North Charleston Arts Fest

10:30AM
THEATRE

Interactive Children's Theatre Presentation - Diggery's Dinosaur Adventure • Join The Story Ship for this science-based immersive adventure featuring large interactive animated characters, dinosaur bones, a giant dinosaur egg, and beautiful puppets.

5:30PM
THEATRE

Happy Hour Drag Show • Join the hostess with the mostest Patti O’Furniture for a happening happy hour on Madra Rua’s patio. Music by DJ Switchburg and performances by local drag queens. Drink specials and $10 burgers all night long!

6:00PM
VISUAL ARTS

Opening Celebration & Art Reception • It’s Arts Fest time! Celebrate with food, music, and more, set among the hundreds of pieces of artwork on display as part of the Arts Fest’s many competitions and exhibitions.

7:00PM
MUSIC

Baroque Concert • The Spartina Consort will transport audiences to the European courts and churches of the 17th and 18th centuries during this evening concert of Baroque chamber music played on period instruments.

12:00PM
Lecture

Lunch & Learn • Fiber art and textile enthusiasts are invited to bring a bag lunch or their favorite takeout meal and enjoy this lecture and guided tour of the 16th Annual African American Fiber Art Exhibition, Sister Girl Friends (and Brothers, Too), led by curator Torreah “Cookie” Washington.

5:00PM
VISUAL ARTS

African American Fiber Art Exhibition Reception • Join curator Torreah “Cookie” Washington and many of the featured artists from throughout the US for a public reception in honor of the 15th Annual African American Fiber Art Exhibition, From Chaos to Beloved Community: Envisioning Social Justice.

5:00PM
VISUAL ARTS

Exhibition Reception – World of Paper • Join paper artist and illustrator Fairoozan Abdullah for a public reception in honor of her exhibition of quilled paper works. Abdullah manipulates rolled strips of paper to create her detailed designs, which include dynamic two-dimensional “paintings” and three-dimensional abstract sculptures.

6:00PM
MUSIC

Cello Concert • Austin Fitzhenry began studying cello at age six with former Charleston Symphony Orchestra (CSO) principal cellist James Holland. After playing in his first wedding at only 11 years old, he went on to earn a full scholarship for summer study at the Brevard Music Center, perform as a soloist with the CSO, and serve as principal cellist of the Charleston Symphony Youth Orchestra. 

6:00PM
Literary Arts/Music

Poetry and Music – One Lone Minstrel • South Carolina blues musician, singer, songwriter, and poet Rev. Marv Ward has played his original and visionary blues stylings in venues all over the country. In this intimate evening program, The Rev will recite poems from his three books, One Lone Minstrel, Healing Time, and Bar Stool Poet, along with performing some related songs from his five albums.

6:00PM
MUSIC

Bossa Nova Concert • Virtuoso guitar player Nicholai Svishev is one of Charleston’s most accomplished musicians. His active international career has taken him throughout Europe and the US, performing in concert halls, historic buildings, weddings, festivals, corporate events, and more with his 6, 8, and 10 string guitars.

7:00PM
MUSIC

Chamber Music Concert • Celebrating its tenth season and fresh off three sold-out performances in historic downtown Charleston, the Colour of Music Festival will present its Quintet and Quartet in a debut performance at the North Charleston Arts Fest.

9:00AM
KIDS

Children’s Festival • Interactive entertainment, fun outdoor games, and hands-on art activities are planned for young children at this groovy annual event. The Skyriders! will amaze audiences with their high-flying trampoline show at 10am, 11am, and noon.

3:00PM
KIDS/
THEATRE

Australia-Themed Music/Theatre Performance for Youth • This high-energy Australia-themed show presented by Didgeridoo Down Under offers a fusion of Australian music, culture, art, science, literacy development, comedy, character building, anti-bullying, motivational speaking, and audience participation.

5:00PM
VISUAL ARTS

Exhibition Reception – Unbound • Meet the artist behind the 2023 North Charleston Arts Fest Poster Design and view an exhibition of his recent work.

6:00PM
MUSIC

Pop-Up Opera • A vast selection of wines, delicious bites, and Nomadic Vocal Drama with Small Opera (SMOP) are a match made in heaven! In this presentation, SMOP’s singers will perform an assortment of opera, musical theater, and standard favorites.

