Events, Charleston, SC
• Schools
• Events
• Area Dining
• Attractions
• Arts & Culture
• Beaches
• Commerce
• Recreation
Get out and enjoy yourself, all year long
JANUARY 2013
Holidays at the Nathaniel Russell House and Aiken-Rhett House Museums
At the Nathaniel Russell House Museum, immerse yourself in an early-19th-century holiday gathering with the Russell family. In 1808, that meant religious observances and holiday feasts with friends and relatives. Just as if the family were gathered for a holiday meal, the dining room table will be laden with delightful sugared fruits, syllabubs, cakes, and sweetmeats. Continue on to the Aiken-Rhett House Museum to behold the dazzling trimmings of a Victorian Christmas in the Lowcountry. Holiday celebrations at the Aiken-Rhett House date back to Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol and the budding popularity of decorated trees in America.
November 23 – January 6
Vibrant Vision: The Collection of Jonathan Green and Richard Weedman
Over the past 35 years, world-renowned artist Jonathan Green and his partner and studio director, Richard Weedman, have amassed an astonishing collection of paintings, sculpture, and works on paper. Selected from their collection, this exhibition features work by African American, Caribbean, Latin American, and American artists that reflect the diverse cultural influences that have shaped American art since the twentieth century. Gibbes Museum of Art.
January 11 – April 21
Charleston Symphony Orchestra Masterworks Concert: Russian Masters Rachmaninoff & Tchaikovsky
In a performance dedicated to two of the most beloved Russian masters of classical music, the concert opens with musical excerpts from Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s ballet, Swan Lake. Next on the program, Rachmaninoff's Piano Concerto No. 2, a long-treasured audience favorite. The concerto will feature a rising star—guest pianist Micah McLaurin, a 17-year-old Charlestonian and award-winning pianist. During the second half of the program, the orchestra returns to Tchaikovsky for his Symphony No. 5, colorful in theme and orchestration. Guest conductor JoAnn Falletta returns to the podium to lead the CSO. Pre-concert talk from the stage for ticket holders one hour before the start of each concert. Sottile Theatre.
January 11 & 12 | 7:30pm
Charleston Marathon
The third-annual Charleston Marathon is a scenic 26.2-mile run showcasing the beauty and history of the Lowcountry, starting in downtown Charleston and winding past scenic water views, the Battery, and historic King Street, and continuing to North Charleston. The multi-event weekend also features a Half-Marathon and the Shrimp & Grits 5k through historic Park Circle in North Charleston. Music and performance groups from local schools and community will dot the course to keep runners moving.
January 19–20
Charleston Concert Association Presents: Chanticleer
Called “the world’s reigning male chorus,” by The New Yorker magazine and named Ensemble of the Year by Musical America, Chanticleer is known around the world as an “orchestra of voices.” This Grammy Award-winning ensemble’s seamless blend of twelve male voices ranges from countertenor to bass. Their interpretations of vocal music span from Renaissance to jazz, and from gospel to venturesome new music. Sottile Theatre.
January 22 | 7:00pm
Charleston Symphony Orchestra Pops Concert: Cirque de la Symphonie
Experience the magic of some of the best cirque artists in the world performing on stage with a full symphony. Behold aerialists and acrobatic feats performed to classical masterpieces and memorable contemporary music. Conducted by Yuriy Bekker. Sottile Theatre.
January 25 & 26 | 7:30pm
Charleston Stage Presents The Secret Garden
Based on the 1911 novel by Frances Hodgson Burnett, The Secret Garden tells the story of Mary Lennox, a spoiled 11-year-old orphan who is returned to England to live at her uncle’s mansion. Mystery unfolds as Mary discovers family secrets and a hidden garden. Will Mary learn that caring for something as simple as a garden can unlock the key to her heart and soul? Dock Street Theatre.
January 25 – February 3
Lowcountry Oyster Festival
The Lowcountry Oyster Festival is the world’s largest oyster festival and has been named one of the “top 20 events in the southeast” by Southeastern Tourism Society. Highlights include the legendary oyster shucking and oyster eating contests, live music on the main stage, wine, a selection of domestic and imported beers, a children’s area complete with pony rides and jump castles, and a food court showcasing a variety of local favorite restaurants to satisfy everyone’s taste. Boone Hall Plantation.
