My Charleston Weekend: Pride parade, local food, cruise with a purpose and roller derby (2024)

Summer is arriving in the Lowcountry, at least temperature-wise, with sweltering heat in the 90s already.

If you want to face the heat, this weekend is full of diverse opportunities to get outside in the sunshine, including the annual events like the Charleston Pride Parade downtown and the Brews Cruise for Dolphins in the harbor.

Then come inside and cool down in the Charleston Music Hall and enjoy the latest episode of “The Golden Gals: Live” or the Charleston Area Convention Center to cheer on your local roller derby.

SATURDAY (JUNE 1)

Charleston Pride Parade

June marks the start of nationally recognized Pride Month. The City of Charleston honors and supports the local LGBTQ+ community with an annual parade starting at 9 a.m. on June 1 on Ann Street, by the Visitor Center parking garage. The route travels down King Street and ends at the intersection of Market Street. Watch as floats created by community members and organizations take to the streets, many riders handing out candy and goodies for the little ones. This family-friendly event is free for all spectators. One can buy tickets to walk or drive in the parade for $50-$150 from charlestonpride.org/parade-registration.

SATURDAY (JUNE 1)

Brews Cruise for Dolphins

Join Lowcountry Marine Mammal Network for a Brews Cruise from 3:30 to 6 p.m. this Saturday at the Charleston Maritime Center, 10 Wharfside St. Enjoy a scenic adventure on the water while sipping on a cold beer provided by Frothy Beard Brewery. The boat, courtesy of Sandlapper Water Tours, will be your vessel for the perfect start to summer. Your ticket purchase includes three beer tickets and supports LMMN’s mission of protecting marine mammals in the Lowcountry. Come aboard, have fun and make a difference. You might even spot some marine life during the cruise! Get your tickets now and set sail for a good cause. This is a 21-and-over event. For tickets ($60) and more information, sail on over to tinyurl.com/54355pka

FRIDAY (MAY 31)

‘The Golden Gals: Live’ Hilarious hurricane hijinks happen in this episode of “The Golden Gals: Live” as your favorite Miami seniors — Dorothy, Blanche, Rose and Sophia — go up against a hurricane, power outage and uninvited guests. Join Ginger Minj as Blanche, Gidget Galore as Rose, MR MS Adrien as Sophia and Divine Grace as Dorothy. All ticket holders will be automatically entered to win the Free Badd Kitty gift basket raffle at the show. For tickets ($20-$25) and more information, visit tinyurl.com/5evdupe2.

SUNDAY (JUNE 16)

16th annual Chef’s Potluck

One of the most popular fundraising events of the year, the 16th annual Chef’s Potluck takes place 4-7 p.m. in the marshside Porter Room at Holy City Brewery, 1021 Aragon Ave., North Charleston. More than 20 participating local chefs and bakers will work with local farmers, fishermen and ranchers to bring attendees the freshest local ingredients the Lowcountry has to offer. Enjoy live music from Hollifield and The Psycodelics, local libations, tastings from each chef and the beautiful views. This event benefits Lowcountry Local First, an organization that empowers and supports local businesses to start, grow and do good. Tickets are all-inclusive and start at $130. Kids aged 12 and under attend free. For tickets and more information, visit tinyurl.com/5ety8s7u.

SATURDAY (JUNE 1)

Lowcountry Roller Derby

Experience the exciting world of roller derby with your local teams. Come support your Lowcountry Highrollers as they return for their second home game of the 2024 season at 5 p.m in Exhibit Hall C, Charleston Area Convention Center at 5001 Coliseum Drive. It’s a double-header where the Lowcountry Highrollers Allstars will be taking on the Tallahassee RollerGirls first. Then the Bruisin’ Betties go against the Richland County Regulators.

Adult tickets are $10 in advance or $15 at the door day of. Children ages 5-10 are admitted for $5 and those under 5 get in free. Get a military discount at the doors with a military ID. Beer, wine and select spirits, as well as concessions, will be available. Parking is free in the connected garage for easy access. Trackside seating will also be available for adults 18 and over. For tickets and more information, go to lowcountryhighrollers.com.