Festivals and Events in Charleston, SC

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Home > Events

Charleston, SC Calendar of Events

January 2009

New Years Eve Charleston
Thurs., Dec. 31, 2009 - Jan. 1, 2010
Charleston, get ready to throw down for the 2010 New Years Eve celebrations and dinners. Whether your interested in a four course meal or an all out party you can find your choices here! [more info]
Greater Charleston, SC

December 2009

Holiday Festival of Lights
Fri., Nov. 13 - Sun., Jan. 3
Pack up the kids, dogs, and other family or friends and don't forget the hot chocolate for the glorious ride through the James Island County Park. [more info]
James Island

Charleston Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony
Sat., Dec. 5
Join local Charlestonians and visitors for the annual Charleston Christmas tree lighting with Saint Nick and other holiday festivities. Bring the children as this is family event. [more info]
Downtown Charleston

Charleston Parade Of Boats
Sat., Dec. 6, 5 - 8 PM
Deck out the yacht or center console with Christmas lights this year and enjoy the water. As a spectator find out more about were to watch the boats parade on by! [more info]
Downtown Charleston, Mt. Pleasant

Charleston Christmas
Late November - December
Merry Christmas Charleston. Get a head start on planning dinners and special Christmas events here. [more info]
Greater Charleston, SC

Coastal Carolina Fair
The weather has cooled down a bit and the aromas of freshly fried Funnel Cake fill the air. Take the whole family this year to the Ladson Coastal Carolina Fair at the Ladson Fairgrounds. On goers can enjoy the normal contests, games, rides, prizes, and live music at this years fair. [more info]
Ladson

Taste of the Town
Sun., Nov. 8
Another family friendly Charleston event is Summerville's Taste Of The Town. Enjoy the pleasant scenery of Azalea Park at this years event. Booths will be set up around the park where one can sample individual tastes from individual Summerville restaurants. The Taste Of The Town will also have a kids area, complete with a slide and jump castle. Stroll around the park and soak up this years "Taste"! [more info]
Summerville

Holiday Festival of Lights
Fri., Nov. 13 - Sun., Jan. 3
It doesn't matter how you see them but, make it a point to do so. The ridiculous amount of lights and holiday themes at the James Island County Park, that is! Turn the heat up in the car and boil up some hot chocolate for the road. This is a Charleston event you just can't pass on! [more info]
James Island

Blessing of the Vine
Sat., Nov. 14
Visit the only local vineyard Charleston has to offer. Known for their Muscadine grape wine varieties, Irvin-House Vineyards will hold it's blessing ceremonyfor the 7th year. The event will include: live music, kids activities, local BBQ, and plenty of vino! New to this years event, also enjoy the first annual Chili Cook-off!
[more info]
Wadmalaw Island, Johns Island

Thanksgiving Day Charleston
Thurs., Nov. 26
Live in Charleston and don't want to cook Thanksgiving Dinner this year? Thinking of visiting Charleston for Thanksgiving day and dinner, and need to make reservations? Find out which Charleston restaurants will be doing something special as well as what other holiday events are taking place in the "Holy City" for this year's Thanksgiving! [more info]
All over greater Charleston

October 2009

Blues & BBQ Harbor Cruises
Thursdays, Oct. 1st,15th, & 29th
6:30 boarding, 7PM launch
Pull the dock lines for another departure of the Carolina Bell. Cruise the Charleston Harbor, savor a Home Team BBQ Buffet, and listen to the live blues tunes of Shrimp City Slim. A perfect way to see the "Holy City" from the water and catch some cool Charleston Harbor breezes.
[more info]
downtown Charleston

Salsa Under The Stars
Fri., Oct. 9
DJ Luigi will be spinning at The Folly Beach pier for a fun filled evening of Latin music, professional performances, and gorgeous surroundings. Get out to the Folly Beach Pier for this year's "Salsa Under The Stars"! [more info]
Folly Beach

Taste Of Charleston
Fri., Oct. 9 - Sun., Oct.11
The Taste Of Charleston is always a fun Charleston October event! Catch one of this years "Taste" events downtown or, head to The Boone Hall Plantation for the main event on Sunday, October 11, 2009! Bring the whole family for this food-filled Charleston event!
[more info]
downtown Charleston & Mt. Pleasant