January 27 | 10:30am – 5:00pm
FEBRUARY 2013
Lowcountry Blues Bash
The 23rd-annual blues festival features a dizzying 14-day program of 100 shows in 59 venues. The event, which presents acts from all over the country, bills itself as “insanely eclectic—all over town and all good.” Venues range from bars and restaurants to harbor cruises and recreation centers. Don’t miss the popular midday concerts at the Charleston Public Library main branch.
February 8 – 17
Charleston Stage Presents A Woman Called Truth
A Woman Called Truth chronicles the remarkable story of Sojourner Truth from the day she was a slave girl and sold away from her family, through her struggle to free herself and her son, to her emergence as revered leader and farsighted advocate for abolition and visionary pioneer for women's rights. A Woman Called Truth combines Truth’s actual words with authentic slave songs, spirituals, and folk songs of the period to tell a moving and powerful story. Dock Street Theatre.
February 15 – March 3
Charleston Symphony Orchestra Masterworks Concert: All Brahms
James Feddeck, Assistant Conductor of the Cleveland Orchestra and Music Director of the Cleveland Orchestra Youth Orchestra, leads the CSO in this program showcasing the music of Johannes Brahms in three pieces: Brahms’ lively Dance No. 5 from his 21-piece Hungarian Dances, a work completed in 1869; the composer’s final orchestral work, Concerto for Violin, Cello, and Orchestra (also known as his Double Concerto) featuring the CSO concertmaster Yuriy Bekker and Norbert Lewandowksi, CSO principal cello; and Brahms’ classically structured Symphony No. 2, a brooding and melancholic yet triumphant and spirited work composed in 1877. Pre-concert talk from the stage for ticket holders one hour before the start of each concert. Sottile Theatre.
February 15 & 16 | 7:30pm
Southeastern Wildlife Exposition
Now in its 31st year, SEWE is the largest wildlife art and nature exposition in the nation, attracting 35,000 attendees to Charleston for a weekend of art and events. Highlights include DockDogs competitions, flight demos by the Center for Birds of Prey, conservation exhibits, outdoor outfitters and guides, wildlife collectibles, cooking demos with local chefs, and family activities.
February 15 – 17
Les Misérables
This brand new 25th anniversary production of Boublil & Schönberg’s legendary musical features glorious new staging and dazzlingly reimagined scenery inspired by the paintings of Victor Hugo. This new production has been acclaimed by critics, fans and new audiences and is breaking box office records wherever it goes. The New York Times called it “an unquestionably spectacular production from start to finish,” while The London Times prasied the new show as “a five star hit, astonishingly powerful.” Based on Victor Hugo’s classic novel, Les Misérables is an epic and uplifting story about the survival of the human spirit. North Charleston Performing Arts Center.
February 19 – 24
BB&T Charleston Wine + Food Festival
Wine + Food celebrates the best that Charleston has to offer: a local food culture rich in tradition and James Beard Award–winning chefs. The four-day event also provides the opportunity to meet some of the country’s best chefs, authors, and wine professionals, with some 50+ events throughout the weekend. Marion Square, downtown Charleston.
February 28 – March 3
MARCH 2013
French Quarter Art Walk
Four times a year, the buzz of art and the taste of wine take over the French Quarter, as all of the Galleries open their doors and offer wine, food, and amazing art. Free and open to the public. Art Walk maps are available at participating galleries. The French Quarter is located between S. Market and Tradd, and Meeting Street and the waterfront.
March 1 | 5:00 – 8:00pm
Charleston Symphony Orchestra Pops Concert: American Song and Dance
Featuring beloved American compositions like Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue, Cole Porter favorites, and more, this concert promises to have the audience dancing in the isles. Plus, there will be special guest dancers and guest conductor Jacomo Bairos, Associate Conductor of the Charlotte Symphony and Cover Conductor for the Atlanta Symphony. Sottile Theatre.
