On the calendar —

Events & Venues

Festivals worth flying in for, music halls with serious sound, and the rooftops and clubs where Charleston actually shows up Friday night.

Block the weekend —

Festivals worth the airfare

Charleston has more festivals than weekends. These are the ones worth coming back for.

JAN 15
9 days · Performing Arts

Charleston Jazz Festival

Nine days of mainstage concerts and intimate club shows celebrating Charleston's jazz lineage — the city's contribution to jazz history runs deeper than most folks realize.

Details
MAR 04
5 days · Multiple venues

Charleston Wine + Food

Five days of dinners, tastings, and chef collaborations spanning every neighborhood in town. Tickets sell out in November — set a reminder.

Details
MAR 18
Historic Charleston · Spring

The Charleston Festival

Behind-the-garden-gate tours of South of Broad's most spectacular private homes — the only weeks of the year you can step inside. Run by the Historic Charleston Foundation.

Details
APR 04
10K Bridge Run · April

Cooper River Bridge Run

40,000 runners climb the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge for sunrise views of the harbor. Even if you don't run, stake out a spot for the after-party in Marion Square.

Details
MAY 22
17 days · Citywide

Spoleto Festival USA

The South's premier performing arts festival — opera, theater, dance, jazz, and chamber music in venues across the historic district. The cultural anchor of the Charleston year.

Details
SEP 25
11 days · African-American & Caribbean Arts

MOJA Arts Festival

A celebration of African-American and Caribbean arts woven into Charleston's cultural fabric. Music, dance, poetry, and visual art across the city.

Details
On the list —

The Weekend Brief

One email a week. Where to be Friday, what to book before Saturday, and the new openings worth knowing about.