Spring has arrived, Charleston travelers! You know what that means – sunny days, flowers in full bloom, and oh so many events. Beach days are plentiful and activity options are endless. Take advantage of all the springtime opportunities Charleston has to offer. We’ve compiled some of our favorite things to do this spring, including new popular food and drink spots around town as well as some of the most anticipated April 2023 events.
Festivals, Feasts & Fun in Charleston
The Lowcountry Strawberry Festival at Boone Hall Plantation: March 30 – April 2, April 6,7,8
Rides, a petting zoo, acrobatic dog show, a playground and strawberry pie-eating contests are all part of this family friendly event. Plus, there are plenty of strawberries ripe for the pickin‘ in the U-Pick Fields.
Summerville Flowertown Festival: March 31, April 1-2
Summerville Family YMCA is hosting and celebrating its 50th anniversary in the spring of 2023. This event is one of the largest arts and crafts festivals in the Southeast. During this three-day festival, take in the beauty and charm of Summerville while enjoying 300 arts and crafts exhibitors, food, children’s activities and more.
Cooper River Bridge Run/Walk: April 1
Thousands of people will gather for this annual event. The 10K race starts in Mount Pleasant, crosses the Ravenel Bridge and finishes near Marion Square in downtown Charleston.
Volvo Car Open: Through April 7
The largest women’s only tennis tournament in the United States. The roster of past champions includes Chris Evert, Martina Navratilova, Tracy Austin, Steffi Graf, Gabriela Sabatini, Martina Hingis, Jennifer Capriati, Venus Williams, Justine Henin, and Serena Williams.
Festival of Houses and Gardens: March 15 – April 16
Explore the city’s historic district in a series of tours showcasing Charleston’s distinctive architecture, history, gardens and culture.
Kiawah Island Art and House Tour: April 14
Get a rare glimpse into the art and architecture of several private homes on Kiawah Island. Five homes in the gated community will be open for public viewing, each with their own unique style.
High Water Festival: April 15-16
Celebrate Southern food, music and libations at Riverfront Park in North Charleston during this two-day music festival.
World Grits Festival: April 21-23
Small town St. George welcomes visitors to enjoy all things grits. Get ready to eat grits, buy grits, learn how grits are made and even dive into a vat of grits for the Grits Rolling Contest.
“Spamalot”: April 21- May 7
“Lovingly ripped off” from the 1975 film Monty Python and the Holy Grail, the 2005 Tony Award winner for Best Musical Spamalot, tells the story of King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table as they embark on their quest for the Holy Grail. Flying cows, killer rabbits, taunting Frenchmen and show-stopping musical numbers are just a few of the reasons you’ll be eating up Spamalot. The Footlight Players, 20 Queen St. in Charleston.
Lowcountry Cajun Festival: April 22
Louisiana comes to the Lowcountry for a full day of Zydeco music, Cajun and Creole foods plus kids’ activities, live music and a crawfish-eating contest. Event is noon to 6 p.m. at James Island County Park.
Blessing of the Fleet & Seafood Festival: April 30
Pay tribute to Mount Pleasant’s local shrimping and fishing industry at this event with a boat parade, live music, craft show and lots of free activities at Memorial Waterfront Park in Mount Pleasant.
To view all the events in Charleston, check out our Calendar of Events page: https://travelerofcharleston.com/events/
Enjoy a Meal at These Restaurants
Rancho Lewis, 1503 King St.
Rancho Lewis pulls influences from West Texas, Chihuahua, Mexico, and New Mexico. This is the food famed pitmaster John Lewis and his family grew up eating. Classic fare like enchiladas, burritos, and tacos are there, along with combo plates dedicated to items favorited by Lewis’ grandparents Cora and Lloyd.
Leon’s Oyster Shop, 698 King St. Charleston, SC
Leon’s Fine Poultry & Oyster Shop is a comfortable Southern joint serving fried chicken, oysters, lots of salads, cheap beer, soft serve, Rose on tap, tons of grower Champagne, and good cocktails.
Stroll Through Some of Charleston’s Most Beautiful Parks
Visit some of the area’s most beautiful parks for springtime blooms, walking trails and playgrounds.
- Riverfront Park: 1061 Everglades Ave. in North Charleston
- Brittlebank Park: 185 Lockwood Drive in Charleston
- Palmetto Islands County Park: 444 Needlerush Parkway in Mount Pleasant
- Hampton Park: 30 Mary Murray Drive in Charleston
- Azalea Park: 105 W 5th S St. in Summerville
Save Time & Money Visiting Charleston’s Top Sites
Tour Pass Charleston
TourPass allows Visitors to take advantage of Charleston’s top attractions and historic sites while saving time and money. Tour Pass includes an easy to use mobile pass and is 5 star rated.