Events in May-June 2023

Looking to fill your social calendar? We've got the rundown on how to stay entertained this season.

May

Charleston Farmers Market

Saturdays

8 a.m. until 2 p.m. Marion Square, 329 Meeting St.

North Charleston Farmers Market

Thursdays

3-7 p.m. at Exchange Park, 5025 Lackawanna Blvd.

West Ashley Farmers Market

Wednesdays

3-7 p.m. Ackerman Park, 55 Sycamore Avenue.

Mt. Pleasant Farmers Market

Tuesdays

3:30 – 7 p.m. 645 Coleman Blvd.

Charleston RiverDogs

Through September

Play ball! Enjoy a night at the Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Park in downtown Charleston, one of the premier fields in Minor League Baseball, with a view of the Charleston Harbor. The 2023 schedule features 66 home games, held Tuesdays-Sundays at home. Standard start times for RiverDogs home games will be 7:05 p.m. Tuesday-Friday, 6:05 p.m. on Saturday and 5:05 p.m. on Sunday. Ticket prices vary. 360 Fishburne St. www.riverdogs.com/tickets

Garden Stroll and Wine Tastings at Middleton Place

May 3 & May 10

Spend the evening at Middleton Place exploring America's Oldest Landscaped Gardens with a glass of wine in hand. Stroll throughout Middleton Place National Historic Landmark and take in the beautiful flora and magnificent views of the Ashley River. Each week highlights different wines and regions. Tickets are $35; 5:30-7:30 p.m. 4300 Ashley River Rd. Buy tickets at www.middletonplace.org.

North Charleston Arts Fest

May 3-7

The North Charleston Arts Fest features five days of free events highlighting regional and local artists and performers in the areas of dance, music, theatre, visual arts and literature. Produced by the City of North Charleston Cultural Arts Department, residents and visitors are invited to experience a diverse array of performances, children’s programs, public art, workshops, exhibitions, and activities in a variety of indoor and outdoor venues, culminating with a Lowcountry Music Showcase. Visit www.northcharlestonartsfest.com/events for a full lineup.

16^th Cinco De Mayo Festival

May 6

Founded in 2006, the Cindo De Mayo Festival is the area’s largest Cinco de Mayo celebration with live music, dance exhibitions and authentic food held downtown at the Charleston Cruise Terminal. 4-10 p.m. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased at EventBrite. 196 Concord Street.

Sheep shearing, wool felting and Border Collie demonstrations

May 7

Bring the whole family to Middleton Place for a full day of activities, including sheep shearing demonstration using traditional steel blade hand shears, registered dogs from American Border Collie Association (ABAC),  a wool felting program and an indigo dyeing demonstration where kids can dye cloth to take home with them. The program is included with general admission. 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. www.middletonplace.org. 4300 Ashley River Rd.

Starlight Yoga

May 11 & June 1

The moon and stars enhance this flowing yoga class hosted by Charleston County Parks. Participants will receive a special glow-in-the-dark prize. May 11, 7:30-8:30 p.m. at Johns Island County Park, 2662 Mullet Hall Rd.; June 1, 7:30-8:30 p.m. at Folly Beach County Park, 1100 East Ashley Ave. Registration is $10. Register at www.ccprc.com.

52nd Annual Charleston Greek Festival

May 12

The Charleston Greek Festival is a weekend-long celebration of fun and Greek culture. Attendees can enjoy Greek food, wine, live music, dance performances and more. There will be a large selection of authentic Greek food and drink, delicate pastries, authentic gyros, filling dinners, and Greek coffee, beer, and wine. General admission is $5; seniors and students, $3; military members and children 12 and under are free. 30 Race Street. www.charlestongreekfestival.com

Warrior Surf Foundation Charity Golf Classic

May 12 & 13

Warrior Surf Foundation will hold its annual charity golf classic at Wild Dunes Resort’s Harbor Course. All proceeds will support the group’s free 12-week surf and wellness program for veterans and their families. An opening night dinner will be held on Friday, May 12. Registration for the tournament and lunch May 13 begins at 11 a.m., with a shotgun start at 1 p.m. Multi-level sponsorships available. Wild Dunes Resort, 200 Grand Pavilion Blvd., Isle of Palms. https://warriorsurf.rallyup.com/E

Cast Off Fishing Tournaments

May 13 & June 10 (Mt. Pleasant Pier)

May 27, June 3 & June 24 (Folly Beach Pier)

Kick off a new season of Cast Off Fishing Tournaments hosted by the Charleston County Parks. Prize categories include biggest three by weight, biggest youth catch and best five fish total weight. Tournaments are held rain or shine. Morning start times vary. Register onsite the morning of each tournament. Ages 13 & up: $10; Military: $9 ; Youth (ages 3-12) & Seniors (ages 60+): $8; Fishing Pass Members: $5. Folly Pier, 101 East Arctic Ave. Mt. Pleasant Pier, 71 Harry M. Hallman Jr Blvd.

