Your guide to activities and fun things to do with your preschoolers, toddlers and kids in charleston, SC

Weekend Round-Up: May 1-3

by Nicole Teed

April 30, 2009

Is it really May already?  Wow!  A third of the year is already gone, but don't be sad -- there's lots of fun to be had from here on out, starting with this weekend!

Creative Spark Center for the Arts in Mt. Pleasant hosts a special musical performance by Alborada, with authentic Andean music sung in a number of languages.  Audience participation is encouraged!  Friday, May 1 at 10:00 am.  Call for information on cost and reservations: 843-881-3780.

Spaces are still available for the Rockin' Thru the Ages performance by the Columbia Marionette Theatre, hosted by the Mt. Pleasant Recreation Department.  The show will feature a musical medley performed with marionettes and targeted at chidlren ages 2-6 years old.  Cost is $3 per child, and accompanying adults are free, but reservations are strongly encouraged.  Friday, May 1, 10:00 am.  Reservations: 843-849-2061.

The Charleston Riverdogs take on the Greenville Drive at 7:05 pm on Saturday and 5:05 pm on Sunday. Every Sunday is Family Sunday, with extra kid-friendly promotions and activities sponsored by Charleston County Parks and Rec. Tickets for the game start at just $5!

Speaking of dogs, the Charleston Dog Show happens Saturday, May 2 in Marion Square from 8:30 am to 3:00 pm.  This family- and canine-friendly event features a friendly canine competition, microchipping, dog vendors, obedience demonstrations, and more! General admission is free. Proceeds from the event benefit pet-related charities in Charleston.

If dragons are more your speed, check out the Dragon Boat Festival at Brittlebank Park, Saturday, May 2 from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm.  Corporate and community teams will race down the Ashley River every five minutes, competing for glory and fundraising for the Roper St. Francis Cancer Center. Admission for spectators is free, so bring a picnic and enjoy the races!

The North Charleston Arts Festival begins Friday, May 1 and continues through May 9.  The Main Event runs from 10 am - 4 pm on Saturday and 2 pm - 5 pm on Sunday at the North Charleston Performing Arts Center.  Parking and admission are FREE.   Concerts, theater and dance performances, children's programs, literary events, and multi-cultural block parties are just some of the offerings during the festival week. Check out the complete schedule for details, including a listing of children's events.

Arrrrrgh! The Isle of Palms Marina is hosting a pirate-themed celebration in honor of their 10th anniversary on Sunday, May 3 from 2-6 pm.  There will be a scavenger hunt, face painting, a jumpcastle and banana boat rides, all free of charge.  (If you want to enjoy some barbeque with the usual fixings, it'll set you back $10.)

Welcome to May in Charleston!