Charleston Area Events

The Fall Tours
Enjoy a glimpse into Charleston's architecture, gardens, neighborhoods, and heritage with a variety of tours - proceeds benefit the Preservation Society of Charleston

The Antiquities
This play takes place at the Museum of Late Human Antiquities where curators piece together the fragments of a vanished civilization - a PURE Theatre production

Coastal Carolina Fair
Live entertainment, over 60 amusement rides, exhibits, competitions

Coastal Carolina Fair
Live entertainment, over 60 amusement rides, exhibits, competitions

Nuovo Cinema Italiano Film Festival
5-day event showcases the most artistically significant films of contemporary Italian cinema

The Antiquities
This play takes place at the Museum of Late Human Antiquities where curators piece together the fragments of a vanished civilization - a PURE Theatre production

Symphony Tour of Homes
Self-guided tours of four-five residences, refreshment area on Saturday with Soirée on Friday - benefits Charleston Symphony and CSOL Music Scholarship

Charleston Literary Festival
10-day event with novelists, historians, biographers, scientists, artists, human and civil rights activists and commentators on issues of universal importance

LOWVELO Bike Ride
Choice of 7, 14, 23, 50, or 80 mile cycling routes, plus stationary ride option - benefits MUSC Hollings Cancer Center

Harvest Fest
Live bluegrass music, festival foods, craft market, children's activities

Shuck Fest
Unlimited oysters, 2 free drinks, chili and fixin's, live music - benefits The Lonon Foundation's mission to aid children impacted by parental cancer

Lowcountry Nosh
Jewish food and heritage festival with live entertainment, activities for children, tours of KKBE's historic property - hosted by Kahal Kadosh Beth Elohim

The Antiquities
This play takes place at the Museum of Late Human Antiquities where curators piece together the fragments of a vanished civilization - a PURE Theatre production

YALLFest: Charleston Young Adult Book Festival
Dozens of the country's top young adult authors host presentations and signings at various locations

Holiday Festival of Lights
3-mile drive featuring more than 750 illuminated displays and millions of twinkling lights plus holiday train rides, carousel, visit with Santa

Holy Smokes BBQ Fest
Enjoy a range of barbecue styles from 50+ pitmasters and chefs + live music - benefits Hogs for the Cause and Ronald McDonald House Charities

Gala: A Special Night for Special Olympics
Live music, dancing, open bar, food stations, auctions, raffle, and more honoring the athletes of and benefiting Special Olympics SC

Summerville Italian Feast
Meatball Run on Saturday - festival Sunday with authentic Italian cuisine and wines, entertainment - benefits Dorchester Dist 2 Educational Foundation

Steeplechase of Charleston
Horse racing plus tailgating, merchant market, live entertainment stage, food trucks - a National Steeplechase Association sanctioned race meet

Woods & Waters
Bluegrass, BBQ and oysters at Blessing Park on the Cooper River - benefits Lord Berkeley Conservation Trust

Trident United Way's Days of Caring
Berkeley, Charleston and Dorchester counties - pitch-in and help with a project

Bohicket 5K and Half at Seabrook Island
Half marathon or 5K run/walk with after-party - benefits the Kiawah-Seabrook Exchange Club, Charleston Running Club and Charleston Animal Society

MADD 5K and Fun Run
Competitive 5K or 1-mile fun run followed by ceremony for the Move with MADD Lowcountry walk - benefits Mothers Against Drunk Driving

Celebrate The Season Holiday Lights Driving Tour
Enjoy the animated light displays that wind through the Old Santee Canal Park and Santee Cooper's headquarters - benefits local charities

Turkey Day Run & Gobble Wobble 5K
5K run/walk, kids fun run + virtual option - post-race party with food, beverages and live music - benefits local charities * packet pick-up Nov 25 only

A Christmas Carol
Charleston Stage's original adaptation of Charles Dickens' holiday classic - recommended for ages 6 and up

Holiday Festival of Lights
3-mile drive featuring more than 750 illuminated displays and millions of twinkling lights plus holiday train rides, carousel, visit with Santa

