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Always something to do

Isle of Palms Festivals & Events


The lowcountry of South Carolina is home to numerous annual events and festivals that take place each year and invite hundreds of thousands of visitors to the area.



There's Always Something to Explore.

Many of the annual events take place in Charleston and surrounding areas of Mt. Pleasant, Sullivan's Island and Isle of Palms. Several are nationally renowned and benefit charitable or local causes. Among the big draws are the Lowcountry Oyster Festival, Southeastern Wildlife Expo, Cooper River Bridge Run, Lowcountry Cajun Festival, Annual Blessing of the Fleet, Spoleto Festival USA, Moja Arts Festival, Isle of Palms Connector Run/Walk, Charleston Komen Race for the Cure, and the Parade of Boats in Charleston Harbor. Be sure to check with each event organization for exact dates and times.

Isle of Palms Annual Events & Festivals

Hunley Tours

Saturdays 10am - 5pm. Sundays 12pm - 5pm.
In 1864, the H.L. Hunley became the first submarine to sink an enemy warship. Unfortunately, before she could return to celebrate her victory, the sub disappeared with her nine-man crew off Sullivan's Island, S.C. Her fate was a mystery until she was discovered in 1995 by a diving expedition led by author Clive Cussler. Five years later, the sub was lifted from her resting place and brought to the Warren Lasch Conservation Center in North Charleston, S.C. Now, the public can catch a glimpse of this piece of history. For more information about the H.L. Hunley, please call 843.744.2186. To order tickets by phone call 1.877.448.6539. Visit www.hunley.org.

Plantation Days at Middleton Place

9am - 5pm Daily
Craftworkers demonstrate the skills needed to sustain an 18th and 19th century plantation and bring to life the sights and sounds of harvest time. For more information please call 843.556.6020 or www.middletonplace.org.
Golf Cart Rentals on Isle of Palms, SC

GolfCart.Fun

843.800.0310
Click to Book Your Golf Cart Online with Delivery to Your Door Available!



GolfCart.Fun is proud to offer golf cart rentals on Isle of Palms, Seabrook Island, Sullivan's Island, Edisto Beach, and Mount Pleasant. Whether you're planning a corporate event or a small vacation, our team of professionals is dedicated to ensuring that your Isle of Palms golf cart rental experience is as seamless and stress-free as possible. Give us a call at 843.800.0310 or visit our website to take your vacation to the next level!

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January

Lowcountry Oyster Festival

Imagine.....65,000 pounds of oysters. Two tractor-trailers full of oysters will roll onto the grounds at Boone Hall Plantation to kick off the 25th Annual Lowcountry Oyster Festival. This event has been named in the "top 20 events in the southeast" by the Southeastern Tourism Society. Held by the Greater Charleston Restaurant Association, the "Oyster Fest" gates open at 10:30 am with free parking available. Besides having plenty oysters available, other food will be available. The "Food Court" features food from some of the area's popular restaurants, enough to satisfy every taste. For more information, call 843.577.4030 for more information.
February

Southern Comfort Lowcountry Blues Bash

Charleston's 19th annual celebration of authentic blues features more than 50 acts performing at nearly 10 different venus in a 10 day period. From delta blues to urban boogie you will find it all at the 2009 Lowcountry Blues Bash. Prices are pay as you go at each venue; cover charges range from free to $15. For more information please call 843.762.9125 or bluesbash.com.

Southeastern Wildlife Expo

Now in its 27th year, Southeastern Wildlife Exposition (SEWE) is the largest wildlife art and nature event in the nation, one that you have to experience first hand to understand and truly appreciate. Held each year in the weekend preceding President's Day, SEWE attracts 35,000+ attendees to beautiful Charleston, SC, to enjoy world-class original art, diverse exhibits, interesting presentations and lectures, not to mention Southern hospitality and lots of fun! For more information call 843.723.1748 or visit sewe.com.
March

Annual Festival of Houses & Gardens

March - April
Explore the interiors and gardens of some of the finest private residences in America during the 62st Annual Festival of Houses and Gardens. Daily tours feature the interiors and gardens of nearly 150 historic private houses. Enjoy the ambience of the centuries-old city, visiting the private interiors and gardens of eight to ten historic properties each day. Information and tickets can be obtained by calling 843.722.3405 or visit historiccharleston.org.
April

Cooper River Bridge Run

Hosted by the Medical University of South Carolina, this 10K (6.2 mile) run and 4.4 mile walk begins in Mt. Pleasant, crosses the Cooper River Bridge, and ends in historic downtown Charleston. Attendance increases each year with more than 30,000 participants last year. Race begins at 8 am and the walk at 8:30 am. Please call 843.856.1949 for more information and registration, or visit bridgerun.com.

Lowcountry Cajun Festival

Celebrate Louisiana living & Charleston charm during the 17th annual Lowcountry Cajun Festival. The 18th annual Lowcountry Cajun Festival heats up James Island County Park, bringing a full-day of Zydeco music, Cajun and Creole foods, children's activities and all around ragin' Cajun entertainment! For more information please call 843.795.4386.

