Springtime Blooms: Charleston's March to April Events

by Karla Leahy

Spring is here, and Charleston is buzzing with festivals, food, and live music! From brunch celebrations to art walks and outdoor adventures, get inspired and explore what’s happening around the Lowcountry. Whether you’re planning a weekend outing or looking for something new, there’s plenty to enjoy this season!

 

DOWNTOWN CHARLESTON

 

thecharlestonfestivalsc.org

 

The Charleston Festival | March 13- April 13

Formerly known as the Festival of Houses & Gardens, this beloved tradition has been showcasing Charleston’s architectural and cultural heritage since 1947. Explore private historic homes, lush gardens, expert-led lectures, and new programs, including Charleston by Design. Tickets are on sale now. 

 

Charleston St. Patrick’s Day | March 17th 

 Parade will start on King at Radcliffe and go down to Broad at Legare.  Festivities kick off with an 8 AM mass at St. Patrick’s Church, followed by the 10 AM parade down King and Broad Streets, packed with marching bands, Irish step dancers, and fiddlers. The celebration continues with a flag-raising ceremony at City Hall at 11:30 AM, honoring Charleston’s Irish heritage. Afterward, King Street’s bars and restaurants keep the party going with St. Paddy’s specials and an epic bar crawl—the perfect way to toast to the luck of the Irish!

 

 

Drayton Hall: 2025 Preview Party for the Charleston Show | March 20th

Opening night of the Charleston Show, formerly known as the Spring Antiques show will be at Festival Hall in Downtown Charleston. Enjoy an incredible evening benefiting Drayton Hall Preservation. Tickets start at $225 for opening night and $325 for VIP reception. Get tickets early, since this event almost always sells out. 

 

The Charleston Show | March 21-23

Step into a world of timeless elegance at The Charleston Show, happening March 21–23, 2025, at Charleston Festival Hall. This premier event brings together 30 top exhibitors, offering an exquisite selection of antiques, period and mid-century furniture, fine jewelry, and contemporary art. The show kicks off with a preview party on March 20, benefiting the Drayton Hall Preservation Trust. Whether you’re an avid collector or just love browsing unique pieces, this show is a must-visit for art and antique enthusiasts. Tickets are $20 at the door and $17 online. 

 

Charleston Brunch Festival | March 29th 

Calling all brunch lovers! The Charleston Brunch Festival returns to Johnson Hagood Stadium for a delicious afternoon of brunch bites, mimosas, bloody marys, beer, and wine. Enjoy live music, a DJ, and a variety of local restaurants and food trucks serving up $4 brunch samples. Advance tickets start at $45 (includes drinks; food sold separately), while Early Entry tickets start at $65 and include three food tickets. 

 

 

 

Giselle Ballet | April 1st 

Experience the timeless romance of Giselle as the South Carolina Ballet brings this hauntingly beautiful ballet to the Charleston Music Hall. This classic tale of love, betrayal, and redemption unfolds with stunning choreography and breathtaking performances.  Tickets are available now and start at $40. 

 

 

 

Cooper River Bridge Run | April 5th 

The countdown is on! If you haven’t registered yet for the race, now is the time to do so. The Cooper River Bridge Run is a point-to-point course that starts in Mt. Pleasant, SC, crosses over the Cooper River via the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge and finishes in downtown Charleston, SC. It’s currently $65 to register for the race.  

 

 

 

Legally Blonde Musical | April 9-May 4

Catch the high-energy, pink-filled fun of Legally Blonde: The Musical at the Dock Street Theatre. . Tickets start at $52—don’t miss this feel-good show!

 

 

Banff Centre Mountain Film Festival World Tour | April 11th 

Adventure awaits! The Banff Centre Mountain Film Festival World Tour is bringing its breathtaking outdoor films to Charleston. Showcasing award-winning stories of exploration, adrenaline-fueled sports, and stunning landscapes, this global tour takes audiences on an unforgettable journey. Whether you’re a thrill-seeker or just love a good story, this festival is a must-see! Tickets start at $20.

 

Art Charleston at the Gibbs Art Museum | April 23-27

Immerse yourself in creativity at Art Charleston, a weeklong celebration at the Gibbes Museum of Art. The 2025 theme explores the intersection of fashion and fine art, inspired by the museum’s latest exhibition, Statement Pieces: Contemporary Fashion Objects and the Gibbes Collection. Expect workshops, lectures, and tours showcasing the best of Charleston’s vibrant art scene. Tickets are available March 4th for pre-sale. 

 

 

MOUNT PLEASANT

 

Charleston Race Weekend | April 10-13

Annual Sailing races will be launching from Patriots Point. Shoreside passes start at $129. Experience top-tier yacht racing at Charleston Race Week on the scenic Charleston Harbor. Enjoy Mount Gay Rum aboard the USS Yorktown, then unwind with Southern hospitality and exceptional dining in Mount Pleasant and Charleston.

 

Mount Pleasant Art Fest | March 22nd

Celebrate local creativity at Mount Pleasant ArtFest on March 22 at Towne Centre! This free, family-friendly event brings together artists, musicians, and performers for a day of live entertainment and hands-on activities. Watch incredible performances, browse a juried art show by the Mount Pleasant Artists Guild, and let the kids explore their own artistic talents with interactive stations. It’s the perfect way to enjoy the arts in a vibrant outdoor setting!

 

South Mount Pleasant Farmers Market Opening Day | April 1st 

At 3:30 pm the Farmers Market will open up and run every Tuesday until September.

