There's always something fun happening in Charleston. The subtropical climate allows festivals and celebrations to be held year round. This is a list of the top Charleston events.
Charleston is not only one of the top tourist destinations, but also home to some of the best festivals and events in the U.S. Many of these Charleston events, including the Spoleto Festival, the MOJA Arts Festival, and Christmas in Charleston, draw thousands of people. Almost every month is filled with something to do. Here's a list of the top festivals and events happening in Charleston.
Wine and Food Festival
March 2 - 6, 2022
The annual Charleston Wine + Food Festival is a celebration of Charleston’s culinary excellence. Discover the distinctive flavors of the Lowcountry and uniquely Charleston experiences, while interacting with and learning from the country’s best chefs, authors and beverage professionals.
Front Beach Fest Isle of Palms
March 5, 2022
The City of Isle of Palms brings in spring with a free street festival featuring fun for the whole family, including jump castles, climbing walls, street performers, Vendor village, food trucks, and local restaurants. The afternoon features live beach music from The Holiday Band and The Pink Slips.
Festival of Houses and Gardens
March 16 - April 9, 2022
The Festival of Houses & Gardens showcases Charleston’s distinctive architecture, history, and culture. The series of award-winning tours provide a rare opportunity for guests to go inside the private house and gardens of some of America’s most beautiful historic residences, dating to the 18th century.
St. Patrick's Day Parade
March 17, 2022
Residents and visitors are invited to come out and enjoy South Carolina’s largest St. Patrick’s Day Parade. This family-friendly event will kick off on Thursday morning at 10:00 am. Before the parade, St. Patrick’s Church will hold a celebratory mass.
Charleston Bluegrass Festival
March 18 - 19, 2022
The Charleston Bluegrass Festival offers plush camping options, local food, craft vendors, and outdoor activities, along with the finest names in bluegrass. Attendees can expect a weekend of revelry, complete with some of the finest names in bluegrass.
Charleston Antiques Show
Mar. 31 - Apr. 3, 2022
The Charleston Antique Show is a premier destination for collectors and enthusiasts of antiques. The show is a showcase of English, European, and American period furnishings, decorative arts and fine art, architectural elements, garden furniture, vintage jewelry, and silver--all late 17th to 20th centuries.
Cooper River Bridge Run
April 2, 2022
The Cooper River Bridge Run is the 3rd largest 10K in the US and one of the largest in the world. It includes world-class competition in a unique setting with unparalleled participant satisfaction. The main goal of the event is to promote continuous physical activity and a healthy lifestyle.
Lowcountry Cajun Festival
April 9, 2022
The Cajun Festival brings Louisiana living to the Lowcountry. This full-day festival features Cajun and Creole foods, children's activities and more. After getting full on food, kick off your shoes and dance to live Cajun music performed on stage throughout the day.
Charleston Jazz Festival
April 21 - 24, 2022
The Charleston Jazz Festival features student musicians, local jazz groups, and internationally acclaimed performers including the Emmet Cohen Trio, the Jorge Luis Pacheco Quartet, Kandace Springs and Etienne Charles in multiple venues.
High Water Festival
April 23 - 24, 2022
High Water brings musicians from all over the world to the beautiful Riverfront of N. Charleston, creating a musical oasis. With two alternating stages, you can catch all your favorite bands and discover new ones too.
Mount Pleasant Blessing of the Fleet & Seafood Festival
April 24, 2022
Mount Pleasant hosts its Annual Blessing of the Fleet. A safe and prosperous shrimping season is the sentiment of this community-supported benediction, which dishes up fresh seafood and showcases local crafts, live music, kids activities, a boat parade, and lots of seafood will be present.
North Charleston Arts Fest
May 4 - 8, 2022
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.
Greek Festival
May 6 - 8, 2022
Experience great food, wine, music, dancing, and fun at the Charleston Greek Festival at the Greek Orthodox Church of the Holy Trinity. Guests will enjoy great tasting favorites, including Gyros, Chicken Mousakka, Lamb, Finikia, Spanakopita, Baklava, Wine, Beer, and more.
