Charleston Area Events

Celebrate The Season Holiday Lights Driving Tour
Animated light displays that wind through the Old Santee Canal Park and Santee Cooper's headquarters - benefits local charities * Closed Dec 24-25

Holiday Festival of Lights
3-mile drive of twinkling lights plus Santa's Village, reindeer workshop, holiday train, carousel, sand sculpture, climbing wall

A Christmas Carol
Charleston Stage's original adaptation of Charles Dickens' holiday classic - recommended for ages 6 and up * No performance on Dec 4, 8, 9, 15, 16

Folly Beach Christmas Parade
Line up along Center Street as floats, marching bands, and community associations show their holiday spirit - join Santa at Folly River Park after the parade

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

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

Holiday Parade of Boats
Lighted and festive boats from the Cooper River, through the Charleston Harbor and into the Ashley River

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

Chanukah in the Square
Live music, food and refreshments, Chanukah treats and giveaways, Menorah lighting, children's activities

Building Joy: Wonderland Extravaganza
Volunteers come together to build 423 bikes to be delivered to local kids plus festival with music, food, raffles, lounge - hosted by Going Places

Holiday Pops!
High-energy blend of spirited songs, magical movie soundtracks, and festive favorites by the Charleston Symphony

Cocoa Cup 5K
5K or 1 mile kids' fun run, holiday costume contest, pictures with Santa - benefits East Cooper Community Outreach and Lowcountry Food Bank

New Year's Eve Drone Show and Flip-Flop Drop
Celebrate the new year with family-friendly festivities with drone show and huge, sparkly flip-flops descending at midnight

Sullivan's Island Polar Plunge
Pre-plunge fun then take a chilly dip to benefit Special Olympics South Carolina

Bo's Roast and Chili Cook Off
Oysters, chili cook-off, hot dogs, beverages, live bands, kids' activities - bring your chairs and blankets - benefits Islands Against Cancer

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 - post race party - benefits Engaging Creative Minds

Shucked & Sauced
Enjoy oysters and barbecue from local restaurants, libations, live music - 21+ only event - benefits the Charleston Parks Conservancy

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

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

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

Oyster Roast
Endless oysters, beer, wine, music, and fun - benefits Dorchester Paws

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

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

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

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

Sea and Sand Festival
2-day event includes live bands, kids' area, vendors and on Sunday a sand sculpting competition

Isle of Palms Polar Plunge
Costume contest then take a chilly dip - hosted by Law Enforcement Torch Run officers - benefits Special Olympics South Carolina

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

Catch the Leprechaun 5K
For walkers, joggers, runners and stroller pushers - dress in your best Irish/green outfit - after party - benefits Racers for Pacers

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Charleston Race Week
4-day international sailboat regatta - inshore and offshore races

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

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

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

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

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

Charleston Air Show
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

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

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

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

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

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

July 4th Fireworks
The show will begin at dusk and will fire from the west side of the island, a few blocks from the pier, watch from the beach and Center Street

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

Slave Dwelling Project Conference
Will emphasize the significant contributions and experiences of enslaved and free African Americans in SC during the Revolutionary Era

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

Mermaids and Mateys
Family event including street festival with live music, kids area, vendors, costume contest - portion proceeds will benefit the Alzheimer's Association

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

Children's Day Festival
Inflatables, carnival rides, games,live entertainment and more - hosted by the Town of Mount Pleasant

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

Kiawah Tour of Homes
Self-guided tours of four-five residences, refreshment area - benefits the Charleston Symphony and CSOL Music Scholarship Program

4th of July on Sullivan's Island
Golf cart and bike parade in the morning, festivities in the evening with live music and fireworks about 9pm - bring chairs and blankets

9/11 Heroes Run
5K welcomes runners, ruckers, and walkers of all ages and fitness levels to honor the heroes of September 11th and those who've served our nation since

A Christmas Carol
Charleston Stage's original adaptation of Charles Dickens' holiday classic - recommended for ages 6 and up

