The Lowcountry is home to great beaches, good food, and fantastic festivals all year round! Whether it’s the iconic Cooper River Bridge Run in the Spring or the vivacious Spoleto Festival in the summer, there are amazing Isle of Palms and Charleston festivals that you should attend every year!
When you’re ready to plan your next trip to the Isle of Palms, request our Isle of Palms Vacation Guide. This planning tool contains information about seasonal events, activities, and more!
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Top 10 Isle of Palms and Charleston Festivals
Lowcountry Oyster Festival
Oysters are a regional delicacy best served fresh here in the Southeast. The Lowcountry Oyster Festival serves over 45,000 pounds of oysters to thousands at Boone Hall Plantation every year to celebrate everything we love about the mellow mollusk.
Southeastern Wildlife Expo
The Southeastern Wildlife Expo (SEWE) is a staple of downtown Charleston’s event programming. The largest wildlife art and nature event in the country, SEWE transforms Marion Square into a diverse collection of art, live animals, and family-friendly fun that attracts over 30,000 guests a year.
High Water
A new addition to the Charleston festival calendar, High Water is a two-day music festival curated by local artists Shovels & Rope. The festival takes over the beautiful Riverfront Park, but make sure to buy tickets early as the festival proved quite a hit last year!
Charleston Wine and Food Festival
The Charleston Wine and Food Festival is an excellent ambassador for the Lowcountry’s rich food heritage. The four-day affair is filled with signature events, wine tastings, food demonstrations, and a Culinary Village brimming with local food and culture.
Cooper River Bridge Run
The Cooper River Bridge Run is a true annual feat of logistics. Hosted by the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC), the Bridge Run is a 10K run starting in Mt. Pleasant and ending in downtown Charleston. The city comes to a near standstill to celebrate the thousands that choose to run (or walk).
Lowcountry Cajun Festival
The Lowcountry Cajun Festival brings you all the joys of authentic Creole food for six hours in James Island County Park! Check out this summer favorite if you are looking for a taste of Louisiana in the Lowcountry.
Blessing of the Fleet
The annual Blessing of the Fleet is a tradition honoring the local shrimping boats that leave out of Mount Pleasant. The all-day festival included a parade, a blessing, music, and of course, fresh seafood!
Spoleto Festival USA
The Spoleto Festival is a two-week celebration of the fine arts all throughout downtown Charleston. See live orchestras, innovative interactive displays, and more when you visit the Spoleto Festival in late May through early June.
Holiday Festival of Lights
James Island County Park hosts a drive-through light show filled with millions of LEDs to form the most brilliant display of Holiday Cheer in the Lowcountry! From Nov. 11 – Dec 31 enjoy the Festival of Lights and see unique shows like the Dragon Boat or The Break Circuit on assigned days.
Isle of Palms Holiday Street Festival
Experience the joy of Christmas on the Isle of Palms when you show out for the annual Holiday Street Festival! The event is free of charge and parking is free so its the best time to experience the Isle of Palms with no strings attached!
Where to Stay During Isle of Palms and Charleston Festivals
Make one of our rentals your homestead during your next visit to the Isle of Palms. No matter which festival you prefer to take part in, you can make the most out of your celebration at 14 Grand Pavilion. How many others could say their year began in a hot tub under the stars with a glass of champagne in hand? If you’re looking for an amazing start to the new year, you’ve found it at East Islands Rentals!
Browse a complete inventory of our Isle of Palms rental homes to start planning your New Year’s Eve getaway!
