EVENT | They don’t call it wild life for nothin’
The Southeastern Wildlife Exposition draws tens of thousands of outdoorsy types to Charleston each February, but their notorious parties are equal-opportunity events (no fishing vest required). Friday night’s soiree will give people a taste of next year’s Expo (just four months away!) with an unveiling of the 2009 SEWE poster and a silent auction from Ducks Unlimited. The Entertainers will provide … entertainment, and Tidewater Catering will bring a Lowcountry feast of oysters, barbecue, chili, and sides. A fully-stocked open bar will also be available, making this a 21-and-up event. If it’s anything like last year’s party, you won’t want to miss it. -Erica Jackson Fri., Oct. 10. $40/advance, $50/door, (843) 723-1748, www.sewe.com.
FOOD | A little taste
The 28th annual Taste of Charleston food festival is bigger than ever this year with three separate days of culinary displays. On Friday, the “The Taste Iron Chef Competition” includes a cocktail hour, competition, and reception. The theme is old school vs. new with Charles Arena from the Boathouse and Frank Lee from SNOB taking on Aaron Deal from Tristan and Craig Deihl from Cypress. The event will mark the unveiling of Trident Tech’s new culinary facilities on the downtown Palmer Campus. On Saturday, the Taste of the Arts ambles through downtown art galleries with food at every stop. The final hurrah is the familiar main event at Boone Hall on Sunday. Enjoy food and wine pairings, the famous “Waiter’s Race,” cooking demonstrations, and music. There is no tailgating, but they’ll be offering specialty beers to wash down that yummy food for the first time. A bigger festival means more philanthropy. All proceeds from Taste of Charleston go to local charities. -Alison Sher Fri., Oct. 10, 6-9 p.m. $10, (843) 577-4030, www.charlestonrestaurantassociation.com/taste_of_charleston.php.
EVENT | A bountiful amount of fun
Thousands of people visit Charleston every year, and it’s consistently ranked as a favorite American city. You know why? Because we’ve got it all. Charleston has the natural beauty, cuisine, arts, music, and more to keep visitors coming and residents happy. Celebrate the region’s bounty this weekend out on Seabrook Island at the first annual Lowcountry Bounty Festival. The weekend kicks off on Friday at 5 p.m. with a concert on the lawn by the Charleston Symphony Orchestra, featuring vocalist Dee Daniels. Throughout the day on Saturday and Sunday, there will be classes and demonstrations from local figures like Charleston Grill Chef Bob Waggoner, sommelier Rick Rubel, College of Charleston professor and author Chris Lamb, and others. Drumrunner Charter will give fly-fishing clinics. Local businesses will have activity tents set up, and entertainment includes music from Dem Suite Rythym & Blues, Ashley Hall Violin Ensemble, Calvin Taylor, and Ann Caldwell with Roger Bellow. CofC’s Robert Ivey Ballet will perform on Saturday at 5 p.m. Proceeds from the event benefit the Outreach Learning Center, which provides job and life skills training. Tickets are good for one day. -EJ Oct. 11-12, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. $20/advance, $25/gate, $10/students, free/under 8, www.connectinghands.org/festival
EVENT | Full moon party
Avondale’s kitchsy tiki bar is looking to start a new tradition: the full moon party. Staffers say their first party was “insane.” The anything-goes bash attracted a crowd of revelers in plainclothes, costumes, and “almost nothing” last time. This month’s event features live body painting, hula hoopers, Capoeira dancers, and music from house DJ D Rock, all under funky black lights. It’s sponsored by American Honey, so expect tastings and honey drink specials, as well as other full moon-related libations. Keep your eye out for next month’s party, which will have a sexy erotica/bondage theme. Rarr. -EJ Tues., Oct. 14. www.voodootikibar.com. Voodoo Tiki Bar and Lounge, 15 Magnolia Road, (West Ashley), (843) 769-0228
Next week: Horse Tranqs and Carriage People, Blume, Garden Festival, Fuel Block Party, Oktoberfest, Raw
