Charleston Events – Fun Things to Do

Holiday Festival of Lights
3-mile drive of twinkling lights plus Santa's Village, Winter Wonderland, holiday train, carousel, sand sculpture

Skate the Stadium
Ice skate at the stadium which is transformed with festive decorations, twinkling lights, cozy firepits, and a custom-built synthetic rink - closed Dec 7, 24-25

A Christmas Carol
Charleston Stage's original adaptation of Charles Dickens' holiday classic - recommended for ages 6 and up - no performance on December 2, 3, 5, 9, 16

Chanukah in the Square
Live music, food and refreshments, Chanukah novelties giveaways, giant Menorah lighting, children's entertainment

Gullah Kwanzaa Celebration
African drum and dance classes, storytelling, juicing demonstration - hosted by the Gullah/Geechee Family Foundation

New Year's Eve Flip-Flop Drop and Fireworks
Celebrate the new year with family-friendly festivities with fireworks over the beach and huge, sparkly flip-flops descending at midnight

SC Beach Advocates Conference
Line-up of speakers featuring key dignitaries and experts in SC beach management

A Night in the Valley
Cocktail reception with hors d'oeuvres followed by a dinner and auction - formal attire - benefits TTC students

Charleston Half Marathon & 5K
Half marathon, 5K and youth marathon, virtual 10K - post race party - benefits Engaging Creative Minds

Bo's Roast and Chili Cook Off
Oysters, chili, hot dogs, beverages, live bands, kids' activities - benefits Islands Against Cancer and Clear Cell Sarcoma Foundation

Lowcountry Oyster Festival
Oysters, live music, children's area, food court showcasing a variety of local restaurants - benefits local charities

Shucked & Sauced
Enjoy oysters and barbecue from local restaurants, libations, live music - 21+ only event - benefits the Charleston Parks Conservancy

Cupid's Chase Charleston
Run, walk or roll this 5K - benefits Community Options support of people with disabilities

Save the Light Half Marathon & 5K
Half marathon is a run only, the 5K is open to runners and walkers - benefits the preservation of the Morris Island Lighthouse

Southeastern Wildlife Exposition
Art, exhibits, presentations, lectures, demonstrations - various sites

Isle of Palms Polar Plunge
Costume contest then take a chilly dip - hosted by Law Enforcement Torch Run officers - benefits Special Olympics South Carolina

Sea and Sand Festival
2-day event includes live bands, kids' area, vendors with healthy competition in the sand on Sunday

Chefs' Feast
Area chefs will offer up delectable bites, bar, live band - benefits the Lowcountry Food Bank childhood feeding programs

Charleston Wine + Food Festival
5-day event includes demonstrations, classes, dinners, tastings, culinary traditions - raising funds for charities and scholarships

A Night for the Children Gala
Cocktails, dinner, live music, dancing, silent auction - black-tie - benefits Landmarks for Families

The Charleston Festival
Tour private houses and gardens of historic residences - presented by the Historic Charleston Foundation, formerly Festival of Houses and Gardens

Swamp Fox Adventure Race
Cover approximately 55-60 miles, with a finishing time between 10-12 hours, solo and teams will paddle, bike and run through the Francis Marion National Forest

Garden Club of Charleston House and Garden Tours
Visit historic homes and gardens featuring exquisite floral arrangements

Fulfilling Needs, Creating Hope Gala
Live music, drinks, dancing, live and silent auctions - black-tie optional - benefits Lowcountry Orphan Relief

The Charleston Festival
Tour private houses and gardens of historic residences - presented by the Historic Charleston Foundation, formerly Festival of Houses and Gardens

Flowertown Festival
3-day event includes arts and crafts, Children's Jubilee, farmers market, food - supports Summerville Family YMCA

Cooper River Bridge Run
10K run/walk, wheelchair division, kids' run, finish festival

Charleston Race Week
International sailboat regatta - inshore and offshore races

Kiawah Art and House Tour
Self-guided tour of five homes on Kiawah Island - benefits local children's art programs

Battle on the Bricks
30 boxers, male and female, square off in three-round matches - hosted by Charleston Boxing Foundation - benefits three local charities

