Everything You Absolutely Must Do in Charleston This Spring
It's springtime in Charleston, which means longer days and more time to soak up the sun on Daniel Island, Front Beach, or at one of the Holy City's world-renowned festivals and events. From historic mansion tours and outdoor food fests to pop-up beer gardens and fun-runs, there's no shortage of entertainment to be found in Chucktown this spring, and this calendar is your one-stop database for the best of the best.
Oyster Wine Pairing Social
Ever wondered what kind of wine pairs best with oysters? Of course you have, and the folks at Mercantile and Mash want to help you become a pairing pro. Vonda Freeman of The Indigo Road will be leading a tasting of four wines that pair perfectly with salt-water bivalves.
Feel the luck of the Irish
Put on your favorite green-hued outfit and head out to North Charleston for the Lowcountry's best and biggest St. Patrick's Day Block Party. In addition to a parade, the event features live music, street vendors from great restaurants, an obstacle course, face painters, and more.
Sing along to your favorite Backstreet Boys songs at brunch
Make your brunch larger than life by visiting Bay Street Biergarten for one of its famous themed brunches. This time, the party features your favorite throwbacks from DJ Natty Heavy & former Backstreet Boys drummer Jonathan "Mookie" Morant. Yes, the Backstreet Boys had a drummer, and his nickname is Mookie.
Sit front row at Charleston Fashion Week
If you're more into ruffles than truffles, then Charleston Fashion Week is the event you've been waiting for. This annual event brings designers from all over the world into the Holy City for a weekend that rivals similar runway presentations around the country.
Check out Spring Break Unplugged
Presented by Kickin' 92.5 and benefiting the Palmetto Warrior Connection, this giant country concert brings together some of your favorite artists for one incredible night of music. This year's event features acoustic performances from Gary Allan, David Nail, Thompson Square, and Tyler Farr.
Tour a few historic mansions
For 70 years, this annual event has allowed people to tour many of Charleston's most beautiful and breathtaking homes and gardens. Enjoy learning about Charleston's distinctive interior design, architecture, and culture, and get an idea of how the other half lives.
Celebrate man's best friend
Charleston County Parks has dedicated an entire day to fun, frolicking, and exploration for dogs and their owners. Don't have a dog, but ready to adopt? There will be lots of adoption services on site as well.
Hit up "The Price Is Right Live"
Try your luck at guessing the prices of various household objects with host Jerry Springer. Will you be walking away with a showcase? Will Jerry have a Final Thought for all the contestants? You'll have to show up to find out!
Take part in Summerville's Annual Flowertown Festival
2017 marks the 45th year of the annual fundraiser for the Summerville YMCA. Known as the South's largest arts & crafts festival, the event also focuses on local restaurants, activities for kids, and more!
Run the Cooper River Bridge
This annual event brings in tens of thousands of runners from around the country to participate in what is arguably one of the most beautiful 10K races in the country.
Watch Venus swing
Every spring, the best female tennis stars descend on Daniel Island for the Volvo Car Open: the largest women's tennis tournament in the world. Expect nine exciting days full of tennis, food, music, and history in the making.
Say "oui" to some Cajun Food
Mardi Gras might be over, but you can still enjoy Louisiana's best of food, music, and booze at the Lowcountry Cajun Festival.
Kick off farmers market season
The weekly Downtown farmers market kicks off on April 8, meaning you can finally get your fix of local and fresh veggies, cheeses, and meats, as well as locally made foods, products, and artwork.
Hunt Easter eggs on a historic plantation
Bring your own basket and get ready to race through the fields to collect hidden Easter eggs, head to the stables to dye eggs, participate in an egg roll and egg toss, and a whole lot more egg-themed entertainment (egg-tertainment, if you will).
Do the "Cell Block Tango"
Who says New York gets to have all the Broadway fun? Prepare to be razzle-dazzled as Roxy Hart and Velma Kelly battle for fame and glory in the Tony-winning musical Chicago.
Celebrate the start of strawberry season
Charlestonians celebrate the start of strawberry season with a spring carnival, complete with rides, live music, demonstrations, and great food. It all happens under the beautiful historic oak trees at Boone Hall, aka where Blake Lively & Ryan Reynolds said "I do" -- but of course, you knew that already.
Run for your lunch
The Food Truck Rally 5K is a new kind of race, designed specifically for people who love to eat great food. Get in a quick 3.2 miles before spending the rest of your day listening to live music and hopping from one food truck to the next.
Dig Your Roots Tour
Rock out along with Florida Georgia Line and special guests Dustin Lynch and Chris Lane as they sing some of your favorite country tunes, like “Cruise,” “Round Here,” and more.
Attend the best potluck in town
This mouthwatering annual event brings together 16 chefs, paired with local fishermen, farmers, and ranchers to create dishes using local ingredients.
Get artsy in North Chuck
This yearly event highlights national, regional, and local artists and performers in the areas of dance, music, theater, visual arts, media arts, and literature.
Spend a Night at the Brewseum
The Children's Museum of the Lowcountry is transformed for one night into an adult playdate (sans children) that offers great beer, games, and hands-on activities for the young at heart.
Go on a digital scavenger hunt
Touted as the "most epic contest ever," Adventure Hunt is a modern-day scavenger hunt that requires you to download an app and complete challenges in order to try and find hidden treasure chests (filled with things like GoPros, Mission Belts, vacation packages, and more) around the city.
Go Greek for the weekend
Enjoy Greek dancing, food, music, art, and wine at the annual Greek Festival in Downtown Charleston.
Dine al fresco during Second Sunday
On the second Sunday of every month, the city shuts down a portion of King St to automotive traffic (from Calhoun to Broad St) and turns it into a giant street fair. Enjoy outdoor dining, live music and entertainment, and great shopping!
Drink lots of local beer at the Charleston Beer Garden
This pop-up beer garden is essentially a festival dedicated to craft beer lovers. In addition to live music and great beer, you'll also mingle with homebrewers and play beer games, and the whole thing benefits Lowcountry AIDS Services.
Take in a Spoleto/Piccolo Spoleto show
For almost three weeks, Charleston steps onto the world's stage thanks to this premier performing arts festival (and its localized equivalent). Actors, playwrights, directors, musicians, and other artists come in from all over to showcase their talents through theatrical performances, live concerts, and more.
Attend a beard & moustache competition
Witness some of the most impressive whiskers you're likely to ever see at the Holy City Beard & Moustache Society's 8th annual championship, which raises money for ovarian cancer research.
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Sydney Gallimore is a Charleston-based food writer who would love nothing more than to be able to attend every event on this list. Follow her adventures on Instagram @QueenOfTheFoodAge.