Reggae Nights
Sat., Oct. 17
Feeling Irie man? If not, head over to Wannamaker Park for the last Reggae show of the Summer concert series. Food and vendors will be on hand so that you don't go hungry while burning all those calories and other "things".
[more info]
North Charleston

Coastal Carolina Fair
Thurs., Oct. 29 - Sat., Nov. 7
Head to the Ladson Fairgrounds (about a half hour ride from downtown Charleston, SC) for the 53rd Coastal Carolina Fair. Fried Twinkies, elephant ears, thrill rides, livestock, and live music. What else could you ask for? This Charleston event is super fun for the whole family! Give this years Coastal Carolina Fair a visit! [more info]
Ladson

Halloween in Charleston
October, 2009
Explore all of the Halloween options Charleston, SC offers in the month of October. Search through family events or Halloween at Charleston bars for the adults.
[more info]
Charleston, Summerville, Mt Pleasant, West Ashley

September 2009

Blues and BBQ Harbor Cruises
7PM
September 3 & 17
Pull the dock lines for another departure of the Carolina Bell. Cruise the Charleston Harbor, savor a Home Team BBQ Buffet, and listen to the live blues tunes of Shrimp City Slim. A perfect way to see the "Holy City" from the water and catch some cool Charleston Harbor breezes.
[more info]
downtown Charleston

Shaggin on The Pier
Fridays 7-11 pm
Sept. 4 & Sept. 25
Wanna Shag baby? Meet others who do at this years Folly Beach event at The Folly Beach Pier. A DJ will be spinning oldies and Shag tunes throughout the evening. Get your tickets soon, they only have 600 tickets available for each Friday event. [more info]
Folly Beach Pier

Scottish Games & Highland Gathering
Sat., Sept. 19
Men being men...don't get to hung up on the skirts! The Charleston Scottish Games and Highland Gathering at Boone Hall Plantation is celebrating its 38th anniversary. 38 years in Charleston...long time! Enjoy Scottish music, food, and competition at Boone Hall Plantation in Mount Pleasant, about 6 miles from downtown Charleston, SC. About a ten minute car ride if you are staying downtown. [more info]
Mount Pleasant

MOJA Festival Charleston
Thurs. Sept. 24 – Sun. Oct. 4
Celebrate the rich African and Caribbean history that has helped influence Charleston over the years. The MOJA Festival is in its 28th consecutive year here in Charleston, South Carolina and has continued to be a hit! Enjoy art, music, history, and ethnic eats at this years MOJA Arts Festival. Bring the whole family to enjoy! [more info]
Charleston, Mt. Pleasant, North Charleston

Fall Candlelight Tours of Homes & Gardens
Thurs. Sept. 24 – Sun. Oct. 25
Take a leisurely, organized, candlelight stroll through downtown Charleston to get a peak at some of Charleston, SC's most prestigious homes and gardens. Explore mansions on cobblestone alleyways you never knew existed. This Charleston Preservation Society event has always attracted many visitors young and old whom enjoy history and gorgeous homes. Discover it for yourself this year! [more info]
downtown Charleston

August 2009

Blues and BBQ Harbor Cruises
7PM
August 6 & 20
Pull the dock lines for another departure of the Carolina Bell. Cruise the Charleston Harbor, savor a Home Team BBQ Buffet, and listen to the live blues tunes of Shrimp City Slim. A perfect way to see the "Holy City" from the water and catch some cool Charleston Harbor breezes.
[more info]
downtown Charleston

Moonlight Mixers Shaggin
On The Pier
Fridays 7-11 pm
April 17, May 29, June 12, June 26, July 10, July 31
August 14, September 4, September 25
Wanna Shag baby? Meet others who do at this years Folly Beach event at The Folly Beach Pier. A Dj will be spinning oldies and Shag tunes throughout the evening. Get your tickets soon, they only have 600 tickets available for each Friday event. [more info]
Folly Beach Pier

Reggae Nights - Summer Concert Series
Saturday Evenings
May 9, June 13, July 18, August 8, August 22, September 19,
and October 17
Nice summer evenings and Reggae music go hand and hand together. Catch 1 of or, all 7 artists at this years Reggae Nights - Summer Concert Series sponsored by Piggly Wiggly. They will be held at either the James Island County Park or Wannamaker Park in North Chuck.
[more info]
James Island or North Charleston (check dates)

