Come for the culture; stay for the oysters!
2nd Sunday on King Street is August 9 and this month's edition has a little extra going on. Whether you're stretching your last dollars before the school bell rings or just looking for a good a reason to get outside with the family, 2nd Sunday is packed. Here's what's on deck.
It's the Last Day of Tax-Free Weekend
South Carolina's Sales Tax Holiday runs Friday, August 7 through Sunday, August 9 — which means 2nd Sunday falls right on the final day of savings. Clothing, shoes, school supplies, computers (Apple Store, anyone?) and select bed and bath items are exempt from state and local sales tax all weekend long.
National Night Out Comes to King Street
We're teaming up with the police department to bring a taste of National Night Out right into the middle of 2nd Sunday. Stop by to meet the officers who patrol our neighborhoods, say hello to the K-9 unit, and let the kids check out a patrol car up close. It's a relaxed, family-friendly way to build connections between our community and the people who keep it safe.
After, the Charleston Police Department is hosting National Night Out at 375 Meeting St—a/k/a The Bus Shed from 5:00 - 8:00 pm. CPD's specialized units are a huge hit for this event, this year they will include local businesses and community members.
National Night Out is an annual community-building campaign designed to promote police-community partnerships, neighborhood camaraderie, and crime prevention. Millions of residents across thousands of communities nationwide participate by hosting block parties, cookouts, and festivals that foster safer, more connected neighborhoods. The core goals of this initiative are to strengthen relationships, enhance crime prevention efforts, and demonstrate unity within our communities.
This year’s National Night Out event will plan on featuring a wide range of engaging and educational experiences for the public. Attendees will have the opportunity to interact with and learn about various specialized units within the Charleston Police Department, they are also partnering with the Charleston Fire Department, Emergency Medical Services, and MUSC to provide car seat safety checks. Additional outreach will include our Hispanic Liaison, Opioid Awareness initiatives, Youth Services, and Bicycle Unit.
First Day Festival
Gaillard Center, The City of Charleston, Charleston County School District and the South Carolina Aquarium are teaming up for the First Day Festival, 1:00 - to 4:00 p.m. at the Gaillard Center and Liberty Square. The Aquarium is free during festival hours, and families can pick up free school supplies and learn about community resources at the Gaillard Center.
Stem Outreach
NIWC will provide free, hands-on STEM activities for 2nd Sunday guests. These activities are designed to be engaging, family-friendly, and accessible—helping introduce students, families, and community members to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics in a fun and meaningful way. Learn more about their organization and outreach at NIWC Atlantic and STEMRocks .