Charleston SC Events & Festivals

Charleston SC events include annual celebrations of the arts, the environment, and Charleston’s nautical history among many other exciting festivals!

• February 12-14, 2010: Southeastern Wildlife Exposition. The largest wildlife art and nature event in the country, this festival showcases works of art and exhibits, lectures and presentations related to wildlife and nature, conservation and research.

• March 4-7, 2010: Charleston Food & Wine Festival. Savor the best Lowcountry cuisine as well as offerings from the top chefs and wine experts in the country!

• April 10, 2010: Family Circle Cup. This popular annual tennis tournament takes place on nearby Daniel Island. In 2009, over 87,000 people came out to watch the pros face off.

• April 17, 2010: Charleston Air Expo. This exciting, free event takes place on the Charleston Air Force Base and features aerial demonstrations and military aircraft on display. The Thunderbirds Jet Demonstration Team, The Golden Knights Parachute Team, and many more top aerialists are scheduled to perform.

• May 28-June 13, 2010: Spoleto Festival: The Spoleto Festival began in 1977 as the American counterpart to the Festival of Two Worlds held annually in Spoleto, Italy. Visitors can take in artistic performances of all types, including ballet, modern and post-modern dance, opera, chamber, symphonic, and choral music, jazz, theater, and visual arts. Note that tickets go on sale in January 2010.

• Late June (annually, though this event will not take place in 2010): Charleston Harborfest. If you have a passion for tall ships - like I do! - this festival will take your breath away. Magnificent tall ships sail in from all around the world, naval crews standing in formation along the yardarms, pennants waving, all to allow Harborfest visitors to come aboard and explore. An air show, festivities for kids, dance parties at the marina, and much more also thrill visitors every year. Hopefully this exciting event will return in 2011!

• July 4, 2010: Patriots Point Fourth of July Blast. Watch the famous Flight Deck Fireworks, launched from the flight deck of a WWII aircraft carrier.

• September 23 – October 24, 2010: 34th Annual Fall Tour of Homes and Gardens. Explore Charleston's beautiful private gardens and architecturally distinctive historic homes. Tickets for this event go on sale June 1, 2010.

• December, 2010: Christmas Parade of Boats on the Charleston Harbor. Watch the Charleston Harbor Boat Parade and enjoy holiday cheer on the water.

Charleston’s annual festivals and events celebrate the Lowcountry’s rich history, environment, and culture. They can be a great way to experience this remarkable City, but if you’re looking for a quiet getaway from the crowds, it’s a good idea to know when the major events take place so you can plan your trip accordingly.

Return to the Charleston main page to discover where to stay, dine, and play while you enjoy these exciting Charleston SC events.