Support Us Button Widget

What you can expect at the 42nd annual North Charleston Arts Fest

The North Charleston Arts Fest is a free five-day celebration that will include performances, activities, and exhibits at a variety of venues throughout the city.

Visitors browse a vibrant indoor art exhibit showcasing mixed media, sculptures, and colorful wall hangings. People of various ages engage with the artwork, some admiring stained glass, fiber art, or abstract pieces. Sculptures of animals and intricate textures create a lively, creative atmosphere within a spacious, well-lit venue.

The North Charleston Arts Fest began in 1982.

Photo provided by City of North Charleston

Art you ready? The 42nd annual North Charleston Arts Fest returns Wednesday, April 30, and runs until Sunday, May 4. This five-day event celebrates arts + culture, featuring music, dance, theatre, visual arts, and literature. Pro tip: All events have free entry.

Here’s a peek at three events you can look forward to:

Opening Celebration | Wednesday, April 30 | 6-8 p.m. | Charleston Area Convention Center | Start the festival with a celebration complete with food, music, and hundreds of pieces of artwork.

World Dance Showcase | Saturday, May 3 | 11 a.m.- 4 p.m. | Park Circle Community Building | Experience a display of dances representing cultures from around the world. Pro tip: Roe Roe’s and Kona Ice will be serving treats.

Arts Fest Arty Block Party | Saturday, May 3 | 5-8:30 p.m. | East Montague Avenue (between Jenkins and Virginia Avenues) | Shop local vendors while enjoying live music.

The fun doesn’t stop there; explore the full calendar of events.

More from CHStoday
We’ll get it started with a family road trip along Route 66 to Charleston in the 1970s.
The Charles Towne Farms development emphasizes open green spaces, luxury living, and architectural design.
From creamy chowders to hearty broths, these local favorites will keep you toasty all season long.
These holiday pop-up bars will get you in the festive mood.
Electric cooperatives serve nearly two million South Carolinians and maintain more than 78,000 miles of power lines across the state.
Newsletter Editor Callie shares her favorite bites from Chef Daniel Humm x The Charleston Place, a year-long pop-up restaurant at the iconic downtown hotel.
Woodhouse Spa now offers its elevated self-care services at its newest location inside the historic Wentworth Mansion.
Boeing’s new expansion project will support 1,000+ new jobs and more than $1 billion in investments.
From first jobs to sports, to volunteer service clubs and plays, this pair of friends did everything together.
We’re on a mission to find the best collard greens in Charleston, and we need your help.