Things to Do This Weekend in Charleston

This annual 17-day event is a celebration of the arts. Hosting over 150 performances, this popular event showcases opera, dance, theater, classical music, and jazz. With its rich history and commitment to artistic excellence, Spoleto Festival USA continues to captivate audiences and inspire artists, making it a must-see event for arts enthusiasts worldwide.

Enjoy a relaxed evening on the water aboard the Charleston Princess, featuring live music, sweeping views of the Holy City, and a casual BBQ buffet. This fun, social cruise offers a laid-back alternative to a traditional dinner, complete with pulled pork, herb-marinated chicken, classic sides, and banana pudding, plus a full bar with beer, wine, and cocktails available for purchase.

The Japanese-English Language Exchange (JELE) invites guests to an evening of conversation, culture, and community at Katsubō Ramen Bar in North Charleston. Designed for language learners, native speakers, and anyone interested in Japanese culture, the relaxed gathering pairs meaningful connection with a curated dinner featuring ramen, gyoza, and matcha in a welcoming setting.

Park & Grove hosts its spring market series every Thursday in May at 730 Rutledge Ave, featuring live music, local vendors, and cocktail specials in an open-air setting. Guests can enjoy an evening of shopping and entertainment under the stars, with performances by a rotating lineup of musicians and an early happy hour from 3–6 PM.

Reggae Nights returns to James Island County Park for a laid-back summer concert series featuring old-school roots reggae with a fresh, modern sound. Guests are invited to bring a chair or blanket and enjoy an evening of live music and relaxed outdoor vibes under the Charleston sky.

Coffee lovers are invited to a complimentary tasting each Friday at 10 a.m. at Counter Culture Coffee Training Centers. This longstanding weekly tradition offers guests the chance to sample beautifully brewed coffees while learning about the company’s high-quality, sustainably sourced selections—from classic blends to the latest micro-lots—and the journey each coffee takes from seed to cup.

Catch live music with your toes in the sand at The Windjammer! With a rotating lineup of artists every weekend, it’s the ultimate beachside escape for music lovers and weekend adventurers alike.

Guests are invited to explore the Gibbes Museum’s collection and current exhibitions during a weekly public tour from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM. Led by knowledgeable Museum Interpreters, the tour offers engaging insight and opportunities for questions. The tour is free for Members and included with Museum admission for non-Members.

Held at Charleston Harbor Resort & Marina, this family-friendly concert series features live music, food, drinks, and waterfront views.

DJ Mikey B (Jalin Brown) brings the energy to the coast on May 29 from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM with an evening of live music, cold drinks, and laid-back coastal flavor—the perfect way to close out the month.

Guests can expect a fast-paced mix of short- and long-form improvisation, all fueled by audience suggestions and delivered by Theatre 99’s quick-witted ensemble. A beloved Charleston tradition, these high-energy performances promise plenty of laughter and unforgettable unscripted moments.

The Refinery Charleston hosts a dynamic lineup of live concerts and special events throughout the year, welcoming national, regional, and local performing artists to its vibrant mixed-use campus. With multiple event spaces and a schedule that’s continually evolving, guests can enjoy an ever-changing calendar of music, performances, and community gatherings in the heart of Charleston.

Firefly Distillery hosts May the Dogs Be With You on Saturday, May 30, from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM—a free, family-friendly afternoon featuring adoptable dogs from Dean’s Dogs, Star Wars character appearances, live music, food trucks, and local vendors. With activities for kids, pups, and fans of all ages, the event promises a fun-filled celebration for a great cause.

This community cleanup initiative highlights the impact of litter on local wildlife, waterways, and public spaces, while encouraging collective action to restore and protect natural beauty. Participants are invited to help improve the environment and take pride in preserving the area’s landscapes for future generations.

As part of Middleton Place’s 250th Anniversary of the American Revolution programming, Witness Trees at Middleton Place premieres a powerful site-specific dance performance inspired by the Conversations of Freedom exhibit. Presented by Roots Uprising Dance Company alongside live music from the Colour of Music Festival, the evening reflects on themes of freedom, resilience, and the enduring connection between the land and the enslaved Africans and African Americans who shaped its history. Guests will also enjoy garden access, light bites, beverages, and a post-performance discussion with artists and historians.

Join Deep Water Vineyard for their Weekend Wine-Downs every Saturday, rain or shine! Enjoy $15 wine tastings (hourly, includes a souvenir glass), sip fun drinks from thier patio bar, and relax with live music and rotating food trucks. Bring the whole crew: kids are welcome, and well-behaved, leashed dogs can roam the grounds with you.

Join the fun at the Isle of Palms Sand Sculpting Competition at Front Beach. Registration begins at 8:30 am, with sculpting starting at 9 am. Participants of all ages can compete in categories for adults, young adults, families, and children. Judging begins at 10:30 am, with awards presented throughout the day. Whether you’re showcasing your creativity or simply enjoying the incredible sculptures, this annual event promises a day of beachside fun.

Tea lovers and history enthusiasts are invited to experience A Cup of History at Drayton Hall, an immersive event exploring the role tea played in colonial America and the fight for independence. Guests will enjoy a guided tour of the historic house, a curated Chinese tea tasting led by tea expert Richard Kligler, and engaging insights into how tea became both a daily ritual and a symbol of resistance during the American Revolution.

Founded in 1989, the Charleston Farmers Market in Marion Square is a beloved community event. You will find a variety of local produce, plants, herbs, and cut flowers as well as breakfast and lunch vendors, live entertainment, and an assortment of juried arts and crafts from local artisans every Saturday at the Market.

Sweat on the Ship offers an all-levels strength and movement class on the USS Yorktown’s flight deck. Combining functional training, breathwork, and mobility, participants enjoy a unique workout with sea breezes, golden skies, and historic surroundings, leaving them strong, centered, and energized.

The Sunday Bazaar at American Gardens is a weekly spring flower market held Sundays from May 10 through June, featuring local flower farms, artisan food vendors, and live music. Guests are invited to stroll the gardens, gather fresh blooms, and enjoy a relaxed morning in a vibrant seasonal setting in the heart of Charleston.

The Charleston Jazz Jam Session is a monthly gathering for musicians of all ages and skill levels to play, learn, and collaborate in a welcoming environment. With local pros providing the rhythm, all Charleston area musicians are invited to join, and jazz fans are welcome to attend as space allows.

The Sunday Brunch Farmers Market takes place year-round behind The Charleston Pour House, featuring 40+ local vendors, live music, delicious food, and a full bar. Open Sundays from 11am–3pm, with free live music on the deck stage until 9.

The Pickers Hullabaloo Flea Market returns to Firefly Distillery on Sunday, May 31, for a lively day of vintage shopping and community. Featuring more than 100 antique and vintage vendors, the event invites guests to browse curated treasures from every era in a vibrant outdoor setting.