Charleston Events – Fun Things to Do

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

Women Build
Week-long event where women help build a home for a family that needs a hand up - a Sea Island Habitat for Humanity project

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

Barrier Island Earth Day 5K
Run, walk, or hike the route's trails, dirt roads and beach, leashed dogs welcome - benefits the Barrier Island Local Outreach Program

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

Cars on Kiawah
Concours automobiles, dinners, tours of Kiawah homes - benefits three Lowcountry charities

Money Fair
Helping residents learn to invest in themselves and their financial futures - classes, vendors, products - hosted by nonprofit organization Increasing HOPE

St Pauls Garden Tour
Explore nine locations which feature country water vistas, fenced pastures, ancient oaks and unique gardens - presented by the St Pauls Garden Club

Roller Derby Doubleheader
Benefits the Lowcountry Highrollers and the Green Heart Project

April Mixer Event
Network during happy hour and your first beer is on us! Bring business cards and meet people that want to do business with you - North Charleston Chamber of Commerce event

Charity Golf Tournament
Pre-tournament lunch, shotgun start followed by dinner and awards - benefits Our Lady of Mercy Community Outreach

Lowcountry Revolutionaries: America's First Freedom Fighters
A new theatrical experience revealing stories of eight South Carolina heroes from the American Revolution - presented by the Actors' Theatre of South Carolina

Spring Spectacular
An original script set to all the music you love - presented by the Charleston Youth Company

All You Need is Love: CJO Plays The Beatles
The Charleston Jazz Orchestra and vocalist Quiana Parler pay tribute to one of the world's greatest bands

Joint Base Charleston Air and Space Expo
Military and commercial aircraft will be on display in the air and on the ground plus the elite aerial demonstration team, the US Air Force Thunderbirds, will perform

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

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

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

Daniel Island Luxury Home Tour
Self-guided tour of eight custom homes - benefits East Cooper Habitat for Humanity

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

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

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

Race the Helix - Lowcountry
5K and 1 mile run/walk - benefits the Greenwood Genetic Center Foundation

Puccini's Tosca
One of the world's most popular operas will be presented as a gala benefit performance to support area arts organizations

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

Hell Hole Swamp Festival
Parade, exhibits, muscle car show, 10K gator run, childrens' field games, midway rides, arts and crafts, arm wrestling, antique tractor show

Lowcountry Shrimp Festival & Blessing of the Fleet
Live bands, art, kids' corner, lots of shrimp and other food - benefits Cape Romain Environmental Education School

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

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

Charleston Beer Garden
Craft brews, live music, home brewers, beer games - benefits Lowcountry AIDS Services

Walk to Cure Arthritis
Benefits the Arthritis Foundation

Piccolo Spoleto
17-day local visual and performing arts events at various venues

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

Taste of Gullah
Enjoy an evening of delicious cuisine while helping to support the Sweetgrass Basket Making Summer Camp

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

Lowcountry Splash
5 mile or 2.4 mile open-water swim in the Wando River and Charleston Harbor - benefits Logan Rutledge Children's Foundation

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

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

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

Sweetgrass Festival
Celebrate the Gullah peoples' culture through their food, arts, gospel music, African drummers/dancers and much more. Loads of family fun activities and delicious foods

Marcus Amaker and Quentin Baxter
Charleston's first Poet Laureate teams up with Grammy-nominated musician/producer for an evening of art-inspired poetry and jazz - a Charleston Jazz event

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

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

MegaDock Billfishing Tournament
Governor's Cup - 4-day marlin and sailfish tournament - benefits local and national, water related charities

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

Chantale Gagné and Friends
This jazz pianist and composer will be joined by a few of Charleston's finest jazz musicians - a Charleston Jazz event

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

Motown: The Groove that Changed America
The Charleston Jazz Orchestra, featuring guest vocalist Quiana Parler, will perform the hits of Motown

The Absolutes
The Absolutes jazz quartet will showcase their technical mastery and soulful explorations - a Charleston Jazz event

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

Southern Fried Chicken Challenge
Sample and vote on your favorite fried chicken cooked by local chefs and restaurants plus artisans, live music - benefits YesCarolina & MUSC Shawn Jenkins Hospital