AWE Fest
Family-friendly activities plus history, culture, and community with live music, vendors, food trucks, beer and wine - hosted by the Town of Awendaw

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

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

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

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

Barks & Bushels
Adoption event and oyster roast benefiting the Charleston Animal Society plus live music, cigar lounge, Blood Mary bar - kid and dog friendly event

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

Behind the Garden Gate: Downtown Charleston
Self-guided tours of six different private gardens in the Historic District - hosted by the Garden Conservancy and the Charleston Horticultural Society

Behind the Garden Gate: Mount Pleasant
Self-guided tours of five different private gardens in the Old Village - hosted by the Garden Conservancy and the Charleston Horticultural Society

Birds of a Feather
Live music, beer, wine, and food truck fare for purchase at Caw Caw Interpretive Center - 21+ to purchase tickets, under 21 welcome with paid chaperone

Black Expo Charleston
2-day event with Taste of Black Charleston on Friday and expo with seminars, workshops, live entertainment, 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, family-friendly activities, shrimp eating contest, arts & crafts - benefits local charities

Bloom Charleston
2-day event with Friday night garden party and festival on Saturday with demonstrations, family-friendly activities - hosted by the Charleston Parks Conservancy

Boardr Series Skateboarding Competition
2-day skateboarding contest for all ages and skill levels - portion of proceeds benefits Grind for Life

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

Carolina Day Events
Church service, then a parade from Washington Park to White Point Garden, followed by speaker and wreath laying - 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

Celebrate The Season Holiday Lights Driving Tour
Enjoy the animated light displays that wind through the Old Santee Canal Park and Santee Cooper's headquarters - benefits local charities

Charity Golf Classic
Shotgun golf tournament with an after-party to follow - benefits Warrior Surf Foundation's surf therapy programs for Veterans

Charleston Bluegrass Festival
Live bluegrass music, premium camping options, local food and craft vendors, and outdoor activities - family friendly

Charleston Caribbean Jerk Festival
Family-friendly event celebrates Caribbean food, culture, and music - bring a blanket or chair to enjoy the festivities

Charleston Carifest
2-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 with prizes awarded to the fastest ducks plus more family fun - hosted by the Rotary Club to benefit charities

Charleston Food Truck Festival
Over 40 trucks, local vendors, carnival rides, live music, DJ, four bars, many activities - pet friendly

Charleston Greek Festival
Celebrating Greek culture with food, wine tasting, church tours, and entertainment

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

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

Charleston Memorial Stair Climb
Honoring the 412 First Responders lost on 9/11 by climbing 110 flights of stairs - benefits organizations that directly support first responders

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

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

Charleston Trident Swim
Swim course is 4.1 miles around the Charleston peninsula - benefits the Navy SEAL Foundation which assists active-duty or retired SEALs

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Edisto & Beyond Tour
Self-guides driving tour of historic churches, graveyards and plantations
Learn about other South Carolina Plantations

Edisto Beach Shag Festival
Live music, Shag performances and plenty of dancing, arts and crafts vendors, food trucks

Edisto Blackwater Boogie
3-day music festival featuring local artists, food trucks, kid-friendly entertainment - camping encouraged - benefits Givhans Ferry State Park's ADA trail

Family Day at the Aiken-Rhett House
Family-friendly event with bbq, scavenger hunt, petting zoo, games, demonstrations, live music and more - benefits Historic Charleston Foundation

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

Fourth of July Festival at Riverfront Park
Live music, food trucks, beverage vendors - fireworks at 9pm

Frequency Fest
3-day self described DIY music festival at 3 venues, 40+ artists, 15 vendors - all ages - free admission

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 - benefits Lowcountry Orphan Relief

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

Gala: A Special Night for Special Olympics
Live music, dancing, open bar, heavy hors d'oeuvres, auctions, raffle, and more honoring the athletes of and benefiting Special Olympics SC

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

Golf For Autism
Tournament at Topgolf with prizes, food, drinks, and entertainment - individuals and teams welcome - benefits Beautiful Gate Center

