Third Thursday in Summerville, a monthly mainstay, kicks things up a notch by debuting a new event: the Summerville Sweet Tea Festival.

The festival, which is being put on by the newly formed Summerville Restaurant Association, will feature 11 local restaurants set up in tents on Hutchinson Square offering tastes of their versions of sweet tea, as well as tastes of their menu specialties for $1-$3 each. Purchase a commemorative mug for $5 and you can try all the restaurants’ sweet tea drinks for free and vote for your favorite.

The festival is the first of a planned annual salute to the “official drink of Summerville” and the first of “many more” events coming from the new restaurant association.

While the Summerville Sweet Tea Festival will certainly be a highlight, Third Thursday has so much more to offer.

Attendees can enjoy the cooler weather as they stroll around historic downtown from 5-8 p.m. There will be musical entertainment on Hutchinson Square performed by Aged 2 Perfection, a local band that plays oldies.

In addition, there will be classical music on Short Central performed by Douglas Hughes and his violin and string instrument students, which will set the mood for the Art Walk.

Thursday also marks the return of the Drum Circle, which was very popular last month. The Drum Circle will be on East Richardson near Sarah’s View, and anyone can participate.

For more information, call 821-7260 or go to www.summervilledream.org.

Yappy Hour

While I’m sure you are enjoying the cooler temps, I have no doubt that your pets are appreciating them even more.

After work Thursday, pick up your pooch and head over to the James Island County Park Dog Park for a fall frolic at the second-to-last Yappy Hour.

Enjoy an adult beverage or two (they will be available for purchase) and listen to the musical offerings from Charleston-based blues-rock trio Taco Donkey while your dog runs around with his (or her) four-legged friends.

The event is free for you and your pup with the general $1 park admission or with the Charleston County Parks Gold Pass. The fun starts at 4 p.m. and goes until sunset. Outside alcohol is prohibited. Dogs must be on a leash when outside James Island County Park’s off-leash area.

For more information, call 795-4386 or go to www.ccprc.com/yappyhour.

Moonlight Mixer

This is your last chance this year to take part in Charleston County Park and Recrecation’s Moonlight Mixer.

Held 7-11 p.m. Friday, enjoy the breeze right off the beach and the music in the air. Grab your dance shoes and shag the night away as Jim Bowers of 1340 The Boardwalk spins oldies and beach music.

When your feet need a breather, grab a beverage on-site or a snack at Locklear’s Beach City Grill and the Gangplank Gift & Tackle Shop at the entrance to the Folly Beach Fishing Pier. An ID is required to purchase alcohol.

Tickets are $10, $8 for Charleston County residents. Only 600 tickets will be sold, so get them while you can.

For more info, go to www.ccprc.com or call 795-4386.