Family Circle Cup

In 2001, the Family Circle Cup made a bold move that will secure its success for the future. After 28 years in Hilton Head, the tournament moved to a new home in Charleston, South Carolina. This partnership between the City of Charleston and Family Circle magazine is the first if its kind in women's tennis. Family Circle magazine is the first title sponsor to partner with city and county municipalities to build a tennis facility of this stature. This state-of-the-art facility not only serves as the new home for one of the Premier events on the Sony Ericsson WTA Tour, but also provides residents of greater Charleston access to one of the finest tennis facilities in the southeast.

Annual Blessing of the Fleet

The event includes over 11 local seafood restaurants offering a variety of local seafood dishes as well as music by local favorite "The East Coast Party Band." Spectators are encouraged to bring their chairs and blankets, relax and listen to the band, and enjoy the shrimp eating and shagging contests. This is a unique festival that gives visitors to the area an insight into the local shrimping industry. On the area by the water, the main stage hosts the East Coast Party Band throughout the afternoon. The smaller stage hosts the actual blessing of the fleet at 1pm. This traditional blessing includes two local clergymen who bless each individual boat as it passes the harbor. For more information, contact Mt. Pleasant Recreation Department Special Events Coordinator at 843.849.2061 or visit townofmountpleasant.com.
May-June

Spoleto Festival USA

Historic Charleston hosts the Spoleto Festival USA with an array of artistic performances for everyone! Opera, jazz, theater, orchestral, chamber, contemporary music, literary and visual arts fill the theaters and halls of the area during this very special two weeks. Prices vary for performances. For ticket information please call 843.722.2764 or spoletousa.org. Box office: 843.579.3100.

Piccolo Spoleto

Focusing primarily on artists of the Southeast region, Piccolo Spoleto is the perfect complement to the international scope of its parent festival and its 700 events in 17 days, transforms Charleston into an exhilarating celebration of performing, literary and visual arts. Piccolo Spoleto's traditional program offerings include visual arts exhibits, classical music, jazz, dance, theatre, poetry readings, children's activities, choral music, ethnic cultural presentations, crafts, and film. For Tickets contact Ticketmaster Charleston at 843.554.6060 or go to piccolospoleto.org.
July

July 4th Fireworks

On Isle of Palms, Sullivan's Island and Patriots Point.
September-October

Annual Fall Candlelight Tours of Homes & Gardens

Take a stroll under the lights of Charleston's doorways during the Preservation Society of Charleston's 33nd Annual Fall Tours of Homes and Gardens. The Preservation Society was founded in 1920 by a small group of Charlestonians concerned with the increasing threat to one of America's outstanding collections of 18th, 19th and 20th century architecture. We are proud that the mandate to educate, plan and encourage the preservation of Charleston's architecture, history and culture continues today in our beloved city. Join the Society today and receive a 10% discount on the Fall Tours of Homes and Gardens. For more information please call 843.722.4630 or visit prerservationsociety.org.

Moja Arts Festival

Charleston's annual MOJA Arts Festival: A Celebration of African-American and Caribbean Arts. Selected as one of the Southeast Tourism Society's Top 20 events for many different years, the Annual MOJA Arts Festival promises an exciting line-up of events with a rich variety of traditional favorites. Nearly half of MOJA's events are admission-free and the remainder are offered at very modest ticket prices, ranging from $5 - $35. For more information log on to mojafestival.com or call 843.724.7305. For tickets contact your local Ticketmaster agent.
October

Isle of Palms Connector Run/Walk

The Annual IOP Connector Run and Walk for the Children is a 10K Run and Walk event. Proceeds benefit the Local Prevention of Child Abuse and other child-related charities. Visit ioprun.com for more info.

Charleston Komen Race for the Cure

More than 4,000 mothers, daughters, brothers, sisters, husbands and friends of all ages will participate in the seventh annual Charleston Komen Race for the Cure. The race will raise funds and awareness for the prevention and eradication of breast cancer. There will be a 5K Co- Ed run & walk as well as a 1 Mile family fun.
November

The Lonon Foundation Hosts 2nd Annual Shuck Fest To Support Kids Impacted By Parental Cancer

Shuck Fest is an annual fundraiser to help support families in need. Our mission is to help children affected by their parent or caregiver’s cancer diagnosis find comfort, heal and grow from their shared experiences.

TLF Shuck Fest 2024
Sunday, November 3, 2024 from 1pm - 4pm
Isle of palms Exchange Club
201 Palm Blvd, Isle of Palms, SC 29451
Click here for tickets and more information.


The Lonon Foundation, a Charleston-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to supporting children impacted by a parent or caregiver's cancer diagnosis, is excited to announce the 2nd Annual Shuck Fest. This oyster roast fundraiser will take place on Sunday, November 3, from 1-4 PM at the picturesque IOP Exchange Club on Isle of Palms.

