Charleston SC Events Mar-Apr 2015

Looking to fill your social calendar? We've got the rundown on what to do this spring season.

East Coast Paddlesports & Outdoor Festival

Apr 17 - 19

One of the premier paddlesport events on the Atlantic Coast, the Festival showcases something for every outdoor enthusiast: kayaking, canoeing, stand up paddleboarding, slack lining, archery, disc golf, mountain biking, climbing, and more! Perfect for novices and experts alike, every level of instruction is offered in a variety of outdoor disciplines, as well as a Try-It Zone for those who want to test out a new hobby! James Island County Park, 843-795-4386. www.ccprc.com /1542/East-Coast-Paddlesports-Outdoor-Festival

Charleston Wine + Food Festival

Mar 4 - 8

Discover the distinctive flavors of the Lowcountry and uniquely Charleston experiences while interacting with and learning from the country’s best chefs, authors and beverage professionals. Over 80 events over the course of the Festival weekend. The Charleston Wine + Food Festival is a celebration of Charleston’s culinary excellence and renowned culture, which benefits scholarship programs for the culinary and hospitality workplace. Marion Square, 843-727-9998. charlestonwineandfood.com

Mullet Haul Trail Run

Mar 7

What popular local race offers “business in the front, and a party in the back”? The Mullet Haul Trail Run! The mullet hairstyle-themed trail run encourages runners to wear either real or imitation mullets during their participation in the race. The Run features both a 5- and 10-mile run on the equestrian trails of the park on Johns Island. Following the races, awards will be presented for the top runners, and all participants will be invited to take part in a post-race party featuring live music and complimentary food and beverages. The Mullet Haul is for ages 10 and older. Mullet Hall Equestrian Center on Johns Island, 8:30am. 843-795-4386, charlestoncountyparks.com/mullethaul

West Meets East: Asian Art & Design in Europe and the Americas

Mar 11 - 15

The Charleston Art & Antiques Forum is often referred to as the Premier Lecture Series in America. The 2015 Forum will explore the influences that Asian art and design have had on fine and decorative arts in Europe and the Americas. Lecture topics for the 2015 Forum include the treasures of the Royal Pavilion in Brighton, England; the Chinese influence in western ceramics, interior design, and architecture; oriental carpets and rugs highly valued throughout the world; 19th-century American artists and the Holy Land; the influence of the trade route from Mexico to the Philippines; and the restoration of St. Giles House, ancestral home of Lord Anthony Ashley-Cooper, 1st Earl of Shaftesbury and one of Charleston's founding "Lords Proprietors". The Keynote speaker will be David Beevers, Keeper of the Royal Pavilion in Brighton England. Other speakers are from the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston; Winterthur Museum and Country Estate; Smith College; Sotheby's; Colonial Williamsburg Foundation; Flather & Perkins Fine Art Insurers; and St. Giles House, England. Old Courtroom, 800-926-2520. charlestonantiquesforum.org

Art Fest

Mar 14

This annual festival at the Mount Pleasant Towne Centre brings families and cultural enthusiasts together with budding and professional artists for an event that showcases a diverse array of local and regional artistic talent. Local music, dance and visual arts studios offer stunning performances by some of the area's most talented individuals and groups. Creative aspirations are ignited in children who are given opportunities to explore many art forms and create their own masterpieces, such as beaded jewelry, sand art and a variety of artistic crafts. 11am-3pm. 843-884-8517, comeonovermp.com

St. Paddy's Pawlooza

Mar 14

This St. Patrick’s Day weekend celebrate the holiday with man’s best friend at the inaugural St. Paddy’s Pawlooza. This new dog-friendly special event will give people and their pets the chance to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day together in the park from noon to 4 p.m. Attendees to the Pawlooza will enjoy live music, craft beer, and food trucks. St. Patrick’s Day attire is encouraged for all, especially for the four-legged friends! Live music will be performed by The Knock Climb, an Irish band based in Columbia, SC. Food for sale will include Irish options as well as traditional festival fare, including corned beef, bratwurst, Italian ice and more. Wannamaker County Park, 12-4pm. 843-762-8089. charlestoncountyparks.com