Celebrate The Season Holiday Lights Driving Tour
Animated light displays that wind through the Old Santee Canal Park and Santee Cooper's headquarters - benefits local charities * Closed Dec 24-25

A Christmas Carol
Charleston Stage's original adaptation of Charles Dickens' holiday classic - recommended for ages 6 and up *No performances on Mondays or Tuesdays

Holiday Street Festival
Live music, children activities, local arts and crafts vendors, food vendors, tree lighting, a visit from Santa Claus

Chanukah in the Square
Live music, food and refreshments, Chanukah treats and giveaways, Menorah lighting, children's activities

Building Joy: Wonderland Extravaganza
Volunteers come together to build 1,200 bikes to be delivered to local kids plus raffles, music, food, drinks, lounge - hosted by Going Places

Folly Beach Christmas Parade
Line up along Center Street as floats, marching bands, and community associations show their holiday spirit - join Santa at Folly River Park after the parade

Reindeer Run /Walk
5K run/walk, dog-friendly, costume contest - benefits MUSC Shawn Jenkins Children's Hospital

Mt Pleasant Holiday Market and Craft Show
Homemade goodies and crafts, children's activities, live entertainment, visit with Santa

Mount Pleasant Christmas Light Parade
Along Coleman Blvd - more than 100 floats with fireworks before the parade

Holiday Pops!
Sparkling rush of festive hits, classic carols, and cherished seasonal favorites by the Charleston Symphony

Cocoa Cup 5K
5K or 1 mile kids' fun run, holiday costume contest, pictures with Santa - benefits ECCO, Lowcountry Food Bank, and The Navigation Center

New Year's Eve Fireworks Show
Celebrate the new year with family-friendly fireworks show at 9pm then huge, sparkly flip-flops descending at midnight

SC Beach Advocates Conference
Line-up of speakers featuring key dignitaries and experts in SC beach management

Bo's Roast and Chili Cook Off
Oysters, chili cook-off, hot dogs, beverages, live bands, kids' activities - bring your chairs and blankets - benefits Islands Against Cancer

A Night in the Valley
Cocktail reception with hors d'oeuvres followed by a dinner and auction - formal attire - benefits TTC students

Charleston Boat Show
One-stop shop for all things boating with new model leisure watercraft, marine gear, show-only deals, live music, and food trucks

Charleston Half Marathon & 5K
Half marathon, 5K and youth marathon along the streets of downtown Charleston - no race day packet pickup - benefits Engaging Creative Minds

Shucked & Sauced
Enjoy oysters and barbecue from local restaurants, libations, live music - 21+ only event - benefits the Charleston Parks Conservancy

Southeastern Wildlife Exposition
Fine art, exhibits, live presentations, lectures, demonstrations - various sites

Cupid's Chase 5K Charleston
Run, walk, or roll this 5K - benefits Community Options support of people with disabilities

Mardi Crawl
Music, food and drink specials, Parrothead games at various venues - hosted by Lowcountry Parrot Head Club - benefits local Lowcountry charities

Sea and Sand Festival
2-day event includes live bands, kids' area, vendors and on Sunday a sand sculpting competition

Lowcountry Oyster Festival
Oysters, live music, wine, beer, cocktails, children's area, food court showcasing a variety of local restaurants - benefits local charities

Charleston Wine + Food Festival
5-day event includes demonstrations, classes, dinners, tastings, culinary traditions - raising funds for charities and scholarships

Charleston by Design
4-days with various events including tours, speakers, culinary experiences - hosted by Historic Charleston Foundation

Catch the Leprechaun 5K
For walkers, joggers, runners and stroller pushers - dress in your best Irish/green outfit - after party - benefits Racers for Pacers

Charleston St. Patrick's Day Parade
Parade begins the corner of Radcliffe and King Streets with the best viewing on King Street - hosted by the Charleston St Patrick's Day Parade Committee

Garden Club of Charleston House and Garden Tours
Visit historic homes and gardens - tours are self-guided with docents sharing knowledge and history at each location