July 2009

The Fourth (4th) of July Celebrations and Fireworks
Sat. July 4, 2009
ALL DAY
Check out the 4th of July festivities and fireworks shows all around greater Charleston, SC. Patriot's Point in Mt. Pleasant always has a spectacular fireworks display which can be seen from a few different spots in Charleston. You can view this years fireworks from the Yorktown, The Rooftop At Vendue Inn, Market Street Pavilion, or anywhere on the Charleston Warf. The Charleston aquarium will host it's annual picnic on their Riverside Terrace which faces the Charleston Harbor, on the 4th with refreshments and traditional 4th of July grub. [more info]

Blues and BBQ Harbor Cruises
7PM
June 11 & 25, July 7 & 23, August 6 & 20, September 3 & 17,
October 1, 15, & 29
Pull the dock lines for another departure of the Carolina Bell. Cruise the Charleston Harbor, savor a Home Team BBQ Buffet, and listen to the live blues tunes of Shrimp City Slim. A perfect way to see the "Holy City" from the water and catch some cool Charleston Harbor breezes.
[more info]
downtown Charleston

June 2009

Blues and BBQ Harbor Cruises
Every other Thursday 6:30-9:30pm
June 11 & 25, July 7 & 23, August 6 & 20, September 3 & 17,
October 1, 15, & 29
Pull the dock lines for another departure of the Carolina Belle. Cruise the Charleston Harbor, savor a Home Team BBQ buffet, and listen to the live blues tunes of Shrimp City Slim. A perfect way to see the "Holy City" from the water and catch the sunset & Charleston Harbor evening breezes. [more info]
downtown Charleston

Halfway To Xmas Bar Crawl
Fri., June 26
7PM - 2AM
Hop around some of Charleston best bars for the 1st annual Halfway To Xmas Bar Crawl. This Charleston event visits five sizzlin' hot downtown bars including; Mad River Bar and Grille, The Griffen, Club Light, Moe's Downtown Tavern, and The Brick. [more info]
downtown Charleston

Charleston Harbor Festival
Fri., June 26 - Mon., June 29
Watch as the Tall ships arrive again this year at The Charleston Harbor Festival. This Charleston event will be held at The Charleston Maritime Center. Bring the whole family and enjoy taking a look back into Charleston's maritime history. [more info]
downtown Charleston

May 2009

Cinco de Mayo Festival
Fri., May 1
Get your drinking and dancing shoes together for this annual Charleston, SC event located at The Visitors Center Bus Shed. Check out the live Mariachi style music as well as salsa, and Latin DJ Luigi Bravo at this years Charleston Cinco De Mayo Festival. There will be plenty of authentic food and drink to enjoy!
[more info]
downtown Charleston

North Charleston Arts Festival
Fri., May 1 - Sat., May 9
Photography, dance, theatre, paintings, and more...just a few of the spectacular art exhibits at The 2009 North Charleston Arts Festival. This Charleston event will be mainly located around the North Charleston Convention center and its finale will be held on the Cooper River Front Park with a fireworks show. [more info]
North Charleston

Charleston Greek Festival
Fri., May 8 - Sun., May 10
Eat, drink, dance, and explore the Greek Orthodox church in Charleston, SC. This Charleston event has been a staple for years and offers insight on the religion and festivities of the Greek Orthodox. Try some authentic Spanikopita, Mezethaki, and more.
[more info]
downtown Charleston

Spoleto Festival
Fri., May 22 - Sun., June 7
Wow...its time for Charleston's premier event again! The Spoleto Festival in Charleston! All things art converge in the holy city these days for the Southeast's largest art festival. We welcome you with open arms! [more info]

Spoleto Restaurant and Bar Guide
Fri., May 22 - Sun., June 7
Charleston chefs and restaurants go all out during this 2 week Charleston festival. You may ask which restaurants and bars are opening early before Spoleto shows. This will help! [more info]
downtown Charleston

