It's officially April, and Charleston has plenty of spring events, from waterfront concerts and oyster roasts to art walks and house tours—here’s your guide to what’s happening across the Lowcountry this April and May.

DOWNTOWN CHARLESTON

Charleston Jazz Festival | April 18–21, 2025

Swing into spring with the Charleston Jazz Festival, a multi-day celebration of live music and world-class talent. Hosted by Charleston Jazz, this festival brings together renowned performers from around the globe alongside beloved local acts. From high-energy big bands to intimate jazz trios, the lineup spans a range of styles, with performances held at iconic venues like the Charleston Music Hall and Forte Jazz Lounge.

Charleston Cocktail Week | April 21–27, 2025

Mix, mingle, and explore Charleston’s cocktail culture with a weeklong, self-guided tour of the city’s most vibrant bars and restaurants. During Charleston Cocktail Week, your festival pass unlocks access to specially priced signature cocktails at dozens of top venues. Simply show your pass at any participating location and enjoy unique creations from the city’s leading mixologists. With no set schedule, you’re free to sip at your own pace while discovering new favorites across the Holy City. Learn more here. 

Art Charleston | April 23–27, 2025

Hosted by the Gibbes Museum of Art, Art Charleston is a weeklong celebration of creativity, culture, and community. This year’s theme explores the intersection of fashion and fine art, anchored by the museum’s newest exhibition, Statement Pieces: Contemporary Fashion Objects and the Gibbes Collection. Expect gallery talks, a lively Gibbes on the Street party, and intimate gatherings with artists and tastemakers. Check out the Gibbes schedule here. 

Charleston Greek Festival | May 9-11

Get ready to “become Greek for the weekend” at the 54th Annual Charleston Greek Festival, happening May 9–11 at the Greek Orthodox Church of the Holy Trinity (30 Race Street). This beloved cultural celebration features authentic Greek cuisine—including gyros, roasted lamb, spanakopita, and baklava—alongside traditional music, lively dancing, church tours, and artisan vendors. Festival hours are Friday 4–9 PM, Saturday 11 AM–9 PM, and Sunday 12–5 PM. Admission is $5 for general entry, $3 for seniors and students, and free for children 12 and under as well as veterans. Enjoy free parking and shuttle service from The Citadel’s football stadium.

Spoleto Festival USA | May 23-June 8

Although starting later in May, this internationally acclaimed performing arts festival is worth noting. Spoleto Festival USA fills Charleston’s historic theaters, churches, and outdoor spaces with performances in opera, dance, theater, classical music, and jazz. For a list of the events, and to snag tickets early, check here. 

MOUNT PLEASANT

Lowcountry Strawberry Festival | April 11th - 13th 

Held at Boone Hall Plantation, this family-friendly festival features a petting zoo, pig races, giant slides, obstacle courses, and, of course, delicious strawberries. Select farm attractions close at dusk, but rides, games, and food remain open as crowds permit. More information here. 

Blessing of the Fleet & Seafood Festival | April 27th 11am to 5pm

This annual festival honors Mount Pleasant’s local shrimping and fishing industry with a boat parade, live music, a craft show, and various free activities set against the backdrop of the Ravenel Bridge and Charleston Harbor. 

Charleston Race Week | April 10–13, 2025 | Patriot’s Point

Charleston Race Week returns with four days of competitive yacht racing on the harbor—and some of the best after-parties in town. For the third year in a row, the daily post-race celebration will take place aboard the historic USS Yorktown, where racers and guests can enjoy craft cocktails, Mount Gay Rum, Westbrook brews, and bites from local food trucks. Access includes the entire ship, and each evening wraps with awards and festivities from 6–9 PM in Hangar Bays 2 & 3 and on the flight deck. Tickets and full event details available online.

Dancing on the Cooper | April 25th 

An evening of live music and dancing on the Mount Pleasant Pier. To check more dancing events in Charleston County Park go here. 

Paws on the Patio | May 8th 6pm to 8pm 

Bring your furry friend to an exclusive happy hour on the Burtons Grill + Bar patio. For $20, receive two drink tickets, appetizers, and a $10 donation to Charleston Animal Society. 

SULLIVAN'S ISLAND

Earth Day Celebration | April 22nd 

Join the community for the opening of the new phase of the Protected Land nature trail and the re-dedication of the first nature trail to Larry and Susan Middaugh. Additional activities are planned to honor Earth Day. It’s their second annual event, and free for all. 

ISLE OF PALMS

Art & Cars in the Park | April 12, 2025, 10-2pm

Enjoy live music, a juried art show featuring local artists, a car show with muscle, hot rod, and antique cars, specialty vendors, and the Book Walk Ribbon Cutting at 10:00 AM. 

Windjammer April and May Concerts

Yonder Mountain String Band Concert | May 2nd    (jamgrass)

Mark Bryan Performance | May 3 (lead guitarist of Hootie & the Blowfish)

Brent Cobb Concert | May 8th (Southern-inspired music)

Everclear Concert | May 9 (alternative rock)

Leftover Salmon & Keller Williams Performance | May 10th 

Tickets can be purchased here. 

