2010 & 2011 Calendar of Events

To find many more Charleston area events and festivals, please use our Event Search.

French Quarter Art Walk
First Friday in March, April, May, June, October and December
Downtown Charleston
(843) 577-7101
www.frenchquarterarts.com
On designated Fridays, between the hours of 5-8 p.m., the public is invited to stroll along cobblestone streets and gas-lit alleyways to discover the works of more than 500 artists.

Charleston Harbor Fest
June 18-20, 2010
Maritime Center Complex in Downtown Charleston
(843) 722-1030 ext. 20
www.charlestonharborfest.org
The Charleston Harbor Fest 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 waterfront.

MOJA Arts Festival
September 23-October 3, 2010
Charleston
(843) 724-7308
www.mojafestival.com
The MOJA Arts Festival highlights the many African-American and Caribbean contributions to Western and world cultures. MOJA events include visual arts, classical music, dance, music, storytelling, poetry, theater and more.

Annual Fall Tours of Homes and Gardens
September-October 2010
Downtown Charleston
(843) 722-4630
www.preservationsociety.org
The Fall Tours of Homes and Gardens feature beautifully appointed gardens and architecturally and historically significant homes, churches and public buildings in downtown Charleston.

Lowlands Oyster Festival
January 30, 2011
Boone Hall Plantation
(843) 805-3084
One of the Charleston area's most popular events! Serving more than 65,000 pounds of oysters to up to 10,000 visitors. Participate in the world's largest oyster roast. Please see Boone Hall Plantation for schedule and ticket information.

Southeastern Wildlife Exposition
February 18-20, 2011
Downtown Charleston
(843) 723-1748
www.sewe.com
After more than 25 years, the Southeastern Wildlife Exposition (SEWE) has become the largest event of its kind in the country-a three-day celebration of nature featuring wildlife and nature art, conservation research and environmental education.

BB&T Charleston Food + Wine Festival
March 3-6, 2011
Downtown Charleston
(843) 727-9998
www.charlestonfoodandwine.com
International stars mingle with Charleston's top chefs and wine experts during this four-day extravaganza designed to celebrate the city's revered local flavors and culinary savoir-faire.

Annual Festival of Houses and Gardens
March 17-April 16, 2011
Downtown Charleston
(843) 722-3405
www.historiccharleston.org
Sponsored by the Historic Charleston Foundation, this festival features rarely seen interiors of approximately 150 private homes and gardens in 11 different colonial and antebellum neighborhoods.

Charleston International Antiques Show
March 18-20, 2011
Downtown Charleston
(843) 722-3405
www.historiccharleston.org
Inspired by the rich historical, architectural and cultural heritage of Charleston, the Charleston International Antiques Show (and the concurrent Charleston Art and Antiques Forum) has become established as a premier destination for seasoned antique collectors and those who enjoy learning about the decorative arts.

Cooper River Bridge Run
April 2, 2011
Downtown Charleston and Mount Pleasant
(843) 856-1949
www.bridgerun.com
One of the most well-organized and well-conducted races in the world, this 10K (6.2 miles) run/walk begins in Mt. Pleasant, crosses the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge and ends in historic downtown Charleston.

Flowertown Festival
April 1-3, 2011
Azalea Park, Summerville
(843) 871-9622
www.summervilleymca.org/flowertown
The Flowertown Festival is South Carolina's largest arts and crafts festival and has been named one of the Top 20 Events in the Southeast by the Southeast Tourism Society. This three-day event is in the charming and historic town of Summerville.

Sculpture in the South
May 14-15, 2011
(843) 851-7800
www.sculptureinthesouth.com
The annual exhibition and sale features more than 20 sculptors juried from across the country, many with national and international recognition and awards, and plenty of children's activities.

Spoleto Festival USA
May 27-June 12, 2011
Downtown Charleston
(843) 579-3100
www.spoletousa.org
Spoleto Festival USA is 17 days and nights with more than 120 performances of opera, dance, music and theater in venues throughout historic downtown Charleston. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution called Spoleto Festival USA "one of the best arts festivals in the country, if not the world."

Piccolo Spoleto Festival
May 27-June 12, 2011
Downtown Charleston
(843) 724-7305
www.piccolospoleto.com
As the local counterpart to the big festival, Piccolo Spoleto showcases talented artists and performers from South Carolina and across the Southeast against the backdrop of the internationally acclaimed Spoleto Festival USA.

Please check the events calendar to find out what's happening during your trip to Charleston. You'll also find great restaurant and evening entertainment ideas in Dining & Cuisine.

Fleet Landing Restaurant Meet at Fleet! Casual, come-as-you-are, waterfront seafood restaurant. A destination unto itself. Housed in a 1940s retired naval building on the east side of the Charleston peninsula, Fleet Landing features fusion of classic and contemporary Southern seafood fare in a setting that celebrates the area’s waterfront heritage. Featured in Food & Wine Magazine in their trend spotting “Where to Go Next” column. Blue Plate Lunch Specials. Open 7-days a week.

Circa 1886 Restaurant Nestled in the gardens behind the Wentworth Mansion is one of Charleston's hidden gems. Circa 1886, named for the year the Wentworth Mansion was built, is home to some of Charleston's finest fare. With an extensive wine list and contemporary cuisine, this five-star restaurant offers diners an intimate evening that won't soon be forgotten. AAA Four Diamond Award Charleston restaurant; “Top 100 New Restaurants” Conde’ Nast Magazine; Wine Spectator winner & Dirona Award Winner.