2025 festivals in the Lowcountry: A seasonal guide to year-round fun
CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD) – Charleston’s vibrant cultural scene shines even brighter in 2025, with an exciting lineup of festivals celebrating everything from music and food to local history and arts.
Whether you’re a longtime resident or a first-time visitor, these events offer a chance to experience the best of the Lowcountry.
From the sweet sounds of jazz to the flavors of international cuisines and the rich traditions of local heritage, here are some of the most anticipated festivals coming to Charleston in 2025.
Winter
- February 2
- Boone Hall Plantation, 41st annual event.
- Features over 50,000 pounds of oysters, live music, oyster eating and shucking contests, specialty drinks, local food vendors, and a children’s area (“Pluff-a-Palooza”).
Southeastern Wildlife Exposition (SEWE):
- February 14-16
- Celebrate wildlife art and the outdoors with fine art exhibits, live demonstrations, conservation education, and handcrafted goods.
- DockDogs® competitions, live wildlife shows, after-hours gatherings, and curated art galleries.
- Perfect for families, art lovers, conservationists, and outdoor enthusiasts.
- Salty Saturday (Feb. 22):
- Center Street, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
- 40+ arts, crafts, and fashion vendors.
- Live music on three stages, food, drinks, and a Rodeo Shark ride (12–3 p.m.).
- Surfboard Painting Competition and kids’ activities in the Sea & Sand Circus, including aerial acts, face painting, and inflatables.
- Tickets: $10 advance, $15 at the gate; free for kids under 12 and Folly residents.
- Sunday (Feb. 23):
- Sand Sculpting Competition at 9 a.m. on the beach near the Tides.
- Free to participate and attend.
Spring
- March 1
- Craft vendors, children’s activities, local restaurants, and food vendors.
- Featured bands have not yet been released.
Charleston Wine + Food Festival:
- March 5-9
- Celebrating 20 years, this five-day festival features top chefs, winemakers, authors, and food enthusiasts from around the globe.
- Culinary Village returns downtown to Johnson Hagood Stadium.
- Showcases Charleston’s diverse food and beverage community on a national stage.
- Focuses on sustainability and growth for the local culinary and hospitality industry.
The Charleston Festival (Houses & Gardens):
- March 13-April 13
- Hosted by the Historic Charleston Foundation since 1947, this month-long event celebrates Charleston’s history, architecture, culture, and community.
- Includes House & Garden Tours, engaging lectures, and new programs and venues for 2025.
The Charleston Show – Antique Show:
- March 21-23
- Charleston Festival Hall, 56 Beaufain Street.
- Public Show Hours:
- Friday & Saturday: 10 a.m.–6 p.m.
- Sunday: 11 a.m.–5 p.m.
- Features 30 exhibitors showcasing antiques, contemporary design, fine art, jewelry, and more from the U.S., England, and Europe.
- Preview Party: March 20, benefiting Drayton Hall Preservation Trust with early access to show offerings.
- March 28-29
- The Woodlands Nature Reserve, Charleston, SC.
- A family-friendly weekend featuring top bluegrass performers, premium camping, local food and craft vendors, and outdoor activities like kayaking and biking.
- Enjoy live music and outdoor adventures under the stars, perfect for all ages!
- The lineup has not yet been released.
- March 29-April 6
- Credit One Stadium, Daniel Island, Charleston, SC.
- North America’s largest women’s-only tennis tournament, marking its 53rd edition and 25th year in Charleston.
- Players include former champions Madison Keys and Belinda Bencic, World No. 7 Jessica Pegula, local Emma Navarro, and others.
- Features expanded entertainment, interactive activations, upgraded dining, pickleball and padel experiences, and a tennis Fan Zone.
- Over 90,000 attendees, 48 singles players, 24 qualifying players, and 16 doubles teams.
Summerville Flowertown Festival:
- April 4-6
- An annual three-day weekend in the spring.
- Features vibrant blooms like azaleas, wisteria, dogwoods, and Southern hospitality.
- One of the largest arts and crafts festivals in the Southeast, attracting thousands of visitors.
- April 5
- Start: 8 a.m. on Coleman Blvd, Mt. Pleasant, SC.
- Thousands of runners participate in this race, crossing the iconic Ravenel Bridge from Mount Pleasant to downtown Charleston.
- Saturday, April 12, 12-6 p.m.
- James Island County Park
- Zydeco music, authentic Cajun & Creole dishes (jambalaya, crawfish, etouffee), Lowcountry favorites (seafood, BBQ), and festival foods.
- Kids activities and fun for all ages!
- April 21-29
- 9 days of jazz events!
- World-class performances and educational programs celebrating jazz in Charleston’s vibrant arts community.
- Presented with Spoleto Festival USA, Charleston Gaillard Center, College of Charleston, The Establishment, and Charleston Music Hall.
- April 25-27
- Supports Black-owned businesses and makes a positive impact on the community.
- Features top local food trucks, live music, and DJ performances, with kid-friendly activities.
