The Scouted Calendar / September and October 2015

This time of year, there seems to be an abundance of events to keep us entertained and inspired (and our datebooks delightfully jam-packed), reminding us that the cultural festivals, art expositions, and other special activities that our communities host play an important part in maintaining and celebrating what makes our towns so special. To help us manage our calendars, we asked our editors to share some of their favorite upcoming events. From house tours to shrimp festivals to polo matches to regattas, here’s a quick guide to what’s going on in some of our TSG cities in the next few weeks:

ANNAPOLIS: Sea Worthy


Prepare to be moved by narrative, comedy, documentary, and short films that capture the diversity and universality of the human condition at the Chesapeake Film Festival, which runs from September 19th-21st. On September 20th, get out your captain’s hat for a good cause and head to the Chesapeake Bay for America’s largest fundraising regatta, Hospice Cup XXXIII, a cooperative effort of Hospice Cup, Inc., Eastport Yacht Club, and multiple hospices serving the Maryland, Washington, D.C., and Northern Virginia areas. (And stick around for the post-race Shore Party.) If you still have your sea legs the weekend of October 9th-13th, head down to the City Dock in Annapolis for the United States Sailboat Show, the oldest—and largest—in-water sailboat show in the world. {For local recommendations, browse The Scout Guide Baltimore & Annapolis.}

ASPEN: Picture Shows


Experience cinema magic in the mountains at Aspen Filmfest, where you can view previews of fall releases, watch award-winning features and documentaries, attend special presentations, and interact with filmmakers. The filmfest runs from September 26th-October 1st; screenings will be at the ISIS THEATER, 406 East Hopkins Ave., Aspen; WHEELER OPERA HOUSE, 320 E. Hyman Ave., Aspen; and CRYSTAL THEATRE, 437 Main St., Carbondale. Get your tickets before the shows sell out! {For local recommendations, browse The Scout Guide Aspen.}

CHARLESTON: Lowcountry Living


A stunning show of southern hospitality, the Preservation Home fall Tour, which runs from October 2nd until the 26th, invites you to step inside some of Charleston’s most magnificent homes. Different properties are featured each day, so be sure to check the calendar for the lineup. The fall Tours’ proceeds benefit the Society’s mission to preserve the unique history and architecture of Charleston. {For local recommendations, browse The Scout Guide Charleston.}

CHARLOTTE: Beautiful Beats


Keep up with the cool kids and head to The Mint Museum UPTOWN, which is hosting photographer Lyle Owerko’s The Boombox Project, a pop-up photography show featuring 1970s- and 1980s-era boom boxes, held in association with Chandra Johnson’s SOCO Gallery. The show opens today and runs through October 19th. {For local recommendations, browse The Scout Guide Charlotte.}

CHARLOTTESVILLE: Slice of Life

Pack a picnic blanket and enjoy an evening with family (and wine!) in a beautiful setting at the final Afton After Hours event of the year on September 27th at Afton Mountain Vineyards. Enjoy live music, delicious pies from Blue Ridge Pizza Co., craft hops from Champion Brewing Company, and of course Afton Mountain Vineyards wine. {For local recommendations, browse The Scout Guide Charlottesville.}

CHICAGO: EXPO(se) Yourself


Head down to Navy Pier September 18-21 for a heavy dose of art and culture at EXPO Chicago (and look out for TSG Chicago Volume 2 in the VIP Concierge Lounge, VIP Trolleys, and in all the hotel welcome bags!). The International Exposition of Contemporary and Modern Art, is in its third year and features more than 140 leading galleries from around the world. In addition to the galleries and artists on view, the exposition includes a special exhibitions program, featuring select non-profits and institutions, panel discussions, video and much more. {For local recommendations, browse The Scout Guide Chicago.}

HILTON HEAD ISLAND, BEAUFORT, AND BLUFFTON: Island-style Entertainment


On October 3-4, bring your kids and your appetite to the Annual Beaufort Shrimp Festival at the Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park in Historic Beaufort, where restaurants will compete for the “Silver Cup” – and bragging rights – for the best shrimp dish. For an equestrian-themed adventure, head to the 21st Polo for Charity event on October 12 at Rose Hill Plantation in Bluffton, and while you’re there stop by The Scout Guide tent for appetizers and a signature TSG cocktail!
  Proceeds from the family-friendly event benefit the Bluffton Boys and Girls Club. And from October 24-26, visitors are invited to explore Beaufort from a very rare vantage point: 
a selection of private homes, gardens, and plantations that are usually not open to the public as part of the Beaufort Fall Festival of Houses & Gardens. {For local recommendations, browse The Scout Guide Hilton Head, Beaufort & Bluffton.}

SAVANNAH: Music and Movies on My Mind


Savannah’s gothic charm is a year-round draw, but the next two months are especially full of reasons to visit, including the 33rd Annual Savannah Jazz Festival, which begins on Saturday and runs through the 27th. Concerts will be held at Habersham Village, City Market, and Forsyth Park. On October 5th, The Picnic in the Park celebrates National Arts and Humanities month with an evening of live music (including a performance by the Savannah Philharmonic), family-friendly activities, and the legendary “Picnic Contest,” in which picnickers compete for the most imaginative theme-inspirerd spread (this year’s theme is “Fly Me to the Moon”). Fans of the silver screen should look forward to October 25-November 1, when the Savannah Film Festival presented by SCAD takes place. {For local recommendations, browse The Scout Guide Savannah.}

WILMINGTON: Cruising for a Cause


Find out what floats your boat on October 18th at one of The Fisherman’s Wife’s favorite fall events, the YachtVenture, a fundraiser for the Children’s Museum of Wilmington that takes place at Marine Max on Wrightsville Beach. Cocktails, cruisewear and a worthy cause…check, check, check! {For local recommendations, browse The Scout Guide Wilmington & Cape Fear Coast.}