April Events in Charleston

Since its inception in 1947, the Historic Charleston Foundation has honored the city’s houses, history, and culture through its annual spring festival. Over the past 78 years, this flagship fundraising and educational event has grown into a comprehensive celebration of Charleston’s rich heritage, architecture, culture, and community. Now known as The Charleston Festival, this month-long event will return in 2026 with its beloved House & Garden Tours and captivating lectures, alongside an exciting lineup of new programs and venues to discover.

Enjoy an evening under the oaks at Johns Island County Park with live music, great drinks, and delicious food.

Spring Fest Charleston brings a high-energy night of music and celebration featuring performances by Flo Rida and Ying Yang Twins. The lively event invites guests to kick off the season with an evening of big beats, dancing, and unforgettable party vibes.

Celebrate spring with a hands-on workshop at Craft-DIY! Etch two personalized wine glasses, then learn to craft the perfect spring mojito with Sip History—enjoy your creation while welcoming the season.

Immerse yourself in local art at more than 30 galleries during the Charleston Gallery Association’s Artwalk. Taking place on the first Friday of most months, the Artwalk is a fantastic way to meet new people, discover local artists, and find the perfect art piece for your home. Participants have the ability to create their own Artwalk route using the CGA website’s “Charleston Gallery Association Map.” There is no cost of admission to this event.

Come enjoy a fun-filled evening at Drayton Hall at Night! Dance to live music on the lawn, explore the historic house, and discover exciting finds with the help of Drayton Hall’s archaeologists. Plus, join in on scavenger hunts and colonial games! Bring a picnic, relax with lawn chairs, and grab a drink from the on-site beer and wine stand for the ultimate night out.

Guests are invited to experience Conversations of Freedom on April 11 at Middleton Place. This self-guided exhibition explores Arthur Middleton’s role in the American Revolution and its impact on his family and the enslaved community, featuring 18th-century textiles, period furnishings, and a rare silk edition of the Declaration of Independence, with docents available to enhance the visit.

Every second Sunday of the month from noon until 5 pm, the City of Charleston shuts down King Street from Queen to Calhoun to through traffic. In addition, no cars are allowed to park, giving pedestrians the ability to stroll through the street and visit businesses they might not have known about. There are also artists displaying their work on the street and unique food vendors tempting guests with their fare.

The Charleston Climate Coalition’s annual Tour de Earth Day invites participants on a relaxed bike ecotour through Charleston. This guided ride features stops with speakers discussing topics like urban farming, native plants, sustainable design, and environmental justice, offering a meaningful and engaging way to explore the peninsula while celebrating sustainability.

Golfers are invited to a day on the greens in support of the Charleston County Parks Foundation at Charleston National Golf Club. This shotgun start, captain’s-choice tournament features a round of golf on the Rees Jones–designed championship course, along with lunch, door prizes, and a cocktail reception, all while raising funds to support local parks.

The 2026 Charleston Jazz Festival has been expanded to an impressive 9-day lineup of jazz events beginning April 21st! This year’s festival is made possible through exciting collaborations with Spoleto Festival USA, the Charleston Gaillard Center, the College of Charleston, The Establishment, and Charleston Music Hall. Celebrate the magic of jazz with world-class performances and inspiring educational programs. Immerse yourself in the joy and connection that jazz brings to Charleston’s dynamic arts scene!

Spring has arrived — and there’s no better way to celebrate than with a glass in hand at one of Charleston’s most iconic settings. Guests are invited to enjoy a relaxed evening wine stroll through lush gardens and along the timeless oak-lined pathways of Magnolia Plantation, with a curated selection of wines and live music from The Charmadillos setting the perfect springtime soundtrack. Guests can enhance their experience with an optional Wildlife Boat Tour, available on-site for an additional fee.

The Charleston Museum invites guests to the Dill Sanctuary for a sunset experience over the Stono River. Enjoy a guided tour of Battery Pringle with Chief Curator Jennifer McCormick, then relax with picnics, blankets, and BYOB as you take in the 580-acre wildlife preserve—perfect for a date night, friends’ outing, or a peaceful evening after work.

Charleston Race Week, founded in 1996 by the Charleston Ocean Racing Association, has grown from a local event into the largest keelboat regatta in the Western Hemisphere. A strategic shift to spring racing and a focus on accessibility helped attract international competitors, solidifying its status as a premier East Coast regatta.

