The Charm of Charleston: Annual Events & Festivals

Lately, we've been receiving lots of inquiries from from out-of-town brides-to-be about what Charleston has to offer. We adore our charming city and would love nothing more than to share some of its best attributes with you! With the Spoleto Festival kicking off this weekend, what better way to start than with annual events and festivals?!

There is always something going on in Charleston, so we're going to focus on some of the biggies.

Spoleto Festival USA: May 28- June 13, 2010

The world-renowned Spoleto Festival USA is recognized as America's premier performing arts festival. The festival takes pride in filling historic theaters, churches and outdoor spaces with theater, dance and music performances from emerging and prominent artists alike. Where else can you see a German punk band, a marionette opera and an all-male ballet troupe in drag? Check out the Spoleto Web site to purchase tickets today!

Holiday Festival of Lights: November 12, 2010- January 2, 2011

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The holidays are a magical time in Charleston. Each year, James Island County Park transforms into a winter wonderland with over half a million lights. We may not have mounds of snow, but with train rides, marshmallow roasts and a carousel, there's no doubt that you'll get into the holiday spirit!

Lowcountry Oyster Festival: January 31, 2010

If there's one Charleston dish that you cannot miss, it's oysters. Don't get us wrong, we love she crab soup, shrimp and grits and fried green tomatoes, but there's nothing like sitting outside with your friends, listening to some great live music, shucking oysters and cracking open a cold beer. And, as the largest oyster roast in the world, we can think of no better place than the Low Country Oyster Festival!

Charleston Wine + Food Festival: March 3- 6, 2011

Who doesn't love food and wine? The Food+Wine festival is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to "is to enhance Charleston's culinary reputation and support important charitable endeavors by focusing national attention on the entertainment, education and gastronomical gratification opportunities presented by world class culinary professionals and wine experts." We, of course, we love any opportunity to help out the community while tasting delicious dishes. Check out our thoughts on this year's festival.

Charleston Fashion Week: March 22- 27, 2011

Each spring, Charleston Fashion Week puts on dozens of runway shows, an Emerging Designer competition and a plethora of posh after-parties (not to mention, a killer bridal show!). It's a great way to discover new, local talent and it makes for some glitzy nights out on the town with the girls. Don't miss our post from this year's festival.

Cooper River Bridge Run: April 2, 2011

If you're an avid runner, it seems as though there is always some sort of Charleston race to participate in. The Cooper River Bridge Run, however, is the king of all runs. It's a 10-k foot race over the famed Arthur Ravenel, Jr. bridge. This is a huge event, capped at 40,000 participants, but even if you aren't inclined to walk or run, the city goes all out with live music and, in true Charleston fashion, great food.

Family Circle Cup: April 2- 10, 2010

If you're a tennis enthusiast, you won't want to miss the Family Circle Cup. The event began in Hilton Head in 1973 and moved to the Family Circle Tennis Center on Daniel Island in 2001. Since it's a professional tennis tournament for women, you're bound to see some heavy-hitters (no pun intended)! During the off-season, the venue hosts tons of great concerts. This summer, Zac Brown Band, Hootie & the Blowfish and Train will all be making appearances.

Click here for a complete list of annual events and festivals.

Whether you're athletic, fashion-forward, or just love some good food, Charleston has something for you. Keep your eyes peeled for more posts about our beautiful city! In the meantime, we hope that you enjoy a relaxing and sun-filled Memorial Day weekend with your family and friends!