Charleston Events – Fun Things to Do

CreateAthon
TRIO's marketing all-nighter for charity, open to nonprofits from the Myrtle Beach area to Hilton Head - applications due July 28

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

Sweetgrass Festival
Learn about the Gullah Geechee people's history, culture, traditions and their sweetgrass basket art form with activities and entertainment

Folly Beach Wahine Classic
Empowering surfer girls of all ages with surf competition, camaraderie, and fun, while raising awareness and money for water-related nonprofits

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

Inclusive Prom
Retro disco-themed evening where people of all abilities, alongside their families and friends, are welcomed to enjoy music and refreshments

Dog Day Afternoon
Celebrate the dog days of summer with man's best friend at the waterparks and pool after they have closed for the season

Race for The ARK
5K run/walk and 1 mile fun run, youth challenge, corporate challenge - benefits services for families dealing with Alzheimer's disease and related dementia

Pinwheel Gala
Live entertainment, dinner, silent auction - cocktail attire - benefits Dorchester Children's Advocacy Center

Lowcountry Jazz Festival
Enjoy live performances by acclaimed jazz artists, kicking off with Friday night's All White Party - benefits Closing The Gap in Health Care

Fiddler on the Roof
Charleston Stage presents this famed musical - recommended for ages 8 and up

Fiddler on the Roof
Charleston Stage presents this famed musical - recommended for ages 8 and up

Lowcountry Jazz Festival
Enjoy live performances by acclaimed jazz artists, kicking off with Friday night's All White Party - benefits Closing The Gap in Health Care

Fiddler on the Roof
Charleston Stage presents this famed musical - recommended for ages 8 and up

Dog Day Afternoon
Celebrate the dog days of summer with man's best friend at the waterparks and pool after they have closed for the season

Fiddler on the Roof
Charleston Stage presents this famed musical - recommended for ages 8 and up

Fiddler on the Roof
Charleston Stage presents this famed musical - recommended for ages 8 and up

Charleston Pride Festival
Celebrating LGBTQIA+ and allied communities with live entertainment, local food trucks, vendors and more

The Big Dill
Pickleball tournament with men's, women's, and senior's doubles brackets - benefits East Cooper Community Outreach

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

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

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

Meatball Run
5K fun and 1 mile fun run is a USATF certified race through the historic district of Summerville - benefits Dorchester District 2 Educational Foundation

Lowcountry Trail Half Marathon & 5K Run/Walk
Run the trails of Johns Island County Park followed by an awards ceremony

Isle of Palms Connector Run
10K run and 5K run/walk, post race festival + virtual option - benefits the Exchange Club's support of local children's programs

Latin American Festival
Merengue, reggaeton, bachata and salsa music, authentic food and crafts, and plenty of activities for families

The Fall Tours
Enjoy a rare glimpse into Charleston with piazza and garden tours - proceeds benefit the Preservation Society of Charleston

Riverfront Revival
2-day music festival featuring rock'n'roll, country, Americana music, food vendors - benefits MUSC Children's Hospital, Just Be You

Fur Ball
Evening with dinner, dancing, and fun - benefits Pet Helpers

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

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

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

Charleston Beer Fest
Craft brews, live music, beer games, food trucks, craft vendors - benefits Palmetto Community Care

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

Charleston Literary Festival
10-day event with novelists, historians, biographers, scientists, artists, human and civil rights activists and commentators on issues of universal importance

The Fall Tours
Enjoy a rare glimpse into Charleston with piazza and garden tours - proceeds benefit the Preservation Society of Charleston

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

Charleston Scottish Games
Heavy athletic, pipe band, and highland dancing competitions plus Scottish country dancing, border collie demonstrations

LOWVELO Bike Ride
Choice of 10, 20, 23, 50, or 80 mile cycling routes, plus virtual option - benefits MUSC Hollings Cancer Center

Harvest Fest
Bluegrass music, festival foods, craft market, games, hayrides, pumpkin decorating

AfroSouth Film Festival
3-day event includes film competition, workshops, master classes, movie screenings

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

Steeplechase of Charleston
Horse racing plus tailgating, merchant market, live entertainment stage, food trucks - a National Steeplechase Association sanctioned race meet

Nuovo Cinema Italiano Film Festival
4-day event showcases the most artistically significant films of contemporary Italian cinema

Holiday Festival of Lights
3-mile drive of twinkling lights plus Santa's Village, Winter Wonderland, holiday train, carousel, sand sculpture

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

Bohicket Half Marathon and 5K
Half marathon or 5K run with after-party + virtual options - benefits the Kiawah-Seabrook Exchange Club and the Charleston Animal Society