North Mount Pleasant Farmers Market | 1st Saturday of every month

On the first Saturday of the month from 10:30 -2pm, Mount Pleasant Market North at Park Bend will have local farmers and vendors.

 

 

WEST ASHLEY & JAMES ISLAND

 

Lowcountry Cajun Festival | April 12th 

Get ready for a full day of Cajun fun at the Lowcountry Cajun Festival on Saturday, April 12, from 12–6 PM at James Island County Park. Enjoy live Zydeco music, kids' activities, and authentic Cajun and Creole dishes like jambalaya, crawfish, and andouille sausage—plus Lowcountry favorites like BBQ and fresh seafood. Whether you're craving alligator or just a classic sno-cone, there’s something for everyone at this ragin’ Cajun celebration! Advanced tickets are $35 per car. 

 

 

DANIEL ISLAND

 

Credit One Charleston Open | March 29th- April 6th

Tennis fans, get ready for the 2025 Credit One Charleston Open, celebrating its 25th anniversary at Credit One Stadium on Daniel Island. As North America’s largest women’s-only professional tennis tournament, this WTA 500 event brings world-class athletes to Charleston for a week of intense competition. With nearly 90,000 fans attending each year, this year’s tournament promises to be bigger than ever. Catch the action live or tune in to Tennis Channel for full coverage. Tickets range, however single session tickets are on sale starting at $20-$80. 

 

SUMMERVILLE

 

Summerville Flowertown Festival | April 4-6

Experience the charm of Summerville’s Flowertown Festival, a three-day spring celebration filled with arts, crafts, food, and entertainment. Stroll beneath blooming azaleas, wisteria, and dogwoods as you browse handmade goods from local artisans, enjoy delicious bites from food trucks, and soak in live performances. Perfect for families, the festival features a kids' area with rides and activities. With over 200,000 visitors each year, this beloved event also supports the Summerville Family YMCA’s health and wellness programs—a great way to welcome spring while giving back!

 

 

NORTH CHARLESTON

 

Golden Girls: The Laughs Continue | April 1st. 

The Golden Girls are back—just not how you remember them! Sophia’s dodging the DEA, Blanche and Rose have launched a senior dating app, and Dorothy’s trying to keep it all together—while dating the DA prosecuting her mother. This outrageous new comedy is strictly for fans 18+ and promises plenty of laughs (and surprises). Tickets start at $30.

Vintage Market Days of Charleston | April 11-13th

Step into a treasure hunter’s paradise at Vintage Market Days at the Charleston Area Convention Center. Recognized by Country Living as one of the top flea markets in the country, this vintage-inspired indoor/outdoor market is packed with unique finds—think antique furniture, handmade goods, repurposed décor, and boutique treasures. A perfect spot to shop, stroll, and soak up some creative inspiration! Tickets start at $15.

North Charleston Arts Fest | April 30- May 4th 

Celebrate creativity at the North Charleston Arts Fest, a five-day showcase of music, theater, visual arts, and public installations across the city. This premier arts festival features concerts, performances, workshops, and exhibits, highlighting regional and local talent. With free events for all ages, it's the perfect way to experience Charleston’s dynamic arts scene and discover the best of Lowcountry culture.

 

KIAWAH ISLAND

 

BBQ, Bluegrass & Bourbon | March 22nd

Head to Village Green on Kiawah Island for a perfect mix of live bluegrass, bourbon cocktails, and delicious food truck fare. Hosted by Freshfields Village and Garden & Gun, this event is all about celebrating Southern flavors and sounds in a lively outdoor setting.

Kiawah Art & House Tour | April 11th 

Step inside some of Kiawah Island’s most stunning homes on April 11 from 1–5 p.m. This exclusive tour showcases three remarkable island residences and a nearby riverfront home, with two recently featured in Charleston Magazine. Art, architecture, and design lovers will also enjoy an accompanying art auction, with proceeds supporting arts education for students on Johns and Wadmalaw Islands. Tickets start at $75.

 

ISLE OF PALMS

 

Arts & Cars in the Park | April 12

Spend the day surrounded by creativity and classic rides at Art & Cars in the Park on Saturday, April 12, from 10 AM to 2 PM. Enjoy live music, a juried art show featuring local artists, and a car show packed with muscle cars, hot rods, and antiques. Shop specialty vendors and celebrate the Book Walk Ribbon Cutting at 10 AM. A perfect mix of art, music, and automotive nostalgia!




 

 

Looking for where to listen to live music in Charleston?

Here are some fun restaurants and bars that have live music weekly

Harbourview Inn | Every Friday from 5-6 

Elliott House Inn | They put on live music once a month during their wine and cheese reception in the hidden courtyard

Home Team BBQ | Every Tuesday and Wednesday at 7pm at the West Ashley location

Rooftop at the Vendue | Live music every sunday from 6-9pm

Bay Street Biergarten | always putting on a live show

Charleston Grill | live Jazz every evening

Halls Chophouse | Sunday Gospel Brunch 

82 Queen | Live Jazz in their courtyard every Thursday at 9:30 pm. 

5Church | Live music Wednesdays from 6-10pm

 


What is the weather like in Charleston in March?

March in Charleston brings the first signs of spring with mild temperatures and blooming flowers. Highs are typically in the mid-60s to low 70s, while evenings stay cool in the 50s, making it perfect for outdoor festivals and waterfront strolls. Expect a mix of sunny days and occasional spring showers, so layering is key.

 

agent

Karla Leahy

Advisor | License ID: 51661

+1(843) 452-6670

LET'S CONNECT

Name
Phone*
Message

By providing Karla Leahy your contact information, you acknowledge and agree to our