March 1 & 2 | 7:30pm
Charleston Symphony Orchestra Masterworks Concert: Tchaikovsky’s Piano Concert No. 1
The March Masterworks concerts, under the baton of David Lockington, offer Charleston audiences a triple treat. First on the program is Gabriel Fauré’s Suite from Pelléas et Mélisande, derived from music used in the play of the same name but re-orchestrated for a larger force of musicians. Next, internationally renowned pianist Volodymyr Vynnytsky will take the stage for Tchaikovsky’s Piano Concerto No. 1, one of the world’s best-known piano concerti. Finally, in honor of the anniversary of Prokoviev's death and keeping with the dramatic theme, the CSO will tell the story of the tragic star-crossed lovers through excerpts from the ballet Romeo & Juliet. Pre-concert talk from the stage for ticket holders one hour before the start of each concert. Sottile Theatre.
March 15 & 16 | 7:30pm
Charleston Concert Association: Russian National Ballet Theatre’s Swan Lake
Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake is undoubtedly the most popular of all classical ballets and a perennial favorite of ballerinas the world over. Founded by dancers from the great Russian schools of Moscow, St. Petersburg and Perm, the Russian National Ballet Theatre quickly became hailed as a troupe that upheld the highest tradition of pure classical ballet. With over 50 dancers of singular instruction and vast experience, the ensemble is led by the legendary Bolshoi principal dancer Elena Radchenko, who assumed the first permanent artistic directorship of the company in 1994.
March 5 | 7:00pm
Charleston Symphony Orchestra: Postcards from Abroad
In Postcards from Abroad, the CSO will highlight some of the most memorable works eliciting countries other than the composer’s motherland. Featuring CSO concertmaster Yuriy Bekker as conductor and Charleston’s Enrique Graf on piano, the Symphony will perform Italian composer Gioachino Antonio Rossini’s famous Overture to The Barber of Seville. Additional pieces include Mozart’s Symphony No. 31 (Paris), Florencia Di Conciolo’s Piano Concerto (a South Carolina premiere), and Darius Milhaud’s Le boeuf sur le toit, a surrealist ballet whose score, written by Milhaud, was strongly influenced by Brazilian popular music.
March 26 | 7:30pm
Charleston Film Festival
At the Terrace Theater on James Island, the fourth annual indie-film-lovers’ event spotlights the best films from the best festivals and award winning dramas and documentaries, as well as South Carolina filmmakers.
March 7 – 10
Charleston Art & Antiques Forum
Founded in 1997, the Charleston Art & Antiques Forum opens Antiques Week each year with noted national and international arts experts addressing topics relating to connoisseurship and the interpretation of American material culture. The Forum offers superb lectures in small-scale sessions, with lively question and answer sessions that often continue over lunch or dinner. Speakers and participants enjoy a special camaraderie as they study significant collections together, visit historic properties, and experience the best in Southern hospitality at receptions in landmark venues.
March 13 – 17
Charleston Symphony Orchestra League Designer Showhouse
Now in its 36th year, the Charleston Symphony Designer Showhouse has become an annual tradition. Each year, a different architecturally significant space is transformed by some of our area’s most talented designers, creating a stunning visual display. Lunch is available Monday through Saturday, and musicians perform throughout the day. All proceeds benefit the Charleston Symphony Orchestra.
2013 dates to be announced
Charleston Fashion Week
Showcasing emerging designer and model talent across the East Coast in one of the nation’s most-watched fashion events, Charleston Fashion Week features more than 30 runway shows, the Emerging Designer Competition: East, the Spring Bridal Show, and the Rock the Runway Model Competition. Named a Top 20 Event for March by the Southeast Tourism Society and credited with launching the careers of numerous up-and-coming fashion designers, this true multimedia event presents high-end runway shows, interactive entertainment, chic after-parties, and press events. Marion Square.
March 19 – 23
Spring Festival of Houses and Gardens
Set amid the historic ambience of the city’s Historic District, this series of award-winning tours showcases Charleston’s distinctive architecture, history, gardens, and culture. These tours provide a rare opportunity for guests to go inside the private houses and gardens of some of America’s most beautiful historic residences, dating to the 18th century. The Festival is set during the peak of the city’s blooming season and daily features seven to ten properties, dating from the American colonial period through the antebellum and Victorian eras and to the early 20th century.