Lowcountry Cajun Festival
Cajun and Creole food, Zydeco music, kids' activities and rides, entertainment

Charleston Cocktail Week
7-day festival around Charleston where participating venues will be featuring signature cocktails

Art Charleston
5-day visual art festival with signature events, artist lectures, gallery walks, and exhibition tours led by experts - hosted by and benefits Gibbes Museum of Art

iFiveK
Run and tech networking event, post-race party with food, drinks, awards - benefits scholarships for CDC Learning Center

Charleston Jazz Festival
4-days of jazz performances by award-winning artists with events at multiple locations throughout downtown Charleston

Black Food Truck Festival
Regional food trucks, kid-friendly activities, local bands and musicians will be performing

Walk for Autism-Charleston
Family friendly walk, with refreshments, live music, jump castles, silent auction - benefits autism development programs

Blessing of the Fleet & Seafood Festival
Celebrate the shrimping industry including boat parade, music, activities - benefits local charities

North Charleston Arts Fest
5-day event includes live performances, art exhibits, kids' activities, block party

North Charleston Arts Fest
5-day event includes live performances, art exhibits, kids' activities, block party

Walk MS: Charleston
1.7 mile walk on supported and accessible routes plus other activities - leashed dogs welcomed - benefits National Multiple Sclerosis Society

Dragon Boat Charleston Festival
250-meter paddling races and party to celebrate cancer survivors

AtomaCon
A family friendly, literary, gaming, sci-fi, fantasy, science and technology convention for fans by fans

Lowcountry Dancing with the Stars Oxygen Ball
Gourmet dinner, silent and live auctions - local celebrities dance with paired professional dancers - black-tie optional - benefits American Lung Association

Dancing With The ARK's Stars
Event pairs local celebrities with professional dancers - benefits The ARK's support of lowcountry families affected by Alzheimer's Disease or related dementia

Piccolo Spoleto Festival
17-day celebration of the arts includes live performances, exhibits, kids' activities, and more

Spoleto Festival USA
17-day international festival for performing and visual arts

Spoleto Festival USA
17-day international festival for performing and visual arts

Piccolo Spoleto Festival
17-day celebration of the arts includes live performances, exhibits, kids' activities, and more

Park Circle Pride Festival
6-day event celebrating the LGBTQ+ community with events at various locations including kick-off party, live entertainment, workshops, lectures, youth fest

Carolina Day Events
Church service, then a parade from Washington Park to White Point Garden, followed by speaker and wreath laying - hosted by the Palmetto Society

Race for The ARK
5K run/walk and 1 mile fun run, youth challenge, corporate challenge - benefits services for families dealing with Alzheimer's disease and related dementia

Isle of Palms Connector Run
10K run and 5K run/walk, post race festival + virtual option - benefits the Exchange Club's support of local children's programs

Children's Day Festival
Inflatables, carnival rides, games,live entertainment and more - hosted by the Town of Mount Pleasant

Nuovo Cinema Italiano Film Festival
4-day event showcases the most artistically significant films of contemporary Italian cinema

Charleston Literary Festival
10-day event with novelists, historians, biographers, scientists, artists, human and civil rights activists and commentators on issues of universal importance

4th of July Celebration
Live band, DJ, kids activities, food trucks, vendor market, fireworks about 9:30

4th of July on Sullivan's Island
Golf cart and bike parade with post parade festivities then in the evening there will be live music with fireworks about 9pm - bring chairs and blankets

9/11 Heroes Run
5K welcomes runners, ruckers, and walkers of all ages and fitness levels to honor the heroes of September 11th and those who've served our nation since

AfroSouth Film Festival
3-day event includes film competition, workshops, master classes, movie screenings

Ag + Art Tour
Self-guided tour of farms featuring local artisans, farmer's markets, and live music

Animals, Art, and Automobiles
Stunning cars, silent auction, vendors, food trucks, adorable dogs, and more - benefits Hallie Hill Animal Sanctuary

ArtFest
Live performances, juried art exhibit, games, children's activities - hosted by Town of Mount Pleasant

Atlantic Cup
This Class 40 sailing race has three-legs with the first from Charleston to Newport, RI