Turkey Day Run
5K, 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

Fall Festival
Live music, vendor market, locally-curated silent auction, and lots of activities and games - benefits Second Chance Bikes

Holiday Festival of Lights
3-mile drive of twinkling lights plus Santa's Village, Winter Wonderland, holiday train, carousel, sand sculpture

Reindeer Run
5K run/walk, pet-friendly, costume contest - benefits MUSC Shawn Jenkins Children's Hospital

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

Mount Pleasant Christmas Light Parade
Along West Coleman Blvd - more than 100 floats with fireworks before the parade

New Year's Eve Flip-Flop Drop and Fireworks
Celebrate the new year with family-friendly festivities with fireworks over the beach and huge, sparkly flip-flops descending at midnight

SC Beach Advocates Conference
Line-up of speakers featuring key dignitaries and experts in SC beach management

A Night in the Valley
Cocktail reception with hors d'oeuvres followed by a dinner and auction - formal attire - benefits TTC students

Charleston Half Marathon & 5K
Half marathon, 5K and youth marathon, virtual 10K - post race party - benefits Engaging Creative Minds

Bo's Roast and Chili Cook Off
Oysters, chili, hot dogs, beverages, live bands, kids' activities - benefits Islands Against Cancer and Clear Cell Sarcoma Foundation

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

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

A Night for the Children Gala
Cocktails, dinner, live music, dancing, silent auction - black-tie - benefits Landmarks for Families

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

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

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

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

Charleston Race Week
International sailboat regatta - inshore and offshore races

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

Battle on the Bricks
30 boxers, male and female, square off in three-round matches - hosted by Charleston Boxing Foundation - benefits three local charities

Charleston Cocktail Week
7-day festival around Charleston where participating venues will be featuring signature cocktails

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

iFiveK
Run and tech networking event, post-race party with food, drinks, awards - benefits scholarships for CDC Learning Center

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

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

Dancing With The ARK's Stars
Event pairs local celebrities with professional dancers - benefits The ARK's support of lowcountry families affected by Alzheimer's Disease or related dementia

Park Circle Pride Festival
6-day event celebrating the LGBTQ+ community with events at various locations including kick-off party, live entertainment, workshops, lectures, youth fest

4th of July Celebration
Live band, DJ, kids activities, food trucks, vendor market, fireworks about 9:30

Ag + Art Tour
Self-guided tour of farms featuring local artisans, farmer's markets, and live music

Animals, Art, and Automobiles
Stunning cars, silent auction, vendors, food trucks, adorable dogs, and more - benefits Hallie Hill Animal Sanctuary

Art Charleston
5-day visual art festival with signature events, artist lectures, gallery walks, and exhibition tours led by experts - hosted by and benefits Gibbes Museum of Art

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

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

Awendaw Blue Crab Festival
Buckets of crab, live music, vendors, food trucks, beer, wine, kids area, hayrides, pontoon boat rides

Behind the Garden Gate: Charleston Area Open Day
Self-guided tours of six different private gardens on Kiawah Island - hosted by the Garden Conservancy and the Charleston Horticultural Society

Behind the Garden Gate: Charleston Area Open Day
Self-guided tours of six different private gardens in the Old Village of Mt Pleasant - hosted by the Garden Conservancy and the Charleston Horticultural Society

Black Expo Charleston
2-day event with Taste of Black Charleston on Friday and expo with seminars, workshops, live entertainment, youth activities, vendors on Saturday

Black Food Truck Festival
Regional food trucks, kid-friendly activities, local bands and musicians will be performing

Blessing of the Fleet & Seafood Festival
Celebrate the shrimping industry including boat parade, music, activities - benefits local charities

Carolina Day Parade
Parade from Washington Park to White Point Garden - hosted by the Palmetto Society

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

Cars at Kiawah River
Classic to current automobiles, test drives, vendors - benefits Barrier Islands Free Medical Center, Sea Island Habitat for Humanity, Hallie Hill Animal Sanctuary

Chanukah in the Square
Live music, food and refreshments, Chanukah novelties giveaways, giant Menorah lighting, children's entertainment

Charity Golf Classic & Cocktail Dinner
2-day event with Friday night Cocktail Dinner and golf tournament on Saturday - benefits Warrior Surf Foundation

Charleston Air Show - 2026
See the USAF Thunderbirds, Wings of Blue parachute team, C-17 East Coast demo team, over 30 static aircraft on display and more - at Joint Base Charleston