Held at Charleston Harbor Resort & Marina, this family-friendly concert series features live music, food, drinks, and waterfront views.

Jazz in the Garden is a family-friendly program at Gibbes Museum of Art that celebrates the rich traditions of jazz through live music, interactive workshops, and cultural experiences. This year’s program highlights the legacy of the Jenkins Orphanage Band, with activities such as live painting, jazz-themed games, and a concluding performance, offering an engaging way to explore music, history, and community.

High Water transforms North Charleston’s Riverfront Park into a musical oasis, featuring artists from around the world on two alternating stages. Enjoy your favorite bands, discover new ones, and soak in the stunning views of the Cooper River. Relax under century-old trees at The Refuge, where you can sample local food, brews, and refreshments while embracing the perfect mix of excitement and laid-back Lowcountry vibes.

Founded in 1989, the Charleston Farmers Market in Marion Square is a beloved community event. You will find a variety of local produce, plants, herbs, and cut flowers as well as breakfast and lunch vendors, live entertainment, and an assortment of juried arts and crafts from local artisans every Saturday at the Market.

Get ready for the Lowcountry Cajun Festival on Saturday, April 12, 2025, from 12-6 p.m. at James Island County Park! Enjoy a day of Zydeco music, authentic Cajun and Creole dishes like jambalaya and crawfish, and Southern BBQ. Kids can join in fun activities, including a reptile program and eating contest. It’s a full day of food, music, and ragin’ Cajun fun!

Participants are invited to a fun, all-ages 5K run hosted by the South Carolina Brewery Running Series at Frothy Beard Brewing Company. Runners, walkers, and joggers can complete the course at their own pace before celebrating at the finish line with a locally crafted beverage in a lively, community-focused atmosphere.

This year, the Lowcountry’s top homebrewers will showcase their finest creations for a chance to have their beer featured on tap at our brewery, all while raising funds for their favorite local charities. Guests can also enjoy sampling a diverse selection of the brewers’ favorite beers throughout the event.

Experience handcrafted signature cocktails at a discounted price during Charleston Cocktail Week! During this 7-day event, participants have the opportunity to try cocktails from over 30+ participating venues throughout Charleston.

Art Charleston, created to inspire and celebrate Charleston’s vibrant arts community, is the city’s premier visual arts event. Over five days, enjoy artist lectures, panel discussions, gallery walks, workshops, and guided tours. The installation pairs fine art from the Gibbes collection with fashion designs by icons like Alexander McQueen and Gucci. Don’t miss the exciting programs exploring art and fashion!

If you’re looking for some fun spring entertainment, head over to the Mount Pleasant Pier where you can enjoy an evening of dancing to a variety of music. This month, guests can enjoy classic oldies, beach music, and a variety of rock ‘n roll hits. The pier is located on the Cooper River, which provides an incredible view of the city skyline while you dance the night away. Purchase your tickets and spend the evening socializing, dancing, and enjoying the city’s evening scene!

The 2026 Black Food Truck Festival returns to Charleston for its 5-year anniversary, celebrating Black American food, music, and culture. Taking place April 24–26 at Exchange Park, the weekend features Black-owned food trucks, live entertainment, and community-focused events designed to highlight and support local businesses.

Guests are invited to attend Picnic for the Parks, presented by Biom, a spring fundraiser hosted by the Charleston Parks Conservancy in Hampton Park. This family-friendly event features live music, local food, lawn games, and activities for children, all set beneath the oaks in support of Charleston’s public parks.

Guests can enjoy a lively boat parade and the traditional blessing of the shrimp and fishing fleet, along with delicious seafood dishes prepared by top Mount Pleasant chefs. The event also features live music, a craft market, a juried art exhibit by the Mount Pleasant Artists Guild, Shag dancing, shrimp-eating competitions, and plenty of family-friendly fun. With free admission and activities, it’s a perfect way to celebrate the community in one of the Lowcountry’s most scenic waterfront locations.

The North Charleston Arts Fest explodes with five days of free festivities. Immerse yourself in a diverse array of performances, exhibitions, and activities. Sway to live music, be captivated by theatrical productions, or marvel at stunning visual arts. The festival brings art to life in a variety of spaces, from libraries and businesses to community centers and parks.  With children’s programs, demonstrations, and more, there’s truly something for everyone to experience the joy of creativity. Don’t miss this opportunity to celebrate art in all its forms!