March 21 – April 20
Garden Club of Charleston House and Garden Tours
The 78th annual Garden Club of Charleston House and Garden Tours showcase some of Charleston’s finest homes and gardens, decorated with floral arrangements by members of the Garden Club of Charleston. Proceeds benefit projects such as maintaining the Gateway Walk, the Heyward-Washington House Garden, the Joseph Manigault House Garden, the Charleston Museum Courtyard Garden, the MUSC Healing Garden, the garden of the Confederate Home, and other continuing projects.
March 22 – 23
Charleston International Antiques Show
Inspired by the rich historical, architectural and cultural heritage of Charleston, the tenth annual Charleston International Antiques Show is a premier destination for antique collectors and admirers alike. Exhibitors will showcase a spectrum of period furnishings, decorative pieces and fine art from the late 17th to 20th centuries, including vintage jewelry, oriental rugs, ceramics, architectural elements, garden furniture, porcelains, needlework and silver. Memminger Auditorium.
Preview Party: March 21
March 22 – 24
American Boxwood Society Annual Symposium
Join the American Boxwood Society as it teams up with the Charleston Horticultural Society for the 53rd Annual Symposium. March is prime time for the gardens of Charleston: the azaleas are in full bloom, the weather is comfortable—and the boxwood is in its spring glory. Led by certified guides, take a peak at all those Charleston gardens that hide behind the famous walls with their tantalizing iron gates. In addition to a full day of garden tours, the weekend event features a full day of lectures not only on boxwood, but also on local landscape history, topiary, and more.
2013 dates to be announced
Family Circle Cup
Every spring, Daniel Island serves as a backdrop to one of the liveliest and most traditional events in women’s professional tennis. The Family Circle Cup, a WTA Premier Event, boasts a roster of past champions that include some of the biggest names in tennis, including Chris Evert, Martina Navratilova, Tracy Austin, Steffi Graf, Gabriela Sabatini, Venus Williams, Serena Williams, and Caroline Wozniacki. One of the hottest tickets in professional sports, the Family Circle Cup is an action packed nine days filled with high-level tennis and a host of other activities for all ages.
March 30 – April 7
APRIL 2013
Family Circle Cup
Every spring, Daniel Island serves as a backdrop to one of the liveliest and most traditional events in women’s professional tennis. The Family Circle Cup, a WTA Premier Event, boasts a roster of past champions that include some of the biggest names in tennis, including Chris Evert, Martina Navratilova, Tracy Austin, Steffi Graf, Gabriela Sabatini, Venus Williams, Serena Williams, and Caroline Wozniacki. One of the hottest tickets in professional sports, the Family Circle Cup is an action packed nine days filled with high-level tennis and a host of other activities for all ages.
March 30 – April 7
Spring Festival of Houses and Gardens
Set amid the historic ambience of the city’s Historic District, this series of award-winning tours showcases Charleston’s distinctive architecture, history, gardens, and culture. These tours provide a rare opportunity for guests to go inside the private houses and gardens of some of America’s most beautiful historic residences, dating to the eighteenth century. Dates to be announced.
Charleston International Film Festival
With screenings at Cinebarre in Mount Pleasant and the American Theatre in downtown Charleston, this annual event showcases new features, documentaries, shorts, and animations by local, national and international filmmakers. The festival closes with an awards ceremony, at which the festival’s finest examples of filmmaking and writing are honored. Dates to be announced.
Kiawah Island Art and House Tour
The 12th annual Kiawah Island Art and House Tour to benefit the Gibbes Museum features five stunning residences opened for public viewing. Proceeds from the event benefit education, exhibition, and outreach programs at the Gibbes. Dates to be announced.
Horticultural Society Plantasia
One of the most highly anticipated gardening events of the year, Plantasia offers hourly workshops on topics ranging from basic gardening to raising chickens in the city; Member’s Favorites, plants grown and donated by Charleston Horticultural Society members, on sale at bargain prices; a Real Yard Sale featuring previously loved garden items such as pots, furniture, and ornamental items; and horticulturally trained garden docents and volunteers available to help with plant selection and answer questions. Wragg Square, 342 Meeting Street. Dates to be announced.
