What's On: Your Guide to Charleston in April [2024]
Spring brings an explosion of color to Charleston, South Carolina, and with it comes an abundance of outdoor activities that allow you to fully embrace the region's dynamic culture, historical richness, and natural beauty. Whether you're a local or just passing through, our comprehensive guide of things to do in Charleston, SC in April offers countless opportunities to immerse yourself in the city's distinct charm.
What is Charleston, SC Weather like in April?
April brings a delightful transition from the crisp winter temperature to the mild warmth of spring in Charleston, SC. As the city bursts into the vibrancy of blooming azaleas, the weather follows suit, providing perfect conditions for both indoor and outdoor activities. Expect temperatures in Charleston to hover on average between a pleasant 55℉ (13℃) during the cooler nights and a comfortable 75℉ (24℃) in the daytime.
While Charleston, SC in April, sees more sunshine hours compared to the winter months, prepare for the occasional spring shower. Rain is usually light and quick, and most days have a refreshing, clear-blue sky backdrop. These showers only add to the city's charm, as they often result in rainbows arching over the historic cityscape. Pack a light rain jacket or umbrella, just in case.
Things to do in Charleston, SC in April
Get ready to explore this charming city in its springtime glory and take advantage of festivals, events, and popular activities. Here's a list of our favorites:
1. The Charleston Festival
March 14-April 14
Location: Various locations throughout Charleston.
Formerly known as the Festival of Houses and Gardens, this year is renamed The Charleston Festival to kick off this 77th annual spring festival that celebrates local history and culture. This event opens its doors to the most exquisite private houses, manicured gardens, and an exhibition of paintings by popular local artist Jill Hooper. The event also includes preservation-focused lectures and design tours. It serves as the foundation's largest fundraising and educational event. Visit the Charleston Festival site for more information.
2. Credit One Charleston Open -Formerly the Volvo Car Open
March 30-April 7
Location: Credit One Stadium in Charleston
Tennis anyone? The Credit One Charleston Open is a premier women's tennis event featuring the world's best women in tennis. 2024 tickets are available for single sessions or ticket packages. This spring event will feature USA's #4 WTA-ranked Jessica Pegula.
3. Kiawah Art and House Tour
April 5
Location: Kiawah Island, S.C.
25 miles southwest of Charleston
The Kiawah Art & House Tour is a self-guided exploration of five unique Kiawah mansions highlighting their distinctive architecture and art collections. Each home showcases a curated collection of artwork representing a variety of styles, mediums, and themes. You'll be treated to an eclectic mix of traditional and contemporary paintings, sculptures, prints, and ceramics. Many of these artworks are the creations of talented local artists, offering a glimpse into the vibrant art scene of the region.
4. Lowcountry Strawberry Festival
April 5-7 & 12-14
Location: Boone Hall Plantation, Mt. Pleasant, S.C.
9 miles from Charleston
Are you ready to celebrate spring in a sweet way? The Lowcountry Strawberry Festival is the ultimate celebration of all things strawberry. When you step onto the festival grounds, you'll find yourself surrounded by the mouthwatering aroma of fresh strawberries. Activities include classic strawberry picking, carnival rides, a petting zoo, and sampling strawberry-themed treats. The event is topped off with Strawberry Pie-Eating Contests.
5. Summerville Flowertown Festival
April 5-7
Location: Summerville, SC
160 miles west of Charleston
The onset of spring in Charleston doesn't just bring pleasant weather; it also marks the arrival of the Summerville Flowertown Festival. This fundraiser, initiated in 1973, aims to support health and wellness programs for the Summerville Family YMCA. With its array of vibrant colors, captivating aromas, and mesmerizing natural beauty, the Charleston area's springtime blooms of Azaleas, Wisteria and more, attracting countless visitors to the festival every year. Alongside the flower displays, the festival hosts a popular arts and crafts fair.
6. Cooper River Bridge Run
April 6
Location: Mount Pleasant, S.C.
9 miles from Charleston
Charleston in April comes alive with the pitter-patter of running shoes striking the pavement during the annual Cooper River Bridge Run. This much-anticipated 10k race is an exhilarating event that welcomes participants from all over the world. Whether you're a seasoned runner or a casual fitness enthusiast, the Bridge Run offers a unique opportunity to challenge yourself, enjoy the sensational views, and be part of the energetic community.
7. Lowcountry Cajun Festival
April 13
Location: James Island Country Park
Feel the rhythm of the bayou come alive in Charleston as April ushers in the much-anticipated Low Country Cajun Festival. This annual event, steeped in tradition, offers a slice of Louisiana right in the heart of South Carolina. It's an event featuring spicy Creole cuisine, toe-tapping Zydeco music, and a place to just enjoy a lively atmosphere. Experience a true Cajun celebration in a beautiful setting at James Island County Park.
