North Charleston, South Carolina, is a fun travel destination at any time of year. If you’d like to take your trip to the next level, then time it during one of our annual festivals. The city has an active events calendar with a wide range of community festivals, each bringing something else to the table. Find out more with Visit North Charleston.
Key Takeaways
- The 4thof July Festival at Riverfront Park features live music and the area’s largest fireworks display.
- Highwater Fest is North Charleston’s music festival, featuring artists from around the world in a laid-back setting.
- North Charleston Arts Festival highlights the best arts, crafts, music, and performances the city has to offer.
- Juneteenth Family Fest honors the Black history of North Charleston through a celebration of African American culture.
- Riverfront Revival is a two-day music festival curated by singer Darius Rucker.
- Charleston Beer Festival features beer from more than 60 breweries, along with food trucks, craft vendors, and live music.
- Holy Smokes BBQ Festival features different styles of BBQ from more than 50 pitmasters and chefs.
4th of July Festival
Celebrate Independence Day at North Charleston’s 4th of July Festival. Held at Riverfront Park, this festival features live music from nationally renowned performers and a variety of food and beverage vendors. It ends with the Lowcountry’s largest 4th of July fireworks show, making it ideal for people of all ages. Both admission and parking are free.
Highwater Fest
The Highwater Fest comes every spring as Riverfront Park is flooded with tunes and new experiences. Alternating stages feature artists from around the world, letting you catch your favorite bands and discover some new ones. Between sets, grab a meal and drink at The Refuge, a food zone featuring gems from local restaurants and breweries.
The festival offers all the energy of a traditional music festival, but with a laid-back Lowcountry vibe. You can dance at the foot of the stage, or you can put your feet up in the shade and let the music wash over you from a distance – your experience is up to you.
North Charleston Arts Fest
Spring means it’s also time for the North Charleston Arts Fest. North Charleston is home to an up-and-coming arts scene, the best of which is highlighted annually at its art festival and exhibition. The Fest lasts for five days and takes over a variety of venues, making it one of the most comprehensive art festivals in South Carolina. It’s a must-see for artsy types and creatives who value the power of imagination. There’s something here for all ages, including:
- World arts
- Hand crafts
- Competitions for young artists
- Workshops and activities
- Theatre presentations
- Concerts
If you miss the Fest itself, stop by Riverfront Park for the National Outdoor Sculpture Competition and Exhibition. While the competition occurs annually, the sculptures are on display year-round.
Juneteenth Family Fest
Recognize Juneteenth at the Juneteenth Family Fest. North Charleston has a rich Black history due to its Gullah roots and the pivotal role that nearby Charleston played in the American slave trade. Juneteenth is an important milestone in that history, and we honor it annually at Riverfront Park. Celebrate African American culture and the fight for freedom with highlights including:
- Music
- Art displays
- Line dancing
- Children’s games
- Cultural food
- Presentations
- Education
- Fireworks
The Juneteenth Family Fest is hosted by Passion Project Initiative, a nonprofit that cultivates social change through education and empowerment. It also provides a platform for various nonprofits, fundraisers, and charity organizations, making the fest a great opportunity for visitors who’d like to give back to North Charleston.
Riverfront Revival Festival
Pay homage to the Riverfront district in North Charleston by attending the Riverfront Revival festival at Riverfront Park. This two-day event is curated by Grammy-winning singer Darius Rucker. It will feature live country music acts on two different stages and food offerings inspired by South Carolina’s Lowcountry. The festival is open to all ages and is a great way to experience the Riverfront area, whether you’re a local or just passing through.
Charleston Beer Festival
If you’re a beer lover, you need to check out the Charleston Beer Festival. This annual fest is held in Riverfront Park and features more than 20 food trucks, 60+ craft breweries, and several craft vendors. Live music and beer games add to the fun. This festival is sponsored by Palmetto Community Care, whose mission is to assist those living with HIV and AIDS by providing a full spectrum of compassionate care and supportive services. The Charleston Beerfest is their primary fundraiser, so you can drink beer and support a worthy cause.
Holy Smokes BBQ Festival
Experience Lowcountry BBQ at the Holy Smokes BBQ Fest. Hosted at Riverfront Park, this yearly festival features over 50 of the nation’s top pitmasters and chefs, who come together to pay homage to the culture, history, and flavor of American barbecue. Guests can sample eats from different BBQ villages, including Texas, Traditional, New School, and Coastal. Complete with live music, this festival is a great way to spend a day in the Lowcountry.
Discover Festivals in North Charleston, SC
Whether you’re celebrating local creativity or Caribbean cuisine, watching your favorite band or an educational presentation, North Charleston festivals offer a wide range of new experiences to uncover. Get involved with Visit North Charleston. You can contact us today to learn more about upcoming festivals or to discover nearby dining and lodging for your stay.