Avondale 5K Run and Walk
Run or walk the 5K with after-party with music, food and drinks - benefits the Charles Webb Center special needs daycare

Awendaw Blue Crab Festival
Buckets of crab, live music, vendors, food trucks, beer, wine, kids area, hayrides, pontoon boat rides

Behind the Garden Gate: Charleston Area Open Day
Self-guided tours of six different private gardens on Kiawah Island - hosted by the Garden Conservancy and the Charleston Horticultural Society

Behind the Garden Gate: Charleston Area Open Day
Self-guided tours of six different private gardens in the Old Village of Mt Pleasant - hosted by the Garden Conservancy and the Charleston Horticultural Society

Black Expo Charleston
2-day event with Taste of Black Charleston on Friday and expo with seminars, workshops, live entertainment, youth activities, vendors on Saturday

Boardr Series Skateboarding Competition
2-day skateboarding contest for all ages and skill levels - portion of proceeds benefits Grind for Life

Carolopolis Awards
Celebrate the very best of preservation in Charleston with an awards program followed by a reception with live music

Charity Golf Classic & Cocktail Dinner
2-day event with Friday night Cocktail Dinner and golf tournament on Saturday - benefits Warrior Surf Foundation

Charleston Air Show - 2026
See the USAF Thunderbirds, Wings of Blue parachute team, C-17 East Coast demo team, over 30 static aircraft on display and more - at Joint Base Charleston

Charleston Beer Fest
Craft brews, live music, beer games, food trucks, craft vendors - benefits Palmetto Community Care

Charleston Bluegrass Festival
Live bluegrass music, plush camping options, local food and craft vendors, and outdoor activities

Charleston Caribbean Jerk Festival
Family-friendly event celebrates Caribbean food, culture, and music - bring a blanket or chair to enjoy the festivities

Charleston Carifest
4-day Caribbean cultural festival includes carnival street parade, performers, music, food

Charleston Country Music Festival
Local, regional, and national country music acts on two stages, plus food, vendors, and family fun - benefits three local charities

Charleston Duck Race
Adopted rubber ducks race across the pond at Guggenheim Terrace with prizes awarded for the first 7 ducks - hosted by the Rotary Club to benefit charities

Charleston Fashion Week
Features fashion presentations, interactive entertainment and experiences, high-end pop-up shops, runway shows

Charleston Greek Festival
Celebrating Greek culture with food, wine tasting, church tours, and entertainment - benefits local charities

Charleston Honey Bee Expo
Learn about bees and celebrate local bee keepers - honey tastings, live music, presentations, children's activities

Charleston Jewish Filmfest
Showcases the best Jewish films from around the world

Charleston Pride Festival
Celebrating LGBTQIA+ and allied communities with live entertainment, local food trucks, vendors and more

Charleston Pride Parade
Parade begins at Wragg Square then proceeds down King Street and ends at Market Street

Charleston Scottish Games
Heavy athletic, pipe band, and highland dancing competitions plus Scottish country dancing, border collie demonstrations

Charleston Vegan Festival
Vegan event featuring local vendors from Charleston and surrounding area with food trucks, bakers, local artisans and more

Charleston's St. Patrick's Day Parade
Parade begins the corner of Radcliffe and King Streets with the best viewing on King Street - hosted by the Charleston St Patrick's Day Parade Committee

Coastal Carolina Fair
Live entertainment, over 60 amusement rides, exhibits, competitions

Coastal Carolina Fair
Live entertainment, over 60 amusement rides, exhibits, competitions

Cobblestone Celebration of Quilts & Fiber Arts Show
Judging in several categories, plus vendors, appraisals and guest speaker

Colour of Music Festival
5-days includes events at various venues that highlight the impact and historical significance of black classical composers and performers on culture

CreateAthon
TRIO's marketing all-nighter for charity, open to nonprofits from the Myrtle Beach area to Hilton Head

Dog Day Afternoon
Celebrate the dog days of summer with man's best friend at the waterparks and pool after they have closed for the season

Dog Day Afternoon
Celebrate the dog days of summer with man's best friend at the waterparks and pool after they have closed for the season

