All types of local events take place in Charleston year-round. From boat and car shows to live sporting events, musical performances, and festivals, you can find an event to attend no matter what your personal interests may be. Several Charleston neighborhoods host well-attended events during the holidays as well.

Some of the Charleston area’s recurring local events include:

Cars and Coffee

If you are an automotive enthusiast, you know about Cars and Coffee. There are three main Cars and Coffee events in the Charleston area:

• Charleston Cars and Coffee on Saturday mornings at 8:00am (1712 Towne Centre Way, Mount Pleasant, SC)
• Kiawah Island Cars and Coffee the third Saturday of every month at 9:00am (165 Village Green Lane, Kiawah Island, SC)
• West Ashley Cars and Coffee the last Sunday of the month at 8:00am (1664 Olde Towne Rd., Charleston, SC)

Exhibitions and Displays

Charleston hosts several exhibitions and displays every year, from the Southeastern Wildlife Expo to art shows at galleries downtown. The Charleston Boat Show is a popular local event held at the Charleston Coliseum each year as well.

Farmers Markets

There are several farmers markets in the Charleston area. Some of these farmers markets are seasonal, and days and hours can vary, so check out the specific farmers market’s website before you go. Farmers markets in Charleston include:

• Charleston Farmers Market (downtown Charleston)
• Mount Pleasant Farmers Market
• Sea Island Farmers Market (Johns Island)
• Sunday Brunch Farmers Market (James Island)
• West Ashley Farmers Market (affiliated with the Charleston Farmers Market (same website))

Fairs and Festivals

The Coastal Carolina Fair takes place in North Charleston from late October through early November. Arts festivals, food and wine festivals, oyster festivals, and other Lowcountry events take place throughout the year.

Live Shows

Several venues in Charleston host live musical performances, dance performances, and other performances throughout the year. Local venues that host live events in Charleston include:

• Charleston Coliseum
• Charleston Music Hall
• Credit One Stadium
• Dock Street Theater
• Gaillard Center
• Holy City Magic
• Sottile Theatre

Sports Events and Tournaments

Charleston is home to three professional sports teams, and its golf courses and stadiums host nationally televised tournaments put on by the PGA and USTA. Residents and visitors can take in games at:

• Joe Riley Stadium (Charleston RiverDogs) – April through September
• Patriots Point (Charleston Battery) – March through October
• North Charleston Coliseum & Performing Arts Center (Charleston Stingrays) – October through April

Holiday Events

Charleston knows how to celebrate the holidays. From multiple fireworks displays on Independence Day to boat parades on Memorial Day and the Holiday Festival of Lights in November and December, there are holiday events throughout the Charleston area and its surrounding neighborhoods. Summerville and Daniel Island host temporary outdoor ice skating rinks during the holiday season as well.

Marathons and Other Races

The Charleston County Parks and Recreation Commission (CCPRC) and various other organizations host running races of all distances throughout the year. The CCPRC also has a sprint triathlon series, and LOWVELO hosts cycling events in Charleston. Some of the Charleston area’s most popular races (and the months in which they typically take place) include:

• Charleston Half Marathon – January
• Cooper River Bridge Run 10k (Mt. Pleasant to Downtown) – April
• Save the Light Half Marathon and 5k (Folly Beach) – February
• Lowcountry Trail Half Marathon and 5k (Johns Island) – October
• Kiawah Island Marathon and Half Marathon – December