Charleston SC Events March April 2016

01 Mar 2016

Charleston Wine + Food Festival

Mar 2 - 6

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. Various locations, 843-727-9998. charlestonwineandfood.com

 

Bach Festival

Mar 4 - 6

March 4, 7:30pm - Bach and His Circle: Music for Violin and Continuo. Duets, trios and solos for cello and harpsichord played by Cynthia Roberts, Chloe Fedor, baroque violins; Phoebe Carrai, baroque cello, and harpsichord, Leonard Schmid. March 5, 7:30pm - Organ Recital by Dr. JeeYoon Choi: From the German Baroque to Romanticism: J. S. Bach and His Legacy. March 6, 4:00pm - Bach Cantatas and Handel Anthems performed by the Charleston University Concert Singers (directed by Valerie Bullock) and the Charleston Baroque Orchestra with Margaret Kelly Cook, soprano, and Jennifer Luiken, mezzo soprano under the direction of Ricard Bordas. Held at the First Presbyterian Church, bachsocietyofcharleston.org

 

Where the Wild Things Run 5K

Mar 5

Explore your wild side on a scenic run through the trails of this 654-acre site rich in natural and historical resources. Caw Caw Interpretive Center features areas favored for many species of rare wildlife. An award ceremony with light food and beverages will be held immediately afterward. The race will begin at Caw Caw Interpretive Center at 8:30am. T-shirts are guaranteed for participants who register prior to Feb. 19. The 5K run and walk is for ages 10 and up. Ages 10-15 must be accompanied by an adult chaperone; however, chaperones do not require registration or participation in the race. Dogs are not allowed at Caw Caw. Free kids’ activities will also take place at this year’s race, offering parents participating in the race a great opportunity to keep the little ones educated and entertained during the run or walk! Kids' yoga and crafts will take place throughout the morning. These activities are appropriate for ages 6-12. 843-795-4386, ccprc.com/wtwtr

 

Keeper's Choice Program at Charles Towne Landing

Mar 5, 19 and Apr 2

A zookeeper's day is never the same - and neither is this program! Some days the bear will be the star, or it might be the bobcat or otters. You just never know who'll be there until you are. Depending on staff schedules and animal needs, this program may discuss topics like animal behavior and biology, demonstrate training techniques that help the keepers take care of the animals, or include enrichment activities that bring out natural behaviors and exercise for the animals. 843-852-4200, southcarolinaparks.com

Dorothy in Wonderland

Mar 5 - 6 and Mar 11 - 13

The worlds of Oz and Wonderland collide in this fantastically fun romp, adapted from the works of L. Frank Baum and Lewis Carroll and directed by Jo Ellen Aspinwall. Just as Dorothy is clicking her heels, another whirlwind appears, sweeping Dorothy and her friends away to Wonderland. In this strange new place, they meet Alice, who needs their help facing a dangerous foe - the Queen of Hearts. Performances are at 7pm March 5-6, and 2pm March 11-13. Footlight Players, 843-722-4487. footlightplayers.net

 

Mar 12

This St. Patrick’s Day weekend celebrate the holiday with man’s best friend at the inaugural St. Paddy’s Pawlooza. This 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, authentic Irish music will be performed. 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

 

CSO Pops: Country Legends

Mar 12

Nashville performers Rachel Potter & Patrick Thomas guest in a tribute to the greatest stars in country music. Classics such as Crazy, Jolene, & Ring of Fire will leave your country soul content. 7:30pm. Charleston Gaillard Center, 843-724-5212. gaillardcenter.com

 

Slainte! Folk Songs from the British Isles and America

Mar 13

Slainte! Cheers! Come ready for a fun celebration of the Charleston Men's Chorus's 25th anniversary season with this concert consisting of traditional poignant folk songs and rollicking sea shanties from the British Isles and America. The highlight of the performance will be the world premier of an Alice Parker arrangement of "Tenting Tonight," commissioned in honor of our anniversary. Sottile Theatre, 843-720-8505. charlestonmenschorus.org

 

68th Annual Festival of Houses and Gardens

Mar 16 - Apr 24

Set amid the historic ambience of the city’s Old & Historic District, this series of award-winning tours showcases Charleston’s distinctive architecture, history, gardens and culture. These tours provide a rare opportunity for guests to go inside the private houses and gardens of some of America’s most beautiful historic residences, dating to the 18th century. Visit Charleston to see why it has been renowned for three centuries as “a city set in a garden.” The Festival is set during the peak of the city's blooming season. Tours feature seven to 10 properties each day in one of 11 neighborhoods, dating from the American colonial period, through the antebellum and Victorian eras, to early 20th century. Beautiful architecture and lush gardens are woven throughout the historic neighborhoods of Charleston, which has consistently been named among the 10 most courteous and friendly cities in America. Tours and events vary daily to allow you to enjoy the diversity of this unique port city which traces its origins to 1670. Proceeds benefit Historic Charleston Foundation. 843-722-3405, historiccharleston.org

 

39th Annual Symphony Designer Showhouse

Mar 17 - Apr 17

The James Sanders House, constructed circa 1851, is located in the heart of Harleston Village, one of historic Charleston’s oldest neighborhoods. The three-story Charleston Single House boasts many meticulously maintained historic details, a beautiful garden with gazebo and saline pool. The home has been featured multiple times on the prestigious Historic Charleston Foundation Candlelight Tour and is a beautiful platform for some of the Lowcountry’s most talented designers. Be sure to shop in our exclusive boutique, lunch in our Café or choose a treasure from our designers’ exquisitely decorated rooms. House viewing at 156 Wentworth Street, Mon-Sat 10-4pm, Sun 1-4pm. 843-532-4562, csolinc.org