Blessings: An Evening with René Marie
The Charleston Jazz Orchestra will join this two-time Grammy Award nominee

Komen Race for the Cure
Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation - 5K run/walk or 1-mile walk

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

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

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

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

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

The Great Wide World of Quincy Jones
The Charleston Jazz Orchestra, featuring guest vocalist Quiana Parler, will perform some of Quincy Jones's notable compositions and arrangements

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

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

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

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

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

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

Lowcountry Hoedown
Live bluegrass music, sampling from bourbon and moonshine distilleries, restaurants, artisan food vendors - portion of proceeds benefit The Harbor Entrepreneur Center

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

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

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

Smoke on the Harbor BBQ Throwdown
Sanctioned, national event with samples, live music, cocktail competition, and kids zone

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

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

Holiday Swing
The Charleston Jazz Orchestra and guest vocalist Quiana Parler will perform hits from their current season plus big band arrangements of holiday favorites

Holiday Parade of Boats
Decorate your boat with lights or just watch and enjoy! - hosted by the Rotary Club of Charleston Foundation

Bacon and Bourbon
Bacon & bourbon tastings, music, bull riding championship, laser skeet shooting, cigars - portion of proceeds benefit Junior League's hunger & homelessness programs

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

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

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

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

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

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

A Night in Hollywood
Live music, drinks, dancing, live and silent auctions - benefits Lowcountry Orphan Relief

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

Adults Only Night at the Brewseum
Beer, wine, food, activities, games, music, a silent disco - all to celebrate Christmas in July - hosted by the Children's Museum of the Lowcountry

ArtFest
Live performances, juried art exhibit, games, children's activities

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

Bark in the Park! Oktoberfest!
Bring you pooch to this costume-friendly event with pet exhibits, demonstrations, pet parade, German food and beer

Benefit Golf Tournament
Captain's Choice (scramble) tournament, lunch, contests - benefits the Rotary Club of North Charleston Breakfast

CHS Oyster Roast
Roasted local oysters, hotdogs, beer and other goodies with live music, games and activities for the kids - benefits Charleston Horticultural Society

Carolopolis Awards
Celebrate the very best of preservation in Charleston with an awards program followed by a reception with heavy hors d'oeuvres, beer/wine, and live music

Castra Romana
Dorchester County - Roman Imperial Army encampment - public displays Saturday only

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

Charleston Coffee Cup
Featuring local and regional roasters, local coffee shops and brunch purveyors, barista latte art challenge

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

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

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

Charleston James Island Connector Run
10K run or fun bike ride plus 5K run or walk - benefits the Gavalas Kolanko Foundation to assist students with disabilities

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

Charleston Mac Off
Sample offerings of mac & cheese, live music, kid's activities, demo kitchen - portion of proceeds benefits Lowcountry Local First

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

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

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

Charleston Walk for PKD
1-mile walk plus penny kids dash - benefits Polycystic Kidney Disease Foundation

Charleston's St. Patrick's Day Parade
Parade begins the corner of Radcliffe and St Phillip Streets with the best place to view from the sidewalks of King Street - hosted by the Ancient Order of Hibernians

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

Chili Cook Off & Oyster Roast
Over 80 chili teams, oysters, music, craft beers, kids zone, animal adoptions and more - benefits the Charleston Animal Society's Medical Fund

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

Crowfield Plantation 5K Run / Walk
USATF certified 5K course - benefits the Callen-Lacey Center for Children

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

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

Festival of Mountain Music
Bring your lawn chair for an afternoon of live music, dancing, and celebration for all ages

Folly Gras
Parade, live music, kids' activities, inflatables, crafts, local restaurants and bars will be featuring New Orleans influenced food and drinks

Folly Jazz Festival
Live music centered around the cultural and educational attributes of Jazz in the Lowcountry

Follypalooza Cancer Benefit
Live entertainment, beer garden, kids activities, local food and art vendors - benefits Folly Beach locals fighting cancer

Fourth of July at Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum
Great fireworks show from two viewing areas, land and ship deck both also have live music - bring lawn chairs for both

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

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

Ghostwalk
Ghost stories, games, and enjoy delicious food - benefits school supply fund for Dorchester School Districts 2 and 4