April 2009

32nd Annual Summerville Flowertown Festival
Fri. April, 3 - Sun. April, 5 2009
The Summerville Flowertown Festival has become such a yearly tradition, why not consider joining the thousands of family and friends that attend the festival in Azalea Park in Summerville, SC (hence the name: "Flowertown Festival”). Relish genuine live entertainment, over 200 vendors and much more.
[more info]
Summerville

32nd Annual Cooper River Bridge Run
Sat. April 4, 2009
Runners. Walkers. Family. Friends. Take your marks, get set, and GO!.. join other marathon enthusiasts, families, pets, sightseers and those wanting to stroll the path of this significantly historic, annual bridge-run. Celebrate this 32 year Lowcountry tradition! People from far-and-wide (and us locals!) make the journey from the Patriots Point area of Mt. Pleasant, SC and cross the grand Cooper River to set foot on the peninsula of the City of Charleston. Unimaginably, the Cooper River Bridge Run Charleston event continues, now on a new spectacular new bridge. Partake in the 3rd bridge run over our landmark Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge (opened 7/2005). Even if you don’t run, remember to join the prime southern hospitality after the run. Join the thousands “cooling off,” and do some ‘hopping’ to our inviting downtown Charleston establishments. This city never disappoints. [more info]
Downtown Charleston

36th Anniversary Family Circle Cup
Sat., April 11 - Sun., April 19, 2009
Join WTA professionals for the 2009 Family Circle Cup on Daniel Island; a relatively newly outfitted, cosmopolitan island (known as one of the secret outer “jewels” of the downtown city of Charleston). The Family Circle Cup grounds will be swarming with activities for the whole family to enjoy. Family Circle Magazine Stadium just off Interstate 526 will be this year’s host. [more info]
Daniel Island

Easter Sunday in Charleston, SC
Sunday, April 12, 2009
Explore Charleston, SC and its surrounding islands and towns to see what this "Holy City" has in store for this years Easter festivities. Enjoy Easter brunch and dinner at Charleston's fine dining restaurants, casual dining restaurants, and Plantations this Easter. [more info]
Charleston, North Charleston, Mt Pleasant

22nd Annual Blessing of the Fleet and Seafood Festival
Sun., April 26, 2009
Give our local shrimp boys a little luck this year and help bless them at "The Blessing of the Fleet and Seafood Festival" at Alhambra Hall in Mount Pleasant, SC. This Charleston area event will have activities for the whole family and takes place Sunday, April 26th from 11:30-5:00 P.M. Eat shrimp and be merry! Enjoy live music and be sure to bring a chair or blankets. [more info]
Mount Pleasant (Shem Creek)

March 2009

Charleston Food and Wine Festival
Thurs. March, 5 - Sun., March 8, 2009
A must-do weekend Charleston event! Prepare yourself for the 2009 Charleston Food and Wine Festival; come with an empty stomach and a discerning palate ready to be satisfied. You will experience the tastes of grand delicacies and wines from around the globe. Visit demos on food and wine from celebrity chefs and professional wine sommeliers. The 2009 "Charleston Food and Wine Festival's" hub is the Culinary Village on Marion Square in Charleston, SC.
[more info]
Charleston, SC

Charleston St. Patty's Day
Tues. March 17, 2009
AM - PM
Drink Irish beers, eat Irish food, and listen to live music for this years St. Patrick's Day. That's about all one can wish for while enjoying the festivities for the 2009 St. Patty's Day in Charleston, SC. Make sure that you have your share of Shepard's Pie, Guinness, and green beer for the St Patty's Day festivities. Irish Bars, Pubs, and Taverns will come alive. Break out your Irish greens and beads for this special day of boozing, dancing, and celebration. [more info]
Charleston, West Ashley, James Island, Johns Island, IOP, Sullivan's Island, Mt. Pleasant, Daniel Island, Folly Beach, North Charleston, Summerville

Festival of Charleston Homes and Gardens
Thurs. March 19 - Sat. April 18, 2009
The Historic Charleston Foundation is holding its annual Festival of Homes and Gardens. Acquaint yourself with Historic Charleston like never before. Up to ten (10) walking tours a day for opportunities to gratify your curiosity of historic Charleston. Venture the scenes to view beautiful gardens and antique interiors of some of Charleston's most celebrated historic homes. [more info]
Downtown Charleston

