Special Events in Charleston

Since 1983, one of the nation's premier wildlife art shows has called Charleston home. Art celebrates nature at the Southeastern Wildlife Exposition in mid-February. Preservation and conservation are the underlying themes of this 3-day event featuring paintings, drawings, photography and carvings by renowned wildlife artists, along with falcon flights and canine retriever demonstrations, live animal shows, wildlife exhibits and educational programs covering topics of global interest.

For 30 days beginning in mid-March, Charlestonians demonstrate the true meaning of Southern hospitality as they open the doors of their gracious homes to the public during the Festival of Houses and Gardens. Sponsored by the Historic Charleston Foundation, the tours coincide with the annual spring color explosion and feature some 150 homes and gardens. The a series of evening walks hosted by the Preservation Society of Charleston, offers another opportunity to peek inside private residences. Held late September to late October, this event introduces participants to homes with significant architecture, interesting history and lovely gated gardens in various historic neighborhoods.

Each March Charleston assembles the world's finest performers of theater, song, dance, orchestral music, comedy and other genres for Spoleto Festival U.S.A., a 17-day-long citywide event that draws legions of followers. Piccolo Spoleto, running concurrently, highlights many of the same artistic disciplines but focuses on talent from the southeastern United States. salutes the visual and performing arts in early May with exhibits of fine art, photography, sculpture; a full lineup of concerts and musical performances; a gem and mineral show; and arts and crafts.

MOJA Festival in September celebrates the rich contributions of the African-American and Caribbean cultures through visual arts, music, poetry, gospel, storytelling, food and much more. The Swahili word "moja" means one, an appropriate name for a festival promoting harmony among the Lowcountry's diverse population. Gullah singers, dancers, musicians, folklorists, artists and historians celebrate their African heritage during the Sweetgrass Cultural Arts Festival, held in Mount Pleasant in early June.

In late April, shrimp boats parade one-by-one past clergy to receive a sprinkling of holy water during the annual Blessing of the Fleet and Seafood Festival in Mount Pleasant. Festivities honoring the shrimping industry kick off with live entertainment, maritime exhibits, an arts and crafts show, shrimp-eating contests and a bountiful sampler of seafood dishes prepared by local restaurants. Besides their historical and economic significance, Charleston's rivers and harbors are a favorite place to congregate for recreation and relaxation. Marine exhibits, tall ships, live music, arts and crafts, shipyard tours, participatory boat building and sailboat rides are just a few of the enticements at the Charleston Maritime Festival, held in early June.

Food festivals centered on local cuisine are a universal favorite. Boone Hall Plantation & Gardens in Mount Pleasant makes a lovely backdrop for two of the area's most anticipated annual foodie events: The in late January--imagine all-you-can-eat bivalves by the bucket served with cocktail sauce and crackers--and the Taste of Charleston in early October, a gastronomic roundup of cuisine by some of Charleston's finest chefs. Oysters make a comeback in March at the Shuckin' in the Park Oyster Roast held in Old Santee Canal Park in Monck's Corner. Sample the city's best at the Charleston Food and Wine Festival, which held its inaugural event in early March 2006.

Two events illuminate Charleston during the holidays. Holiday Festival of Lights, starting in mid-November and running through New Year's Day, turns James Island County Park into a sparkling wonderland; drive the 3-mile route in your car or ride a train. On the first day of Christmas in Charleston, the mayor lights the tree, and a month of festivities begin. On the second day of--you get the idea. The lineup of holiday citywide events truly is something to sing about. Included are hospitality tours, parades, concerts, pageants, plays, wine galas, and the list goes on and on. Charleston in its holiday finery owes a debt of gratitude to native son Joel Poinsett, who, while acting as U.S Ambassador to Mexico in the early 1800s, imported the first poinsettia plants to this country on his return to Charleston.