Major Events & Festivals in Charleston, South Carolina, United States

Charleston, United States, Charleston, Culture & Entertainment, Major Events & Festivals

Major Events & Festivals in Charleston, South Carolina, United States

1. Spoleto Festival USA

An annual 17-day performing arts festival showcasing music, theater, dance, and visual arts from around the world.
  • International Performers: Features artists from various countries, providing a diverse cultural experience
  • Unique Venues: Performances take place in unique and historic locations throughout Charleston
  • Community Engagement: Involves local artists, students, and community members in the festival's productions

2. Charleston Wine + Food Festival

A culinary event celebrating Lowcountry cuisine, wine, and spirits with a focus on education and tastings.
  • Exclusive Events: Offers exclusive dinners, tastings, and seminars led by renowned chefs and beverage experts
  • Community Involvement: Partners with local farmers, wineries, and restaurants to showcase Lowcountry produce and products
  • Educational Workshops: Provides workshops and seminars on various aspects of food and beverage production

3. Charleston Music Hall Concerts

A venue offering a variety of live music performances, including local and national acts.
  • Intimate Setting: A smaller, more intimate venue that offers an up-close experience with artists
  • Diverse Lineup: Hosts a wide range of genres from blues to rock, country to electronic music
  • Historic Venue: Located in a renovated historic theater, preserving the city's rich architectural heritage

4. Charleston Greek Festival

A celebration of Greek culture featuring food, music, dance, and art.
  • Authentic Cuisine: Offers traditional Greek dishes like gyro, moussaka, and baklava
  • Folk Dancing Performances: Features traditional Greek folk dances by performers in authentic costumes
  • Art Exhibitions: Showcases paintings, pottery, and other traditional Greek artwork

5. Charleston Restaurant Week

A bi-annual event showcasing the city's culinary scene with prix fixe menus at participating restaurants.
  • Variety of Cuisines: Showcases a wide variety of cuisines, from Lowcountry to international dishes
  • Affordable Prices: Offers prix fixe menus at reduced prices, making fine dining more accessible
  • Participating Restaurants: Features popular and emerging restaurants in the city, allowing visitors to try new places

6. Charleston Fashion Week

A fashion event showcasing local and national designers, runway shows, and networking opportunities.
  • Designer Showcases: Features collections from both established and emerging designers
  • Networking Opportunities: Offers opportunities for attendees to connect with industry professionals and designers
  • Interactive Workshops: Provides workshops on various aspects of fashion, such as styling, makeup, and photography

7. Charleston Maritime Festival

A celebration of the city's maritime history with boat tours, demonstrations, and exhibits.
  • Maritime Demonstrations: Features shipbuilding and sailing demonstrations by local experts
  • Boat Tours: Offers boat tours of Charleston's historic harbor and waterways
  • Exhibits and Presentations: Provides exhibits on the city's maritime history, including ship models, artifacts, and presentations

8. Charleston Food and Wine Festival

A celebration of Lowcountry cuisine and wine with tastings, workshops, and culinary demonstrations.
  • Local Ingredients: Highlights local produce, seafood, and ingredients in the dishes
  • Interactive Workshops: Offers hands-on workshops focusing on various aspects of food preparation and presentation
  • Wine Tastings: Provides wine tastings featuring local and regional wines, as well as international selections

9. Charleston Restaurant Festival

A celebration of the city's culinary scene with special menus, events, and chef collaborations.
  • Chef Collaborations: Brings together local and visiting chefs for collaborative dining experiences
  • Special Menus: Offers special menus showcasing unique dishes from participating restaurants
  • Community Engagement: Involves the local community and supports various charitable causes

10. Charleston Fall Festival of Houses and Gardens

A self-guided tour showcasing historic homes and gardens in the city.
  • Historic Homes: Showcases a variety of historic homes, many dating back to the 18th and 19th centuries
  • Garden Tours: Offers tours of beautiful private gardens not normally open to the public
  • Architectural Details: Highlights the intricate architectural details and design elements found in these historic homes

11. Charleston Holiday Festival of Lights

A holiday light display featuring millions of twinkling lights, animated scenes, and Santa's Village.
  • Light Displays: Features millions of twinkling lights and animated displays
  • Santa's Village: Includes Santa's Village with holiday activities, photos with Santa, and a train ride
  • Food and Music: Offers food vendors and live music performances throughout the festival

12. Charleston Beer Festival

A celebration of craft beer with tastings, local brewery tours, and food trucks.
  • Craft Breweries: Showcases a variety of local and regional craft breweries
  • Brewery Tours: Offers tours of participating breweries, allowing attendees to see the brewing process
  • Food Trucks: Features a variety of food trucks offering delicious local eats

13. Charleston Taste of the Nation

A culinary event raising funds for No Kid Hungry, featuring food and beverage tastings from top restaurants.
  • Fundraising Event: Raises funds for No Kid Hungry, a campaign to end child hunger in America
  • Top Restaurants: Features top restaurants from the city and surrounding areas
  • Benefiting Charity: Proceeds go to No Kid Hungry, a campaign by Share Our Strength

14. Charleston Wine + Food Classic

A culinary event featuring food and wine tastings from top chefs, winemakers, and mixologists.
  • Food and Wine Tastings: Offers tastings of dishes and wines from top chefs and winemakers
  • Educational Seminars: Provides educational seminars on various aspects of food and wine
  • Culinary Demonstrations: Features live culinary demonstrations by top chefs

15. Charleston Greek Independence Day Parade

A celebration of Greek culture and independence with a parade, music, dance, and food.
  • Parade: Features floats, marching bands, dancers, and performers
  • Greek Food: Offers traditional Greek dishes like gyro, moussaka, and baklava
  • Folk Dancing Performances: Features traditional Greek folk dances by performers in authentic costumes