Spring in Charleston is in Full-Bloom

Temperatures are rising, the days are longer, and the bees are buzzing; spring is here, y’all. The first day of spring was officially just over a week ago, and we can already feel a change in the atmosphere. Charlestonians and visitors alike are flocking to area beaches, enjoying rosé on patios, and taking in all of the spring festivals and sights Charleston has to offer. As you start making your outdoor plans this spring, consider attending one of the many festivals happening in the area. From airplanes to art and from strawberries to flowers, there’s a festival for just about anything your spring-loving heart desires this season.


Frolic Through the Flowers

Just outside of Charleston, you’ll find Summerville. Self-declared as the flowertown in the pines, it’s only appropriate that Summerville’s premiere festival of the season is the Flowertown Festival. This year April 6-8, the festival will celebrate its 46th year of sharing the bounty of spring with visitors. Visitors to the festival, which benefits the area YMCA, will enjoy seeing fuschia azaleas, lavender wisteria, and chalky dogwoods. There’s a fabulous art show along with children’s activities, rides, and of course, delightful festival food. The festival is free and open to the public. For even more information on this April festival, visit the official website.


Savor the Strawberries

If you’re seeking four days of festival fun for the entire family, the Lowcountry Strawberry Festival at Boone Hall Plantation is for you. Held on April 19-22, this festival boasts rides for thrill-seekers of all ages, a petting zoo, and inflatables. Plus, what strawberry festival would be complete without strawberry picking? You pick strawberry fields will be open during daytime hours of the festival until 5 PM. There are also several festival contests including a Miss Berry Princess Contest, a Strawberry Recipe Contest, and a Two-Pie Eating Contest.


Celebrate the Great Outdoors

Once you wrap-up your time at the Lowcountry Strawberry Festival, head over to Charleston Outdoor Fest. On April 21-22, outdoor enthusiasts and novices alike will enjoy outdoor activities like an archery competition, a stand-up paddle board challenge, or cardboard canoe races. There are also tons of vendors with the latest and greatest in outdoor gear and equipment. Whether you’re an avid sportsman, an adventure seeker, or an enthusiastic beginner, there is surely something for you at the Charleston Outdoor Fest.


Come Hell or High Water...You’ll Find us Here

A celebration of music, food, and beverages is music to our ears. Held on April 21-22, this music festival features artists like Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit, St. Paul and the Broken Bones, Old 97’s, and more. Don’t be fooled though; High Water Fest isn’t just about the tunes. They also feature some of Charleston’s most sought after chefs and foodies to curate experiences for guests. Pass the Peas invites guests to enjoy cocktails, wine, and family-style local food. Low Tide Social is a low country boil unlike any other. Oyster Education Classes teach festival goers everything they wanted to know about the Charleston delicacy. Discover more about this cultural experience on the High Water Fest website.


Take to the Skies

On April 28, this one-day event is sure to wow any air and space devotee, the 2018 Air and Space Expo is back. This event is free for the community and perfect for your little ones to get up close and personal with aircraft. The show will include some of the military and commercial aircraft’s latest and greatest equipment, and the main event showcases the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds. Check back to the official website as the event gets closer for all the details.


Celebrate the Arts

May 2-6 marks the 36th annual North Charleston Arts Fest. One of the biggest festivals in May, the five-day art festival features more than 100 different artists across several mediums including performing, visual, media, and literary arts. There are also a variety of free or reasonably priced performances, workshops, exhibitions, and activities for art lovers of all walks of life. From film screenings to children’s programs and from demonstrations to public art installations, the North Charleston Arts Fest is not to be missed.


All Aboard

A festival that invites you to unleash your inner dragon sounds like an entertaining festival to us. Taking place on the banks of Charleston’s Ashley River on May 5, our Dragon Boat Festival is one of the largest in the country. The festival promises creative costumes, colorful tents, delicious food, and friendly competition. It is still accepting team applications, so if you know a few able bodied friends ready to take on their own dragon boat challenge, gather them and create a team!


Stroll Through Spoleto

Spoleto Festival 2018 is just around the corner, and we cannot wait for this annual event. In its 42nd season, the Spoleto Festival is a 17-day event where Charleston’s historic theaters, churches, and outdoor spaces are filled with performances by renowned and emerging artists. Held on May 25 - June 10, the festival’s mission is to bring the very best in art to Charleston while embracing young artists and giving them a platform to shine. Since its inception, Spoleto Festival has presented more than 200 world or American premieres. In a few words, this homage to art is a must-see.

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