News Summary
Charleston is set to honor Caribbean culture during Caribbean American Heritage Month with the Carifest festival on June 13-14. This vibrant event at Jenkins Youth and Family Village will feature Caribbean music, cuisine, and masqueraders. Renowned steelpanist Khan Cordis will also perform. In addition, the weekend will include a Juneteenth celebration, a paint and sip brunch, and the Charleston Sprint Triathlon. New local dining options will be highlighted, including Cane Pazzo and Two Bit Club. The local community continues to engage in cultural and culinary activities throughout the month.
Charleston is gearing up to celebrate Caribbean culture as part of Caribbean American Heritage Month with a weekend festival and other engaging community activities. From June 13 to June 14, the Charleston Carifest will highlight the rich tapestry of Caribbean traditions through various festivities.
The Carifest will take place at Jenkins Youth and Family Village, located at 3923 Azalea Drive in North Charleston. Visitors can expect vibrant displays of Caribbean culture, including costume-clad masqueraders, lively music, and delicious cuisine. The event will also feature renowned international steelpanist Khan Cordis, hailing from Antigua and Barbuda, promising an energetic and entertaining atmosphere. Tickets to the Carifest are priced at $20 each, and the event times may vary.
In addition to the Carifest, Charleston will host a Juneteenth celebration on June 19 at the International African American Museum. This event will run from noon to 5 p.m. and offers free admission, allowing attendees to explore the museum and learn about African American history and heritage.
For those interested in local produce and crafts, the Charleston Farmers Market operates every Saturday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Marion Square. Visitors can browse seasonal produce, handcrafted goods, and enjoy live music, adding to the lively weekend ambiance.
On June 14, there will be a unique paint and sip brunch event at Ruby Sunshine, guided by Charleston Paint Party for a fee of $37 per person. This event allows participants to explore their creativity while enjoying brunch in a relaxed setting.
The weekend concludes with the Charleston Sprint Triathlon Series, beginning on June 15 at James Island County Park. The event includes a 600-yard swim, a 12-mile bike ride, and a 5K run. Registration remains open for the races scheduled for July and August.
Another significant highlight is the opening of Cane Pazzo, a new Italian neighborhood eatery led by chef/owner Mark Bolchoz. Set to open on June 14, Cane Pazzo will focus on Lowcountry ingredients, featuring a menu that includes housemade pastas and traditional Italian dishes.
Furthermore, Ready-to-drink Tip Top Proper Cocktails is launching the Kindred Spirits Series with the debut of CosmoALE, a cocktail-flavored craft beer, expected to hit the market in late June. This introduction will offer locals a new twist on classic cocktails in beer form.
As summer approaches, The Dewberry restaurant is also inviting diners to enjoy their special Summer Supper experience, a four-course meal served communally on Thursdays for $85, with an optional beverage pairing for an additional $45.
The culinary scene continues to grow with the return of Duke’s Mayonnaise’s Hot Tomato Summer from July 17 to July 27. During this event, local restaurants will showcase signature dishes that highlight this beloved condiment, celebrating regional flavors.
A new addition to the restaurant landscape, Two Bit Club, will open in Hotel Richemont on June 19, featuring Executive Chef Jelo Tria. This establishment aims to bring Southeast Asian cuisine to the forefront, with an emphasis on authenticity and integration of Lowcountry flavors into the dishes.
Beyond gastronomic events, the Charleston Literary Festival is scheduled to take place at the Dock Street Theatre from November 7. The festival will feature a lineup of over 40 authors, including prominent figures like Kevin Sack, Max Boot, and Joyce Carol Oates, promising a celebratory array of literary exploration.
On a more serious note, a newly published study in JAMA Pediatrics revealed that gun violence has become the leading cause of death among children and teenagers in the U.S. This alarming statistic has prompted U.S. Rep. Jim Clyburn to propose closing what he calls the “Charleston loophole” in gun sales, advocating for the background check period to be extended from three days to 20 business days to prevent incidents similar to the tragic 2015 Emanuel AME Church massacre. This topic is sparking discussions among community and local leaders, focusing on education, racial justice, and the rising crime rates in Charleston.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Charleston Hosts Carifest Caribbean Carnival Celebrating Heritage
Spoleto Festival USA Announces 2025 Season Lineup
Charleston Unveils Exciting 2025 Event Calendar
Additional Resources
- Charleston City Paper: Two Bit Club Set to Bring Vietnamese with a Twist to Society Street
- Wikipedia: Caribbean American Heritage Month
- Charleston City Paper: Guns Are Leading Cause of Death for Kids, Teens, Report Says
- Google Search: Gun Violence Among Children Statistics
- Charleston City Paper: Charleston Literary Festival Teases 2025 Lineup with Big Names
- Google Scholar: Literary Festivals
- Charleston City Paper: What Charleston is Like for Visitors Who Covered Spoleto
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Charleston
