Charleston, South Carolina, Events

Locals and Owners of Charleston SC Real Estate Enjoy a Multitude of Charleston SC Events

The overflowing Charleston SC events calendar seems a direct reflection of the Charleston area’s complex character. Locals and owners of Charleston SC real estate enjoy festivals and celebrations of Charleston's history, arts and culture, food, and outdoor recreation occur throughout the year, some attracting a national and international spotlight.

Spoleto Festival
Probably the most famous of Charleston SC events is the Spoleto Festival USA, described as one of the best arts festivals in the nation, if not the world. For 17 days beginning in May, Spoleto hosts over 120 performances of dance, opera, music, theater and visual arts events that explode all over the city to rave reviews from locals, owners of Charleston SC real estate, and visitors alike. Simultaneously, Piccolo Spoleto showcases regional artists with dozens of events and exhibits, making it another of the most respected festivals of the many Charleston sc events.

Southeastern Wildlife Exposition
The Southeastern Wildlife Exposition, held annually in February, has grown to be the largest event of its kind in not only the repertoire of Charleston SC events, but in the whole nation, showcasing original paintings, carvings and sculpture by some of the most gifted artists in the wildlife art genre. Photography, gifts and collectibles, conservation exhibits, family activities, and more are also showcased. A three-day celebration of nature that has earned a reputation for excellence, SEWE now hosts the world's foremost experts in wildlife and nature art, as well as conservation research and environmental education, making it one of the most interesting of Charleston SC events.

MOJA Arts Festival
Selected multiple years as one of the Southeast Tourism Society's Top 20 events, the MOJA Arts Festival is a multi-disciplinary festival produced and directed by the City of Charleston Office of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the MOJA Planning Committee. The Charleston festival highlights the many African-American and Caribbean contributions to western and world cultures. MOJA's wide range of Charleston SC events include visual arts, classical music, dance, gospel concert, jazz concert, poetry, R&B concert, storytelling, theatre, children's activities, traditional crafts, ethnic food, and more.

Charleston International Antiques Show
Inspired by the rich historical, architectural and cultural heritage of Charleston SC, the Charleston International Antiques Show has established itself as a premier destination for seasoned antique collectors, as well as those who enjoy seeing and learning about the decorative arts. The annual show, which is held in March, features dozens of the world's most prominent dealers in America's most gracious city, and both antique connoisseurs and amateurs flock to the Charleston SC event.

Charleston Food + Wine Festival
A relative newcomer to Charleston SC events is BB&T Charleston Food + Wine Festival. This four-day extravaganza is designed to celebrate the local color, flavor, and widely-recognized culinary savoir-faire for which Charleston SC is known. This world-class food also helps educate students and the general public about the historical significance of Lowcountry and Southern cuisine, resources, products and recipes.

Cooper River Bridge Run
The Cooper River Bridge Run, held annually in late March or early April, is the best organized and the best conducted 10-K race in the world. It includes world-class competition in a unique setting with unparalleled participant satisfaction; and broadens community cooperation and participation in healthy Charleston SC events throughout the year. Touting more than 30,000 participants each year, The Cooper River Bridge Run serves as a model of health motivation for other communities throughout the world.

Charleston Maritime Festival
The Charleston Maritime Festival features the majestic tall ships from around the globe. More than a dozen of the world's most famous classic tall ships descend on the Charleston waterfront each spring in a parade of sails to be viewed from several waterfront locales. The unique Charleston SC event also offers a unique chance to board the ships, meet the crew, and witness a true cultural exchange. Festival events include pirate camps, classic wooden boat displays, sailing, rowing, children's village, family boat-building, maritime art, music, food and more.

House and Garden Tours in Charleston
A number of house and garden tours fill the Charleston SC events calendar. The most noted include the Annual Festival of Houses and Gardens sponsored by the Historic Charleston Foundation; the Annual Walking Tour of Private Houses and Gardens presented by the Garden Club of Charleston; the Annual Fall Candlelight Tour of Homes and Gardens hosted by the Preservation Society of Charleston; and the Charleston Garden Festival at Middleton Place.

Charleston County Parks
The Charleston County Parks host several popular festivals throughout the year, including the East Coast Canoe & Kayak Festival, Lowcountry Cajun Festival, Festival Hispano, and the Holiday Festival of Lights.