Charleston Beer Week
50+ different events over 9 days highlighting the tri-county craft beer community

Charleston Beer Week
50+ different events over 9 days highlighting the tri-county craft beer community

Charleston Bluegrass Festival
Live bluegrass music, plush camping options, local food and craft vendors, and outdoor activities

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

Charleston Country Music Festival
Local, regional, and national country music acts on two stages, plus food, vendors, and family fun - benefits three local charities

Charleston Duck Race
Adopted rubber ducks race across the pond at Guggenheim Terrace with prizes awarded for the first 7 ducks - hosted by the Rotary Club to benefit charities

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

Charleston Honey Bee Expo
Learn about bees and celebrate local bee keepers - honey tastings, live music, presentations, children's activities

Charleston Jewish Filmfest
Showcases the best Jewish films from around the world

Charleston Pride Parade
Parade begins at Wragg Square then proceeds down King Street and ends at Market Street

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

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

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

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

Cobblestone Celebration of Quilts & Fiber Arts Show
Judging in several categories, plus vendors, appraisals and guest speaker

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

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

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

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

Fulfilling Needs Creating Hope Gala
Live music, drinks, dancing, live and silent auctions - black-tie optional - 21+ event - benefits Lowcountry Orphan Relief

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

Give Me Shelter Color 5K
5K walk or run route where participants will be sprayed with colored powder - pet and stroller friendly - benefits Landmarks for Families and Callen-Lacey Center

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

Grace Church Tea Room and Boutique
Lunch served plus gift shop - proceeds are used to support outreach efforts

Grace Church Tea Room and Boutique
Lunch served plus gift shop - proceeds are used to support outreach efforts

HALOS Oyster Roast
Enjoy oysters, chili, beer, wine and live music while overlooking the Charleston Harbor - benefits HALOS

High Tide Festival
DJs playing EDM, food and drink, health & fitness activities, wear your favorite summer fashion - in support of Palmetto Community Care

Hope Rocks
Outdoor concert with food, local craft beer, wine, games - benefits Camp Happy Days

James Island Connector Run/Walk
8K run or 5K run or walk with post-race festival - benefits Gavalas Kolanko Foundation and Charleston Animal Societ

Lowcountry Cajun Festival
Cajun and Creole food, Zydeco music, kids' activities and rides, entertainment

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

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

Lowcountry Shrimp Festival & Blessing of the Fleet
Live bands, art, lots of shrimp and other food, blessing of the shrimp fleet - 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 LAPS provides water safety and swimming instruction to K-2 children

Mardi-Crawl-On-Shem-Creek
Music, food and drink specials, games, prizes at various venues - hosted by Lowcountry Parrot Head Club - benefits local Lowcountry charities

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

North Charleston Harvest Festival
Live music, an artist market, costume contests, trick-or-treat on the street, a petting zoo, children's activities, food trucks

Oktoberfest Charleston
Live music, German cuisine, biergarten with local craft beers, German bakery, kinderzone - benefits St Matthew Lutheran Church Community Outreach Center

Oyster Roast
Oysters, live music, dancing, and bidding in silent auctions - benefits Dorchester Paws

Palmetto Goodwill Open
18 hole, captain's choice, scramble, golf tournament with proceeds benefiting Palmetto Goodwill's educational, training and employment programs

Palmetto Park Jam
Outdoor event with live music, food trucks, craft vendors - attendees are encouraged to bring chairs, blankets

Pat Tillman Honor Run
Run or walk 4.2 miles and raise money to support the Tillman Scholar program plus after-party - pets on-leash and stroller friendly

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

Plantasia
Children's garden and activities, garden vendors, food trucks, yard sale - hosted by the Charleston Horticultural Society

Putting for Paws
Golf tournament with lunch and bloody mary bar - benefits Hallie Hill Animal Sanctuary

Run Like the Devil 5K/Fun Run and Fall Festival
5K trail run, fun run plus farmers market, fall festival games, live music, food trucks - benefits the Charleston Collegiate School

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

Sea and Sand Festival
Three stages with live bands, kids' area, vendors

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

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

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

The ARK's Ugly Sweater Dash
5K run/walk or 1-mile stroll, wear your ugly Christmas sweater - benefits services for families dealing with Alzheimer's disease and related dementia

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

Walk MS: Charleston
1.7 mile walk on supported and accessible routes plus other activities - leashed dogs welcomed - benefits National Multiple Sclerosis Society - Volunteer Here

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

We Are Sharing Hope SC Race for Life
10K run or 5K run/walk - benefits Sharing Hope SC's mission to increase awareness for organ and tissue donation

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