Hey Palmetto Parents!

How is everyone doing with the new school routine? Are you feeling settled, or are you still wondering what day it is and why everyone suddenly needs a snack every 12 minutes? Either way, we’re right there with you.

This week is packed with fun things to do, from a month long run of The Wizard of Oz at the Dock Street Theatre to a few especially fun weekend activities. Our family has been obsessed with The Wizard of Oz so we’re excited to see this Charleston production.

We also rounded up a few slightly unexpected weekend activities that are perfect for getting out of the house. Family Archery at Johns Island County Park is a great way to get older kids and parents involved in something together without making a huge commitment or buying a bunch of gear. The Charleston Jazz Jam in North Charleston is another great option, and it’s completely free. Musicians of all ages and experience levels are welcome, making it a fun way to enjoy live jazz and beat the heat this Sunday.

For this week’s restaurant pick, Courtney Berk, who runs our Summerville newsletter, and I got together for a moms’ night out at Pink Cactus. It’s casual and fun, but the food and drinks genuinely surprised us in the best way.

Finally, in this week’s Palmetto Piece, we’re talking about being intentional with our family’s schedule and rhythm throughout the year, and why sometimes it’s okay to simply say no.

Have the best week and enjoy this week’s newsletter!

If you and your kids have loved the world of The Wizard of Oz over the past few years thanks to Wicked and Wicked: For Good, you’re in luck because The Wizard of Oz is coming to the Historic Dock Street Theatre in downtown Charleston.

This is such a fun way to spend time together as a family, especially if your kids already know and love the story. The production is kid-friendly and brings the classic journey of Dorothy, Toto, the Scarecrow, the Tin Man and the Cowardly Lion to the stage. And the setting makes the experience even more special. The Historic Dock Street Theatre is one of Charleston’s most beautiful and historic theaters, so even the theater itself feels like part of the experience.

The Wizard of Oz runs August 26 through September 27, 2026, on the MainStage at the Historic Dock Street Theatre. Performances are held Wednesday through Sunday, with most shows beginning at 7:30 PM and special 2 PM matinee performances on select Saturdays and Sundays.

Tickets range from $66.25–$103.25 for adults, $64.25–$103.25 for seniors, and $59.25–$103.25 for students ages 3–25 and active military. Children under 3 are not permitted for MainStage productions.

There are also PNC Pay-As-You-Please performances on August 26 and September 24, with tickets for both performances going on sale at 7:30pm on August 25.

For a family that loves a good musical, this is one of those Charleston outings that feels a little more special than just another afternoon activity.

Get your bull’s-eye! Bring the whole family to Johns Island County Park for a fun introduction to archery. Families will receive a brief orientation before heading out to the park’s target archery range to fling some arrows together. All equipment is provided, making this an easy way to try something new as a family.

This event takes place Saturday, August 29, from 1–2:30pm at Johns Island County Park and costs $20 per participant. The event is open to ages 8 and up, and each family member who wants to participate must register. A registered and paid chaperone is required for participants ages 15 and under.

If you are anything like me you love getting out of the house and also out of this heat. I have the perfect post Sunday afternoon nap event for you that will make your Sunday extra special.

Head to North Charleston for the Charleston Jazz Jam, a monthly session welcoming musicians of all ages, from students and adult learners to professionals. Come listen, play, or simply enjoy a welcoming jazz hang with local musicians and help celebrate the Charleston jazz community. Non-musicians are welcome too, but space is limited.

The Charleston Jazz Jam takes place Sunday, August 30, from 5:00–6:30 PM at 3005 West Montague Avenue, Suite 200, North Charleston. The event is free, but an RSVP is required.

Another week, another mom’s night out. This time, Courtney and I were able to enjoy an epic night out together at Pink Cactus. Courtney runs Palmetto Parents Summerville and is the cofounder of this amazing newsletter. This location is perfect spot if you are coming from the corners of Charleston or from Summerville. Located at 100 Spring Street, Pink Cactus is just outside of the hustle and bustle of King Street, giving it a more relaxed feel while still feeling like a little corner of downtown Charleston.

The atmosphere is lively, eclectic and casual with just the right amount of fancy. We loved the large open patio area with folding pink chairs and pink string lights. It was lively, everyone was having a great time, and it felt like the perfect spot to grab drinks and catch up with friends.

The food was just as impressive. About half of our table ordered the chicken rice bowls, and everyone loved them. The nachos were another favorite, with queso, crema and árbol rojo sauce, plus the option to add a protein. They also have burritos, birria tacos, vegetarian and vegan options, a kid’s rice bowl and a cheese quesadilla.

And of course, the drinks were a highlight. Their margaritas were incredible, and they also have Pink Cactus Water, a Pink Lemonade Martini and a Frozen Strawberry Margarita, all at very reasonable prices.

They are closed Mondays and open Tuesday, Wednesday and Sunday from 4 to 10pm, and Thursday through Saturday from 12 to 10pm. Stop by for Tequila & Taco Hour from 4 to 6pm daily. Weekly specials include $5 Casa Lime Margaritas and $10 Taco Bowls all day Tuesday, kids eat free with the purchase of a meal on Wednesday, Birria Taco Night on Thursday, and $5 Pink Margs and $25 pitchers on Sunday.

Although this is not the most kid friendly spot, Pink Cactus is definitely going on our list for a fun Charleston night out with good food, great drinks and an atmosphere that makes you want to stay awhile.

Charleston is the perfect place to have a fast-paced life and a slow-paced one. There is always something happening, especially when school starts back up, and it can be so fun to stay busy. But it’s also OK to have days when you do absolutely nothing. Staying home, letting the kids play and simply hanging out as a family can be exactly what everyone needs.

A few years ago, a big-time mom influencer shared something that caught my attention. Sometimes I love her posts, sometimes I don’t, but this one really stuck with me. She was a mom of three boys at the time, all in school full-time, and she shared that her boys didn’t typically attend birthday parties unless they were very close friends or the families were especially close. When she looked at their calendar, she realized they could easily end up attending dozens of birthday parties every year, before even counting sports friends, church friends and other activities. She decided that, for her family, they simply weren’t going to attend every birthday party anymore.

You might love that idea or hate it, but what I took from it is this: it’s OK to say no. Our kids have school friends, sports friends, neighborhood friends and church friends, and suddenly you can find yourself at a birthday party almost every weekend. Add in soccer, dinners, festivals and other activities, and it’s easy to feel completely overwhelmed.

You don't need a huge excuse to decline an invitation. Try saying, “Let me take a look at our schedule and get back to you.” And don’t forget to actually block off time on your calendar for doing nothing. If Saturday afternoon is going to be family time at home, protect it just like you would any other commitment.

You can also say, “Thank you so much for inviting us! We won’t be able to make it, but we hope they have the best birthday.” Simple, kind and no guilt required.

I think sometimes we can overthink being polite to other people, and that becomes more important than having periods of restful time. Don’t assume people will be offended if you don’t end up going to their parties or events!

Have the best week!

Love, Jenna