Charleston Food Truck Festival
May 21 - 22, 2022
The 11th Annual Charleston Food Truck Festival is FREE ADMISSION. Family and pet friendly, and will be spread out over 5 acres of Tanger Outlets! There will be over 35 of your favorite food trucks with diverse and creative food options for everyone!
Spoleto Festival USA
May 27 - June 12, 2022
The Spoleto Festival USA is one of the largest festivals in Charleston, with events showcasing both established and emerging artists in more than 150 performances of opera, dance, theater, classical music, and jazz.
Piccolo Spoleto
May 27 - June 12, 2022
The Piccolo Spoleto focuses primarily on artists of the Southeast region, offering visual arts exhibits, classical music, jazz, dance, theater, poetry readings, children’s activities, choral music, ethnic cultural presentations, crafts, and films.
Charleston Carifest
June 16 - 18, 2022
Charleston Carifest is a four day event celebrating the connection of Charleston and the Caribbean, featuring food, fun music, and costumes. The big Carnival Day is Saturday and includes a Street Parade, followed by an epic celebration in Brittle Bank Park.
Pride Parade
June 25, 2022
Charleston Pride is excited to announce they will have their annual Pride Parade during Pride Month on June 25, 2022. The Board has decided to walk down historic King Street in June and highlight other events during Pride Week in the fall.
Sweetgrass Cultural Arts Festival
July 23, 2022
The Sweetgrass Festival celebrates the rich Gullah Geechee culture and provides an extensive showcase of sweetgrass baskets in the Lowcountry. The event features unique handmade arts & crafts, paintings, live performances, and documentary films.
Patriots Point 4th of July Fireworks Blast
July 4, 2022
Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum’s annual 4th of July Fireworks Blast will feature food trucks, fireworks, and live music at the most patriotic location in South Carolina.
Pride Fest
2022 TBA
The Charleston Pride Festival is a celebration of the Charleston LGBT community. The week-long festival features drag shows, religious services, comedy shows, film screenings, and symposiums. The Pride Festival concludes with a Prism Party.
MOJA Arts Festival
2022 TBA
The MOJA Arts Festival is a celebration of the many African-American and Caribbean contributions to western and world cultures. MOJA’s events include visual arts, classical music, dance, gospel, jazz, poetry, R&B music, storytelling, theatre, children’s activities, crafts, ethnic food, and more.
Beer Fest
Oct. 22, 2022
Calling all Lowcountry craft beer fanatics: Get excited to soak up the suds and sun at the 2022 Charleston Beer Fest. Don’t miss the awesome live music, beer games, and tantalizing food trucks on display at this Memorial Day Weekend event.
Charleston Beer Week
TBD
The 9th Annual Charleston Beer Week highlights the wide variety of craft beer brands enjoyed in the area today, with many unique events you wouldn't normally find on your calendar.
Christmas in Charleston
Nov. 27, 2022 - Jan. 1, 2023
The sway of the carriage transports you back several centuries. The professional guide points to the poinsettias flanking the front door of the antebellum mansion. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the holiday festivities in one of America’s most historic cities.
Happy New Year Charleston
Dec. 31, 2022
This community celebration offers a non-alcoholic and family-oriented alternative program to celebrate the New Year. This city-wide, admission-free program has something for everyone.
Charleston Restaurant Week
January 13 - 23, 2022
Restaurant week is an eleven day celebration at participating restaurants. From fine to casual dining, participating restaurants will feature special menu items, promotions, and discounts. Come out and savor the flavors of the Lowcountry.
Lowcountry Oyster Festival
February 6, 2022
The Lowcountry Oyster Festival is the world’s largest oyster festival, and has been named one of the “top 20 events in the southeast”. Highlights include the legendary “Oyster Shucking” and “Oyster Eating” contests, live music, wine, and a selection of domestic and imported beers.
Southeastern Wildlife Exposition
February 18 - 20, 2022
SEWE is a showcase of everything to love about wildlife and nature through an incredible lineup of events, including fine art exhibits, conservation education, sporting demonstrations and after-hours gatherings.
Folly Beach Sea and Sand Festival
February 26 - 27, 2022
All the way down Center Street and straight to the beach, the Sea & Sand weekend will include an artisan & food-focused street closure event, as well as some healthy competition in the sand on Sunday.
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