The largest keel-board sailing regatta in the U.S., Sperry Top-Sider Charleston Race Week is organized by the South Carolina Maritime Foundation and the Charleston Ocean Racing Association. Held since 1996 at Mount Pleasant’s Charleston Harbor Resort and Marina, the race attracts competitors from across the country, and those who attend once usually return. All profits from Race Week support educational programs aboard the Spirit of South Carolina, a traditional tall ship serving South Carolina youth. Dates to be announced.
MAY 2013
Welcoming dogs of all breeds and pedigrees, the Charleston Dog Show promises all of the fun and none of the fuss of a traditional dog show with canines of all shapes, sizes, talents and tails invited to show off style, form, personality and showmanship in fourteen different classes. Marion Square, downtown Charleston. Dates to be announced.
Hosted annually by the South Carolina Maritime Foundation, a public nonprofit organization that owns and operates the tall ship Spirit of South Carolina, the festival is a family-friendly harbor-wide celebration of the sea. Encounter Tall Ships hailing from around the globe, visit pirates in their lairs, sew your own sail, learn from interactive educational exhibits, and head out on the harbor for a sailing lesson. Proceeds benefit Foundation educational programs. Dates to be announced.
The Charleston Tea Plantation on picturesque Wadmalaw Island presents the sixth annual First Flush Festival, celebrating the first tea harvest (known as the first flush) of the season. The event promises an abundant supply of American Classic Iced tea, live acoustic music, barbecue, children’s activities and tea factory tours. Dates to be announced.
Internationally recognized as America’s premier performing arts festival, Spoleto Festival USA each year fills Charleston’s historic theaters, churches and outdoor spaces with seventeen days and nights of performances in opera, theater, dance, and chamber, symphonic, choral and jazz music. Founded in 1977, the Spoleto Festival garners critical acclaim year after year and attracts audiences from across the nation. Dates to be announced.
Focusing primarily on artists of the Southeast region, Piccolo Spoleto is the perfect complement to the international scope of its parent, Spoleto Festival USA. With some 700 events, Piccolo Spoleto transforms Charleston into an exhilarating celebration of the arts with offerings that include visual arts exhibits, classical music, jazz, dance, theatre, poetry readings, children’s activities, choral music, ethnic cultural presentations, crafts and film. Dates to be announced.
JUNE 2013
Internationally recognized as America’s premier performing arts festival, Spoleto Festival USA each year fills Charleston’s historic theaters, churches and outdoor spaces with seventeen days and nights of performances in opera, theater, dance, and chamber, symphonic, choral and jazz music. Founded in 1977, the Spoleto Festival garners critical acclaim year after year and attracts audiences from across the nation. Dates to be announced.
Focusing primarily on artists of the Southeast region, Piccolo Spoleto is the perfect complement to the international scope of its parent, Spoleto Festival USA. With some 700 events, Piccolo Spoleto transforms Charleston into an exhilarating celebration of the arts with offerings that include visual arts exhibits, classical music, jazz, dance, theatre, poetry readings, children’s activities, choral music, ethnic cultural presentations, crafts and film. Dates to be announced.
Celebrating the area’s rich Gullah-Geechee cultural heritage, the annual Sweetgrass Festival provides the most extensive showcase of sweetgrass baskets in the Lowcountry. Browse unique handmade arts and crafts, and enjoy activities including live gospel and praise dance, storytelling and Gullah Geechee skits, and basket-making demonstrations. Sample authentic Gullah cuisine, classic barbeque, and beverages offered for sale by more than fifteen Lowcountry restaurants and food vendors. Waterfront Memorial Park, Mount Pleasant. Dates to be announced.
SEPTEMBER 2013
Boone Hall Barbecue Championship and Bluegrass Festival
Under the live oaks at Boone Hall Plantation, enjoy performances by some of the most renowned artists of bluegrass and country music, complemented by authentic Southern barbeque. The festivities include a celebrity dunking booth, mechanical bull riding contest, kids jump castles, and evening fireworks. Throughout the day barbeque, beer and wine will be available for purchase, and participants are invited to show-off their talents in a barbecue competition. Dates to be announced.
