Summer in Charleston is a vibrant tapestry of culture, history, and celebration.
As the warm Southern sun graces our charming coastline, the city comes alive with a myriad of events that capture the essence of its rich heritage and community spirit. From the enchanting melodies of the Lowcountry Jazz Festival to the unmatched Fourth of July fireworks show at Patriot’s Point, Charleston’s summer calendar is brimming with activities that promise unforgettable experiences for locals and visitors alike. Whether you’re a movie buff, a concert fanatic, or simply in search of waterfront fun, Charleston’s summer events and festivals offer something for everyone.
Music & Concerts in Charleston
The Gaillard Center’s Lowcountry Jazz Festival Aug 31 + Sept 1: A Labor Day celebration of award-winning jazz singers and musicians. In addition to annually bringing together jazz fans from across the Southeast, the Festival is the primary fundraiser for Closing the Gap in Health Care, Inc.
Credit One Stadium: Just a short drive from downtown is Charleston’s premier concert venue, Credit One Stadium. Popular summer headliners include Maggie Rogers June 20 and Nathaniel Rateliff Sept 12.
Sweetgrass Cultural Arts Festival July 27th: The annual Sweetgrass Festival brings attention to the contributions of the Gullah Geechee people’s history, culture, traditions and their sweetgrass basket artistry that originated in Mount Pleasant and continues to exist in the town and surrounding regions. Admission is free.
Photography: Lucas Allmann
The Art of Jazz at The Gibbes Museum: The Art of Jazz concert series is where art and music collide. This annual series showcases original jazz music inspired by works on display at the museum. Upcoming performance dates: June 26, July 24, August 28
Art & Cinema in Charleston
First Friday Art Walks June 7th, August 2nd, Sept 6th: Discover the vibrant art scene of Charleston and indulge in the after-hours festivities of the First Friday ArtWalks. These walks take place on the first Friday of each month from 5-8pm, minus January and July. A map to guide your walk is available via their website.
The Gibbes Museum is proud to present an innovative series of 6-8 special exhibitions per year. The exhibitions are an experimental platform for engaging with art in new and exciting ways, promoting creativity, introducing new art forms, providing perspective on larger community issues, encouraging freedom of thought, and connecting with the broadest possible audience. Summer exhibitions: (1) Reynier Llanes: Passages from MAY 24 – SEPTEMBER 15 in Galleries 8 & 9; (2) Merton D. Simpson & William M. Halsey from APRIL 6 – AUGUST 18 in Galleries 2 & 3
Photography: Pauline Loroy
Freshfields Cinema Series: Head out to the beautiful Kiawah Island for their annual cinema series. Each Wednesday between June 19th and August 21st, guests can bring a blanket, chair, and picnic and enjoy a free family outdoor movie under the stars! Admission is free and movies will be shown from 8:30-10:30pm.
Community & Celebrations in Charleston
Farmers Market: The Charleston Farmers Market is dedicated to the support and advocacy of Lowcountry farmers, growers, prepared/packaged food, artisans, crafters, performers, and community groups. They offer a variety of local produce, plants, herbs and cut flowers as well as breakfast and lunch, live entertainment, and an assortment of arts and crafts from local artisans.
Photography: Dave Takisaki
Patriots Point Party at the Point: Head out to Patriot Point’s in Mount Pleasant for their weekly waterfront Happy Hour event on Friday evenings between 5-9pm, April 26 through July 5. This family-friendly event is beachfront and features live music and plenty of food and drinks. Tickets are $10.
4th of July Blast: Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum is the Lowcountry’s destination for 4th of July celebrations. The historic aircraft carrier USS Yorktown offers a free fireworks show over the Charleston Harbor starting at 6pm along with live music and food trucks.
Photography: Clayton Malquist
