Lucky you. You just found CHStoday’s Plan Ahead, a list of some of the biggest events to plan for that are taking place throughout Charleston each month.
Take out your calendar, grab your day planner, or text all your friends — these are the top events we recommend heading to this month. Psst: Don’t forget to bookmark this page and come back; we update our guide monthly.
(Don’t see anything you like? Check out our full events calendar.)
Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Sponsor MLK | Thursday, Jan. 15 | 7 a.m. | The Charleston Gaillard Center | Price of purchase | Join YWCA for a professional breakfast and become a sponsor supporting the organization’s ongoing community impact.
2026 MLK Parade | Monday, Jan. 19 | 10 a.m. | Downtown Charleston | Free | Honor Dr. King’s legacy through the streets of Charleston as local businesses and organizations make their way on floats.
IAAM King: An MLK Day Celebration | Monday, Jan. 19 | 12-5 p.m. | IAAM | Free | Embrace youth-centered activities, write inspiring messages for the next generation, and record personal reflections.
Foodie fun
Charleston Restaurant Week | Thursday, Jan. 8-Sunday, Jan. 18 | Times vary | Multiple locations | Price of purchase | Head to one of 50+ participating restaurants across the area to get set menu deals available throughout the event.
Taste of Folly | Friday, Jan. 16-Saturday, Jan. 17 | Times vary | Center Street | $10+ | The island is small, but its food + drink scene is mighty. Find out for yourself at Friday night’s cocktail competition, or Saturday’s foodie extravaganza.
Lowcountry Oyster Festival | Sunday, Feb. 1 | 10 a.m.-5 p.m. | Boone Hall Plantation | $25+ | The world’s largest oyster festival returns to the Lowcountry for its 42nd year, where you can eat, shuck, and gawp at 45,000+ lbs of oysters.
The Sundial Garden is a highlight at Garden Lights. | Photo provided by @mpeacockmedia
Seasonal
74th Annual Camellia Flower Show | Saturday, Jan. 24-Sunday, Jan. 25 | 1-2 p.m. | Magnolia Plantation & Gardens | It’s time for the Lowcountry’s winter blooms to burst into life. Hundreds of camellias and judged entries line the gardens.
Charleston Comedy Week | Saturday, Jan. 24-Saturday, Jan. 31 | Times vary | Multiple locations | $5+ | Back for its second year, the Holy City is preparing for a laugh fest of even bigger magnitude than the inaugural celebrations last year, featuring local, regional, and national comics at a host of Charleston venues.
Garden Lights | Thursday, Jan. 29-Monday, Feb. 16 | Times vary | Middleton Place | $20+ | The gardens have been transformed for another illuminated spectacular, with breathtaking displays waiting around every corner.
Museum Mile Month | Throughout January | Times vary | Locations vary | $35 | Buy one ticket, get entrance to 12 local institutions showcasing the best in art, history, science, and all other manner of knowledge.
Active
Race the Landing 5K New Years Day Pajama Run | Thursday, Jan. 1 | Times vary | Charles Towne Landing State Historic Site | $20+ | Wear your pjs and get ready to ring in the new year in festive style with an adults’ 5K, kids’ 5K, and a kids’ fun run.
Charlie Post Classic 15K, 5K Run & 5K Walk | Saturday, Jan. 24 | 8:30 a.m. | Sullivan’s Island Town Hall | $45+ | Hundreds will compete in this signature winter race held in honor of Dr. Charlie Post and his contributions to the local area.
Charleston Half Marathon & 5K | Saturday, Jan. 31 | Times vary | Starts near Hampton Park | $65+ | Challenge yourself to run or walk through the Holy City’s historic streets while spectators line the barricades. Or, check the routes and make a fun sign to cheer participants on.
Sports
Cheer on Charleston’s three college teams as fall and winter sports ramp up.
Have an event of your own you want to share with us? Follow these easy steps to add your events to our calendar:
- Go to our Events page.
- Click “Add Event” in the top right-hand corner.
- Make sure to include a link and fill out important information like the date, time, location, and price of your event.
- Click “Submit,” and you’ve just added an event to our website calendar.
