Charleston Events – Fun Things to Do

Holiday Festival of Lights
3-mile drive plus sand sculpture, Santa's Sweet Shoppe, holiday train, Victorian carousel, giant greeting cards

Lowcountry Hoedown
Live bluegrass, samples of bourbon and moonshine, local restaurants, artisan food vendors - portion of proceeds benefit The Harbor Entrepreneur Center

Holiday Parade of Boats
Decorate your boat with lights or just watch and enjoy - hosted by America's Boating Club Charleston

Holiday Festival of Lights
3-mile drive plus sand sculpture, Santa's Sweet Shoppe, holiday train, Victorian carousel, giant greeting cards

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

Great Amazing Race
1.5-mile adventure run/walk for adults and kids - benefits pediatric cancer foundations

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

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

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

A Night in the Valley
Four-course gourmet wine dinner and auction - formal attire - benefits the Culinary Institute of Charleston

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

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

Paws & Pearls Oyster Roast
Oysters, beer, wine, auction, live music - benefits Dorchester Paws

Bacon and Bourbon
Bacon & bourbon tastings, music, bull riding championship, laser skeet shooting, cigars - portion benefits Junior League

Chefs' Feast
Nearly 30 area chefs will offer up delectable bites, bar, live band - benefits the Lowcountry Food Bank childhood feeding programs

Southeastern Wildlife Exposition
Art, exhibits, presentations, lectures - various sites

Ellington at Newport
The Charleston Jazz Orchestra will recreate that notable night in jazz history when the Duke Ellington Orchestra performed at the 1956 Newport Jazz Festival

Lowcountry Irish Fest
Event features authentic Irish music and food, Irish dancing, children's activities and historical insight

Mardi-Crawl-On-Shem-Creek
Music, food and drink specials, games, prizes, shuttles and boat taxis to travel between venues - benefits SC Alzheimer's Association and Pet Helpers

Sharing Hope Race for Life
10K run, 5K run/walk, hero at home virtual run, leashed dogs welcome - benefits Team SC go to the Donate Life Transplant Games of America

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

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

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

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

Wine, Women & Shoes
Designer shopping, food and wine tastings, fashion show - benefits Florence Crittenton Programs of SC

Cobblestone Quilters Guild Quilt Show
The Theme: A Celebration of Quilts - several categories, plus vendors and appraisals

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

Mia Alma Latina: Nestor Torres
Jazz flautist Nestor Torres will join the Charleston Jazz Orchestra for an evening comprised of the lively rhythms of Latin America

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

Tea Room & Gift Shop
Features Tomato Pie and She Crab Soup, as well as salads, sandwiches, and homemade desserts plus hand-crafted items - benefits St Paul's

The Cinderella Project
Gathers donations of gently worn formal gowns, shoes and accessories for disadvantaged high school students - click link for donation and boutique details

Tea Room & Gift Shop
Features Tomato Pie and She Crab Soup, as well as salads, sandwiches, and homemade desserts plus hand-crafted items - benefits St Paul's

Garden Club of Charleston House and Garden Tours
Visit historic homes and gardens featuring exquisite floral arrangements

Pet Fest
Exhibits, demonstrations, live entertainment - don't forget your pup!

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

Kiawah Art and House Tour
Tour homes on Kiawah Island - benefits local children's art programs

Flowertown Festival
3-day event includes arts and crafts, Children's Jubilee, farmers market, food - supports Summerville Family YMCA

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

iFiveK
Run and tech networking event, post-race party with food, drinks, awards - benefits CODEcamp scholarships and other education related programming

Joint Base Charleston Air and Space Expo
Military and commercial aircraft will be on display in the air and on the ground plus the Navy Blue Angels will perform

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

Jazz on the Screen
The Charleston Jazz Orchestra will revisit some of the most memorable musical moments in television and film

Cars on Kiawah
Classic to current automobiles, test drives, vendors - benefits Barrier Islands Free Medical Center

Charleston Race Week
International sailboat regatta - inshore and offshore races

Mullet Haul Trail Run & Walk
5K and 10K runs on the trails of the Mullet Hall Equestrian Center, post-race party with food, cold beverages, and live music