Lowcountry Wine & Beer Festival
Sample an array of wines from around the world, delicious Lowcountry buffet, and fine craft beers on the Village Green at Kiawah’s Freshfields Village. The annual event also features a silent auction and live jazz music by Lilly B’. Proceeds benefit the Barrier Islands Free Medical Clinic. Dates to be announced.
Charleston Restaurant Week
Charleston Restaurant Week is one of the area’s most highly anticipated culinary events, an excellent opportunity to enjoy the world-renowned cuisine at a bargain. More than 120 Lowcountry restaurants will participate this year, by offering prix fixe menus consisting of three items for a flat fee of $20, $30 or $40. It’s always a good idea to call ahead and reserve a table during this popular event. Dates to be announced.
Scottish Games & Highland Gathering
Enthusiasts of bagpipes, piping and drumming bands, Highland and Scottish country dancing, heavy athletics, and Celtic rock convene for the popular annual event at Boone Hall Plantation. Other featured activities include Highland wrestling, a craft beer garden, genealogy and clan tents, Border Collie demonstrations, and a Beer Dinner. Kilts optional. Dates to be announced.
Charleston Museum Mile Weekend
During Museum Mile Weekend, a single pass allows visitors admission to 13 sites along and around Meeting Street in historic downtown Charleston over the course of the three-day weekend. Included are six museums, five nationally important historic houses, four scenic parks, and a Revolutionary War powder magazine. The Weekend Pass is $25 for adults and $10 for children 12 and under. Dates to be announced.
MOJA Arts Festival
MOJA, Swahili for “one,” is an all-inclusive celebration of harmony in the Charleston community. Highlighting the many African-American and Caribbean contributions made to western and world cultures, MOJA’s range of events includes visual arts, classical music, dance, gospel, jazz, poetry, rhythm and blues, storytelling, theater, children’s activities, traditional crafts, ethnic food, and much more. Dates to be announced.
Preservation Society of Charleston Annual Fall Tour of Houses & Gardens
Experience Charleston’s distinctive architecture, history and culture from the inside, as you tour privately owned properties open to the public exclusively for this popular event. Tours highlight American architecture from the early Georgian period to the 21st Century, showcasing unique neighborhoods that represent Charleston’s flourishing culture from the Colonial era to the present. Dates to be announced.
Southern Living Taste of Charleston
Fifty of the Lowcountry’s finest restaurants will participate in this annual celebration of local cuisine, serving samples of their signature dishes and beverages. Enjoy live entertainment, the legendary Waiters’ Race, a children’s area, and a beer tent featuring craft and specialty beers. The Southern Living area features editor appearances, editorial-inspired vignettes, demonstrations, giveaways and more. Dates to be announced.
OCTOBER 2013
MOJA Arts Festival
MOJA, Swahili for “one,” is an all-inclusive celebration of harmony in the Charleston community. Highlighting the many African-American and Caribbean contributions made to western and world cultures, MOJA’s range of events includes visual arts, classical music, dance, gospel, jazz, poetry, rhythm and blues, storytelling, theater, children’s activities, traditional crafts, ethnic food, and much more. Dates to be announced.
Preservation Society of Charleston Annual Fall Tour of Houses & Gardens
Experience Charleston’s distinctive architecture, history and culture from the inside, as you tour privately owned properties open to the public exclusively for this popular event. Tours highlight American architecture from the early Georgian period to the 21st century, showcasing unique neighborhoods that represent Charleston’s flourishing culture from the colonial era to the present. Dates to be announced.
Boone Hall Pumpkin Patch
At the Pumpkin Patch, the whole family can pounce on the 70’ x 30’ “Largest Jumping Pillow in the State,” climb the two-story “Mount Playsant” Hay Mountain and Slide Tower, take a spooky hay ride, and wander through the eight-acre Boeing 787 Dreamliner Corn Maze (the largest in the Southeast). At the end of the day, go home with your own Boone Hall pumpkin. Dates to be announced.