Dream Girls Conference
Speakers, workshops, entertainment, food, and fun for middle and high school girls, parents and youth leaders - hosted by by Youth Empowerment Services

Walk for Water
Carry an empty bucket for approximately 1.5 miles, fill it with water and walk about 1.5 miles back - benefits Water Mission's fight of the global water crisis

The Charleston Festival
Tour private houses and gardens of historic residences - presented by the Historic Charleston Foundation, formerly Festival of Houses and Gardens

Flowertown Festival
3-day event includes arts and crafts, kids' area with games and rides, food trucks, live entertainment - supports Summerville Family YMCA

Cooper River Bridge Run
10K run/walk, wheelchair division, kids' run, finish festival

Hustle For Heroes 5K
5K run/walk through CSU campus/trails ending at stadium plus children's fun run - food trucks, kids activities - benefits WarriorWOD

Plantasia
Children's garden and activities, garden vendors, food trucks, yard sale - hosted by the Charleston Horticultural Society

Charleston Jazz Festival
8-days of jazz performances by award-winning artists with events at multiple locations throughout downtown Charleston

Lowcountry Cajun Festival
Cajun and Creole food, Zydeco music, kids' activities, live entertainment, bbq, festival foods

iFiveK
Run and tech networking event, post-race party with food, drinks, awards - benefits scholarships for Charleston Learning Center

Charleston Race Week
4-day international keelboat regatta and lively shoreside festivities

Walk for Autism-Charleston
Family friendly walk, with refreshments, live music, jump castles, silent auction - benefits autism development programs

Bright Ideas 5K
Certified course at Cypress Gardens - benefits Berkeley Electric Cooperative's Bright Ideas Education Grant Program

TEDxCharleston
Features a lineup of inspiring and entertaining talks and performances from Charleston locals on a wide range of topics

North Charleston Arts Fest
5-day event includes live performances, art exhibits, kids' activities, block party

North Charleston Arts Fest
5-day event includes live performances, art exhibits, kids' activities, block party

July 4th Fireworks
The show will begin at dusk and will fire from the west side of the island, a few blocks from the pier, watch from the beach and Center Street

care • give • run
5K partial trail run, family fun walk - plus food trucks, music, kids activities - benefits Carolina Children's Charity

9/11 Heroes Run
5K welcomes runners, ruckers, and walkers of all ages and fitness levels to honor the heroes of September 11th and those who've served our nation since

A Night for the Children Gala
Cocktails, dinner, live music, dancing, silent auction - benefits Landmarks for Families

Animals, Art, and Automobiles
Stunning cars, silent auction, vendors, food trucks, adorable dogs, and more - benefits Hallie Hill Animal Sanctuary

ArtFest
Live performances, juried art exhibit, games, children's activities - hosted by Town of Mount Pleasant

AtomaCon
A family friendly, literary, gaming, sci-fi, fantasy, science and technology convention for fans by fans

Barks & Bushels
Adoption event and oyster roast benefiting the Charleston Animal Society plus live music, Blood Mary bar - kid and dog friendly event

Battle on the Bricks
30 boxers, male and female, square off in three-round matches - hosted by Charleston Boxing Foundation - benefits five local charities

Bird Songs
Nashville singer-songwriters in-the-round performance plus dinner, open bar, and close-up moments with the birds - benefits the Center for Birds of Prey

Birds of a Feather
Live music, beer, wine, and food truck fare for purchase at Caw Caw Interpretive Center - 21+ to purchase tickets, under 21 welcome with paid chaperone

Black Expo Charleston
3-days with kick-off event on Thursday, Taste of Black Charleston on Friday and expo with seminars, workshops, live entertainment, vendors on Saturday

Black Food Truck Festival
Regional food trucks, kid-friendly activities, local bands and musicians will be performing

Blessing of the Fleet & Seafood Festival
Celebrate the shrimping industry including boat parade, music, family-friendly activities, shrimp eating contest, arts & crafts - benefits local charities

Blues by the Sea
Bring blankets and chairs to enjoy live blues music - presented by the Kiawah Island Arts and Cultural Events Council

