Things to do in Charleston (2024)

What: Cheers on the Pier
When: May 9, 2024
Where: Mount Pleasant Pier
Time: 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm
How Much: Free


Wrap up your workday on the Mount Pleasant Pier with live music, craft beer, good friends, and a gorgeous sunset. No admission fee. Blankets and chairs are welcome, as seating is limited.

What: Lecture Series: Thunder in the Harbor
When: May 8, 2024
Where: Great Hall of the Old Exchange and Provost
Time: 6 pm
How Much: Free

We are excited to partner with Friends of Charleston National Parks and the Old Exchange on an upcoming lecture series this May. Join author Rick Hatcher for three evening lectures following the release of his new book, Thunder in the Harbor, on Wednesdays, May 8, 15 and 22, at 6:00pm in the Great Hall of the Old Exchange and Provost. Event is free, but attendees must register online.

What: Charleston Farmers Market
When: May 4, 2024
Where: Marion Square
Time: 8am - 2 pm
How Much: Free


Locals and tourists enjoy strolling through the Charleston Farmers Market, which has been voted "Best Outdoor Event" & "Best Attraction" in Charleston for multiple years in a row. Market goers will find a large selection of produce, plants, herbs, flowers, prepared foods, as well as breakfast and lunch vendors, live entertainment and arts and crafts from local artisans.

What: Isle of Paws Music Fest
When: May 4, 2024
Where: Rec. Dept.
Time: 11 am - 3 pm
How Much: Free


Join us under the oaks at the Recreation Department for Live Music, pet-related vendors, rescues, food trucks and concessions. S.T.A.R will be onsite for K-9 Good Citizenship Testing. Free Admission to the event! Registration only required for Dog Show. Dogs must remain leashed at all times, Dog Park available for off-leash time.

What: Citadel Parade
When: Fri. May 3, 2024
Where: The Citadel
Time: 3:45 pm
How Much: Free



The tradition of parading troops can be traced back to the time of Alexander the Great. Drill procedures and movements on the parade field are identical to the tactical maneuvers employed on the battlefield in the past. U.S. military reviews and parades began at Valley Forge. At that time, brigades of soldiers were formed in order of battle. Modern-day ceremonies are conducted to inspect troops, render honors, preserve tradition, and foster esprit de corps. At various times throughout the year, The Citadel’s parades are used to present awards and recognize students, faculty, staff, and other notable people.

What: North Charleston Arts Fest
When: May 1 - 5, 2024
Where: Various Venues
Time: Varies by performance
How Much: Free


The annual five-day celebration of arts and culture highlights regional and local artists and performers in the areas of Dance, Music, Theatre, Visual Arts, and Literature.

What: Mount Pleasant Blessing of the Fleet and Seafood Festival
When: April 28, 2024
Where: Mount Pleasant Memorial Waterfront Park
Time: 11:00 am - 5:00 pm
How Much: Free

The Annual Mount Pleasant Blessing of the Fleet and Seafood Festival is one of the most popular events of the year. The festival pays tribute to Mount Pleasant’s local shrimping and fishing industry, with the picturesque Ravenel Bridge and Charleston Harbor as the backdrop. Participants can enjoy a boat parade and ceremonial blessing of the shrimp/fishing fleet, live music, Mount Pleasant Artists Guild art exhibition, Shag and shrimp-eating contests, and family-friendly activities.

What: Sunrise Yoga
When: April 27, 2024
Where: Folly Beach County Park
Time: 6:30 am - 7:30 am
How Much: $10


Stretch your body, awaken your mind, and fuel your spirit in this uplifting, intention-setting yoga class to enhance your day ahead. Open to all fitness levels and abilities. Advance registration is $10 per person and ends at 4 p.m. on the day before the event. If space is available, onsite registration will be available the day of the event for an increased fee of $12 per person.

What: Annual Living History Day
When: April 27, 2024
Where: Hampton Plantation
Time: 11 am - 3 pm
How Much: $10 for adults / $5 for Children


Step back in time at Hampton Plantation with our annual living history day! Come learn about the building of Battery Warren in 1862 on the South Santee River and more with our park rangers and reenactors. At 1pm Dr. Walter Curry will present on Black Confederate pensioners in the 1920s, including a resident of Hampton. Admission to the event includes the tour of the mansion house.

What: Plant Sale
When: April 27, 2024
Where: Cypress Gardens
Time: 10 am - 2 pm
How Much: Free


Plant Sale 10 am - 2 pm located in the overflow parking lot.

What: Dancing on the Cooper
When: Thursday, April 26, 2024
Where: Mount Pleasant Pier
Time: 7 pm
How Much: $10 in advance / $15 day-of


Saturday evenings during the summer call for live music and dancing on the Mount Pleasant Pier! Local bands perform a variety of live music including beach/shag, funk/soul, rock, country, Motown, 60’s, 70’s, 80’s, and today’s greatest hits! Let loose, breathe in the harbor breeze, and dance the night away under the stars! Advance tickets are $10 per person. Day-of tickets are $15 per person if the event hasn't sold out. On-site tickets, if available, will only be sold via credit card. Children 3 and under are free and do not require a ticket.

What: Cheers on the Pier
When: April 25, 2024
Where: Mount Pleasant Pier
Time: 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm
How Much: Free


Wrap up your workday on the Mount Pleasant Pier with live music, craft beer, good friends, and a gorgeous sunset. No admission fee. Blankets and chairs are welcome, as seating is limited.

What: Charleston Cocktail Week
When: April 22 - 28, 2024
Where: Locations Vary
Time: Varies
How Much: Passes are $15


Charleston Cocktail Week is April 22-28, 2024. The Charleston Cocktail Week Festival Pass entitles guests to discounted signature cocktails and at select locations, additional cocktail and entrée/small appetizers pairings for a fixed price.

What: Garden Strolls and Wine Tasting
When: April 24, 2024
Where: Middleton Place
Time: 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm
How Much: $35 online / $40 at the event


Spend the evening at Middleton Place exploring America’s Oldest Landscaped Gardens with a glass of wine in hand. During our Spring Garden Strolls & Wine Tasting, wander through Middleton Place National Historic Landmark and take in the beautiful flora & magnificent views of the Ashley River. The event includes wine-tasting stations in the gardens and light hors d’oeuvres.

What: Yoga Under the Oaks
When: April 24, 2024
Where: Charles Towne Landing
Time: 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
How Much: $10

Stress from the day got you tight? Looking for a way to reconnect with Nature? Come out to Charles Towne Landing's Legare Waring House for Yoga Under the Oaks. Led by Brittney Hiller of Everest Yoga Spa, this after-hours program is sure to realign you! Join us after to unwind during a social hour featuring music from Complete Weddings & Events. Food will be available to purchase from Foxes Fried Food Truck. All ages and experience levels are welcome! Yoga will be 6 pm - 7 pm and social hour will be 7 pm - 8 pm.