38th Annual Symphony Designer Showhouse

Mar 19 - Apr 19

The Charleston Symphony Orchestra League’s 38th Annual Designer Showhouse at 50 Hasell Street is an antebellum treasure located in the heart of downtown Charleston. Built in 1841, the parsonage of St. Johannes Lutheran Church is an imposing two-story Single House with double piazzas and fireplaces in nearly all of the spacious, high-ceilinged rooms. House viewing Mon-Sat 10-4pm, Sun 1-4pm. 843-216-1329, csolinc.org

68th Annual Festival of Houses and Gardens

Mar 19 - Apr 19

Set amid the historic ambiance of the city’s Old & Historic District, this series of award-winning tours showcases Charleston’s distinctive architecture, history, gardens and culture. Tour approx.150 downtown Charleston’s grandest, private houses & gardens from Georgian & antebellum periods into early 20th century. Proceeds benefit Historic Charleston Foundation. 843-722-3405, historiccharleston.org

12th Annual Charleston International Antiques Show

Mar 20 - 22

Inspired by the rich historical, architectural and cultural heritage of Charleston, the annual event is a premier destination for collectors and enthusiasts who enjoy seeing and learning about incorporating antiques into modern-day decor. Expect to see English, European & American period furnishings, fine art, architectural elements, porcelains, vintage jewelry & silver, from the 17th to 20th centuries. Proceeds benefit Historic Charleston Foundation. Memminger Auditorium, 843-723-1623. historiccharleston.org

John Mellencamp: Plain Spoken

Mar 26

"The Voice of the Heartland" will play 80 shows including multiple dates in the artist’s hometown of Bloomington, Indiana; Nashville, Chicago, Minneapolis, New York, and more. The special guest is Carlene Carter. Concert goers will receive a digital download of the Plain Spoken record with purchase of tickets to the tour. North Charleston Performing Arts Center, 7:30pm. 843-529-5000. northcharlestoncoliseumpac.com

Oysters on the Point & Market

Mar 28

Enjoy an afternoon of oysters and live music on the water. This event features live music by The Bushels, $9 buckets of oysters, and a build your own Bloody Mary bar. Charleston Harbor Resort and Marina, 2-6pm. 843-856-0028. charlestonharborresort.com

38th Annual Cooper River Bridge Run
Mar 28
The Cooper River Bridge Run provides a world-class 10-K foot race. The race promotes continuous physical activity and a healthy lifestyle through education and opportunity. The Cooper River Bridge Run is the best organized and the best conducted 10-K race in the world. It includes world-class competition in a unique setting with unparalleled participant satisfaction. It broadens community cooperation and participation in healthy events throughout the year. The Cooper River Bridge Run serves as a model of health motivation for other communities throughout the world. 843-937-4183, bridgerun.com 

Lowcountry Cajun Festival

Mar 29

Bringing Louisiana to the Lowcountry, Lowcountry Cajun Festival is a full-day of Zydeco music, Cajun and Creole foods, children’s activities and all around ragin’ Cajun entertainment. Full-bellied fun is what this festival is all about as local and regional chefs cook up a variety of mouth-watering foods. Savor the tastes of authentic Cajun and Creole fare. Food, beverages, and souvenirs will be available for purchase on-site. $10, Free for ages 12 and under. James Island County Park, Noon-6pm. 843-795-7275, ccprc.com

Easter Eggstravaganza

Apr 4

The Easter Eggstravaganza at Middleton Place is a long-standing spring tradition. Families are invited to visit the National Historic Landmark and take part in an exciting day of Easter traditions. But the event is far from the usual Easter Egg Hunt. The Eggstravaganza will send the fun into overdrive with the addition of activities like the egg toss, egg roll, egg dying, a reading of classic children's tales, and a variety of colonial games. 843-556-6020. middletonplace.org

Family Circle Cup Tennis Tournament

Apr 4 - 12

Every spring, the City of Charleston and Daniel Island serves as a backdrop to one of the richest and most traditional events in women's professional tennis. As one of the hottest tickets in professional sports, the Family Circle Cup is more than just a tennis tournament, it’s a festival with some world-class tennis thrown in. During the week, fans are entertained with a variety of activities aimed at making their week on Daniel Island a memorable one. Family Circle Tennis Center, 800-677-2293. familycirclecup.com

