Beyond the beautiful weather and bountiful blooms, one of the best things about visiting Charleston in the Spring is our area’s active event calendar. While new experiences crop up all throughout the year, locals often refer to springtime as “festival season,” with epic events kicking off in March and running through early June. Below, we’ve rounded up several of our favorite “can’t-miss” events; whether you’re a resident or just passing through, be sure to add these dates to your calendar!
March 6th - 10th: Charleston Wine and Food
With an array of award-winning bars and restaurants, Charleston is the perfect epicurean backdrop for this annual festival. The event welcomes chefs, brewers, writers, farmers and culinary celebs from around the globe for cooking demos, tastings, talks and more. If you’re even remotely into wine and food (who isn’t?), this is a must-do. Tickets available at: https://charlestonwineandfood.com/
March 13th - April 18th: 72nd Annual Festival of Houses and Gardens
What better way to experience the historic charm of Charleston than by touring some of the city’s most stunning homes and gardens? The festival lineup includes a variety of private tours, luncheons, history and architecture talks, outdoor concerts and more. See the full schedule at: https://www.historiccharleston.org/blog/events/category/festival-houses-gardens/
March 30th - April 7th: Volvo Car Open Tennis Tournament
Did you know that Charleston hosts North America’s largest women’s-only tennis tournament each spring? Over the course of the week, the world’s best players will compete for the sport’s largest purse at a state-of-the-art facility on Daniel Island. Learn more and get access at: http://www.volvocaropen.com/
April 6th: Cooper River Bridge Run
The third largest 10K race in the US, this event welcomes everyone from elite athletes to casual walkers ready for a unique outdoor experience. The course travels from Mount Pleasant, over the Ravenel Bridge and into downtown Charleston. In addition to the race, runners (and non-runners) can eat and imbibe during Taste of the Bridge Run and enjoy merriment in Marion Square at the Finish Festival. Learn more at: http://bridgerun.com/
April 7th: Lowcountry Cajun Festival
For one day only, James Island County Park transforms into a little slice of Louisiana. The Cajun Festival features live zydeco music, authentic Creole fare like jambalaya, alligator, and andouille sausage, as well as kids activities and Lowcountry outdoor fun. Learn more at: https://www.ccprc.com/137/Lowcountry-Cajun-Festival
April 13th - 14th: Charleston Outdoor Fest
Head back out to James Island County Park for two days of outdoor fun and fitness. This event includes an array of activities like kayaking, paddleboarding and rock climbing, as well as live music, the Reel Paddling Film Festival, an several outdoor sports competitions. Put on your game face and get your pass here: https://www.ccprc.com/1542/Charleston-Outdoor-Fest
April 28th: Blessing of the Fleet and Seafood Festival
This special all-day event is a fun way to pay tribute to our region’s long-standing fishing and shrimping industry. Enjoy a boat parade and ceremonial blessing of the shrimp/fishing fleet, sample seafood from local purveyors, kick off your shoes for a shag competition, and participate in a variety of other family-friendly activities. Learn more at:
May 1st - 5th: North Charleston Arts Festival
Now entering its 37th year, this event is one of the most comprehensive arts festivals in South Carolina. Over the course of five days, participants can immerse themselves in live music and theatre, craft workshops, visual art exhibitions, public art installations, and more. The festival closes with an outdoor concert and fireworks display at Riverfront Park. Learn more at: https://northcharlestonartsfest.com/
May 24th - June 9th: Spoleto Festival USA
For 17 days and nights each spring, Charleston transforms into a thriving destination for the world’s best performing arts. Our city’s theaters, churches, and outdoor spaces play host to opera, dance, chamber music, jazz and more. View the festival’s 43rd season lineup and get your tickets at: https://spoletousa.org/
May 30th - June 2nd: 74th Annual U.S. Women’s Open
Ready to see some of the best women’s golfers in the game? The Country Club of Charleston (located on James Island) will host this year’s U.S. Women’s Open, considered the world’s premier women’s golf championship. Don your favorite polo and snag tickets here: www.usga.org
Already got your tickets but need a place to stay? Our luxury rentals in Isle of Palms, Kiawah, and Mount Pleasant are the perfect retreat for an eventful springtime trip to Charleston. Check them all out here, or contact the Charleston Island Rentals team to find the best option for your stay.
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