Care Kits and Cocktails
Music, heavy hors d'oeuvres, cocktails and raffles - cocktail attire - benefits Lowcountry Orphan Relief

Carolina Day Events
Church service, then a parade from Washington Park to White Point Garden, followed by speaker and wreath laying - hosted by the Palmetto Society

Carolopolis Awards
Celebrate the very best of preservation in Charleston with an awards program followed by a reception with live music, food and drinks

Charity Golf Classic
Shotgun golf tournament with an after-party to follow - benefits Warrior Surf Foundation's surf therapy programs for Veterans

Charleston Air Show - NEXT SHOW 2028
See the US Navy Blue Angels, US Army Golden Knights parachute team, F-16 Viper and C-17 East Coast demo teams, displays - at Joint Base Charleston

Charleston Beach Olympics
Teams of 4 compete in games and activities like relays, brainteasers, obstacle course, cornhole - afterparty - benefits Pattison's Academy

Charleston Bluegrass Festival
Live bluegrass music, premium camping options, local food and craft vendors, and outdoor activities - family friendly

Charleston Caribbean Jerk Festival
Family-friendly event celebrates Caribbean food, culture, and music - bring a blanket or chair to enjoy the festivities

Charleston Carifest
2-day Caribbean cultural festival includes carnival street parade, performers, music, food

Charleston Charity Duck Race
Adopted rubber ducks race with prizes awarded to the fastest ducks plus more family fun - hosted by the Rotary Club to benefit charities

Charleston Cocktail Week
7-day festival around Charleston where participating venues will be featuring signature cocktails

Charleston Greek Festival
Celebrating Greek culture with food, wine tasting, church tours, and entertainment

Charleston Historic District Open Day
Self-guided tours of six different private gardens in the Historic District - hosted by the Garden Conservancy and the Charleston Horticultural Society

Charleston Honey Bee Expo
Learn about bees and celebrate local bee keepers - honey tastings, live music, presentations, children's activities

Charleston Memorial Stair Climb
Honoring the 412 First Responders lost on 9/11 by climbing 110 flights of stairs - benefits organizations that directly support first responders

Charleston Oxygen Ball - Dancing with the Stars
Gourmet dinner, silent and live auctions - local celebrities dance with paired professional dancers - black-tie optional - benefits American Lung Association

Charleston Scottish Games - NEXT EVENT 2027
Heavy athletic, pipe bands, and highland dancing competitions plus Scottish country dancing, border collie demonstrations, Scotch tasting

Chefs' Feast
Area chefs will offer up delectable bites, bar, live band - benefits the Lowcountry Food Bank childhood feeding programs

Cinderella Day
Free gowns, shoes, accessories and boutique-styling services for high school prom needs - click for donation and volunteer info too

Cobblestone Celebration of Quilts & Fiber Arts Show
NEXT SHOW IN 2028
Judging in several categories, plus vendors, appraisals and guest speaker

Color the Future
5K walk or run route where participants will be sprayed with colored powder plus family fun run, activities and games - benefits Landmarks for Families

Colour of Music Festival
4-days includes events at various venues that highlight the impact and historical significance of black classical composers and performers on culture

CreateAthon
TRIO's marketing all-nighter for charity, open to nonprofits from the Myrtle Beach area to Hilton Head

Dancing With The ARK's Stars
Event pairs local celebrities with professional dancers - benefits The ARK's support of lowcountry families affected by Alzheimer's Disease or related dementia

Dog Day Afternoon
Celebrate the dog days of summer with man's best friend at the waterpark and pool after they have closed for the season

Dog Day Afternoon
Celebrate the dog days of summer with man's best friend at the waterpark and pool after they have closed for the season

Dog Day Afternoon
Celebrate the dog days of summer with man's best friend at the waterpark and pool after they have closed for the season

Dragon Boat Charleston Festival
250-meter paddling races and party to celebrate cancer survivors

Edisto Beach Shag Festival
Live music, Shag performances and plenty of dancing, arts and crafts vendors, food trucks

