Spring Fling in Charleston: The Top Things to Do this Spring in the Holy City

Don’t get us wrong – there’s no bad time of the year in Charleston, but there’s something special about spring. The blooms come alive, there’s a crispness in the air – it’s not the chill of winter, but not quite the heat and humidity of summer. 

From foodies and artists to antique and music lovers, there is something for everyone in the Holy City this spring! 

Check out our roundup below and let us know which event we’ll Scout you at. 

March 

Charleston Wine + Food Festival  | March 1-5, 2023 
Charleston Wine + Food was founded in 2005 by a group of loyal community leaders with a vision of creating an event to promote + elevate Charleston’s culinary brand. As a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, the goal was to put Charleston on the map as a culinary destination and bring national + international attention to the city through the production of a multi-day wine + food festival. Charleston Wine + Food infuses homegrown flavor with top chefs, winemakers, authors, storytellers, artisans, experts, and food enthusiasts from around the globe for a five-day event that spans the first full weekend each March.

Festival of Houses & Gardens | March 15 – April 16, 2023

For over 75 years, these curated tours have provided a rare glimpse into the private houses and gardens of Charleston, SC. This Festival is the Historic Charleston Foundation’s largest annual educational and fundraising program.  Your ticket purchases supports the preservation, advocacy, and education initiatives of the Foundation. 

The 2023 Festival includes: Splendor Tours, Festival Tours, Morning History Walks, Live Like a Local Events, Food for Thought Luncheon Lectures.

Charleston Antiques Show  | March 17-19, 2023

The Charleston Show now in its second year presents a Collection of Antiques Contemporary Design, Fine Art & Jewelry.

The Thursday evening Preview Party on March 16th benefits the Drayton Hall Preservation Trust. This gala opening event provides an opportunity to support the collections and preservation of the historic estate as well as a chance for a first look at the antique show’s offerings.

Open to the public Friday March 17th through Sunday 19th the Charleston Show brings together 30 exhibitors from the United States, England and Europe showcasing the best period to mid-century furniture, traditional and contemporary art and ceramics, jewelry, folk art, oriental rugs, silver, prints and maps, garden and architectural antiques.

Charleston Bluegrass Festival | March 24-25, 2023 

The Charleston Bluegrass Festival takes place March 24 & 25, 2023 on the pristine 6,000-acre grounds of the Woodlands Nature Reserve, a hidden gem in one of the world’s top destinations, Charleston, South Carolina. 

Patrons can expect a weekend of boot stompin’ revelry complete with some of the finest names in bluegrass. The event offers plush camping options, local food / craft vendors, and outdoor activities.

April

Cooper River Bridge Run | April 1, 2023

The Cooper River Bridge Run is the best-organized and 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.

Credit One Charleston Open | April 1-9, 2023

The Credit One Charleston Open is the largest women’s only tennis tournament in North America. Every April, Credit One and Charleston welcomes more than 100 world-class, women athletes to participate in the excitement of the Credit One Charleston Open. Records are broken and memories are made as extraordinary tennis stars take the Court at Credit One Stadium to compete for the coveted title of the Credit One Charleston Open.

Easter | April 9, 2023 

Our city is full to the steeples with amazing food options – from eating out to catering in to using locally crafted ingredients, now is the time to work on your Easter menu! 

Art Charleston | April 26-30, 2023

Art Charleston 2023 will push the boundaries for all that is possible. Through immersion in this five-day visual arts festival featuring unique programs and events, our presentations and collaborations will inspire, challenge and present Charleston’s strong and diverse human stories through the visual arts. We invite our community and participants to imagine with us, to question, to explore, and to recognize Art is the Reason.

Launched in the spring of 2022, Art Charleston raised over $500,000 to support the mission of the Gibbes. In turn, the Gibbes invested more than $250,000 with local businesses in its very first year! Art Charleston enhances the cultural landscape through unique programs and events that highlight Charleston’s strong and diverse human stories through the visual arts. 

Mt. Pleasant Blessing of the Fleet & Seafood Festival | April 30, 2023

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, Shag and shrimp-eating contests, and family-friendly activities. Admission and activities are free! Come enjoy a wonderful time with your community in one of the most beautiful settings in the Lowcountry!

May 

North Charleston Arts Festival | May 3-7, 2023

The North Charleston Arts Fest features five days of events highlighting regional and local artists and performers in the areas of Dance, Music, Theatre, Visual Arts, and Literature. Residents and visitors are invited to experience a diverse array of free performances, exhibitions, and activities in a variety of venues, including libraries, businesses, community centers, and parks. The festival schedule offers something for everyone, including concerts, theatre presentations, dance performances, children’s programs, demonstrations, exhibitions, and more.

Mother’s Day | May 14, 2023 

We’re just doing you a favor and making sure this date is on your radar! Stay tuned for our Mother’s Day gift guide and brunch picks! 

Spoleto Festival USA  | May 26 – June 11, 2023
For 17 days and nights each spring, Spoleto Festival USA fills Charleston, South Carolina’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 47th season, Spoleto Festival USA is internationally recognized as America’s premier performing arts festival.

Contributing to the Festival’s ongoing success is its location in Charleston. Recognized the world over for its stunning natural beauty, impressive array of preserved historical architecture, and wealth of charming performance venues, Charleston provides an incomparable setting for audience members and guest artists alike.

Looking for more information on things to do in Charleston? Check out our guides to eat, stay, and shop!