Spring Festivals in Charleston (2026)

by Nicklaus Vance on Friday, February 20th, 2026 - 3773 VIEWS
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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 at Flowertown Festival

Just outside of Charleston, you’ll find Summerville. Self-declared as the flowertown in the pines, it’s only appropriate that Summerville’s premier festival of the season is the Flowertown Festival, which shares the bounty of spring with visitors.

Attendees will enjoy seeing fuchsia azaleas, lavender wisteria, and chalky dogwoods among other spring blooms. There’s also a fabulous art show along with children’s activities, rides, and of course, delightful festival food.

The Flowertown Festival is free and open to the public, and profits generated support the local YMCA.




Savor the Strawberries at Lowcountry Strawberry Festival

If you’re seeking festival fun for the entire family, the Lowcountry Strawberry Festival at Boone Hall Plantation is for you. 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? The hall's U-Pick strawberry fields will be open to attendees only during the festival.

There are also several festival contests, including the Miss Berry Princess Contest and two pie-eating contests.


Rock and Roll at High Water Festival

A celebration of music, food, and beverages is music to our ears. This music festival features artists like Sheryl Crow, Alabama Shakes, Caamp, and more.

Don’t be fooled, though; High Water Fest isn’t just about the tunes. It also features some of Charleston’s most sought-after chefs and foodies to curate experiences for guests. You'll also find a host of great bars serving beer, wine, and cocktails.

This festival is family-friendly, with kids aged 8 and under welcome for free with a ticketed adult.




Take to the Skies at Charleston Airshow

This annual event is sure to wow any air and space devotee. Charleston Airshow 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. Navy Blue Angels. You can also expect STEM experiences that give kids hands-on learning opportunities.

Check the official website as the event gets closer for all the details.




Celebrate the Arts at North Charleston Arts Fest

North Charleston Arts Fest is one of the biggest festivals in the spring. It features more than 100 different artists across several mediums, including performing, visual, media, and literary arts.

Choose from a huge variety of free and reasonably priced performances, workshops, exhibitions, and activities for art lovers of all walks of life. From film screenings to children’s programs and demonstrations to public art installations, the North Charleston Arts Fest is not to be missed.




Climb Aboard The Dragon Boat Festival

A festival that invites you to unleash your inner dragon sounds like an entertaining event to us. Taking place on the banks of Charleston’s Ashley River, this is one of the biggest Dragon Boat events in the country.

Donations raised by the event fund the Dragon Boat Charleston's cancer survivorship programs, which offer emotional and practical support for people with cancer.

The festival promises creative costumes, colorful tents, delicious food, and friendly competition. It accepts 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 Festival

Spoleto Festival, which marks the end of the spring season, is a 17-day event where Charleston’s historic theaters, churches, and outdoor spaces are filled with performances by renowned and emerging artists.

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 20 theater, dance, and opera world premieres. In a few words, this homage to art is a must-see.

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