Edisto Blackwater Boogie - NEXT EVENT 2027
3-day music festival featuring local artists, food trucks, kid-friendly entertainment - camping encouraged - benefits Givhans Ferry State Park's ADA trail

Fishing for the Cure Tournament
Weigh-in party with live music, raffles, food - captains meeting Sept 23 - benefits Carolina Lady Anglers' support of breast cancer patients

Floppin' Flounder 5K
Family-friendly 5K run or walk - held rain or shine - benefits the Sullivan's Island Fire & Rescue, CRC, and other local charities

Folly Beach Wahine Classic
Empowering surfer girls of all ages with surf competition, camaraderie, and fun, while raising awareness and money for water-related nonprofits

Fourth of July Festival at Riverfront Park
Live music, food trucks, beverage vendors - fireworks at 9pm - bring lawn chairs, blankets, water, and snacks - hosted by City of North Charleston

Front Beach Fest
Family street festival with live beach music, food and craft vendors, children's activities

Gimme Shelter
Fundraising event to support Operation Home's programs that provides home repairs, ramps, and HVAC relief Tri-county families

Half Rubber Tournament
3 and 4 person teams - ages 16+ - a City of Isle of Palms event

Harvest Dinner
Garden-fresh dinner, entertainment, family-friendly activities - hosted by Green Heart Project and the Charleston Housing Authority

Holiday Parade of Boats
Lighted and festive boats from the Cooper River, through the Charleston Harbor and into the Ashley River

Inclusive Prom
Evening where people of all abilities, alongside their families and friends, are welcomed to enjoy music and refreshments

Independence Day Celebration
Live music, kids activities, food trucks, vendors, fireworks - hosted by the Town of Moncks Corner

Isle of Palms Beach Run
10K run and 5K beach run or walk, youth fun run - hosted by City of Isle of Palms

Isle of Palms Polar Plunge
Costume contest then take a chilly dip - hosted by Law Enforcement Torch Run officers - benefits Special Olympics South Carolina

J.O.Y. - Juneteenth On The Yard
Explore African American history and celebrate through music, dance, storytelling, and fellowship - hosted by the International African American Museum

J19 Week
7-day celebration of freedom and empowerment, showcasing the contributions and achievements of African Americans in the Lowcountry

Juneteenth Block Party & History Lesson
Live performances, history lesson by local storyteller, food trucks and vendors, Gullah Village featuring wares by Lowcountry artisans - City of Charleston event

Juneteenth Family Fest
Community-family-based event with live performances, black art displays, games for children, cultural food, and fireworks finale

Lowcountry Jazz Festival
Enjoy live performances by acclaimed jazz artists, kicking off with Friday night's All White Party - benefits Closing The Gap in Health Care

Lowcountry Shrimp Festival & Blessing of the Fleet
Live bands, crafts, lots of shrimp and other food, blessing of the shrimp fleet - benefits Cape Romain Environmental Education School

Lowcountry Splash
6 mile or 2.4 mile open-water swim in the Wando River and Charleston Harbor - benefits LAPS provides water safety and swimming instruction to K-2 children

MOJA Arts Festival
Celebration of African-American and Caribbean visual and performing arts - traditional crafts, food, children's activities

Oyster Roast
Endless oysters, beer, wine, music, and fun - benefits Dorchester Paws

Palmetto Park Jam
Afternoon of live music plus food and craft vendors - bring your lawn chairs or blankets - leashed pets welcomed

Park Circle Pride Festival
6-day event celebrating the LGBTQ+ community with events at various locations including kick-off party, live entertainment, workshops, lectures, youth fest

Pat Tillman Honor Run
Run or walk 4.2 miles and raise money to support the Tillman Scholar program plus after-party - pets on-leash and stroller friendly

Patriots Point 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular
Enjoy the firework show from the flight deck of the USS Yorktown with live music, family-friendly activities, food and beverage vendors - encouraged to chairs

Paws in the Park
Activity zones, local craft beer, chili cook-off, oyster roast, live music, dog adoptions - benefits Charleston Animal Society

