🌴 What “Rent Triples” Didn’t Tell You

Welcome to CHS Happenings, where Charleston connects with what’s new, what’s next, and what’s worth your time.

I want in: subscribe here. Provide tips, suggestions or feedback: go here.

Interested in advertising? Let’s talk.

Happy Friday morning, Charleston! On this day in 1861, South Carolina state troops seized Fort Johnson in Charleston Harbor, a key step in the lead-up to the Civil War as the state prepared defenses after seceding from the Union. This occupation of the vacant U.S. fort on James Island heightened tensions, following South Carolina's Ordinance of Secession the previous month.

Fort Johnson's capture symbolized Charleston's role as the "Birthplace of Secession," enabling Confederate control over harbor approaches and setting the stage for events like the firing on the Star of the West days later. The fort later supported defenses during the Civil War, including crossfire against Union ships near Fort Sumter.

Congrats to April A. of somewhere in Charleston who guessed correctly that I was at the Old City Jail downtown. Originally built in 1802 and operational until 1939, it’s undergone a major $15 million renovation to transform into a mixed-use venue featuring event spaces.

The site, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, now includes grand ballrooms, nearly an acre of outdoor grounds, a bluestone patio, and a covered oyster pavilion accommodating over 500 guests for weddings, parties, and corporate events.

Friday 62° / 51° ☁️ 💧4%

Saturday 60° / 41° ☔ 💧94%

Sunday 56° / 39° ⛅ 💧8%

Thunder in the Harbor, Fort Sumter and the Civil War I 11 AM | Mt. Pleasant Library | Rick Hatcher, former historian at Fort Sumter and Fort Moultrie National Historical Park, will explore his book Thunder in the Harbor—the first modern study of Fort Sumter.

KIDZ BOP LIVE: The Concert Movie | 3 - 4:30 PM | Citadel Mall | Join the KIDZ BOP Kids for a larger-than-life concert adventure featuring today’s biggest hits, including “APT.,” “Pink Pony Club,” and more.

Mixology Class | Southern Sips at Linnette's | 3:30 - 4:30 PM | The Dunlin, Johns Island I Step into the world of mixology with our Southern Sips Class, where you'll master the art of crafting two unique cocktails using ingredients sourced directly from our farm. Make sure to register.

James Island Town Market | 6 - 9 PM | Town Hall Parking Lot | Live music, crafts, lawn games, food trucks and fresh produce vendors.

The Game's Afoot | 7:30 - 9:30 PM | The Venue MTP, 627 Johnnie Dodds Blvd. #107, Mount Pleasant | The Village Repertory Co. is thrilled to kick off Season 25 with Ken Ludwig’s madcap, hilarious whodunit- The Game’s Afoot! A star studded cast of your favorite actors grace our new stage.

Patriots Point Throwback Day | 10 AM - 5 PM | Join us for Throwback Day on January 3, 2026, as we kick off our year-long 50th anniversary tribute! 

Charleston Southern Men's Basketball vs UNC Asheville - Sonic Saturday | 2 - 4 PM | Charleston Southern University | Charleston Southern Men's Basketball vs UNC Asheville - Sonic Saturday.

Candle Making Party - Pup Country Candles | 4 - 6 PM | Broken Leash Dog , North Charleston | Join us for a fun and creative Candle Making Party with Pup Country Candles.

Speakeasy Poker Experience | 9 - 10:30 PM | The Ansonborough, Downtown | Get ready for a night of cards, chips, and bluffing at our Poker Night event - it's time to ante up and show off your poker face! 21+.

The Impossible Murder at Captain Jack's Flapjack Shack | Black Fedora Comedy Mystery Theatre, Downtown | The Storm of the Century is raging outside Captain Jack's Flapjack Shack, but inside, murder brews like a strong cup of Luanne the waitress's killer coffee.

Sparkle Sundays with The Sparkle Bar | Fairy Hair Tinsel by Tibby | 11 AM - 3 PM | Pour House | You can book an appointment for fairy hair and feathers on our website or just stop by our booth!

Save the Light Oyster Roast at Bowens Island | 2 - 5 PM | 1870 Bowens Island Road | Oyster Roast tickets are only available on the Save the Light website!

SC Stingrays vs. Greensboro Gargoyles I 3:05 PM | North Charleston Coliseum | Ahoy mateys and fair royals! Dress up for Pirates & Princesses Day with real-life Princesses and Pirates. A magical, swashbuckling day of fun for kids and families awaits.

For more events than you can imagine, click that button below.

Outrage feels good because it’s simple.

This story looks at what gets lost when we stop at the headline — and what becomes clearer when you’ve spent enough time on the real estate side of the table.

Read this before the comment section fills in the rest.

I’ve been teasing this for weeks—and now it’s here. The first-ever CHS Happenings Dinner Club goes down Wednesday, January 28, at 7:00 PM. Small groups, great food, zero awkwardness. Miss this and you’ll 100% wish you hadn’t when the photos start circulating. Spots are limited, vibes are high, and all that’s left is for you to drop your deets. Don’t be the one who waits. ALL the details below.

We’re somewhere in the Charleston area and it’s your job to guess where. Just reply to this email, or if you’re reading on our website, email me here. The first person to guess correctly will get a shout-out at the top of our issue next week!

Charleston Running Club is the O.G. of Chucktown running clubs. In the 70s, the club helped start two of our largest races, the Cooper River Bridge Run and the Kiawah Marathon.

And for the 41st year, the annual Charlie Post Classic 15K/5K takes place on Saturday, January 24, 2026, at 8:30 AM at the Sullivan’s Island Fish Fry Shack.

This race honors the memory of Dr. Charlie Post, a well-known Charleston runner, triathlete, and family physician who volunteered his time and medical talents to the running community. Dr. Post served as head of the College of Charleston’s student health services and was the team’s sports physician.

Registration includes a chip-timed 15K run or 5K run/walk, finisher’s medal, shirt and refreshments.

Race options include a 5K run and walk, and for you longer distance athletes, a 15K route. That’s 9.3 miles on our imperial system. 😆

Sign up at this link.

Was this forwarded to you? Sign up here.

Holiday weekend means it’s a bit quieter than usual, but there’s still great live music in town. Check it out below. 👇🏼

Got 15 seconds? Let us know what you thought about today’s newsletter by voting in the poll below (you’ll be done MUCH faster than cars on Johnnie Dodds at 4:00 PM on a Friday). 👇