Attendees will enjoy delicious local oysters from Sandlapper Events, mouthwatering BBQ from Swig and Swine, and refreshing brews from Frothy Beard, with wine also available for purchase. Tickets are priced at $50 in advance and $60 at the door, with all proceeds benefiting free psychosocial and emotional resources for children affected by cancer. Shuck Fest will feature a live band, a 50/50 raffle, and both live and virtual auctions. Auction highlights include a two-hour charter with Charleston Party Cat for up to 16 guests, a week-long stay at Folly Beach, an exclusive eight-course private dining experience from Rosemary & Rye, and two Chairman Level Tickets to an Atlanta Braves game.

Event merchandise will also be available for purchase.

Since its inception in 2017, The Lonon Foundation has supported over 250 children through programs designed by Certified Child Life Specialists (CCLS). These specialists focus on the developmental effects of parental cancer on children, providing vital tools for coping and emotional support. “It’s crucial to offer age-appropriate support to these children,” said Katie Myers, MS, CCLS. “Our goal is to enhance coping skills and comfort for families navigating this difficult journey.”

The Lonon Foundation invites the community to join Shuck Fest and help support families in need. If you can’t attend in person, the online auction will go live on October 27, one week before the event.

Annual Holiday Festival of Lights

Over the years the Holiday Festival of Lights has become one of the must-see events for everyone's holiday season in Charleston. This event started in 1990 with only 18 light displays. Nineteen years later, with over two million lights and 600 light displays, the Holiday Festival of Lights has become a Lowcountry tradition for many families. We hope that you take the time to experience all this event has to offer. From the train ride to the sand sculpture, the carousel to the enchanted forest, there is something for everyone. For more information visit ccprc.com or call 843.762.8089.

LOWVELO Bike Ride Cancer Fundraiser

LOWVELO is an annual fundraising bike ride around the Lowcountry that rallies people together to raise money for innovative and lifesaving cancer research at MUSC Hollings Cancer Center as well as promote health and wellness throughout the Charleston community. Our goal is to eradicate cancer by supporting research into new treatments and discoveries at MUSC Hollings Cancer Center, the only National Cancer Institute-designated cancer center in South Carolina. 100% of every participant-raised dollar from this grassroots event goes directly to cancer research.

Packet Pickup – Friday, November 5 from 3pm - 6pm.
Start Line – Saturday, November 6 at 7am.


Registration for the event includes a LOWVELO21 T-shirt, bag, a cycling jersey, admission to the November 6 event and awards ceremony in February 2022.

To learn more and register today, please visit lowvelo.org and use the code "WELLNESS21" to waive the $75 registration fee.
December

Middleton Place - Family Yuletide

Families can enjoy storytelling around a warm fire, Christmas caroling, ornament and wreath making, candle dipping, a live nativity scene featuring many of the plantation's animals, and craftspeople working in their shops by candlelight. Hot cider and seasonal refreshments are also included. Advance ticket purchase required. $10 per adult, $5 per child ages 7-15 and children 6 & under are free. Call 843.556.6020.

Parade of Boats - Charleston Harbor

The parade begins at approximately 5:30PM near the Mt. Pleasant side and ends in the Ashley River, (after processing down the Charleston side of the Cooper River), at approximately 7:30PM. We say approximately, because of various factors, including wind, current, and the ability of the boats to maintain headway. You may participate in the parade by simply registering with the city (call 843.724.7305), decorating your boat from stem to stern with lights, and joining us on the water. Thousands of spectators view the parade along the route from Mt. Pleasant to Charleston each year. The mid-point of the parade features a spectacular fireworks display shot from the harbor.

Charleston New Year's Eve - December 31

This community celebration offers a non-alcoholic and family-oriented alternative program to celebrate the New Year in Charleston. This city wide, admission-free program has something wonderful for everyone: comedy, African dancing, many forms of music including classical, gospel and jazz, children's activities and so much more. At Marion Square and surrounding areas in Downtown Charleston. Call 843.724.7305 for more information.

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Isle of Palms and Coastal SC Golf Courses and Online Tee Times

Book Your Isle of Palms & Coastal SC Golf Tee Times Online

You can now save money and easily book your tee times at local Isle of Palms & Coastal SC golf courses right here on IsleofPalmsExplorer.com. Featuring golf courses on Isle of Palms, Charleston, and Coastal SC golf courses and country clubs.
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Kayaking & Canoeing on Isle of Palms

Kayaking & Canoeing on Isle of Palms

Exploring the natural splendor and marsh wetlands of Isle of Palms is the best way to take in all the unspoiled beauty that South Carolina's lowcountry has to offer. Take a guided kayak tour of the local salt marsh and inland waterways. Rent a canoe or pedalboat and enjoy fishing or a relaxing paddle. Learn about SC's coastal ecosystems and wildlife as you explore the Isle of Palms beaches and marshlands. View Isle of Palms Outfitters »



Isle of Palms Restaurants

Isle of Palms Restaurants

We've compiled this comprehensive directory to help you find the right restaurant to whet your appetite, including options for casual dining, local seafood, Southern Cuisine, Asian, French & Mediterranean and everything in between.
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