Things to Do This Weekend in Charleston

Spring has arrived — and there’s no better way to celebrate than with a glass in hand at one of Charleston’s most iconic settings. Guests are invited to enjoy a relaxed evening wine stroll through lush gardens and along the timeless oak-lined pathways of Magnolia Plantation, with a curated selection of wines and live music from The Charmadillos setting the perfect springtime soundtrack. Guests can enhance their experience with an optional Wildlife Boat Tour, available on-site for an additional fee.

This commemorative ceremony at USS Laffey (DD-724) honors the bravery and sacrifice of her crew during the Battle of Okinawa on April 16, 1945, when the ship endured one of the most intense attacks in U.S. naval history and earned the title “The Ship That Would Not Die.” Taking place at the Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum, the event features a remembrance ceremony recognizing the courage of those who served aboard the vessel.

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.

This beginner-friendly stained glass workshop led by artist Liz Pettit introduces participants to the basics of copper foil techniques as they assemble pre-cut glass pieces into a spring-themed suncatcher. Guests will learn how to solder and finish their own design in a hands-on creative setting. The experience also includes bottomless sangria, making for a relaxed and festive afternoon of artistry.

The Charleston Museum invites guests to the Dill Sanctuary for a sunset experience over the Stono River. Enjoy a guided tour of Battery Pringle with Chief Curator Jennifer McCormick, then relax with picnics, blankets, and BYOB as you take in the 580-acre wildlife preserve—perfect for a date night, friends’ outing, or a peaceful evening after work.

Garden Hour invites guests to enjoy a refined spring evening within America’s Oldest Landscaped Gardens, offering after-hours access to a featured garden setting each week. With wine or local craft beer, paired charcuterie, and docent-led engagement, the experience blends relaxation, history, and seasonal beauty.

Charleston Race Week, founded in 1996 by the Charleston Ocean Racing Association, has grown from a local event into the largest keelboat regatta in the Western Hemisphere. A strategic shift to spring racing and a focus on accessibility helped attract international competitors, solidifying its status as a premier East Coast regatta.

This special program at The Charleston Museum, presented in partnership with Oliver Pluff & Co., explores the history and cultural significance of tea during the American Revolution. In honor of the nation’s 250th anniversary, guests will enjoy a curated tasting experience alongside curator insights, highlighting tea traditions, flavors, and brewing methods. The event also features access to select items from the museum’s collection, along with light bites and guided education from a local tea expert.

In collaboration with the Charleston Symphony Orchestra, this chamber music performance at Charleston Symphony Orchestra features works by Stravinsky and Schubert performed by CSO core members alongside Grammy Award-winning cellist Zuill Bailey. Presented in an intimate setting, the program highlights the contrasting brilliance of two octets, offering a dynamic evening of rich, expressive chamber music.

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.

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

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.

This curator-led tour at Gibbes Museum of Art offers an in-depth look at Revelations: The Art of Leo Twiggs. Led by the museum’s Chief Curator, the experience provides insight into the artist’s work, themes, and significance through expert guidance.

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.

Jazz in the Garden is a family-friendly program at Gibbes Museum of Art that celebrates the rich traditions of jazz through live music, interactive workshops, and cultural experiences. This year’s program highlights the legacy of the Jenkins Orphanage Band, with activities such as live painting, jazz-themed games, and a concluding performance, offering an engaging way to explore music, history, and community.

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.

Get ready for the Lowcountry Cajun Festival on Saturday, April 12, 2025, from 12-6 p.m. at James Island County Park! Enjoy a day of Zydeco music, authentic Cajun and Creole dishes like jambalaya and crawfish, and Southern BBQ. Kids can join in fun activities, including a reptile program and eating contest. It’s a full day of food, music, and ragin’ Cajun fun!

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.

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’s Vendor Village invites guests to enjoy a lively Saturday of shopping, live music, and local flavor. Featuring a curated selection of vendors, food trucks, and craft cocktails, the event offers a relaxed, open-air setting to browse handmade goods, enjoy live entertainment, and unwind with friends and family.

This year, the Lowcountry’s top homebrewers will showcase their finest creations for a chance to have their beer featured on tap at our brewery, all while raising funds for their favorite local charities. Guests can also enjoy sampling a diverse selection of the brewers’ favorite beers throughout the event.

This unique workshop at Drayton Hall blends history and creativity through a guided exploration of archaeological collections followed by a hands-on tile painting session. Led by a staff archaeologist and local ceramic artist, participants will draw inspiration from historic designs to create their own blue and white tile using traditional techniques.

High Water transforms North Charleston’s Riverfront Park into a musical oasis, featuring artists from around the world on two alternating stages. Enjoy your favorite bands, discover new ones, and soak in the stunning views of the Cooper River. Relax under century-old trees at The Refuge, where you can sample local food, brews, and refreshments while embracing the perfect mix of excitement and laid-back Lowcountry vibes.

This high-energy spin class aboard the USS Yorktown (CV-10) brings participants together on the flight deck for a unique fitness experience overlooking the Charleston Harbor. Hosted in collaboration with Sweat on the Ship x JIBE, the ride blends an intense workout with an unforgettable historic setting, welcoming riders of all levels for an energizing and challenging session.

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.