On the Cheap | Last gasp of cheap fun before school starts

It’s almost back to school time (already?)!

If you’re not prepared, there are a couple of events coming up over the next few weeks to help get you in the mood.

Here’s what’s happening:

Friday and Saturday

▪ The Children’s Museum of South Carolina is holding a Countdown to Kindergarten event from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Friday for kids getting ready to start kindergarten and their families. Admission is free.

This event includes museum admission, child safety and other educational vendors, free dental and speech screenings, games and costumed characters. Rising kindergarteners can visit a mock classroom and practice boarding a school bus and carrying a lunch tray.

▪ Every other Friday through Sept. 11, Hard Rock Café Myrtle Beach and Bud Light are holding a “Blue Out” to honor all first responders and military personnel on the Hard Rock patio. Admission is free. You do not have to be a first responder or a member of the military to attend. This event includes live music, giveaways and drink specials. The party starts at 8 p.m.

▪ On Saturday, Sun Coast Christian Church at 4319 Little River Road is holding a Mid-Summer Fair and Barbecue. Admission is free. This event, which runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., includes barbecue plates ($8), an arts and crafts fair, artist demonstrations, a bake sale, a book sale and more.

Monday

▪ The town of Surfside Beach is holding a Beach Luau on the beach by the Surfside Beach pier from 6 to 9 p.m. Admission is free. This event includes live music, a fire and hula show (7:30 p.m.), and food and drinks for purchase. Bring a blanket or chairs.

Aug. 15

▪ From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., the Sandy Grove Missionary Baptist Church Young Women’s Auxiliary is holding its sixth annual Back to School Block Party at Futrell Park. Admission is free. This event includes music and other entertainment, games and activities, and vendors. Kids ages 4-18 will get a free backpack full of school supplies (while supplies last).

▪ La Belle Amie Vineyard at 1120 St. Joseph Road in Little River is hosting a “Whole Lotta Shakin’ Oldies Music Fest” from noon to 5 p.m. Admission is $8, but if you bring three canned goods to be donated to local food banks, they’ll give you a $3 discount on admission. The festival includes live music, wine tasting, a gift shop, food and drink vendors, and a vineyard tour.

This story was originally published August 4, 2015 at 1:22 PM with the headline "On the Cheap | Last gasp of cheap fun before school starts."