 

13th Annual Charleston Antiques Show

Mar 18 - 20

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

 

Swamp Fox Adventure Race

Mar 19

Held in the Francis Marion National Forest, racers will travel across land, swamp and water seldom visited by man. Designed to cover approximately 55-60 miles, with a finishing time between 10-12 hours, Solo racers and teams of two, three and four members will face some of the most challenging obstacles that nature has in this region. Kayaking, Paddling (10-12 miles), Mountain Biking (20-30 miles), and Trekking (15-20 Miles). 803-292-1900. kandoadventures.com

 

Pet Fest

Mar 19 - 20

Pets and their owners are invited to join Charleston County Parks for a full weekend of exhibits, demonstrations, experts, entertainment, and more at Charleston’s premiere pet festival! Pet Fest provides an opportunity for local pet organizations and businesses to showcase their causes, products, and services in a fun, pet-friendly environment. Mt. Pleasant Palmetto Islands County Park, 10am-4pm. ccprc.com/139/pet-fest

 

Oysters on the Point

Mar 20

Enjoy an afternoon of oysters and live music overlooking the Charleston harbor. This event features live music, locally steamed oysters, and a build your own Bloody Mary bar. Charleston Harbor Resort and Marina, 2-6pm. 843-284-7022, charlestonharborresort.com

 

Easter Eggstravaganza

Mar 26

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

 

YMCA Flowertown Festival

April 1 - 3

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

 

39th Annual Cooper River Bridge Run Apr 2 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

 

Volvo Car Open Tennis Tournament

Apr 2 - 10

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 Volvo Car Open 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

 

Lowcountry Cajun Festival

Apr 3

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

 

Kiawah Island House and Art Tour

Apr 8

Each home in the private gated community of Kiawah Island was designed with elegant detailing and each with their own unique style. To of the homes are classic shingle, one with a spectacular river view and art primarily completed by local artisans, the second was designed to accommodate large family gatherings and has a recent guesthouse addition and terraced pool.The third home has expansive ocean views and is beautifully decorated with art work collected from the family's extensive travels, and the fourth has the effect of bringing the outdoors in that complements the art throughout. The fifth home is tucked into the Cassique community with sweeping views of the lagoon and a contemporary interior. kiawahartsetc.org

 

 

81st House & Garden Tour

Apr 8 - 9

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. 843-937-9013. thegardenclubofcharleston.org

 

World Grits Festival

Apr 8 - 10

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

 

Sperry Charleston Race Week

Apr 14 - 17

The 21st edition of Charleston Race Week consists of nearly 300 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

 

Charleston Outdoor Fest

Apr 15 - 17

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/Charleston-Outdoor-Fest

 

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

 

Hands On Rice Planting

Apr 23 - 24

Visitors are invited to take part in the centuries-old tradition of rice cultivation in the Low Country, as Middleton Place embarks on the annual planting of the demonstration rice field. Costumed interpreters will instruct guests in traditional methods of planting, discuss the history of Carolina Gold rice on Low Country plantations, and explain the African origins of rice and its cultivation in South Carolina in the 18th and 19th centuries. Planting will take place each day at 10am and 1pm. 843-556-6020, middletonplace.org

 

29th Annual Blessing of the Fleet & Seafood Festival

Apr 24

The festival pays tribute to Mount Pleasant's local shrimping and fishing industry, offering a boat parade, live music, craft show and lots of free activities with the picturesque Ravenel Bridge and Charleston Harbor for a backdrop! Participants are treated to a boat parade and ceremonial blessing of the shrimp/fishing fleet, savory seafood samplings sold by some of Mount Pleasant's best restaurants, live music, a craft show, art exhibition, Shag and shrimp-eating contests, and family-friendly activities. Admission and activities are free. 11:30am-6pm. Memorial Waterfront Park, 11:30am-6pm. 843-884-8517. townofmountpleasant.com

 

North Charleston Arts Festival

Apr 29 - May 7

Features nine full days of events highlighting more than 100 national, regional and local artists and performers in the areas of Dance, Music, Theatre, Visual Arts, Crafts, Photography, Media Arts and Literature. Residents and visitors are invited to experience nearly 200 free and modestly priced performances, workshops, exhibitions, and activities in a variety of venues, including libraries, businesses, community centers, schools, civic auditoriums and parks. The Main Event, held the first weekend in May at the North Charleston Performing Arts Center and Charleston Area Convention Center, offers free admission and parking to over forty performances on four themed stages; General Audience, Cultural Heritage, Youth Entertainment, and Bands. Other Main Event activities include judged art and photography shows, the SC Palmetto Hands Fine Craft Exhibit, a gem & mineral show, an antique show, children’s activities, art & craft booths and a food courtyard. The Arts Festival continues with over sixty individual events and exhibitions throughout the remainder of the week at various locations. An array of free and ticketed offerings include street dances, concerts, theatre presentations, film screenings, an art walk, children’s programs, workshops and demonstrations, a National Outdoor Sculpture Competition & Exhibition and much more. The festival concludes with the Grand Finale at North Charleston Riverfront Park featuring performances by professional groups and Tri-county schools, children’s activities and fireworks over the Cooper River. Various locations. northcharlestonartsfest.com

 

2nd Annual Folly Beach Wine & Sign

Apr 30

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

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