Events in Charleston
Looking for May events in Charleston? If so, you are in the right place! Spring and event season are in full swing, and we want to help you plan your itinerary by putting together a few of our favorite events in May!
40th Annual North Charleston Arts Festival
When: May 1-5, 2024
Where: Various locations
The North Charleston Arts Fest explodes with five days of free festivities. Immerse yourself in a diverse array of performances, exhibitions, and activities. Sway to live music, be captivated by theatrical productions, or marvel at stunning visual arts. The festival brings art to life in a variety of spaces, from libraries and businesses to community centers and parks. With children’s programs, demonstrations, and more, there’s truly something for everyone to experience the joy of creativity. Don’t miss this opportunity to celebrate art in all its forms!
Cheers on the Pier
When: May 9 & 16, 2024 | 5:30-7:30 pm
Where: Mount Pleasant Pier, 71 Harry Hallman Blvd., Mount Pleasant
Wrap up your workday on the Mount Pleasant Pier with live music, craft beer, good friends, and a gorgeous sunset.
No admission fee. Blankets and chairs are welcome, as seating is limited. Outside alcohol and coolers are prohibited. Craft beer, made-to-order sandwiches, ice cream, fruit smoothies, and more will be for sale in the River Watch Café and Gift Shop.
53rd Annual Charleston Greek Festival
When: Friday, May 10-Sunday, May 12, 2024
Where: Greek Orthodox Church of the Holy Trinity - 30 Race Street
Get ready to immerse yourself in the vibrant spirit of Greek culture at the Charleston Greek Festival! It’s a joyous celebration packed with delicious Greek cuisine, flowing wine, live music, and lively dancing. As the oldest festival in the Charleston area, this event attracts around 35,000 attendees annually. Don’t miss out on the festivities – mark your calendars for a weekend filled with fun and unforgettable memories!
Festival Hours
Friday, May 10th- 5 pm – 10 pm
Saturday, May 11th– 11 am – 10 pm
Sunday, May 12th- 12 pm – 6 pm
Family Day at Middleton Place
When: Saturday, May 11, 2024 | 10:00 am-3:00 pm
Where: Middleton Place - 4300 Ashley River Rd.
Middleton Place is hosting a fun-filled Family Day on May 11th. Immerse yourselves in Lowcountry history through hands-on activities like horse trimming demos, indigo dyeing, and colonial games. Kids can unleash their creativity with wool felting and pottery crafts, while everyone enjoys fascinating demonstrations like Border Collie herding. Plus, kids aged 13 and under get in FREE! Learn about Lowcountry history, unleash your inner crafter, and make some unforgettable memories with your family. Don’t miss out on this hands-on adventure!
Sip & Stroll at Drayton Hall
When: Saturday, May 11, 2024 | 3:30-5:30 pm
Where: Drayton Hall - 3380 Ashley River Road
Guests have the opportunity to explore the historic Charleston Home Drayton Hall. A must-see stop in the city, this event allows guests to stroll throughout the property, learning about the history, while enjoying light bites and drinks (including some from our local breweries). You will also receive a complimentary wine glass or koozie to remember the wonderful evening. So whether you’re a history buff or a connoisseur of fine wine and beer, Sip and Stroll at Drayton Hall is the perfect event for you.
2nd Sunday on King Street
When: EVERY MONTH ON THE SECOND SUNDAY | 12:00-5:00 PM
Where: KING STREET FROM QUEEN TO CALHOUN STREET
Enjoy exploring Kings Street without traffic! You will find carefully curated artists showing their work on the street, unique food vendors, and other surprises! Enjoy discovering shops you might not have noticed before!
Wine on the Piazza
When: Thursday, May 16, 2024 | 4:30-6:00 pm
Where: Edmondston Alston House - 21 E Battery
Looking for the perfect Charleston evening? If so, look no further than Wine on the Piazza at the Edmondston Alston House! Those taking part will get to enjoy a glass of wine, spectacular views of the Charleston harbor, and a self-guided tour of this historic Charleston home. Tickets for this relaxing evening start at $30 per person.
Dancing on the Cooper
When: Thursday, May 17, 2024 | 7:00-10:00 pm
Where: Mount Pleasant Pier
If you’re looking for some fun summer entertainment, head over to the Mount Pleasant Pier where you can enjoy an evening of dancing to a variety of music. Each month is a specific theme, ranging from beach tunes to classic 80s hits, so be sure to check out the link and plan to dance the night away!
Spoleto Festival USA
When: Friday, May 24-June 9, 2024
Where: Various Locations
This annual 17-day event is a celebration of the arts. Hosting over 150 performances, this popular event showcases opera, dance, theater, classical music, and jazz. With its rich history and commitment to artistic excellence, Spoleto Festival USA continues to captivate audiences and inspire artists, making it a must-see event for arts enthusiasts worldwide.
Garden Strolls & Wine Tasting at Middleton Place
When: Wednesdays in May | 5:30-7:30 pm
Where: Middleton Place - 4300 Ashley River Road
Unwind amidst Charleston’s beauty at Middleton Place’s Spring Garden Strolls & Wine Tasting! Explore America’s Oldest Landscaped Gardens with a glass of wine in hand, taking in the vibrant blooms and picturesque Ashley River views. Savor delicious light hors d’oeuvres at wine-tasting stations scattered throughout the gardens. Top off the evening with dinner at the Middleton Place Restaurant, or extend your staycation with a night at their award-winning Inn. Tickets start at $35 for nonmembers. Don’t miss this enchanting Charleston experience!
Live Under the Oaks
When: Every Thursday in May at 6:00 pm
Where: Mount Pleasant Towne Centre - 1218 Belk Dr.
Head on over to Mount Pleasant and enjoy some free live music every Thursday in May! Each week a different artist will perform at the Mount Pleasant Towne Centre along with a featured food truck. Check out their website for a full list of performers and food trucks!
Charleston Farmers’ Market
When: Saturdays, April-November, 2024 | 8:00 am-2:00 pm
Where: Marion Square-329 Meeting Street
You will find a variety of local produce, plants, herbs, and cut flowers, as well as breakfast and lunch vendors, live entertainment, and an assortment of juried arts and crafts from local artisans every Saturday at the Market.
RiverDogs Minor League Baseball
When: Games throughout May
Where: Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Park - 360 Fishburne Street
Get the family together, head on over to Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Park, and enjoy Charleston’s very own Minor League Baseball team! From waterfront stadium views to an array of food and drink vendors, a Charleston RiverDogs game makes for the perfect summer night. Also, make sure to check out their promotions page to see what special-themed nights they have going on this month. Tickets for the 2023 season are on sale now!
We hope this list of May events in Charleston will help you add some events to your calendar!