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

Charleston Beer Week
50+ different events over 10 days highlighting the tri-county craft beer community

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

Charleston HarborFest
3-day event includes ships from around the world, demonstrations, live music - benefits local maritime organizations

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

Charleston Beer Garden
Craft brews, live music, home brewers, beer games - benefits Palmetto Community Care

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

Lowcountry Blueberry Festival
Live music, food and drinks, artisans and artists, blueberry picking, and the world record blueberry toss

Race for The ARK
5K run/walk and 1 mile fun run benefiting services for families dealing with Alzheimer's disease and related dementia

Sounds from the Lowcountry - A Gullah Tradition
Lowcountry Voices joins the Charleston Jazz Orchestra to honor centuries of oral traditions and celebrate the spiritual thread of the Gullah

Rockabillaque
Live music, classic car and vintage bike show, block-party plus pin-up, tattoo, beard & mustache contests - benefits Valiant Animal Rescue

Holiday Swing: A Charleston Jazz Tradition
The Charleston Jazz Orchestra will swing you into the holiday spirit with popular hits from their season plus big band arrangements of holiday favorites

4th of July Festival
Live music, children activities, food trucks, craft vendors, and fireworks show

A Midsummer's Night P.R.O.M.
Wear your favorite prom attire for an evening of heavy hor d'oeuvres, drinks and dancing - benefits Dorchester County Community Outreach

A Night for the Children Gala
Seated dinner, live music, dancing, live and silent auctions - black-tie optional - benefits Carolina Youth Development Center

A Very Special Prom
A formal evening for young adults ages 14-30 whose physical and mental disabilities may limit their attendance at similar festivities

Association for the Study of African American Life and History Conference
Brings together those who share an interest in learning about the contribution of African Americans

Atlantic Cup
This Class 40 sailing race has three-legs with the first from Charleston to Brooklyn, NY

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

Avondale 5K Run and Walk
Run or walk the 5K with after-party with music, food and drinks - benefits the Charles Webb Center special needs daycare

Battle of Charleston
Living military timeline featuring pirates, Revolutionary War, Civil War, WWI, WWII, Korean Conflict, and Vietnam living history and skirmishes

Black Ink: Charleston African American Book Festival
Event features author exhibits, featured author sessions, and entertainment - hosted by the Charleston County Public Library

Blessing of the Fleet & Seafood Festival
Celebrate the shrimping industry including boat parade, music, activities
Learn more about shrimping in South Carolina

Bohicket Half Marathon and 5K
Half marathon or 5K run/walk - benefits the Kiawah-Seabrook Exchange Club and the Charleston Running Club

Bright Futures Golf Tournament and Soiree
Shotgun start tournament followed by soiree with food, live music, open bar, silent auction - benefits Darkness to Light and SC Future Minds

Catch the Leprechaun 5K Run/Walk
Plus post-race St Patrick's Day party with live music - benefits Racers for Pacers and HEART Artist Guild & Theatre Company

Charity Golf Tournament
Four-person team tournament with beverages and lunch - benefits East Cooper Community Outreach

Charleston Antiques Show
Exhibitors showcase a range of English, European, and American items from late 17th through 20th centuries

Charleston Caribbean Jerk Festival
Family-friendly event celebrates Caribbean food, culture, and music - features a "Jerk Wing Eating Contest"

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

Charleston Child Trauma Conference
To encourage dialogue among front-line professionals in the child maltreatment field and researchers - hosted by the Dee Norton Child Advocacy Center

Charleston Duck Race
Adopted rubber ducks race across Smythe Park Lake with prizes awarded for the first 7 ducks - hosted by local Rotary clubs and benefits 30 charities

Charleston Fashion Week
Marion Square - 5-day event includes runway shows with nearly 100 designers plus many other events - benefit

Charleston Greek Festival
Celebrating Greek culture with food, wine tasting, church tours, and entertainment - benefits local charities

Charleston Honey & Bee Expo
Learn about bees, taste honey products, exhibits, speakers, presentations, Children's Corner with games, arts and crafts