Piccolo Spoleto Festival
17-day celebration of the arts includes live performances, exhibits, kids' activities, and more

Piccolo Spoleto Festival
17-day celebration of the arts includes live performances, exhibits, kids' activities, and more

Pinwheel Gala
Live entertainment, drinks, dinner, silent auction - cocktail attire - benefits Kay Phillips Child Advocacy Center

Playwrights Festival
3-day event giving a peek behind the curtain of the play-wrighting process with workshops, panels, and performances - hosted by PURE Theatre

Pup Bowl IX
Pet adoption and family-fun day plus live music, kids' activities, local puppy-themed vendors - benefits the Charleston Animal Society

Putting for Parkinson's
Golf tournament - raising awareness and funds to research Parkinson's Disease - hosted by A Steady Hand Foundation

Putting for Paws
Golf tournament with lunch and bloody mary bar - benefits Hallie Hill Animal Sanctuary

Race for The ARK
5K run/walk and 1 mile fun run, youth challenge, corporate challenge - benefits services for families dealing with Alzheimer's disease and related dementia

Rock the Block
Block party with live music, lots of food and cold drinks - benefits Hogs for the Cause and Ronald McDonald House Charities of Charleston

Rotary Shagfest
Live music, dancing, dinner, cash bar, and a special guest shag instructor - hosted by the Rotary Club of Summerville

Save the Light Half Marathon & 5K
Half marathon is a run only, the 5K is open to runners and walkers - benefits the preservation of the Morris Island Lighthouse

Scottish Performing Arts Classic
Music competitions for the Celtic harp, Scottish fiddle, and Scottish bagpipe - hosted by Robert Burns Society and Clan Donald Trust

Spoleto Festival USA
17-day international festival for performing and visual arts

Spoleto Festival USA
17-day international festival for performing and visual arts

St. Patrick's Day Block Party and Parade
Parade, live music, local food vendors and trucks, art, kid's zone - hosted by City of North Charleston

Sullivan's Island Polar Plunge
Pre-plunge fun then take a chilly dip to benefit Special Olympics South Carolina

Summerville Historic Homes & Gardens Tour
Self-guided tour of private historic residences and gardens - hosted by the Summerville Museum and Research Center

Swamp Fox Adventure Race
Cover approximately 55-60 miles, with a finishing time between 10-12 hours, solo and teams will paddle, bike and run through the Francis Marion National Forest

Sweet Tea Festival
Celebrate the birthplace of sweet tea with food trucks, vendors, live entertainment, kids zone, sample teas and vote for the Tea of the Year

Sweetgrass Festival
Learn about the Gullah Geechee people's history, culture, traditions and their sweetgrass basket art form with activities and entertainment

Taco and Margarita Festival
Food trucks, vendors, handcrafted margaritas, DJs, cultural performances, games, and eating challenges - portion of proceeds benefits The Holy City Foundation

Tea Room and Mouse Boutique
Lunch served plus gift shop, take out available - hosted by Grace Church, proceeds are used to support outreach efforts

The Big Dill
Pickleball tournament for the seasoned player and those that are just in it for the fun - benefits East Cooper Community Outreach

Up, Up, & Read!
3-day children's literacy festival with special readings, book fair, crafts, music sessions - hosted by The Charleston Library Society

Walk MS: Charleston
1-mile and 3-mile routes, mobility devices are welcome - benefits the National Multiple Sclerosis Society

Walk to Fight Hunger
The walk is a two-mile interactive loop at Wannamaker Park - participants encouraged to bring a reusable water bottle - benefits the Lowcountry Food Bank

Walk, Run and Roll for Brain Injury Awareness
Walk, run and roll through Wannamaker Park, followed by reception with food, kids' activities, games, and live music - benefits Brain Injury Association of SC

Wild Child Triathlon
Features swimming, cycling, and running for children ages 6-12 - benefits the Law Enforcement Neighborhood Support Isle of Palms

Yoga Fest
Family friendly yoga event with variety of exercise workshops, wellness village, live music, and more