The Spring season is here in Charleston, meaning our social calendars are once again jam-packed. There are quite a few events in the month of April that Charlestonians and tourists make sure not to miss. Whether you live in the area or are looking for things to do while visiting, here are seven festivals happening during the month of April that you can get out and enjoy!
1. Charleston Farmers Market, Every Saturday Starting April 9, 2016
The farmers market is finally back. Founded by former Charleston mayor Joe Riley, the
Charleston Farmers Market has been a Charleston tradition since 1989. Every Saturday in Marion Square from 8am to 2pm, you can enjoy fresh
in-season produce, local vendors and
concessions, and shop unique arts and
crafts. Come out and enjoy a warm Saturday morning at the farmers market. Admission is free.
2. 69th Annual Festival of Houses and Gardens, March 16 – April 24, 2016
Set amid the ambience of the city’s Old & Historic District, the Festival of Houses and Gardens is an award-winning tour that showcases what makes Charleston, well, Charleston: the distinctive culture, architecture, gardens, and history. The House and Garden tours allow guests to go inside the private houses and gardens of some of the South’s most striking historic residences. Tour locations and prices vary by day. Visit here for more information.
3. Charleston Outdoor Fest, April 15 – 17, 2016
Looking to get active outdoors this month? Try the Charleston County Parks Outdoor Fest. Enjoy canoeing, rock climbing, kayaking, archery, paddleboarding, slackline, mountain biking, disc golf, and more. Also enjoy live music, the Try It Zone, Vendor Village, the Greenland Games, and more. There is truly something for everyone at the Outdoor Festival, so be sure to come out and enjoy!
Admission is only $2, and a Try It Zone Pass is only $10. The festival is located at the
James Island County Park in James Island.
4. Relay for Life Mount Pleasant, April 29, 2016
Relay For Life is returning to Mount Pleasant. From 6pm to 12am on April 29th, participate in this event to help fund the fight against cancer at the East Cooper Medical Center. You can find event registration, announcements, and sponsors here!
5. Putting for Parkinson’s, April 30, 2016
Since 2009, the
Putting For Parkinson’s event has been raising awareness and research funding for Parkinson’s disease. Participate in the Putting For Parkinson’s event to help support a great cause, and you don’t have to golf to participate!
The event is a golf tournament, but is a dinner and auction as well. Located at
Wescott Golf Club, the cost is $115 per golfer, and the dinner and auction are $30 per person in advance, and $40 at the event. All of the event proceeds go into Parkinson’s research at MUSC. You can find more event information and registration
here.
6. Blessing of the Fleet and Seafood Festival, April 24, 2016
Be sure not to miss the 29th Annual Blessing of the Fleet & Seafood Festival, one of Mount Pleasant’s best events. Sponsored by Harris Teeter and East Cooper Medical Center, the festival pays tribute to Mount Pleasant’s local shrimping and fishing industry, offering a boat parade, craft shows, free activities, and live music all next to the alluring Ravenel Bridge,
Mount Pleasant Pier, and Charleston Harbor.
Admission to the festival is free so be sure to come on out, and be sure to bring your camera as you’ll be taking lots of pictures.
7. Lowcountry Strawberry Festival, April 21 – 24, 2016
Head over to
Boone Hall Plantation in Mount Pleasant for the annual Lowcountry Strawberry Festival. There’s more to do than just pick strawberries! Enjoy rides for kids and adults, live music, contests and prizes, a velcro wall and Tiki Island obstacle course, pie eating contests, tractor rides, and more. Admission is $10 for ages 12 and up, $5 for ages 3 to 11, and 2 and under are free. The prices for various attractions and hours of the festival vary, but can be found here.
*photos credit of Boone Hall Plantation, Retire to Charleston, Southern Lady Magazine, Festival Rooster, My Southlake News, Putting for Parkinson’s, Discover South Carolina