Charleston Events and Festivals

(Charleston, South Carolina - SC, USA)

The local events calendar in Charleston is packed with a great range of festivals and celebrations and it is more than likely your trip will coincide with at least one of them.

With many sporting events, exhibitions, arts festivals and heritage celebrations, there are always plenty of things to do in the Charleston area. Below is a list of Charleston's most popular annual events and festivals.

National Public Holidays

• 1st January - New Year's Day
• Third Monday in January - Martin Luther King Day
• 12th February - Lincoln's Birthday
• Third Monday in February - Washington's Birthday
• Last Monday in May - Memorial Day
• 4th July - Independence Day
• First Monday in September - Labor Day
• Second Monday in October - Columbus Day
• 11th November - Veterans Day
• 4th Thursday in November - Thanksgiving
• 25th December - Christmas Day

Calendar of Festivals and Events 2014 / 2015

January

• No significant events in Charleston for the month of January

February

• Southeastern Wildlife Exposition - mid-February, a three-day celebration of nature and one of the largest events of its kind in the country, attracting over 500 artists and exhibitors

March

• Festival of Houses and Gardens, mid-March, owners of historic houses in and around Charleston open their doors for public tours, with other events including wine tasting, oyster roasts and a lecture series
• Artfest - mid-March, held in Mount Pleasant and featuring local artists and performers, along with children's activities, street musicians and clowns

April

• Cooper River Bridge Run - early April, a popular annual 6-mile / 10- km race attracting elite runners, celebrities and families
• Blessing of the Fleet - late April, annual seafood festival held at the harbor

May

• Spoleto Festival USA - late May, one of the biggest and most popular arts festivals in the country, featuring special exhibits and performances spread over several weeks at various venues across the city

June

• Carolina Day - late June, annual Carolina Day procession and commemorations
• Caribbean Carnival Charleston Carifest - held in mid-June this is a four day celebration as part of Caribbean American Heritage Month

July

• Fourth of July - held on Kiawah Island and featuring loads of activities such as a parade, live entertainment, an arts and craft show and carnival games

August

• No significant events in Charleston for the month of August

September

• Annual Fall Candlelight Tours - late September to October, self guided tours through historic districts, homes and gardens
• Charleston Scottish Games - mid-September, held at Boone Hall Plantation and featuring pipe and drum competitions, pipe bands, food and much more
• MOJA Festival - late September, celebrating the city's African and Caribbean heritage and culture, with concerts, art displays, recitals and food stalls

October

• Taste of Charleston - early October, featuring dozens of local restaurants cooking up their best dishes for visitors to taste at Boone Hall Plantation

November

• Craftsmen's Christmas Classic Arts and Crafts Festival - mid-November, annual three-day event featuring local art and craft

December

• Charleston Christmas Lights - enjoy Christmas lights across the city during the month of December, in anticipation of Santa's arrival