and “Snow Bunny” costume competition for an opportunity to win $200. For tickets and more information, please visit  www.mex1coastalcantina.com.

Charleston Jazz Festival (Jan. 18-21): Location: Several Locations throughout Charleston

In its fourth year, Charleston Jazz Festival brings some of the world’s most well-known jazz artists to the Holy City. Performances feature a wide range of styles including swing, blues and salsa. The four-day program will gather over 100 local, regional and nationally recognized musicians together to share their talent and love for jazz. Featured events include Nnenna Freelon with the Charleston Jazz Orchestra at Charleston Music Hall and Kenny G at the Gaillard Center. For more information, please visit www.charlestonjazz.com.

Charleston Wedding Week (Jan. 24-27) Location: Several venues throughout Charleston

Having been named ‘The Best City in the World’ and ‘The Most Romantic City in the World’ Charleston is naturally one of the most celebrated wedding destinations. The team behind Charleston Wedding Magazine and The Wedding Row blog have put together the most sought after planners, photographers, florists and boutiques, making it the perfect event for prospective brides to meet and learn from industry experts. Special guests include Calder Clark, Tara Guerard, Lynn Easton and the Editor-at-Large of Martha Stewart Weddings Darcy Miller. For more information, please visit www.charlestonweddingweek.com.

35th Lowcountry Oyster Festival (Jan. 28) Location: Boone Hall Plantation in Mount Pleasant

There is no shortage of oyster roasts in Charleston, but the Lowcountry Oyster Festival is bigger and better, in fact it is the largest oyster festival in the world! In its 35th year, the event serves as a fundraiser for several charities including The Ronald McDonald House and Shriner's Hospital for Children. The festival will feature oyster shucking and eating contests, live music, a children’s area and a food court with many local favorite restaurants participating. Tickets are $17.50 in advance and $25 at the door, food is not included, but can be purchased at $2-6 per item. VIP tickets are also available for $100-150 (depending on date of purchase). For more information, please visit www.charlestonrestaurantassociation.com.