Seasonal Guide to Lowcountry Events

From shucking oysters at the Lowcountry Oyster Festival to dancing to rhymes and rhythms at the Charleston Jazz Festival, there’s a seasonal Lowcountry event to suit your tastes. Celebrate spring blooms at the Summerville Flowertown Festival, savor the best of southern cuisine at the Charleston Wine + Food Festival, or immerse yourself in culture at the MOJA Arts Festival. Round out the year with the festive Holy Smokes BBQ Festival. Trust us, this is just a taster of the lively seasonal happenings in Lowcountry. Stick around, and you’ll uncover even more ways to soak up the unique culture and customs of this vibrant region.

Winter Festivities and Events

Kick off your winter in style at the Lowcountry Oyster Festival on February 2 at Boone Hall Plantation. With more than 50,000 pounds of oysters, live music, and fun contests, this family-friendly festival is a must-visit.

Up next, Charleston’s annual Southeastern Wildlife Exposition (SEWE) from February 14-16 is an exciting event for Wildlife enthusiasts. This event is not just about art and live demonstrations, but also emphasizes conservation education. Don’t miss out on the thrilling DockDogs competitions.

On February 22-23, immerse yourself in the beach culture at the Folly Sea & Sand Festival. Mingle with arts & crafts vendors, enjoy live music, and witness a spectacular sand sculpting competition. It’s a guaranteed fun-filled event for the kids too!

Looking for some sports action? Check out the Credit One Charleston Open from March 29-April 6. As the largest women’s-only tennis tournament in the U.S., it’s a not-to-miss event.

Lastly, the Charleston Wine + Food Festival, from March 5-9, offers a unique blend of sustainability-focused food and wine experiences. Come celebrate its 20th anniversary with amazing dining experiences and top chefs at Johnson Hagood Stadium.

Celebrating Spring in Lowcountry

As the winter chill thaws, Lowcountry bursts into vibrant colors, signaling the arrival of spring. You’ll find an array of events and festivals celebrating everything from food and drink to arts and culture. Kick-off the season with the Front Beach Fest on March 1. Craft vendors, local restaurants, kids’ activities, and live music make it a family-friendly celebration.

From March 5-9, food enthusiasts from around the globe flock to the Charleston Wine + Food Festival. Celebrating its 20th anniversary, the event promises exceptional chefs and a focus on sustainability at the Culinary Village.

Immerse yourself in local culture at the Charleston Festival (Houses & Gardens), running from March 13 to April 13. Enjoy house and garden tours that reflect the region’s rich history.

Mark your calendar for the Summerville Flowertown Festival from April 4-6. A showcase of arts, crafts, and vibrant blooms, the festival epitomizes Southern hospitality.

Early Summer’s Exciting Lineup

Immerse yourself in the heart of early summer with Lowcountry’s exciting lineup of cultural events. Kick off the season with the Lowcountry Cajun Festival on April 12. Perfect for families, you’ll enjoy Zydeco music and sample delicious Cajun and Creole dishes, all while celebrating Southern Louisiana culture.

Next up, from April 21-29, the Charleston Jazz Festival showcases nine days of jazz events. You’ll experience performances from both local and international artists across various venues in the city. Safety is paramount; venues adhere to strict protocols, ensuring you have a worry-free, fun-filled time.

The Black Food Truck Festival from April 25-27 is a vibrant event supporting Black-owned food truck businesses. You’ll indulge in a variety of culinary delights while immersing in live music and exploring an artisan marketplace.

Come July 19, the Caribbean Jerk Festival offers a family-friendly atmosphere celebrating Caribbean food and culture, complete with live music and a lively carnival atmosphere.

The Sweetgrass Festival on July 26 caps off early summer’s exciting lineup. You’ll learn about Gullah Geechee culture, interact with local basket makers, and partake in community engagement, all while preserving heritage. It’s a summer of festivals and events you won’t want to miss!

Fall Festival Highlights

Dive headfirst into fall with Lowcountry’s vibrant array of festivals, each offering a unique blend of culture, food, and fun. These fall festival highlights are sure to spice up your calendar.

Start with the MOJA Arts Festival from September 25 to October 5. It’s a 10-day celebration of African American and Caribbean culture that brings thousands to the Lowcountry. You’ll enjoy visual arts, music, and storytelling that enrich the cultural scene.