Golfin' for Dolphins
For golfers and non-golfers - bbq dinner, tournament play and swag bags - benefits Lowcountry Marine Mammal Network

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

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

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

Holiday Festival of Lights
3-mile drive of twinkling lights plus Santa's Village, reindeer workshop, holiday train, carousel, sand sculpture, climbing wall

Holy Smokes BBQ Fest
Enjoy a range of barbecue styles from 50+ pitmasters and chefs + live music - benefits Hogs for the Cause and Ronald McDonald House Charities

Hustle For Heroes 5K
5K run/walk through CSU campus/trails ending at stadium plus children's fun run - food trucks, kids activities - benefits WarriorWOD

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

Independence Day Celebration
Live entertainment, food trucks, vendors, facepainters, balloon artists and more - hosted by the Town of Moncks Corner

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

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

James Island Connector Run
8K run or 5K run or walk with post-race festival - benefits local Charleston animal rescue organizations

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

LOWVELO Bike Ride
Choice of 7, 14, 23, 50, or 80 mile cycling routes, plus stationary ride option - benefits MUSC Hollings Cancer Center

Latin American Festival
Merengue, reggaeton, bachata and salsa 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

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

Lowcountry Juneteenth Week Festival
7-day celebration of freedom and empowerment, showcasing the contributions and achievements of African Americans in the Lowcountry

Lowcountry Nosh
Jewish food and heritage festival with live entertainment, activities for children, tours of KKBE's historic property - hosted by Kahal Kadosh Beth Elohim

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

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

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

More than 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

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

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

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

Palmetto Park Jam
Outdoor event with live music, food trucks - 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

Patriots Point Fireworks Blast
Enjoy the firework show from the flight deck of the USS Yorktown with live music, family-friendly activities, food and beverage vendors - encouraged to chairs

Pinwheel Gala
Live entertainment, drinks, dinner, silent auction - cocktail attire - benefits Kay Phillips Child Advocacy Center

Playwrights Festival
2-day event giving a peek behind the curtain of the playwriting process with workshops, panels, and performances - hosted by PURE Theatre

Pup Bowl VIII
Pet adoption and family-fun day plus live music, kids' activities, local puppy-themed vendors - benefits the Charleston Animal Society

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

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

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

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

Recovery Jam
Music and arts festival with live performances and gallery with works by Lowcountry visual artists - benefits Step 1 Recovery

Rock the Block
Block party with live music, lots of food and cold drinks - benefits Hogs for the Cause and Ronald McDonald House Charities of Charleston

Rockabillaque
Live music, classic car and vintage bike show, block-party, vendors, pin-up contest

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

Scottish Performing Arts Classic
Music competitions for the Celtic harp, Scottish fiddle, and Scottish bagpipe - hosted by Robert Burns Society and Clan Donald Trust

Shuck Fest
Unlimited oysters, 2 free drinks, BBQ and fixin's, live music - benefits The Lonon Foundation's mission to aid children impacted by parental cancer

Southern Songwriter Festival
3-day festival of live performances celebrating original music by songwriters from throughout North and South Carolina

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

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

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

Sweet Tea Festival
Celebrate the birthplace of sweet tea with food trucks, vendors, live entertainment, kids zone, sample teas and vote for the Tea of the Year

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

Tea Room and Mouse Boutique
Lunch served plus gift shop, take out available - hosted by Grace Church, proceeds are used to support outreach efforts

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

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

The Fall Tours
Enjoy a glimpse into Charleston's architecture, gardens, neighborhoods, and heritage with a variety of tours - proceeds benefit the Preservation Society of Charleston

Trick or Trot 5K and Fun Run
Competitive 5K or fun run with an optional Halloween theme, costume contest at the end of the race - benefits Mothers Against Drunk Driving

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

Turkey Day Run
5K run/walk, kids fun run + virtual option - post-race party with food, beverages and live music - benefits local charities

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

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

Walk for Water
Carry an empty bucket for approximately 1.5 miles, fill it with water and walk about 1.5 miles back - benefits Water Mission's fight of the global water crisis

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

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