Charleston Margarita Festival
Margaritas to sample, food, beer, live music - 21+ event - portion of proceeds for Lowcountry Local First

Charleston Outdoor Fest
Learn about and try canoeing, kayaking, paddleboarding, rock climbing, slacklining, mountain biking, archery, and disc golf

Charleston RumFest
Pairings from local chefs, dozens of cocktails, music, and live entertainment - 21+ event - benefits Charleston Feed the Need

Charleston STEM Festival
Outdoor event with exhibitors providing hands-on activities, live performances, interactive demonstrations, and family-oriented STEM entertainment

Charleston Scottish Games
3-day event includes, whiskey tasting, Tartan Ball, heavy athletics, dancing, music, children's activities, Kirkin o' the Tartan service

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

Children's Day Festival
Inflatables, carnival rides, games, face painting, food, and more

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

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

Corks for Kids
Curated wines, hors d'oeuvres, desserts, music, silent auction - benefits Camp Happy Days

Crowfield Plantation 5K Run / Walk
USATF certified 5K wooded, paved trail course, walk or run - benefits the Callen-Lacey Center for Children

Crowfieldfest
Family fun with car and motorcycle show, jump castle, kids' activities, local emergency services booths

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

Dog Day Afternoon
The pools, shallow wading areas, and lazy rivers will only be open for dogs, no humans pass knee-deep in water - click link for important info

Dog Day Afternoon
The pools, shallow wading areas, and lazy rivers will only be open for dogs, no humans pass knee-deep in water - click link for important info

Doughnut Dash 5K
Run or walk the 5K and eat a dozen donuts at the half-way point - benefits Race 4 Achievement and the Charleston Jewish Community Center Without Walls

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

Edisto & Beyond Tour
Tour historic churches, graveyards and plantations
Learn about other South Carolina Plantations

Fall Tours of Homes & Gardens
Different tour offered daily - visits include gardens, homes, churches, public buildings - proceeds benefit the Preservation Society of Charleston

Fall Tours of Homes & Gardens
Different tour offered daily - visits include gardens, homes, churches, public buildings - proceeds benefit the Preservation Society of Charleston

First Day Festival
Healthy food samples, community exhibitors, school supplies, games and more

Fur Ball
Gala with cocktails, heavy hors d'ouvres, sit down three-course dinner, wine, live entertainment - benefits Pet Helpers

Goose Creek Fall Festival
Local entertainment, crafters, exhibitors, food vendors, kids' activities - hosted by the City of Goose Creek

Grace Church Tea Room and Gift Shop
Lunch served 11:30 to 2:00 - proceeds are used to support outreach efforts

Grace Church Tea Room and Gift Shop
Lunch served 11:30 to 2:00 - proceeds are used to support outreach efforts

Gullah/Geechee Nation International Music & Movement Festival
3-day event includes tours, luncheon, cruises, presentations - at various venues

HALOS Oyster Roast
Oysters, pulled pork, chili, hot dogs, mac and cheese, beer, wine, live music, silent auction - benefits HALO's mission to help abused and neglected children

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

Harvest Fest
Bluegrass music, food, craft market, games, hay rides, pumpkin decorating

Hell Hole Music Festival
Parade, exhibits, muscle car show, childrens' field games, inflatables, arts and crafts, contests and more

Heroes of Hope Gala
Live music, heavy hors d'oeuvres, open bar, silent and live auction - benefits Camp Happy Days

Holiday Festival of Lights
3-mile drive plus sand sculpture, Santa's Sweet Shoppe, holiday train, Victorian carousel, giant greeting cards

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

Isle of Palms Connector Run and Walk for the Child
10K run and 5K run/walk, post race party - benefits local children's programs

James Island Connector Run
10K run or 5K run or walk with post-race festival - benefits the Gavalas Kolanko Foundation to assist students with disabilities

Kidz Bash
Games, crafts, vendors, Easter egg hunts - hosted by Crowfield Plantation HOA

Komen Lowcountry More Than Pink Walk
Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation - 5K run/walk or 1-mile walk