Isle of Palms Connector Run and Walk for the Child
Runners and walkers of all experience levels are invited to enjoy one of the most scenic road races in the Southeast. 10K runners and 5K walkers and runners experience a challenging road race from the Isle of Palms across the IOP Connector and are rewarded with beautiful vistas of the Atlantic Ocean, the Intracoastal Waterway, and lush creeks and marshes. Proceeds benefit local child-abuse prevention and other child-related programs. Dates to be announced.
South Carolina Aquarium Family Fun Fest
It’s a family affair at the Family Fun Fest at Aquarium Wharf. All-ages activities at the Aquarium include kids in Halloween costumes, visits from a special mascot, and participation of local family-friendly businesses. Dates to be announced.
HALOS Oyster Roast
Help raise funds to support programs for child victims of abuse and neglect while enjoying oysters, drinks, music, and family-friendly activities overlooking beautiful Shem Creek in Mt. Pleasant. Ticket price includes oysters, beer, wine, jambalaya and desserts from Barbara Jean's, hot dogs for kids, and great entertainment. The Cottage on the Creek, right on Shem Creek, is a perfect spot to enjoy a fall oyster roast. Guests can hang out on the dock at the water or relax on one of the two porches overlooking the creek. All proceeds benefit HALOS and support programs that provide resources to abused and neglected children and their caregivers including back to school support, holiday gifts, summer camp opportunities, and help for kinship families where children have been placed in the care of their relatives. Dates to be announced.
Mount Pleasant Children’s Day Festival
Old and new traditions merge at the annual Children’s Day Festival, where children have their pick between time-honored festival games and old-fashioned pony rides, enormous inflatable slides and jump castles, live entertainment, wall climbing, face painting, and more. Admission, all activities and parking are free. Food concessions are offered by East Cooper schools as a fundraising opportunity for their programs. Park West Recreation Complex. Dates to be announced.
Charleston Horticultural Society Gardens for Gardeners
Spend an afternoon touring the beautiful, lush resort island of Kiawah exploring 10 to 12 exquisite gardens, most maintained by the homeowners themselves. Dates to be announced.
NOVEMBER 2013
James Island Connector Run
Beginning and ending at Cannon Park in downtown Charleston, this annual 5K and 10K run/walk features a round-trip crossing of the sweeping James Island Connector. After the race, stay for the awards ceremony and post-run party to enjoy food, beer, and live music. Cash prizes for winners. Dates to be announced.
Symphony Tour of Homes on Kiawah Island
Benefiting the Charleston Symphony Orchestra, the annual tour features several Kiawah homes representing the finest in architecture and interior design, with CSO soloists, ensembles, and student scholarship winners providing live musical entertainment. At Freshfields, the Youth Orchestra of the Lowcountry, Kidzymphony, Charleston Academy of Music, and the Charleston Symphony Orchestra will perform concerts for tour ticket holders, with food and drink provided by area restaurants. Dates to be announced.
Holiday Festival of Lights Fun Run and Walk
Take part in an exclusive preview of the Holiday Festival of Lights at James Island County Park, where participating runners and walkers will be the first in Charleston to view more than 600 magical light displays during a two-mile non-competitive fun run/walk. After reaching the finish line, enjoy the festive seasonal amenities. Dates to be announced.
Holiday Festival of Lights
Capture the magic of the holiday season at the annual Holiday Festival of Lights, Charleston’s most beloved nighttime holiday attraction. Your journey begins with a leisurely three-mile drive through millions of sparkling bulbs and hundreds of light displays. Then stretch your legs and your imagination at Santa’s Village & Winter Wonderland. Dates to be announced.
Turkey Day Run & Gobble Wobble
The annual Thanksgiving Day fun run, now in its 35th year, is a true Charleston tradition. Beginning at Marion Square in downtown Charleston, the course weaves a scenic route down Meeting Street, around the historic Battery and up King Street, returning to Marion Square. Live music, food and beverages (including a beer garden for those 21 or older), a children’s fun run, and an appearance by Tom the Turkey are among the morning’s highlights. Dates to be announced.