February 2009

19th Annual Southern Comfort
Lowcountry Blues Bash
Fri., February 6 - Mon., February 16, 2009
Have a “jam good time” enjoying the vibrant, yet relaxing sounds of the 2009 Southern Comfort Lowcountry Blues Bash. This Charleston, South Carolina event will be held at some of downtown Charleston’s, Mt. Pleasant’s, James Island’s, Daniel Island’s, West Ashley’s and Folly Beach Island SC’s best restaurants and nightclubs.
[more info]
All over the greater Charleston, SC area

2009 Charleston SC Valentines Day
Sat. February 14, 2009
Treat your honey to roses (or what you know he/she loves – c’mon, you should know them pretty well by this point) and choose between a romantic Valentine’s dinner at one of our fine dining restaurants or a non-stop, high energy Valentine’s evening. A lively night out-on-the-town at our Charleston bars, restaurants and nightlife is not likely to disappoint, no matter what the situation. [more info]
All over the greater Charleston, SC area

Southeastern Wildlife Expo
Fri., Feb. 13 - Sun., Feb. 15
The 27th Annual Southeastern Wildlife Exposition, or S.E.W.E., an abbreviation for some adventure seekers, is coming up quick! This year, make sure to set aside the weekend of February 13-15, 2009. Enjoy wildlife art, wildlife demonstrations, DOCKDOGS, and more.... [more info]
Charleston, SC

January 2009

2009 New Years Eve Charleston
December 31, 2008-January 1, 2009
Choose from a selection of New Years Eve dinners, celebrations, and packages. Charleston, SC and the surrounding areas have many choices to make your 2009 New Years Eve unforgettable. Choose from a fine dining dinners with wine and courses or more of a bar atmosphere with dancing, hor d’oeuvrs and loud music. [more info]
Charleston, Mt Pleasant, North Charleston, James Island

A Wonderful Wedding Bridal Expo
Sunday, January 4, 2009 Noon - 5PM
Join other brides and brides-to-be at this years Bridal Expo hosted by "A Wonderful Wedding". Need to find a Charleston caterer, transportation, photographer, etc? The Bridal Expo will definitely be of some assistance for you. This Charleston wedding event will be held at The Gaillard Auditorium on Calhoun Street, between East Bay and Meeting streets. [more info]
Downtown Charleston

Charleston Comedy Festival
Wed., Jan.,, 14 - Sat., Jan., 17
Looking for some comedy shows in the Charleston area? Well, The Havenots and Theatre 99 along with 6 other venues will host the 6th annual 2009 Charleston Comedy Festival. 4 nights, 7 venues, 36 shows, stand-up, improv, and sketch! [more info]
Downtown Charleston

"A Night in the Valley" Auction and Dinner
Friday, January 23, 2009 at 6:30 PM
Enjoy as four course dinner paired with some of the worlds finest wines sponsored in part by Southern Wine and Spirits. A Night in The Valley dinner and auction benefits The Culinary Institute Of Charleston and Trident Technical College in Charleston. This Charleston Event offers different ticket options for four course feast held at Trident Technical College. [more info]
Trident Technical College - Downtown Charleston

2009 Lowcountry Oyster Roast at Boone Hall Plantation
January 25, 2009 11AM - 5PM
Shuck some! Eat some! And, drink some, at this years Boone Hall Plantation's "Lowcountry Oyster Festival". Enjoy live music, oyster eating and shucking contests, beer tents, and other local vendors located just minutes from downtown Charleston in Mount Pleasant, SC. This Charleston event is always a blast and is even officially recorded in the Guinness Book Of World Records.
[more info]
Mt. Pleasant

James Island County Park Holiday Festival of Lights
Fri., Nov. 14, 2008 - Sun., Jan. 4, 2009
Get the whole family involved for this Charleston Christmas event. Turn the heat up in the car, put on some Christmas tunes, and enjoy the Charleston County Park's Holiday Festival Of Lights at James Island County Park. This is a 3 mile scenic holiday light show with over 600 displays. Take the whole family to James Island County Park for this years 2008 Holiday Festival Of Lights. [more info]
James Island County Park

CLICK HERE for 2008 Events in Charleston, SC