Dream Girls Conference
Speakers, workshops, entertainment, food, fun and more for middle and high school girls - hosted by by Youth Empowerment Services

Edisto & Beyond Tour
Tour historic churches, graveyards and plantations
Learn about other South Carolina Plantations

Edisto Beach Shag Festival
Live music, Shag performances and plenty of dancing, arts and crafts vendors, food trucks

Edisto Beach Shag Festival
Live music, Shag performances and plenty of dancing, arts and crafts vendors, food trucks

Folly Beach 4th of July Fireworks
The show will begin at dusk and will fire from the west side of the island, a few blocks from the pier, watch from the beach and Center Street

Folly Beach Wahine Classic
Empowering surfer girls of all ages with surf competition, camaraderie, and fun, while raising awareness and money for water-related nonprofits

Front Beach Fest
Family street festival with live beach music, food and craft vendors, children's activities

Fur Ball
Evening with dinner, dancing, and fun - benefits Pet Helpers

Give Me Shelter Color 5K
5K walk or run route where participants will be sprayed with colored powder - pet and stroller friendly - benefits Landmarks for Families and Callen-Lacey Center

Goose Creek Fall Festival
Local entertainment, crafters, exhibitors, food vendors, kids' play area - hosted by the City of Goose Creek

Grace Church Tea Room and Boutique
Lunch served plus gift shop - proceeds are used to support outreach efforts

Grace Church Tea Room and Boutique
Lunch served plus gift shop - proceeds are used to support outreach efforts

HALOS Oyster Roast
Enjoy oysters, chili, beer, wine and live music while overlooking the Charleston Harbor - benefits HALOS

Half Rubber Tournament
3 and 4 person teams - a City of Isle of Palms event

Harvest Fest
Bluegrass music, festival foods, craft market, games, hayrides, pumpkin decorating

High Tide Festival
DJs playing EDM, food and drink, health & fitness activities, wear your favorite summer fashion - in support of Palmetto Community Care

Holy Smokes BBQ Fest
Enjoy a range of barbecue styles from 50+ pitmasters and chefs + live music - benefits Hogs for the Cause and Ronald McDonald House Charities

Inclusive Prom
Retro disco-themed evening where people of all abilities, alongside their families and friends, are welcomed to enjoy music and refreshments

Isle of Palms Beach Run
10K run and 5K beach run or walk, youth fun run

James Island Connector Run
8K run or 5K run or walk with post-race festival - benefits local Charleston animal rescue organizations

LOWVELO Bike Ride
Choice of 10, 20, 23, 50, or 80 mile cycling routes, plus virtual option - benefits MUSC Hollings Cancer Center

Latin American Festival
Merengue, reggaeton, bachata and salsa music, authentic food and crafts, and plenty of activities for families

Lowcountry Jazz Festival
Enjoy live performances by acclaimed jazz artists, kicking off with Friday night's All White Party - benefits Closing The Gap in Health Care

Lowcountry Jazz Festival
Enjoy live performances by acclaimed jazz artists, kicking off with Friday night's All White Party - benefits Closing The Gap in Health Care

Lowcountry Nosh
Jewish food and heritage festival with live entertainment, activities for children, tours of KKBE's historic property - hosted by Kahal Kadosh Beth Elohim

Lowcountry Shrimp Festival & Blessing of the Fleet
Live bands, art, lots of shrimp and other food, blessing of the shrimp fleet - benefits Cape Romain Environmental Education School

Lowcountry Splash
6 mile or 2.4 mile open-water swim in the Wando River and Charleston Harbor - benefits LAPS provides water safety and swimming instruction to K-2 children

Lowcountry Trail Half Marathon & 5K Run/Walk
Run the trails of Johns Island County Park followed by an awards ceremony

MOJA Arts Festival
Celebration of African-American and Caribbean visual and performing arts - traditional crafts, food

MOJA Arts Festival
Celebration of African-American and Caribbean visual and performing arts - traditional crafts, food

Mardi-Crawl-On-Shem-Creek
Music, food and drink specials, games, prizes at various venues - hosted by Lowcountry Parrot Head Club - benefits local Lowcountry charities

