Ridgeville Area Family Events: Week of July 28, 2026

Here is what is happening around the Ridgeville and Summerville area this week for families. A couple of these are time-sensitive, so grab the ones that fit your crew.

DD4 Back to School Bash, Tuesday July 29

Dorchester District 4 hosts its Back to School Bash on Tuesday, July 29, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Davis-Bailey Park, with free school supplies for students across the district. If you are new to the area, one thing worth knowing: DD4 (Ridgeville, Harleyville, St. George) runs a modified year-round calendar, which is different from DD2 in Summerville. Verify your child's start date and registration with the district by address.

Movies in the Park: One Last Splash, Friday July 31

A free back-to-school party at Doty Park (320 N. Laurel St., Summerville) from 6 to 10 p.m., with yard games, the splash pad open late, food vendors, and Zootopia 2 on the big screen at sunset. Bring chairs and blankets. A perfect last hurrah of summer.

Pirate Summer at the Dorchester Heritage Center: final weeks

The pirate exhibit at the Dorchester Heritage Center (101 Ridge St., St. George) is in its last stretch, open Fridays only, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., through August 7 (last tickets at 3 p.m., limited hours due to construction). Expect a scavenger hunt, photo ops with pirates, and an escape room for an extra fee. Only two Fridays left.

Market in the Meadow, every Saturday in Ridgeville

Ridgeville's Saturday market runs 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Dorchester Heritage Center site (964 Highway 78), with fresh produce, baked goods, and local artisans. Stroller-friendly and right in town. It runs through December 12.

Tubing the Edisto at Givhans Ferry State Park

One of the signature summer things to do near Ridgeville: floating the Edisto River at Givhans Ferry State Park (746 Givhans Ferry Rd.). Park admission is about $6 for adults and $3.50 for kids 6 to 15 (under 5 free), with tubing priced separately through the outfitter. About six weeks of season left, so go before it winds down.

A little further: Charleston First Day Festival, Sunday August 10

If you want to make the drive, the Charleston First Day Festival runs 1 to 4 p.m. at the Gaillard Center and Liberty Square downtown, with free school supplies, activities, and resources for families gearing up for the school year.

For a coastal Friday night: Moonlight Mixers at the Folly Beach Pier

If you are near the coast, the Folly Beach Pier hosts its Moonlight Mixers on select Friday evenings, 7 to 10 p.m., with music and dancing over the water (dates this summer include July 31 and August 21). Advance tickets run about $10, and children 15 and under need a paid chaperone. One note: July 31 is the same night as One Last Splash in Summerville, which is much closer to home. Check the Folly Beach Pier directly for current tickets and rules.

Local family favorite: Ye Ole Fashioned Ice Cream and Cafe

When you need an easy family outing, Ye Ole Fashioned has been a Lowcountry staple for more than 50 years, serving classic comfort food and generous scoops of ice cream. It is genuinely local to us, with two Summerville locations (Old Trolley Road and North Main Street) and one in Goose Creek. A few locations even have drive-throughs, which any parent with a car full of tired kids will appreciate.

Want more local family ideas, or thinking about a move to the area? Just call Jess.

Jessica Cherie Blommaert, REALTOR®, brokered by eXp Realty LLC, licensed in South Carolina. Event details change, so verify dates, times, and pricing with each host before you go.