Light Up for Literacy

May 18

Light Up Literacy is a family-friendly evening event to benefit Reading Partners at Firefly Distillery. There will be food trucks, craft cocktails and live music by 17South. 4201 Spruill Avenue. 6-10 p.m. Purchase tickets online at www.readingpartners.org.

Dancing on the Cooper

May 20 & June 10

Local bands perform a variety of live music, including beach/shag, Cuban salsa, funk/soul, rock, jazz, country, Motown, and the greatest hits of the ‘80s and ‘90s. Let loose, breathe in the harbor breeze, and dance the night away under the stars hosted by Charleston County Parks. Advance tickets are $8 per person. Day-of tickets are $10 per person if the event hasn't sold out. Children three and under are free and do not require a ticket. 71 Harry M. Hallman Jr Blvd. www.ccprc.com.

Spoleto Festival USA

May 26 – June 11

For 17 days and nights each spring, Spoleto Festival USA fills Charleston’s historic theaters, churches and outdoor spaces with performances by renowned artists as well as emerging performers in opera, theater, dance and chamber, symphonic, choral and jazz music. Now approaching its 46th season, Spoleto Festival USA is internationally recognized as America’s premier performing arts festival. For a full schedule and tickets, visit www.spoletousa.org.

Piccolo Spoleto Festival

May 26 – June 11

A complementary festival to Spoleto Festival USA, Piccolo Spoleto offers mostly admission-free events throughout downtown Charleston each day of Spoleto's 17-day festival season. Produced and directed by the City of Charleston Office of Cultural Affairs, Piccolo Spoleto showcases thousands of local and regional artists and more than 700 arts events—literary, visual and performing arts. A full schedule and lineup will be announced at www.piccolospoleto.com.

Memorial Day Music on the Green

May 26 & 27

A special Memorial Day weekend with two nights of Music on the Green will be held at Freshfields Village in Kiawah. Additionally, throughout the summer, every Friday from 6-9 p.m., enjoy free outdoor concert with rotating bands. Guests are encouraged to bring blankets and chairs. 165 Village Green Lane, Kiawah Island. www.freshfieldsvillage.com.

June

Reggae Nights at James Island County Park

June 2 & June 23

The Reggae Nights Summer Concert Series at James Island County Park features traditional old school roots reggae in a beautiful outdoor setting. Bring your chairs or blanket. Gates open at 7:30 p.m.; music from at 8 p.m. – 11 p.m. Tickets are $10 for ages 13 and up, free for ages 12 or under and free for Gold Pass members. 871 Riverland Dr.

Pride Parade

June 3

The annual Pride Parade in historic Downtown Charleston will begin at 9 a.m. and march down historic King Street. The parade highlights the uniqueness and diversity of the community. www.charlestonpride.org.

Sand Sculpting Competition

June 3

The Isle of Palms annual sand sculpting competition will be held on front beach from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Winners are awarded in many categories including best of children’s, adults, family, architectural and most creative. Registration is open to enter! Enjoy the masterpieces. Free. www.iop.net to register or call 843-886-8294.

Celebrity Paws in the Park and Barks and Brews Beer Festival

June 10

Celebrity Paws in the Park supports the Charleston Animal Society. Join thousands of humans and their canine companions at Riverfront Park at 9 a.m. for the celebratory “Walk for Animals” along the waterfront. Stay for Barks & Brews from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. and receive a souvenir glass plus tastings at participating breweries. See the world famous “K9s in Flight,” the country’s premier high-flying dog entertainers, in action-packed shows throughout the day and enjoy live music and hot air balloon rides. Riverfront Park, 1061 Everglades Avenue, North Charleston. Early bird tickets are $25. www.facebook.com/CharlestonAnimalSociety

Juneteenth Family Fest Charleston 2023

June 17

The third annual Juneteenth Family Fest Charleston will be held at Riverfront Park. The free, family-friendly celebration will include live performances, art displays, activities, games for children and delicious cultural food. The day will cap off with a fireworks show. Doors open at 2 p.m. Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, blankets and bug spray. Riverfront Park, 1061 Everglades Avenue North Charleston.

Ziggy Marley

June 21

The eight-time Grammy winner, Emmy winner, musician, producer, activist and humanitarian has cultivated a legendary career for close to 40 years.  The eldest son of Bob and Rita Marley, Ziggy has forged his own path as a musical pioneer, infusing the reggae genre with funk, blues, rock and other elements through mindful songcraft.  Charleston Music Hall, 37 John St., Charleston. Tickets start at $60.50. www.charlestonmusichall.com

Carifest

June 29-July 1

Charleston Carifest is a Caribbean Carnival celebration in honor of Caribbean American Heritage Month with three days of food, fun, music, and costumes submerged in education and culture. The culture of Carnival and the Caribbean people will include a parade through the streets of downtown Charleston on July 1 in costumes en route to Brittle Bank Park. www.charlestoncarifest.com