Holidays at the Nathaniel Russell House and Aiken-Rhett House Museums
At the Nathaniel Russell House Museum, immerse yourself in an early-19th-century holiday gathering with the Russell family. In 1808, that meant religious observances and holiday feasts with friends and relatives. Just as if the family were gathered for a holiday meal, the dining room table will be laden with delightful sugared fruits, syllabubs, cakes, and sweetmeats. Continue on to the Aiken-Rhett House Museum to behold the dazzling trimmings of a Victorian Christmas in the Lowcountry. Holiday celebrations at the Aiken-Rhett House date back to Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol and the budding popularity of decorated trees in America. Dates to be announced.
DECEMBER 2013
Holidays at the Nathaniel Russell House and Aiken-Rhett House Museums
At the Nathaniel Russell House Museum, immerse yourself in an early-19th-century holiday gathering with the Russell family. In 1808, that meant religious observances and holiday feasts with friends and relatives. Just as if the family were gathered for a holiday meal, the dining room table will be laden with delightful sugared fruits, syllabubs, cakes, and sweetmeats. Continue on to the Aiken-Rhett House Museum to behold the dazzling trimmings of a Victorian Christmas in the Lowcountry. Holiday celebrations at the Aiken-Rhett House date back to Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol and the budding popularity of decorated trees in America. Dates to be announced.
Holiday Festival of Lights
Capture the magic of the holiday season at the annual Holiday Festival of Lights, Charleston’s most beloved nighttime holiday attraction. Your journey begins with a leisurely three-mile drive through millions of sparkling bulbs and hundreds of light displays. Then stretch your legs and your imagination at Santa’s Village & Winter Wonderland. Dates to be announced.
Reindeer Run
One of the jolliest Charleston fun runs of the year, this family-oriented, pet-friendly 5k run/walk through the lower peninsula of downtown Charleston features creative costume and T-shirt design contests. The post-race party is at the finish line at Southend Brewery, with music, food and drinks for race participants. Proceeds benefit the Medical University of South Carolina Children’s Hospital. Dates to be announced.
Christmas Tree Lighting
The City of Charleston celebrates the holiday season with family-oriented activities, performances, and decorations that capture the spirit of the season for everyone in the community. Festivities kick off with the opening of a special extended Holiday Farmers Market in Marion Square followed by the official City of Charleston Christmas tree lighting ceremony and a visit by old St. Nick himself. Dates to be announced.
Holiday Parade of Boats
Join the thousands of spectators lining the parade route to view the festive Parade of Boats, featuring hundreds of festively decorated watercraft winding their way along the Cooper River to the Ashley River. The parade mid-point features a spectacular fireworks display launched from the harbor. Dates to be announced.
Charleston Christmas Parade
A perennial favorite in downtown Charleston, the Charleston Christmas Parade begins at the intersection of Calhoun and Meeting Streets and proceeds down King Street to Broad Street and on to Lockwood Boulevard. Dates to be announced.
Mount Pleasant Holiday Farmers Market and Craft Show
The annual Holiday Farmers Market & Craft Show combines all the goodies from the traditional food market—locally grown fresh produce, baked goods, hot food, and homemade preserves—with handcrafted gifts created by local artisans. Browse an assortment of Christmas ornaments, glasswork, whimsical crafts, and a wide variety of original art by locally recognized potters, artists, craftsmen, and photographers. Live entertainment with a holiday twist will kindle the holiday spirit throughout the market, and children can enjoy face painting, a jump castle, and a visit with Santa Claus, who will listen to Christmas wishes and hand out surprises. Moultrie Middle School. Dates to be announced.
Mount Pleasant Tree Lighting and Holiday Parade
The festivities begin with a tree lighting ceremony and fireworks display at Moultrie Middle School, followed by a colorful parade of more than 100 floats. The parade starts at the intersection of Coleman Boulevard and Pelzer Drive, then continues past Shem Creek to conclude at the Sea Island Shopping Center. Dates to be announced.
Happy New Year, Charleston!
Ring in the New Year in Marion Square with the whole family at this admission-free, non-alcoholic celebration of the arts featuring live music and fireworks hosted by the City of Charleston. The event promises something for everyone: comedy, African dancing, many forms of music including classical, gospel and jazz, children’s activities, and much more. Marion Square. December 31
