Spring Events Guide

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.

Since 2005, this iconic week-long festival has been one of the area’s premier events. Originally started to promote and elevate Charleston’s culinary brand, the Charleston Wine and Food Festival brings out the best of the best to truly showcase the Charleston culinary scene. Those looking to participate can buy tickets to different unique events throughout the week. Ticket prices vary based on the event.

Dive into Charleston’s heart with The Charleston Festival! Explore stunning private houses & gardens, delve into preservation & design at landmark talks & parties, and experience Jill Hooper’s art & programs at Aiken-Rhett House. This immersive, revamped spring program (formerly Festival of Houses & Gardens) celebrates the Holy City’s culture, history, and everything stylish. Be an insider for tours, events, and the opening weekend’s “Charleston by Design” with designer vignettes and lectures. It’s Charleston magic, inside and out!

Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in the heart of historic Charleston with the annual St. Patrick’s Day parade! The parade starts shortly after at 10 AM at Radcliffe Street and Saint Philip Street and makes its way down both King Street and Broad Street and finishes at the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist. Parade watchers will see Charleston’s Irish step dancers, fire trucks, marching bands, and much more! There is no admission to this event.

If you want to enjoy some of Charleston’s most beautiful and historic private homes, the Annual House and Garden Tour is the perfect experience. These one-of-a-kind tours will bring you face-to-face with some of the country’s most breathtaking gardens and architecture. Tea and refreshments will be available during and after the tour at the Confederate Home Garden. Tickets cost $65-$75.

Spend the day checking out a collection of magnificent antiques! Bringing together 30 exhibitors from the United States and Europe, this one-of-a-kind showing is an event that will be hard to forget. Participants will find themselves surrounded by mid-century furniture, folk art, jewelry, oriental rugs, silver, prints and maps, and so much more!

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 Charleston Bluegrass Festival is a two-day extravaganza that takes place on the pristine 6,000-acre grounds of the Woodlands Nature Reserve, a quick 35 to 40-minute commute from downtown Charleston. Festivalgoers will enjoy over 15 musical guests, local food vendors, full-service bars, and a delightful southern experience.

Step into an enchanting evening at Magnolia’s stunning gardens, where you’re invited to a serene after-hours experience. Embark on a self-guided tour of the gardens while you sip on a glass of wine or two along with a delightful charcuterie cup. Don’t miss the chance to indulge in this exclusive 21+ event! Secure your tickets today!

The Credit One Charleston Open swings back into action from March 30th to April 7th, 2024. Witness some of the world’s best women players battle it out on the clay courts of Daniel Island, with past champions like Serena Williams and Martina Navratilova setting the bar high. Expect an electrifying atmosphere with fun activities, stunning seaside views, and top-notch tennis action. Tickets are available now, so don’t miss your chance to be part of the excitement!

Take the short commute out to Boone Hall Plantation and Gardens and spend the day at the Lowcountry Strawberry Festival! This multi-day event has plenty of activities for the whole family to enjoy. From a strawberry pie eating contest to All-American Pony Rides and a giant slide tower, there is fun for everyone! Festival admission ranges from $12-$28.

A Celebration of Brunch with brunch bites from great Charleston restaurants and food trucks, mimosas, bloody Marys, Brunch Punch, beer, and wine. Live Music and DJ.

The Cooper River Bridge Run provides a world-class 10-K foot race. The race promotes continuous physical activity and a healthy lifestyle through education and opportunity.

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.

This ragin’ Cajun Festival features a full day of Zydeco music, authentic Cajun and Creole food, children’s activities, and more! Charleston’s best Cajun restaurants, caterers, and food trucks will cook up a variety of delicious foods.

Looking for the perfect Charleston evening? If so, look no further than Wine on the Piazza at the Edmondston Alston House! Those taking part will get to enjoy a glass of wine, spectacular views of the Charleston harbor, and a self-guided tour of this historic Charleston home. Tickets for this relaxing evening start at $30 per person.

The 8th Charleston Jazz Festival is a four-day celebration of the Holy City’s jazz heritage. Musical performances feature renowned international headliners Dianne Reeves, Samara Joy, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, Cindy Blackman Santana, and Lowcountry favorites.

