Break out your calendar and start planning for the biggest and best events around Charleston. Pro tip: Bookmark this article and see just how many events you can attend in the Holy City this year.
Heads up: Not all of these events have a set date yet and are subject to change.
YWCA Greater Charleston MLK Celebration, multiple locations | Jan. 16-20 | Honor Dr. King’s legacy with a lineup of community events and activities, including a breakfast and MLK Day parade.
Taste of Folly, Folly Beach | Jan. 17-18 | Head to the edge of America for a cocktail competition and Savory Saturday, where Folly businesses will take over Center Street, serving up their best dishes and showcasing live demos.
Lowcountry Oyster Festival, Boone Hall Plantation | Feb. 2 | Get ready for a shucking good time — there will be live music, raw oyster eating and shucking contests, wine, beers, cocktails, a children’s area, and a food court.
Southeastern Wildlife Expo (SEWE), downtown Charleston | Feb. 14-16 | Learn about wildlife and the great outdoors through fine arts, live entertainment, and special events.
Charleston Wine + Food, multiple locations | March 5-9 | Celebrate the greater Charleston area’s diverse food and beverage community.
High Water Festival, River Front Park | April 26-27 | Get ready to make waves at this festival. This year’s headliners are Arcade Fire and Lord Huron alongside Mt. Joy, Counting Crows, The Backseat Lovers, and several other artists.
Charleston Bluegrass Festival, Woodlands Nature Preserve | March 28-29 | Gather your squad for this family-friendly camping event that includes a weekend of bluegrass music, local food, craft vendors, and outdoor adventures.
The Credit One Charleston Open will host more than 100 athletes and 90,000 fans.
Photo by @creditonecharlestonopen
Credit One Charleston Open, Credit One Stadium | March 29-April 6 | See top talent at North America’s largest women’s only tennis tournament. Attendees can also enjoy on-site entertainment, activities, and drinking and dining options.
The Charleston Festival, multiple locations | March 13-April 13 | Attend Historic Charleston Foundation’s largest fundraising and educational event and dive deep into Charleston’s history, architecture, culture, and community.
Cooper River Bridge Run, Ravenel Bridge | April 5 | Lace up for one of Charleston’s most beloved events — a scenic 10K race across the Ravenel Bridge.
Flowertown Festival, Summerville | April 4-6 | Admire the beauty of spring with flowers including pink azaleas, purple wisteria, and white dogwood. This festival is a haven for arts and crafts, food, and activities.
Charleston Jazz Festival, multiple locations | April 21-29 | Experience jazz with world-class performances and educational programs.
Art Charleston, Gibbes Museum | April 23-27 | Hosted This event focuses on the visual arts through unique experiences, artist lectures, panel discussions gallery walks, professional workshops, and exhibition tours.
Black Food Truck Festival, Exchange Park Fairgrounds | April 25-27 | Savor delicious eats, enjoy live music, and celebrate Black culture at this popular festival featuring a wide variety of food trucks and entertainment for the whole family.
Blessing of the Fleet, Memorial Waterfront Park | April 27 | Attend this festival that pays tribute to Mount Pleasant’s local shrimping and fishing industry. There’s a boat parade, live music, a craft show, and free activities.
Charleston Greek Festival, Greek Orthodox Church of the Holy Trinity| May | Experience Greek culture with traditional music, dance, food, and drinks. Don’t miss the spanakopita, baklava, and a little Ouzo to toast to a great time.
Spoleto Festival USA, multiple locations | May 23-June 8 | Immerse yourself in this internationally renowned festival celebrating performing arts, from opera and theater to dance and music.
Piccolo Spoleto, multiple locations | May 23-June 8 | Charleston’s celebration of local artists runs alongside Spoleto Festival USA, featuring diverse events like art exhibits, performances, and family-friendly activities.
MOJA Arts Festival, Multiple locations | Sept. 25-Oct. 5 | Celebrate African-American and Caribbean arts and culture through music, dance, visual arts, storytelling, and more at this vibrant festival.
Riverfront Revival, Riverfront Park | Oct. 10-11 | Head to Darius Rucker’s two-day music festival featuring a lineup of artists, food vendors, and craft beer.
Charleston Beer Fest, Riverfront Park | Oct. 25 | Sample local craft brews, enjoy live music, and explore a variety of food trucks and vendors at this lively beer-lover’s event.
Coastal Carolina Fair, Exchange Park Fairgrounds | October-November | Enjoy a Lowcountry tradition with rides, live entertainment, agricultural exhibits, and all the fair food you could imagine.
Food and Wine Classic Charleston, multiple locations | Nov. 14-16 | Experience exclusive wine tastings, cooking demos, and gourmet dinners led by celebrated chefs and sommeliers.
Charleston Literary Festival, Dock Street Theatre | Nov. 7-16 | Engage with world-class authors, attend discussions, and dive into the world of literature at this annual festival for book enthusiasts.
Holy Smokes, Riverfront Park | Nov. 8 | Indulge in barbecue from award-winning dishes from pitmasters and enjoy live music at this celebration of all things smoked.
