JULY 4
23rd Annual Hilton Head Firecracker 5000 Road Race
Lace up your running shoes for the 23rd annual Hilton Head Firecracker 5000 Road Race this Independence Day at the Shelter Cove Mall in Hilton Head. The course takes participants around Shelter Cove Harbour. Let loose afterwards at the festive post- race celebration featuring live music, fresh fruit, ice-cold refreshments, door prizes, and more. A percentage of proceeds from the event will benefit local charities, including The Hilton Head Runners Club. The Shelter Cove Mall, Hwy. 278, Hilton Head. Friday, 8am. $35, $30 preregistration. (843)757-8520, www.bearfootsports.com/heels_race_info.htm

JULY 9-12
MegaDock Billfish Tournament

Fish for some donations as you take part in the 6th annual MegaDock Billfish Tournament, an event that promises spectacular catches as well as amazing displays of charity. More than $30,000 was raised in 2007, and event promoters are looking to top that this year, all while wrangling (and releasing) some big marlin and sailfish. Money raised is donated to the Coastal Conservation Association, Boy Scouts of America, Beach Sweep/River Sweep, and many other organizations that have the waterfront community in their best interests. Charleston City Marina, 17 Lockwood Dr. Wednesday-Saturday, times vary. $2,500 per boat. (843)278-4920, www.megadocktournament.com

JULY 11
Third Annual Palette & Palate Stroll
Charleston Fine Art Dealers’ Association (CFADA) hosts the third annual Palette & Palate Stroll, where connoisseurs and amateurs alike experience a night of fine wine, cuisine, and artwork by nationally and internationally renowned artists. The historic streets of downtown create a relaxing atmosphere perfect for browsing through the city’s galleries, where patrons can indulge in cuisine prepared by prominent chefs from local restaurants. Over the past two years, the event has raised $22,000 for Charleston Fine Art Dealers’ Association’s visual arts scholarship. Call for a complete list of participating restaurants and galleries. Reservations required. Locations vary. Friday, 5:30-7:30pm. $40. (843)853-0708, www.cfada.com

JULY 18
12th Annual Monica Kreber Golf Tournament
Golf for a great cause at this year’s Monica Kreber Golf Tournament. Following a day complete with birdies and bogeys, participants can enjoy a celebratory dinner, awards ceremony, and live auction. Proceeds benefit MUSC’s Charles P. Darby Children’s Research Institute, the largest and most comprehensive pediatric research facility in the Carolinas. Seabrook Island Club, 3772 Seabrook Island Rd., Seabrook Island. Friday, 1:30pm. $700 per team of four; $175 per golfer. (843)792-0350,
www.musckids.com

JULY 21-25 & AUGUST 4-8
The Charleston Museum Summer Camp
Enjoy a week of summer camp exploring the collection of The Charleston Museum. Children will travel back in time with crafts and activities as they learn about ancient dinosaurs, ancient Egypt, pirates, and more. The camp is available for children ages seven to 11. Proceeds benefit The Charleston Museum. Reservations required. The Charleston Museum, 360 Meeting St. Monday-Friday, 9am-noon. $120; $100 member. (843)722-2996, www.charlestonmuseum.org

JULY 25-26
Charleston Saltwater Classic
Catch the prize-winning kingfish, dolphin, cobia, or wahoo and win a boat motor or big bucks at the Charleston Saltwater Classic. Participants can celebrate with food and entertainment after the tournament. Proceeds benefit the Rotary Club and Hospice. Ripley Light Yacht Club, 95 Ripley Point Dr. Friday-Saturday, times vary. $600-$100. (800)546-4622, www.bluewaterpromo.com

JULY 27
Charity Bowling Tournament
Join the fun at Sandpiper Lanes as you bowl to benefit Courageous Kidz, a local charity that supports children with cancer and their families. Bowlers are encouraged to collect pledges before the tournament, and the team with the most donations will receive a reward. Each team will
bowl three games and have the opportunity to win various prizes throughout the tournament. Sandpiper Lanes, 3291 Ashley Phosphate Rd. Sunday, 11am-4pm. $25 per bowler. (843)552-8350, www.courageouskidz.org

JULY 28
Dogs for A Cause Night
Cheer on your local baseball team while raising money for the Children’s Miracle Network at the RiverDogs game. During the game, Wal-Mart associates will hit the stands to collect donations from generous fans for MUSC
Children’s Hospital. Proceeds from ticket sales will also
benefit the Children’s Hospital. Joe Riley Stadium, 360 Fishburne St. Monday, 7:05pm. $10-$5. (843)577-3647, www.riverdogs.com

AUGUST 8-9
Kings for Kids
Head down to Beaufort and cast your line for the kids in the Port Royal Kings for Kids Fishing Tournament,
presented by the Southern Kingfish Association. The
prizewinning Lady or Junior Angler will win $15,000.
Following the tournament, celebrate with a cookout at Green Street Gym. Proceeds go to the Beaufort Marine
Institute, a residential facility for juvenile offenders ages 14 to 17. Port Royal Landing Marina, 1 Landing Dr.,
Beaufort. Green St. Gym, 1001 Hamar St., Beaufort. Friday, 6:30pm; Saturday, 6am-5pm. $375; $325 preregistration. (843)525-6664, www.bmikingsforkids.org

AUGUST 14-16
15th Annual Fishing for Miracles King Mackerel Tournament
Reel in a monster mackerel for a noble cause during the 15th annual Fishing for Miracles Tournament—South
Carolina’s largest king mackerel competition. The first place winner receives a grand $25,000. And the big bucks are awarded up to the seventh place winner, who
receives a not-too-shabby $500. Dinner and an awards
ceremony make the weekend complete on Saturday night Proceeds from the tournament will help the MUSC Children’s Hospital and the Coastal Conservation Association of South Carolina. Ripley Light Yacht Club, 95 Ripley Pointe Dr. Thursday, 2-6:30pm; Friday, 6:30am-5pm; Saturday, 6:30am-7pm. $350; $295 preregistration. (843)554-0177, www.fishingformiracles.org