Already three months into 2018 – time in Charleston just flies by. Surrounded by beauty and culture can make you lose track of time. Luckily, here at Traveler of Charleston we like to make it easy for you by compiling a list of some of the most anticipated Charleston events in March. Pick your favorites or try everything, either way Charleston won’t let you down. Be sure to check out some of the new restaurants and activities springing up around town – supporting local business is extremely fulfilling and will continue benefiting the greater Charleston community. Happy March, Charleston Travelers!
Get Outside at These Spring Events
Art Walk: March 2
Experience the Charleston Gallery Association Artwalk with more than 40 participating art galleries. This event is free. Visit the website for a map of all participating galleries.
2018 CAA Men’s Basketball Championship: March 3-6
It’s high stakes in the Lowcountry! For the second year, the Colonial Athletic Association will play its premier men’s championship event in the Charleston area. Enjoy four days of action-packed basketball among 10 member schools.
Teddy bears will take over Hampton Park as the Charleston Parks Conservancy hosts the ninth Teddy Bear Picnic. Families are invited to enjoy musical entertainment, face painting, seed planting, crafts, a scavenger hunt and more. Admission and all activities are free. Dress your bear in his finest for the bear fashion show called Project Runway: Bear Style. Plus the popular Teddy Bear ER is back for “injured” bears needing treatment and well bear checkups. This year, MUSC Children’s Health is the official partner of the Teddy Bear ER.
ArtFest: March 10
Local music, dance and visual arts studios offer stunning performances by some of the area’s most talented individuals and groups. Creative aspirations are ignited in children who are given opportunities to explore many art forms and create their own masterpieces, such as beaded jewelry, sand art and a variety of artistic crafts. The Mount Pleasant Artists Guild presents a juried art show. All activities and performances are free of charge.
Celebrate L’Italia: March 10
The Charleston Symphony Orchestra celebrates everything Italian. In an evening celebrating both old and new Italian music, the CSO Chorus and guest soloists perform the greatest Italian opera choruses, such as the “Triumphal March” from Aida and opera arias like “Nessun Dorma” from Turandot. They may even let loose with fun classics like “That’s Amore,” “Mambo Italiano,” and “The Godfather theme.”
Oysters on the Point: March 10
Dine on locally steamed oysters while enjoying live music, local vendors, Bloody Mary Bar, s’mores and fun on the harbor.
2nd Sunday on King: March 11
Come enjoy your Sunday afternoon shopping and socializing on King Street. This month features new product launches, lots of sales, great food and more.
Garden Strolls and Wine Tasting: March 14 to May 30
Sip and stroll in a different Middleton Place Garden location each week while sampling old and new world wines. Extend the evening with dinner at the Middleton Place Restaurant.
Charleston Antique Show: March 16-18
Inspired by the rich historical, architectural and cultural heritage of Charleston, the annual Charleston Antiques Show is a premier destination for collectors and enthusiasts who enjoy seeing and learning about incorporating antiques into modern-day decor. The Antiques Show is a showcase of English, European, and American period furnishings, decorative arts and fine art, architectural elements, garden furniture, vintage jewelry, and silver — all late 17th to 20th centuries.
Old Towne’s Wine Down Wednesday: March 21
Wine Down Wednesday returns to Old Towne Creek County Park this fall! The Charleston County Park and Recreation Commission invites the Lowcountry to enjoy special access to this West Ashley property during a wine social. Old Towne Creek County Park is not yet open daily to the public, but on select Wednesdays, Lowcountry residents are invited to experience the beauty of this property during Wine Down Wednesday. Guests will enjoy wine, live music and a food truck while exploring this hidden gem located in West Ashley. Each date features new musical guests and food trucks on site from 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Migratory Bird Walk on the Atlantic Flyway: March 24
Recreational bird watching has become one of America’s favorite and fastest growing outdoor activities. Birds reveal much to us about the natural world. With more than 10,000 species dispersed throughout the world, they can teach us about diversity, geography, food web dynamics, all of which fosters a greater understanding and respect for healthy ecosystems. And, they inspire us with flight and their amazing adaptations that allow them to succeed in an ever challenging world. Join experienced birding guides for a Migratory Bird Walk along the Atlantic Flyway. After the walk, guests are invited to join the regular morning bird of prey tour and flight demonstrations at no additional cost.
Pet Fest: March 25
Bring your furry friend to Palmetto Islands County Park for K9s in Flight Frisbee Dogs, pet contests, dog show, lure chasing, vendors and more.
The Hat Ladies 17th Annual Easter Promenade: March 31
The Hat Ladies 17th annual Easter Promenade returns to Broad Street. Grab your camera as The Hat Ladies and their families exit the park next to Charleston City Hall, stroll down Broad Street to East Bay Street then back again to Meeting Street.
Try a Taste of Something New
One Broad Street, 1 Broad St.
A great new neighborhood hangout, One Broad is situated in a historic four-story antebellum building located at the corner of Broad and East Bay streets. Chef, Kevin Getzewich (formerly of Two Boroughs Larder, The Macintosh and Indaco) has teamed up with Normandy Farms baker and owners Ben Johnson and Mike Ray to create a unique take on breakfast, lunch and dinner with small plates inspired by the variety of breads coming from Normandy Farms Bakery.
Felix, 550 King St., Suite 100
At Felix, dining and drinking are experiences to be enjoyed, even cherished. Enjoy cocktails and small plates, all with the flare of today’s Paris.
Be sure to take in the Charleston Wine + Food Festival through March 4. Check out the Culinary Village in Marion Square for plenty of delicious samples, drinks and food-inspired fun.
You Can’t Escape Adventure
Brand New Mount Pleasant location: Elite Escape Games
966 Houston Northcutt Blvd.
Escape rooms are all the rage and one has opened in Mount Pleasant. A team of young game enthusiasts with a passion for creating unique puzzles and games have created a new place for adventure. The creators have always been captivated by video games and stories of mystery, fantasy and horror. While the sense of adventure is exhilarating, they wanted to feel like more than just spectators. That’s why they created Elite Escape Games, where thrilling scenarios come to life in realistic environments and the players become the heroes/heroines of the story.