Charleston by Design: an event focused on art + history

Join the annual event, Charleston by Design, to explore history through the lens of art and design.

The historic Aiken-Rhett House Museum's outdoor space shines with lights and is filled with large floral pieces.

The four-day celebration of design and preservation features speakers and designers.

Photo by Historic Charleston Foundation

Does this stretch of weather have you longing for spring? Well, it will be here before you know it, and so will the festivals + events that come along with the blossoming of a new season.

Historic Charleston Foundation’s (HCF) The Charleston Festival — formerly known as the Festival of Houses and Gardens— will run from Thursday, March 12 to Saturday, April 11. The festival aims to bring educational events to the community that spread awareness, teach history, and celebrate culture, all while benefiting the HCF.

Bright red, pink, and white roses wrap the historic wooden staircase.

Select designers will shape historic spaces into their vision for the weekend.

Photo by Historic Charleston Foundation

Charleston by Design is a key event of that festival, focusing on design and preservation, and it helps kick off the weeks-long celebration. Guests will explore historic homes with an art and interior design lens.

HCF officials say events + fundraisers are a crucial part of supporting the Foundation’s mission-driven work as it works to preserve historic structures and communities while also shaping a future that “honors and protects our people, places, culture, and community.”

Take a look at the schedule and snag your tickets.

Events
Party for the Parks attendees will travel to the past for a 1960s Palm Royale theme.
The Hatch Chile Roast benefits the nonprofit Friends of Joseph Floyd Manor.
The College of Charleston’s Men’s Soccer program transitioned from NAIA to NCAA Division I status in 1991.
You can get your Aquarium Aglow tickets at a discounted price now through the end of October.
This two-day festival will celebrate the vibrant sounds of jazz at the Gaillard Center.
Holy City Swing instructors will guide attendees through choreography, plus, there will be sips and bites.