Russian National Ballet Theatre's Cinderella

Apr 7

The Charleston Concert Association welcomes the return of the Russian National Ballet with Cinderella, originally performed in Moscow in 1945. Noted for the beautiful Prokofiev score, Cinderella is the classic fairy tale for all ages, told through a grand, stunning production by this elite ballet company. North Charleston Performing Arts Center, 7:30pm. 843-727-1216. charlestonconcerts.org

80th Annual House & Garden Tours

Apr 10 - 11

The tour will include some of Charleston's finest houses and gardens in Historic District, and will feature flowers arranged by members of The Garden Club. Refreshments will be served in a lovely Charleston Garden. All proceeds benefit The Garden Club of Charleston's continuing projects--maintaining the gardens at the Manigault House, the Heyward-Washington House, the Gateway Walk, the Healing Garden at MUSC, the Museum Courtyard Garden and the garden at the Historic Confederate Home. 2-5pm. $45. 843-937-9013. thegardenclubofcharleston.org

World Grits Festival

Apr 10 - 12

Over the past quarter-century, the festival has expanded into the world’s grandest excuse to pig out on ground corn. Vendors sell grits-based creations up and down the street, some drawing from the inspiration of previous years’ winning grits recipes. St. George. 843-563-7943, worldgritsfestival.com

11th Annual Blues by the Sea

Apr 12

Join Freshfields Village for their 11th Annual Blues by the Sea. This is a free event. Rain or shine. Bring lawn chairs, blankets, and coolers. There will be 2-3 national blues' artists. 843-762-9125. freshfieldsvillage.com

Sperry Top-Sider Charleston Race Week

Apr 16 - 19

The 20th edition of Charleston Race Week consists of 278 boats competing in the largest regatta of its kind in the Western Hemisphere. Includes some 2,500 participants, representing 27 states and seven countries competing in the Charleston Harbor. Registration is now open! The Race Village at Charleston Harbor Resort, 843-628-5900. charlestonraceweek.com

Spring Jam Music Fest

Apr 18

Come out for the 3rd annual Spring Jam Music Fest and jam to live music, while enjoying performance art, visual art, delicious food, tasty brews & wine, and an artisan & craft village. The Grove at Patriots Point, 11am-8pm. 843-884-2727. springjammusicfest.com

2nd Annual Folly Beach Wine & Sign

Apr 25

Have fun in the sun on the stunning Folly Beach Pier. Sip a glass of wine, talk, meet some wonderful authors and artists, and enjoy delicious food. Bask in the beautiful scenery of sandy beaches, cool ocean breezes, and views of the great Atlantic Ocean. Proceeds benefit the Diann Shaddox Foundation, an organization committed to finding a cause and cure for Essential Tremor, the largest movement disorder. Essential Tremor is a progressive neurological condition that causes a rhythmic trembling of the hands, head, voice, legs, or body. 10am-5pm. 843-588-3474, diannshaddox.com

Old Village Home, Garden & Art Tour

Apr 26

Stroll through the historic Old Village of Mt. Pleasant on a self guided home tour. Sample delicious food offered by local chefs while viewing local art work. 843-764-2323, redcross.org 

28th Annual Town of Mt. Pleasant Blessing of the Fleet

Apr 26

A safe and prosperous shrimping season is the sentiment of this community-supported benediction that dishes up fresh seafood and showcases local crafts.
Live music, local crafts, kids activities, a boat parade, a ceremonial blessing of the shrimp/fishing fleet, and lots of seafood will be present. Memorial Waterfront Park, 11:30am-6pm. 843-884-8517. townofmountpleasant.com

YMCA Flowertown Festival

April 27 - 29

Every spring, the Town of Summerville is awash in color- from the hot pink azaleas, to the purple wisteria, to the delicate white dogwood. Thousands of festival-goers transcend this gracious Southern town to take in the flowers and hospitality and attend one of the largest arts and crafts festivals in the Southeast. Ranked as a Top 20 Event by the Southeast Tourism Society. 843-871-9622, flowertownfestival.org

Lowcountry Strawberry Festival

Apr

One of the premier special events held in South Carolina in the spring. The event has been expanded to include more than 30 attractions and thrill rides and is now open at night in prime time as well. The Farm Land portion of the event offers a number of family friendly attractions, magic shows, and more. The Little Miss Berry Princess Contest and Pie Eating Contests are festival favorites that return by popular demand. This event really does feature something for everybody. Boone Hall Plantation, 843-884-4371. boonehallplantation.com