Don’t miss the Charleston Beer Fest on October 25 at Riverfront Park. This annual tribute to local breweries features delectable food, live entertainment, and of course, an array of craft beers. And the best part? Your attendance supports individuals living with HIV/AIDS.

Families will love the Harvest Festival, a wholesome event packed with activities, local produce, crafts, and live music. The date’s to be determined, so keep an eye out for it.

And finally, be sure to attend the Holy Smokes BBQ Festival on November 8 at Riverfront Park. With over 50 pitmasters, live music, and a cause supporting local charities, it’s the perfect way to wrap up the fall season.

Year-Round Events and Specials

Throughout the year, Lowcountry keeps the excitement alive with a host of regular events and specials that you won’t want to miss. Celebrate jazz culture citywide at the Charleston Jazz Festival, held from April 21-29, 2025, featuring both local and international artists.

Every month, you can enjoy the 2nd Sunday on King, a unique event that closes King Street to vehicles from 1-5 PM, encouraging you to shop, dine, and engage with local businesses. Art enthusiasts, don’t miss the Charleston Antiques Show, which features 32 exhibitors from the US and Europe displaying a range of antiques, fine art, and ceramics.

For a peek into the rich history of Charleston, the 68th Annual Festival of Houses & Gardens is a must-visit. You’ll get to explore around 150 private homes and gardens, showcasing outstanding American architecture.

Cultural Celebrations and Festivals

Shifting our focus from the year-round events, let’s explore the cultural celebrations and festivals that truly epitomize Lowcountry’s vibrant heritage. Each event is a distillation of Lowcountry’s lively spirit, packed with music, visual arts, and mouth-watering local flavors.

Come September 25, prepare yourself for the MOJA Arts Festival. Here, you’ll immerse in African American and Caribbean culture through storytelling, music, and visual arts. Food trucks loaded with local cuisine add a delicious dimension to the experience.

In March, the Charleston Wine + Food Festival takes center stage. Top chefs and winemakers champion sustainability in a gastronomic extravaganza accentuating local flavors. The Culinary Village is a must-visit, bustling with talent and taste.

February brings the Lowcountry Oyster Festival, America’s largest, offering more than 50,000 pounds of oysters. Live music, contests, and family activities create a festive ambiance.

The same month, the Southeastern Wildlife Exposition (SEWE) offers a unique blend of wildlife art and conservation education. Live demonstrations keep you hooked, while safety is always a priority.

Seasonal Events and Celebrations

No matter the season, Lowcountry brims with festive enthusiasm, each event a unique celebration of its rich culture and traditions. Kick-off the year on February 2 at the Lowcountry Oyster Festival, the largest of its kind in the U.S., where you can enjoy over 50,000 pounds of oysters, toe-tapping live music, and spirited contests.

Just weeks later, witness art and nature intertwine at the Southeastern Wildlife Exposition (SEWE) from February 14-16. It’s an engaging, family-friendly event offering live wildlife demonstrations and conservation education.

In March, elevate your taste buds at the 20th Charleston Wine + Food Festival. From March 5-9, you’ll indulge in local flavors, crafted by top chefs and winemakers, with a focus on sustainability.

Come April 4-6, immerse yourself in Southern hospitality at the Summerville Flowertown Festival, a vibrant showcase of arts, crafts, and blooms that attracts thousands.

Community Events and Gatherings

Beyond the larger seasonal celebrations, the heart of Lowcountry beats in its vibrant community events and gatherings that occur throughout the year. Imagine strolling through the weekly farmers’ markets, supporting local agriculture while picking up fresh produce and artisanal goods. You’ll feel an instant connection to the community and its economy.

Don’t miss the Fall Tours of Homes, a must-see for both residents and visitors. You’ll have the chance to explore Charleston’s rich architectural history, soaking in the essence of Lowcountry’s heritage. For a relaxed afternoon, head to the 2nd Sunday on King event. The street transforms into a pedestrian-friendly space, where you can shop, dine, and enjoy music from 1 PM to 5 PM.

Participate in the seasonal beach clean-up days to promote environmental stewardship. Or join one of the many charity runs to support local causes while staying fit. Safety is always the top priority at these community events, so you can focus on having fun and creating memories. Make sure to mark your calendar for the Charleston Open, the Annual Festival, and other engaging gatherings.