- Artisan Marketplace: Showcases handmade goods from local artisans, including jewelry, pottery, textiles, and candles.
- A family-friendly event celebrating creativity, local businesses, and great food.
- April 26-27
- Riverfront Park, North Charleston
- Two alternating stages featuring global and local bands
- Relax by the Cooper River with front-row views or chill under hundred-year-old trees
- Enjoy local culinary delights and craft brews at The Refuge
Blessing of the Fleet & Seafood Festival:
- April 27 from 11:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Memorial Waterfront Park, Mount Pleasant
- Boat parade & blessing of shrimping/fishing fleet
- Live music, seafood samplings, craft show
- Shag & shrimp-eating contests, family-friendly activities
- Free admission & activities
- No parking at the venue, free shuttle service available
- May: Specific date is TBD
- Authentic Greek food, wine, live music, and dancing
- Celebrating Greek culture since 1970
- Attracts 35,000+ attendees each year
- May 23-June 8
- 17 days and nights each spring
- Historic theaters, churches, and outdoor spaces in Charleston
- Premier performing arts festival featuring opera, theater, dance, and music
- Showcases renowned and emerging artists in various genres
- Promotes innovation, education, and community engagement
- Celebrates Charleston’s natural beauty and historical venues
Summer
- June 6-7
- Riverfront Park in North Charleston
- High Tide features top dance music acts, nonstop dancing, and a premium food and drink experience.
- Enjoy local seafood, BBQ, and more from top food trucks, plus shop from 30+ vendors offering clothing, jewelry, and art.
- Now a full weekend event, High Tide features rooftop sunset parties, late-night shows, and curated activities across Charleston.
- July 19
- Riverfront Park, 1001 Everglades Avenue, North Charleston, SC
- This family-friendly event celebrates the best in Caribbean food, culture, and music. The focus of this unique festival is to highlight Caribbean food, specifically food using Jamaican jerk seasoning.
- Bring a blanket, chair & good vibes while you enjoy music, food & fun!
- July 26, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
- Memorial Waterfront Park, Mount Pleasant
- Celebrates Gullah Geechee culture, history, traditions, and sweetgrass basket art
- Educational sessions for all ages
- Local basket makers showcase and sell sweetgrass creations
- Free admission, entertainment, and activities
- Promotes engagement with Gullah Geechee culture
Fall
- September 25-October 5
- The MOJA Arts Festival is an annual celebration of Black arts and culture, highlighting African American and Caribbean legacies.
- It features diverse events, including visual arts, music, dance, theater, poetry, storytelling, children’s activities, traditional crafts, and local cuisine.
Summerville Sweet Tea Festival:
- September 20
- Historic Downtown Summerville Hutchinson Square, SC
- The Sweet Tea Festival in Summerville celebrates the birthplace of sweet tea with food trucks, artisanal vendors, entertainment, and plenty of sweet tea.
- Sample and vote for your favorite to crown the Tea of the Year!
- November 14-16
- Enjoy 50+ celebrity chef demos, wine seminars, and panels to refine your cooking and beverage skills with top chefs and experts. Indulge in 100+ wines, spirits, and gourmet dishes at the luxurious Grand Tasting Pavilion.
- Plus, access exclusive ticketed events hosted by editors of Food & Wine, Southern Living, and Travel + Leisure
- October 10-11
- Riverfront Park in North Charleston
- Curated by Darius Rucker, Riverfront Revival is a two-day celebration of country music and Lowcountry culture.
- Enjoy unforgettable live performances, regional cuisine, and a vibrant community experience at this soul-stirring festival.
- October 25
- Riverfront Park in North Charleston
- Charleston Beer Fest returns to Riverfront Park with more breweries, music, food, games, and activities than ever!
- Enjoy the Lowcountry’s top beer festival while supporting those living with HIV/AIDS in our community.
- Fall: Date TBD
- The Lewis Chile Roast at Rancho Lewis honors the Hatch chile harvest with tasting tents, live music, a chile-eating contest, kids’ activities, drinks, and over 3,000 pounds of roasted chiles for sale. Pre-orders and exclusive merchandise are also available.
- November 7-16
- Dock Street Theatre
- The Charleston Literary Festival is a world-class, 10-day event held every November in Charleston, celebrating the transformative power of books, conversations, and big ideas. It offers a diverse program of speakers and topics while supporting the local community.
- Speaker details will be released in early June.
- November 8
- Riverfront Park in North Charleston
- Join barbecue lovers for a celebration of American barbecue traditions with 50+ top pitmasters and chefs.
- Enjoy live music, food from four Pitmaster Villages, chef tastings, and drinks for purchase.
- Proceeds benefit Hogs for the Cause and Ronald McDonald House Charities of Charleston.
Winter
- Christmas Season: Exact dates TBD
- James Island County Park
- A festival full of holiday cheer with Christmas light displays, visits with Santa, the Festival Express train, shopping, treats, and more!
Count on 2 for updates as more festivals release their 2025 dates.
Click Here for the Full Article
Author: Elly Burns