Latin American Festival
Salsa and Merengue music, authentic food and crafts, and plenty of activities for families

Lowcountry Cajun Festival
Cajun and Creole food, Zydeco music, kids' activities and rides, entertainment, crawfish-eating contest

Lowcountry Jazz Festival
Enjoy live performances by acclaimed jazz artists - benefits Closing The Gap in Health Care

Lowcountry Jazz Festival
Enjoy live performances by acclaimed jazz artists - benefits Closing The Gap in Health Care

Lowcountry Shrimp Festival & Blessing of the Fleet
Live bands, art, kids' corner, lots of shrimp and other food - 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 Logan Rutledge Children's Foundation

Lowcountry Trail Half Marathon & 5K
Run the trails of Johns Island County Park followed by an awards party with music, food, and beer

Lowcountry Walk for Life
Walk the scenic paved path at Wannamaker County Park - benefits Lowcountry Pregnancy Center and affiliates

Lowcountry Wingapalooza
Sample and vote for your favorite wings, live band, drinks and alcoholic beverages sold separately - benefits Eagle Harbor Boys Ranch

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

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

NASCAR Oyster Roast
Plenty of food, silent auction items, games, raffles and NASCAR excitement - benefits Camp Happy Days

Oktoberfest Charleston
German food and drink, polka dancing, children's games - benefits Community Outreach Center

Patriots Point Fireworks Blast
Great fireworks show from two viewing areas, land and ship deck both also have live music - bring lawn chairs for both

Paws in the Park Walk and Fun Run
After race enjoy oysters, food, music, beer, wine, pet vendors, family fun - benefits the Charleston Animal Society's Medical Fund

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!

Pipe-Major Sandy Jones Invitational
Grade 1-5 indoor bagpiping contest held annually at The Citadel Military College - proceeds for scholarships

Plantasia
Shop an array of unusual plants plus traditional favorites - Friday night ticketed preview party - hosted by the Charleston Horticultural Society

Putting for Parkinson's
Golf tournament, dinner, auction - raising awareness and funds to research Parkinson's Disease

Race & Roast
5K trail run (optional), all-you-can-eat oysters, chili, hot dogs, local beer, hay rides, kids' activities and more - benefits East Cooper Land Trust

Race for the Paws 5K
Leashed dogs welcome, post-race food trucks and music - benefits Pet Helpers

Red, White and Blue Jean Ball
Wear your favorite pair of blue jeans and enjoy live entertainment, local food and drinks - benefits Palmetto Warrior Connection

SCORE Golf Tournament
Captain's Choice tournament with breakfast, lunch and more - benefits SCORE's mission to help small businesses

Scrumptious Summerville Kitchen Tour
Tour homes while enjoying gourmet treats, local musicians, and beautiful floral arrangements - benefits Dorchester Children's Center

Shoot for the Moon Gala
Live music, drinks, dancing, live and silent auctions - black-tie optional - 21+ event - benefits Lowcountry Orphan Relief

Southeastern Beard and Moustache Championships
This annual event is enjoyed by competitors and spectators alike - benefits Big Brothers & Big Sisters

St Pauls Garden Tour
Tour multiple gardens plus have lunch

St. Patrick's Day Block Party
Parade, live music on three stages, local food vendors & trucks, art, kid's zone with inflatables

Summerville Italian Feast
Authentic Italian cuisine and wines, entertainment, local artists celebrating Italian culture and heritage - benefits Dorchester District 2 Educational Foundation

Taste of James Island
Great food, cooking competition, live entertainment, raffles, kids' activities - benefits James Island Outreach

The Chocolate Affair
Gourmet chocolate desserts and hors d'oeuvres, auction, black tie optional - benefits Communities in Schools

The Hat Ladies Easter Promenade
Hat Ladies members and their families dressed in their Easter best gather at the corner of Meeting and Broad Streets and stroll down Broad at 11:00 am

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

Turkey Day Run & Gobble Wobble 5K
Plus post-race party with food, beverages and live music, children's fun run and activities - hosted by the Knights of Columbus in support of local charities

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