FOLLY BEACH

Celebration of Earth Month in Folly River Park | April 29th 6-8pm: 

Bird Walk with Jenna Stephens at Lighthouse Inlet | Apr 29th 9:15am

Moonlight Mixer Folly Beach Pier | May 2nd  DJ Bill Shelton will be playing, and beverages will be available for purchase on-site. More event details here. 

Mckevlin's Surf Shop-60th Anniversary Celebration | May 3rd 12-4pm - they will have food, jump castles, surboards and more

NORTH CHARLESTON

High Water Festival | April 26-27

Set against the scenic backdrop of North Charleston’s Riverfront Park, this two-day music festival showcases a diverse lineup of artists. Attendees can enjoy performances across two stages, savor local cuisine, and participate in unique experiences that celebrate the Lowcountry’s rich culture. For full lineup you can check here, tickets start at $245. 

North Charleston Arts Fest | April 30-May 4

Celebrate five days of creativity at the North Charleston Arts Fest, one of South Carolina’s top arts festivals. From concerts and theatrical performances to dance, visual arts, and hands-on activities, this multi-day event features talent from across the region in venues throughout North Charleston. The best part? Most events are free and family-friendly, making it an easy way to immerse yourself in the Lowcountry’s vibrant arts scene. Full Schedule here. 

WEST ASHLEY & JAMES ISLAND

Charleston Honey and Beekeeping Expo | April 12th 3-7pm

Buzz over to Magnolia Park for a sweet day of education, activities, and all things bees! Hosted by the Charleston Area Beekeepers Association, this free family-friendly event offers honey tastings, expert talks, kids’ crafts, local vendors, and live hive demonstrations. Whether you’re a seasoned beekeeper or just curious about pollinators, it’s a fun way to learn how bees support our ecosystem—and how we can support them. 

Lowcountry Cajun Festival | April 12th from 12-6pm

Get ready for a full day of ragin’ Cajun fun at the Lowcountry Cajun Festival! From Zydeco music and dancing to savory dishes like jambalaya, crawfish, and alligator bites, this family-friendly celebration brings Louisiana flavor to the heart of the Lowcountry. Enjoy kids’ activities, local beer, and festival favorites like sno-cones and BBQ. Admission is $15 per car (advance purchase) or $20 at the gate—so pile in and let the good times roll!

Reggae Nights Summer Concert Series | May 30th starts at 7:30pm

Ease into summer with the Reggae Nights Concert Series at James Island County Park. Featuring live reggae from top local and regional bands, this outdoor concert is perfect for dancing under the oaks. Bring your chairs or blankets, grab some island eats from vendors, and soak in the good vibes. Gates open at 7:30 PM, music starts at 8:00. Tickets are $10 (free for kids 12 and under).

KIAWAH ISLAND

Kiawah Art Guild Spring Show & Sale | April 12th 10am to 3pm

Celebrate spring with Kiawah Island’s Annual Easter Egg Hunt & Toss at Night Heron Park. This community favorite kicks off with a festive egg hunt for kids of all ages, followed by an egg toss competition with plenty of laughs (and breaks!). Bring a basket, your competitive spirit, and the whole family for a fun-filled morning under the oaks. Free and open to residents and guests.

19th Blues by the Sea Festival | April 13th 3pm to 7pm

Enjoy an afternoon of live blues music at Freshfields Village. Guests are encouraged to bring chairs, blankets, and coolers to this free event.  

Earth Day Celebration | April 25th from 4-7pm

Celebrate Earth Day the Kiawah way with an afternoon of eco-friendly fun at Night Heron Park. This free, family-friendly event features live music by Shem Creek Boogie Band, interactive exhibits, educational stations, and lawn games—all focused on sustainability and protecting the Lowcountry’s natural beauty. It’s the perfect way to enjoy the outdoors and learn how to make a positive impact. 

Chamber Music at Kiawah Island | May 3rd 6pm to 7pm

Attend a free chamber music concert at the Town of Kiawah Island Municipal Center. Online registration is required.

Spoleto to the Holy City: A Creative Bond

Each spring, as Spoleto Festival USA returns to Charleston, I’m reminded of our city’s beautiful connection to Spoleto, Italy—our official sister city and the birthplace of this incredible celebration of the arts. Founded by composer Gian Carlo Menotti, Spoleto Festival was brought to Charleston in 1977 to mirror its Italian counterpart and share a spirit of cultural exchange. I love that our city was chosen for its charm, architecture, and artistic soul—and today, the festival continues to bring global talent and unforgettable performances to our stages. 

With performances spanning opera, theater, dance, chamber music, and jazz, the 17-day celebration brings artists from around the globe to the city’s historic venues and open-air spaces. From innovative debuts to beloved classics, Spoleto offers an amazing cultural experience right in the heart of Charleston. If you haven't already, it's worth getting your tickets soon. 

What’s the Weather Like in Charleston This Time of Year?

April to May is one of the best times to be in Charleston—think sunshine, blue skies, and that sweet spot between spring bloom and summer heat. Daytime highs usually land in the mid-70s to low 80s, while evenings are just cool enough for a light jacket. You might catch a quick spring shower, so a packable umbrella never hurts—but most days are perfect for festivals, patio dining, and beach walks.