7:00PM
MUSIC

Americana Concert • Wind down from the work week with delicious, hand-crafted beer from Snafu Brewing Company, tasty eats from Dashi’s pop-up paella party, and lively tunes by The Letter Show.

7:00PM
MUSIC

Ribs & Rhythms • Get your fill of some of the best authentic Memphis-style ribs, wings, barbecue, and chicken in the Southeast while enjoying live music by the Chris Gladson Band.

7:00PM
MUSIC

World Music Café • World Music Café is in its 6th year of presenting ethnic music performers from all over the world in an intimate, listening room atmosphere. The Arts Fest edition will feature the Afro-Cuban rhythms, melodies, and vocals of Gino Castillo (percussion) and Iliana Rose (keyboard), as well as the Middle Eastern Jazz Fusion of master oud player Peter Kfoury. 

10:00AM
Theatre/Kids

Interactive Children’s Storytelling Performance • Join award-winning storyteller and teaching artist, J’miah Nabawi, for this unique program features stories and folktales from around the world told in the “story-dance-musical drama” manner of Africa and its Diaspora.

10:30AM
Theatre/Kids

Children’s Theatre Presentation – The Little Mermaid • Bright Star Touring Theatre has adapted Hans Christian Anderson’s classic fairy tale into a two-person play that audiences of all ages can enjoy!

12:00PM
DANCE

World Dance Showcase • Experience a mesmerizing display of traditional, folk, and modern dances of cultures from around the world by local performers in vibrant costumes. Mazyck Grille LLC will be on hand to serve up some tasty food options. Lawn chairs and blankets are welcome!

2:00PM
LECTURE

Genealogy Workshop • Have you ever wondered about the enslaved people in your ancestry? Robin Foster of Genealogy Just Ask, LLC will discuss the process, challenges, and emotional journey of exploring your ancestry in this one-hour workshop.

3:00PM
LITERARY
ARTS

Spoken Word/Poetry Presentation • Join host Carlos Johnson, aka Los tha Host, for an afternoon of poetry, spoken word, and music. Youth poets from the Speak Freely Foundation and students from Berkeley Center for the Arts will take the stage to give their written words a voice.

3:00PM
DANCE

Interdisciplinary Presentation – The Story of Maleda • Author, artist, and producer Jessica Mack of Ebony Xscape Productions combines  in this unique program centered around her Afrofuturistic young adult book series Guardians of Mask and Memory. For the performance portion of the program, Mack tells the story of the series protagonist, Maleda, through modern dance and projected 2-D animation.

5:00PM
MUSIC

Arty Block Party • Shop local while enjoying live music and roving entertainers! Vendor booths featuring local artists and makers will line the street.

7:00PM
MUSIC

Motown Concert • The smooth, soulful sounds of Trané N’Chel & Company are sure to help you shake off your stress and lead you on a trip down memory lane.

8:00PM
THEATRE

Improv Comedy • Yes Andventures is a Dungeons and Dragons style improv group consisting of members of Charleston’s own Theatre 99. Scenes are determined by the roll of a giant, inflatable 20-sided die.

1:00PM
MUSIC

Bluegrass Brunch • Enjoy a laid back Sunday afternoon with Puerto Rican classics and street food by Buena Compania Empanadilla, a Wind & Waves craft brew, and lively tunes by Moto-grass.

2:00PM
VISUAL ARTS

Exhibition Encore • Last call! This principal event serves as a closing celebration for the Arts Fest’s many visual art competitions & exhibitions, including Judged Fine Art & Photography, South Carolina Palmetto Hands Fine Craft, Tri-County Youth Art and Tri-County High School Sculpture.

2:00PM
MUSIC

Instrumental Concert – World Ride  • The String Time Duo consists of internationally recognized and award-winning musicians Marina Alexandra (Ukraine) and Angelina Reed (Russia).

5:00PM
MUSIC

Jazz Concert – World of Jazz • Join Charleston Jazz Express as they explore the international influence of jazz and the genre’s ability to unite people and cultures from all corners of the globe.

6:00PM
MUSIC

Lowcountry Music Showcase • Project L.O.V.E. invites one and all to this uplifting evening of music and praise featuring The Tony Washington Singers, Pastor Kenny Gerald, Helen Freeman, Joyce Simmons, Jason Singleton & Friends, and more.