8. Charleston Jazz Festival
April 18-21
Location: Charleston Music Hall & other venues around the city
As the mild April breezes sway through the moss-draped oaks of Charleston, there's another sound that fills the air—the melodies of jazz.
Experience world-class jazz, educational initiatives, and an unparalleled celebration of the city's rich jazz heritage. The Charleton Jazz Festival includes renowned international headliners and offers a platform for emerging musicians from the Charleston area to share their talents and passion for jazz.
9. High Water Festival
April 20-21
Location: Riverfront Park, North Charleston
The High Water Festival is more than just a music festival. It's a celebration of great music, delicious food, beautiful surroundings, and a sense of community. Enjoy top-billed headliner talent and up-and-coming artists and bands. Shop local crafts and event merchandise while relaxing under oak trees draped in Spanish Moss with spectacular views of the Cooper River. Check out this year's artist lineup and ticket information.
10. Charleston Cocktail Week
April 22-28
Location: Select Downtown Charleston Bars
This festival is a 7-day extravaganza and is a gastronomic delight showcasing the best of Charleston's culinary world, featuring award-winning bars and restaurants. Sample exquisite creations from renowned local chefs, mixologists, and bartenders. Charleston Cocktail Week is an event for both locals and travelers looking to soak up Charleston's thriving epicurean scene. Buy the 7-day pass and get special prices for the featured signature cocktails.
11. Mount Pleasant Blessing of the Fleet and Seafood Festival
April 28
Location: Mount Pleasant, S.C.
The Blessing of the Fleet & Seafood Festival is an annual event honoring the local shrimping and fishing industry. The celebration includes a boat parade and a traditional blessing of the shrimp and fishing fleet, along with delectable seafood delicacies prepared by the most esteemed restaurants in the area. You can also enjoy live music, peruse the craft show, and try your luck at the Shag dance and shrimp-eating contests. Come on down; admission and activities are free!
12. River Dogs Baseball Games
Various home games in Charleston
Location: Joseph P. Riley Jr. Park, Charleston
April in Charleston, SC, means the onset of baseball season! Spend a sunny afternoon watching Minor League Baseball with the home team heroes—The Charleston River Dogs. These back-to-back champions are the Single-A affiliate of the Tampa Bay Rays. This talented team makes for a great ball game. Check out the nine home games scheduled in April. It's a fun atmosphere with some equally delicious ballpark snacks.
13. The Music of David Bowie
Apr 27
Location: Charleston Gaillard Center
Blackstar Symphony: The Music of David Bowie is a musical event that showcases David Bowie's award-winning Blackstar album in its entirety & other beloved songs, performed by a full symphony orchestra, a jazz quartet, and vocalists. This is an April event in Charleston that you don’t want to miss!
Enjoy Charleston's Best Activities, Available Any Time of Year
These popular favorites are open to discovery in April and available throughout the year.
14. Charleston Farmers Market
Every Saturday, Apr-Nov
Location: Marion Square
The Charleston Farmers Market offers fresh local produce, live entertainment, artisan crafts, and community activities every Saturday from April to November. Specifically, the market offers a diverse range of local produce, plants, herbs, cut flowers, as well as prepared/packaged food and local artisan goods. Named the Best Outdoor Event by the Charleston City Paper Readers’ Poll multiple times, it's a great way to support Charleston area farmers and artisans and indulge in a local Lowcountry experience.
15. Historic Charleston Carriage Ride
Open daily, year-round
Location: Charleston at 14 Anson Street
Experience the charm and history of Charleston's historic district with Old South Carriage Company. Riding in comfortable horse-drawn carriages, with magnificent Belgian and Percheron draft horses at the helm, is a truly unique and quintessentially Charleston experience. Along the way, knowledgeable and friendly guides share fascinating stories of the city's rich past. Indulge in this timeless and beloved tradition.
16. Cypress Gardens
7 days a week, year-round
Location: Moncks Corner, SC
34 miles from Charleston
Wander through 80 acres of gardens, swamps, and nature trails at Cypress Gardens—a nature preserve near Charleston. This natural wonderland is home to a variety of plants, birds, and wildlife. You can spot turtles and alligators, enjoy the butterfly house, pet animals at the petting zoo, and even take a swamp tour boat ride!
17. Magnolia Plantation & Gardens
Open daily, year-round
Location: Charleston
This historic estate has been open to the public since 1870. The gardens are one of the main attractions, including a maze, wildlife center, and Audubon Swamp. Families love the nature train ride through the gardens and the opportunity to see exotic animals like peacocks and alligators. Visit the plantation house for a step back in time to see what life was like in the 19th century.
Looking for things to do in Charleston any time of the year? Visit the Old South Carriage Co. Blog for tips, stories, and recommendations for all things Charleston.
