Charleston Events – Fun Things to Do

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

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

The Red Velvet Cake War
A fast-paced, Southern-fried comedy - Flowertown Players performance

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

Bo Roast & Chili Cook-off
Chili, oysters, music with hot dogs and jump castle for the kids - benefits Camp Happy Days

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

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

Legally Blonde, The Musical
The story of a sorority girl who enrolls at Harvard Law School to win back her ex-boyfriend - presented by Wando High School

The Red Velvet Cake War
A fast-paced, Southern-fried comedy - Flowertown Players performance

The Red Velvet Cake War
A fast-paced, Southern-fried comedy - Flowertown Players performance

Legally Blonde, The Musical
The story of a sorority girl who enrolls at Harvard Law School to win back her ex-boyfriend - presented by Wando High School

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

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

Shuckin' for Shelter Oyster Roast
Oysters, other food options, music, kids games and activities, farm animals - benefits the Callen-Lacey Center for Children

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

The Gray Havens | Storehouse Tour
Come see The Gray Havens live at Journey Church in Ladson. The Gray Havens' music is brilliantly-crafted and infused with metaphor, in a narrative/folk/pop style

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Songs of Love
Diane Schuur sings Cole Porter, Billie Holiday and more - a Charleston Jazz event

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

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

Crimes of the Heart
A touching story of three sisters and their reunion in Mississippi as the family patriarch is dying - Flowertown Players performance

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

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

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

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

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

Crimes of the Heart
A touching story of three sisters and their reunion in Mississippi as the family patriarch is dying - Flowertown Players performance

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

New Orleans Meets Charleston
Delfeayo Marsalis and the CJO will play the music of the bayou with an added dash of lowcountry flavor - a Charleston Jazz event

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

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

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

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

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

Flowertown Friday Night
Street dance with live music, food trucks, beer and wine - hosted by the Summerville Chamber of Commerce

Theatre for Youth Festival
Festival is open to all community and school theatre programs that have students in grades third through eighth

St Pauls Garden Tour
Tour multiple gardens plus have lunch

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

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

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

Charleston Race Week
International sailboat regatta - inshore and offshore races

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

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

Mess Around: A Tribute to Ray Charles
The CJO welcomes vocalist Manny Houston to celebrate this American icon - a Charleston Jazz event

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hands on a Hardbody
An upbeat musical about an hilarious contest inspired by true events - Flowertown Players performance

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

Hands on a Hardbody
An upbeat musical about an hilarious contest inspired by true events - Flowertown Players performance

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

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

Hands on a Hardbody
An upbeat musical about an hilarious contest inspired by true events - Flowertown Players performance

Hands on a Hardbody
An upbeat musical about an hilarious contest inspired by true events - Flowertown Players performance

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

Take 5: West Coast Cool Jazz
The CJO takes on songs of the 1950s and arrangements, while exploring new versions of some of its classics - a Charleston Jazz event

Saxophone Legends
Saxophonist Ernie Watts joins the CJO to play John Coltrane, Charlie Parker and more - a Charleston Jazz event

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

A Night for New Beginnings Gala
Live music, drinks, dancing, live and silent auctions - benefits Lowcountry Orphan Relief

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

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

African Market and Festival
Fundraiser for the African Community Exchange (ACE) to benefit the Ann Sandell Independent School in Paynesville, Liberia

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Charleston Coffee Cup
Featuring local and regional roasters, local coffee shops and brunch purveyors, tastings, live music, kids activities

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 - benefits UPLIFT which provides outings for children who are affected by a parent's cancer

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Lowcountry Trail Half Marathon & 5K
Run the trails of Johns Island County Park plus post-race cold beverages, food and live music

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

SC Beer Mile
21+ only event - to drink one beer, run one quarter mile, and repeat 3 times - benefits Friends of North Charleston/Miracle League

SC Reggae Jerk & Wine Festival
Enjoy Jamaican Jerk foods paired with wine and live reggae music - benefits The Shelton Project and Healthy Lifestyle Network

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

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

Southern Fried Chicken Challenge
Sample and vote on your favorite fried chicken plus artisans, live music - benefits four local charities

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

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

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

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

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