Guests have the opportunity to the historic Charleston Home Drayton Hall. A must-see stop in the city, this event allows guests to stroll throughout the property, learning about the history, while enjoying light bites and drinks (including some from our local breweries). You will also receive a complimentary wine glass or koozie to remember the wonderful evening. So whether you’re a history buff or a connoisseur of fine wine and beer, Sip and Stroll at Drayton Hall is the perfect event for you.

The North Charleston annual two-day music festival is back at Riverfront Park with 22 musical acts on two stages, chef-curated dining experiences, local food trucks, curated cocktails and more.

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 the Charleston area.

For 5 days, the visual arts reign supreme! Signature events, unique experiences, artist insights, lively debates, curated journeys through galleries, skill-building workshops, and expert-led exhibition tours await. Dive deep, spark your creativity, and let art ignite your senses.

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!

Beer lovers are invited to come out and taste the beers, chow down some pizza, and enjoy live music. This year, the Lowcountry’s best homebrewers will be showcasing their finest pilsners or stouts, competing for the chance to have their winning brew placed on tap at the brewery and raise money for their favorite local charity.

The eagerly awaited Annual Blessing of the Fleet & Seafood Festival, hosted by East Cooper Medical Center and Harris Teeter, stands out as a highlight among yearly events! This celebration honors Mount Pleasant’s vibrant shrimping and fishing heritage, featuring a delightful boat parade, live musical performances, a craft show, and an array of complimentary activities set against the stunning backdrop of the Ravenel Bridge and Charleston Harbor!

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!

Get ready to immerse yourself in the vibrant spirit of Greek culture at the Charleston Greek Festival! It’s a joyous celebration packed with delicious Greek cuisine, flowing wine, live music, and lively dancing. As the oldest festival in the Charleston area, this event attracts around 35,000 attendees annually. Don’t miss out on the festivities – mark your calendars for a weekend filled with fun and unforgettable memories!

Festival Hours

Friday, May 10th- 5 pm – 10 pm
Saturday, May 11th– 11 am – 10 pm
Sunday, May 12th- 12 pm – 6 pm

Middleton Place is hosting a fun-filled Family Day on May 11th. Immerse yourselves in Lowcountry history through hands-on activities like horse trimming demos, indigo dyeing, and colonial games. Kids can unleash their creativity with wool felting and pottery crafts, while everyone enjoys fascinating demonstrations like Border Collie herding.  Plus, kids aged 13 and under get in FREE!  Learn about Lowcountry history, unleash your inner crafter, and make some unforgettable memories with your family. Don’t miss out on this hands-on adventure!

Guests have the opportunity to the historic Charleston Home Drayton Hall. A must-see stop in the city, this event allows guests to stroll throughout the property, learning about the history, while enjoying light bites and drinks (including some from our local breweries). You will also receive a complimentary wine glass or koozie to remember the wonderful evening. So whether you’re a history buff or a connoisseur of fine wine and beer, Sip and Stroll at Drayton Hall is the perfect event for you.

Looking for the perfect Charleston evening? If so, look no further than Wine on the Piazza at the Edmondston Alston House! Those taking part will get to enjoy a glass of wine, spectacular views of the Charleston harbor, and a self-guided tour of this historic Charleston home. Tickets for this relaxing evening start at $30 per person.

Unwind amidst Charleston’s beauty at Middleton Place’s Spring Garden Strolls & Wine Tasting!  Explore America’s Oldest Landscaped Gardens with a glass of wine in hand, taking in the vibrant blooms and picturesque Ashley River views. Savor delicious light hors d’oeuvres at wine-tasting stations scattered throughout the gardens. Top off the evening with dinner at the Middleton Place Restaurant, or extend your staycation with a night at their award-winning Inn. Tickets start at $35 for nonmembers. Don’t miss this enchanting Charleston experience!

Head on over to Mount Pleasant and enjoy some free live music every Thursday in May! Each week a different artist will perform at the Mount Pleasant Towne Centre along with a featured food truck. Check out their website for a full list of performers and food trucks!

This annual 17-day event, occurring in late spring, serves as a platform for both established and emerging artists, hosting over 150 performances spanning opera, dance, theater, classical music, and jazz.