Give Me Shelter Color 5K
5K for all ages - benefits the Callen-Lacey Center for Children

Goose Creek Fall Festival
Live entertainment, inflatables, games, crafts - benefits Helping Hands of Goose Creek

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

HALOS Oyster Roast
Oysters, chili, hot dogs, beer, wine, live entertainment, silent auction and wine pull - benefits HALO's mission to help abused and neglected children in the Lowcountry

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

Harvest Festival and Block Party
Live music, artist market, costume contests, trick-or-treat on the street, pumpkin patch, children's activities, and more

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

Hike for Mike
3.5-mile easy hike followed by family fun with interactive kids' activities, more - benefits UPLIFT which provides outings for children who are affected by a parent's cancer

Holiday Craft Show
25-30 crafters on site plus baked goods and fresh cooked food

Holiday Festival of Lights
3-mile drive plus sand sculptures, Santa's Sweet Shoppe, gingerbread houses, Victorian carousel, giant greeting cards

Holiday Festival of Lights
3-mile drive plus sand sculptures, Santa's Sweet Shoppe, gingerbread houses, Victorian carousel, giant greeting cards

Holiday Festival of Lights
3-mile drive plus sand sculptures, Santa's Sweet Shoppe, gingerbread houses, Victorian carousel, giant greeting cards

Kiawah Cup
Marsh Tackys, SC's State Heritage Horse, will race on the beach - benefits the Kiawah Cares Foundation

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

Lodges of Hope Charity Golf Tournament
Two man golf tournament with lunch, raffles and prizes - benefits the American Cancer Society's Hope Lodge

Lowcountry Irish Fest
2-day event features authentic Irish music and food, Irish dancing, children's activities and historical insight

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

Lowcountry Trail Half Marathon & 5K
Run the trails of Mullet Hall Equestrian Center plus post-race cold beverages and live music

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

Mount Pleasant Christmas Light Parade
Along Coleman Blvd - more than 100 floats, plus tree lighting and fireworks

Mount Pleasant Holiday Farmers Market and Craft Show
Locally grown produce, homemade goodies and crafts, children's activities, live entertainment

North Charleston Christmas Parade and Festival
Holiday market, parade around Park Circle, children's activities, live music

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

Palmetto Paddle
3-mile fun course and 8-mile elite course for all paddle disciplines and vessels with 8 or less paddlers plus food, music, and drinks offered all day - hosted by Charleston Paddle Club

Park Day on Daniel Island
Games, food truck rodeo, pet adoptions, live music, children's activites - family event benefiting local organizations

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

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

Pinwheel Gala
Live music, silent auction, heavy hors d'oeuvres, open bar - cocktail attire - benefits Dorchester Children's Center

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

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

Reindeer Run
5K run and walk, pet-friendly, after party - benefits MUSC Shawn Jenkins Children's Hospital and the Charitable Society 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

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

Sharing Hope Race for Life
10K run, 5K run/walk, ½ mile walk, leashed dogs welcome - benefits Team SC go to the Donate Life Transplant Games of America

Shine a Little Love Fest
4 days of live music - benefits the Parkinson's Disease Research Division at MUSC

Shuckin' for Shelter Oyster Roast
All-you-can oysters, other food options, music, kids games and activities, farm animals - BYOB, no glass - benefits the Callen-Lacey Center for Children

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

Tall Ships Charleston
3-day event includes ships from around the world, wooden boat show, live music, pirate camp, family boat building - benefits local maritime organizations

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

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

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

The Hat Ladies Easter Promenade
Hat Ladies members and their families dressed in their Easter best gather at Washington Park then when St Michaels chimes eleven times, stroll down Broad

The Hippie Dash
Don your best 70s attire for the 3.1 mile run/walk around Park Circle plus after party - benefits Special Olympics SC, Goodwill

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

Walk for Water
The walk is approximately 3 miles, participants choose to walk half of distance with or without carrying a bucket of water - benefits Water Mission

Whale of a Sale
Described as the biggest garage sale in the Lowcountry - benefits the Junior League of Charleston's community projects

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

Zugunruhefest
The Southeast's most comprehensive migration-focused birding festival with demonstrations, children's activities and more - benefits Avian Conservation Center/Center for Birds of Prey