Charleston Events – Fun Things to Do

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Factory-to-Table
Featuring special discounts on a large selection of Le Creuset products - ticket sales benefit The Green Heart Project and the Culinary Institute of Charleston

Around the World with Windwood
Enjoy a night of adventure with food, drinks, entertainment, and music from countries like Japan, Italy and Morocco, plus live auction - benefits Windwood Family Services

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

Smoke on the Harbor BBQ Throwdown
Sanctioned, national event with samples, live music, cocktail competition, and kids zone - bring five non-perishable food items for admission discount

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

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

Forget Me Not
Stage performance portraying the impact of Alzheimer's as well as information on the disease - presented by African Americans Against Alzheimer's

Shine On Shindig
All-you-can-eat oysters, bbq plus live music and activities at this family friendly event - benefits the Rina Agriss Blair Foundation

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

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

Chamber Music at the Dock Street Theatre
Featuring Chamber Music Charleston plus world class performers and classical music masterworks In Charleston's most historic theatre

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

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

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

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

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

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

Holiday Swing: A Charleston Jazz Tradition
Charleston Jazz Orchestra's 18-piece big band will swing you into the holiday spirit with popular hits

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

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

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

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

Classical Kids Concert - The Night Before Christmas
Sing along to favorite holiday songs and listen as well-loved stories come to life with classical music presented by Chamber Music Charleston

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

Chamber Music at the Dock Street Theatre
Featuring Chamber Music Charleston plus world class performers and classical music masterworks In Charleston's most historic theatre

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Singin' Ella: Featuring Carmen Bradford
A Charleston Jazz Orchestra event

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Chamber Music at the Dock Street Theatre
Featuring Chamber Music Charleston plus world class performers and classical music masterworks In Charleston's most historic theatre

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

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

Jazz Samba: A Portrait of Stan Getz
The five saxophonists of the Charleston Jazz Orchestra will be paying tribute to one of the most influential saxophonists in the world

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

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
See beautiful pictures of the bridges of Charleston

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

Charleston Race Week
International sailboat regatta - inshore and offshore races
Learn more about boating in South Carolina

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

An Evening of Jazz Under the Stars
Enjoy an evening of live jazz, hors d'oeuvres and appetizers, live and silent auctions - black tie optional - benefits Make-A-Wish South Carolina

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

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

Bird Songs
A Nashville Songwriters in the Round event with songwriters sharing their songs and the stories behind them plus Lowcountry meal and bar - benefits Center for Birds of Prey

Bourbon, Bowties & Cigars
Enjoy bourbons, cigars, beer, wine, heavy hor d'oeuvres, and silent auction - benefits Positive-Strides

Bowl for Kids' Sake
Bowling, cornhole, game room with billiards, local food truck, local craft beer and cocktails - benefits Big Brothers Big Sisters of CYDC

Bridal Boutique
High-end dress shopping with new and gently used bridal gowns, bridesmaid dresses, mother of the bride dresses, accessories - hosted by the Junior League of Charleston

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

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

Charleston Brewvival
Breweries from around the country, food, live music
Learn more about the SC Beer and Breweries

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

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

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

Charleston Scottish Games
4-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 at 10am at 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

Corks for Kids
An evening of wine, hors d'oeuvres and lowcountry art - benefits Camp Happy Days

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

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

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

Floppin' Flounder 5K
5K run or walk - benefits the Sullivan's Island Fire And Rescue Department and the Charleston Running Club

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
Shagging and line dancing to live beach music, food and craft vendors, jump castles, face painter, balloon artist

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

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

Green and Lean 5K Run/Walk
USATF certified 5K, strollers and leashed dogs welcome, following the 5K Clara's Tot Trot will be held for children ages 2-10 - benefits Keep Charleston Beautiful

Gullah/Geechee Nation International Music & Movement Festival
3-day event includes tours, film showing, reunion celebration with live music, food, presentations - at various venues

Happy New Year, Charleston
Alcohol-free, family-oriented New Year's Eve celebration

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Money Rocks
Financial literacy event for teens and young adults

Ms. Sarah's Market
Family friendly event with arts & crafts vendors, live entertainment, bounce house, games, face painting, free health screenings, food - free admission - vendor registration is open

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

Oyster Roast
Live music, silent auction and a Lowcountry oyster roast - benefits the Diocese of Charleston's work in Guatemala

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

Palmetto 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

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

Pork & Pearls
All you can eat oyster and pig roast, live music, adult libations, kids zone - benefits Windwood Family Services

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

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

Shuckin & Shaggin Oyster Roast
Oysters, chili, southern fare, cash bar, silent auction, dancing to shag music - benefits the Frances R. Willis SPCA

Shuckin' for Shelter Oyster Roast
Oysters, chicken fingers, fries, BYOB, music, cornhole, children's games - benefits Callen-Lacey Center for Children of Carolina Youth Development Center

St. Paddy's Pawlooza
Live music, craft beer, food trucks, leashed dogs welcome

Sweetgrass Cultural Arts Festival
Experience the Gullah Geechee culture and history with entertainment, food, basket-making demonstrations and the largest showcase of sweetgrass baskets in the world

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 Gala
Evening with live music, dancing, games, Lowcountry cuisine, complimentary wine and beer, silent auction - benefits East Cooper Community Outreach

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

Tri-county Literary Celebration
Live performances, storytelling, puppeteers, meet local authors and literary characters

Turtle Trek 5K
5K sunset beach run / walk plus after party - supports the Sea Turtle Care Center and the SC Aquarium's conservation initiatives

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

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