Meatball Run
5K fun and 1 mile fun run is a USATF certified race through the historic district of Summerville - benefits Dorchester District 2 Educational Foundation

Mermaids and Mateys
2-day family event including street festival with live music, kids area, vendors on Saturday then sand sculpting contest on Sunday

North Charleston Harvest Festival
Live music, an artist market, costume contests, trick-or-treat on the street, a petting zoo, children's activities, food trucks

Oktoberfest Charleston
Live music, German cuisine, biergarten with local craft beers, German bakery, kinderzone - benefits St Matthew Lutheran Church Community Outreach Center

Oyster Roast
Oysters, live music, dancing, and bidding in silent auctions - benefits Dorchester Paws

Oyster Roast Fundraiser
Eat your fill of roasted oysters, small bites, beer and wine + live music - benefits the Alston Wilkes Society

Palmetto Goodwill Open
18 hole, captain's choice, scramble, golf tournament with proceeds benefiting Palmetto Goodwill's educational, training and employment programs

Palmetto Park Jam
Outdoor event with live music, food trucks - attendees are encouraged to bring chairs, blankets

Pat Tillman Honor Run
Run or walk 4.2 miles and raise money to support the Tillman Scholar program plus after-party - pets on-leash and stroller friendly

Patriots Point Fireworks Blast
Enjoy the firework show from the flight deck of the USS Yorktown with live music, food and beverage vendors - bring your own chairs

Pinwheel Gala
Live entertainment, dinner, silent auction - cocktail attire - benefits Dorchester Children's Advocacy Center

Plantasia
Children's garden and activities, garden vendors, food trucks, yard sale - hosted by the Charleston Horticultural Society

Putting for Parkinson's
Golf tournament - raising awareness and funds to research Parkinson's Disease

Putting for Paws
Golf tournament with lunch and bloody mary bar - benefits Hallie Hill Animal Sanctuary

Riverfront Revival
2-day music festival featuring rock'n'roll, country, Americana music, food vendors - benefits MUSC Children's Hospital, Just Be You

Rockabillaque
Live music, classic car and vintage bike show, block-party plus pin-up, tattoo, beard & mustache contests - benefits Valiant Animal Rescue

Run Like the Devil 5K/Fun Run and Fall Festival
5K trail run, fun run plus farmers market, fall festival games, live music, food trucks - benefits the Charleston Collegiate School

Southern Songwriter Festival
3-day festival of live performances celebrating original music by songwriters from throughout North and South Carolina

St. Patrick's Day Block Party
Parade, live music, local food vendors & trucks, art, kid's zone with inflatables

Steeplechase of Charleston
Horse racing plus tailgating, merchant market, live entertainment stage, food trucks - a National Steeplechase Association sanctioned race meet

Summerville Italian Feast
Authentic Italian cuisine and wines, entertainment, local artists celebrating Italian culture and heritage - benefits Dorchester District 2 Educational Foundation

Sweet Tea Festival
Celebrate the birthplace of sweet tea with a street fair with food trucks, vendors, entertainment, sample teas and vote for the Tea of the Year

Sweetgrass Festival
Learn about the Gullah Geechee people's history, culture, traditions and their sweetgrass basket art form with activities and entertainment

Symphony Tour of Island Homes
Self-guided tours of five residences, with expert docents on-site, refreshment area - benefits the Charleston Symphony and CSOL Music Scholarship Program

The Big Dill
Pickleball tournament with men's, women's, and senior's doubles brackets - benefits East Cooper Community Outreach

The Cinderella Project
Gathers donations of gently worn formal gowns, shoes and accessories for disadvantaged high school students - click link for donation and boutique details

The Fall Tours
Enjoy a glimpse into Charleston's architecture, gardens, neighborhoods, and heritage with a variety of tours - proceeds benefit the Preservation Society of Charleston

The Fall Tours
Enjoy a glimpse into Charleston's architecture, gardens, neighborhoods, and heritage with a variety of tours - proceeds benefit the Preservation Society of Charleston

We Are Sharing Hope SC Race for Life
10K run or 5K run/walk - benefits Sharing Hope SC's mission to increase awareness for organ and tissue donation