We are starting a new series! Every month, we will share our favorite events in Charleston + Columbia. With so much happening across these two bustling cities, we thought we would share with you guys what we thought were worth checking out. From kid-friendly fun to food and so much more, we have handpicked something for everyone!
With that being said, here are our favorite Charleston + Columbia events happening this month!
Charleston
April 6: Opening Night at Live Under the Oaks
This outdoor concert series is such a great way to get outside and enjoy this spring weather + it’s a free event! All you need to do is grab a chair or blanket to sit on, bring along some food to munch on (there will be a food truck on site to purchase food as well!) and get ready to enjoy their amazing lineup of artists and bands. Beer + wine are also available for purchase from Burtons Grill and Bar!
Time: 6:00-8:00 pm
Tickets: Free event!
April 5: First Spring Garden Stroll + Wine Tasting at Middleton Place
Spend an evening exploring the historic Middleton Place gardens while sipping on a delicious glass of wine. Their expert restaurant team will provide wine + food and each week there will be a new theme that highlights different wines for you to taste.
Time: 5:30-7:30 pm
Tickets: $30-35 per person
April 11: Opening Night for the Charleston Riverdogs
Never been to a Charleston Riverdogs baseball game? Opening night is the best night to go!
Time: 7:05 pm
Tickets: Prices vary
April 13: Cartolina Pop-Up at Amanda Lindroth
You won’t want to miss this amazing pop-up with this amazing womenswear brand, Cartolina. Inspired by a love for traveling and the souvenirs picked up along the way, Cartolina evokes a nostalgic feel through its high-quality clothing. Head to this event to shop Cartolina’s Spring and Summer collections + Amanda Lindroth’s home products.
Time: 10:00 am to 5:00 pm
Tickets: Free event!
April 15: Race4Wanza
Established in the loving memory of Tywanza Sanders, the #Race4Wanza Doughnut Dash 5K is an annual event to commemorate his life. Sanders was the youngest of the nine victims murdered in the massacre at Mother Emanuel AME Church in 2015, in Charleston, SC. He was committed to the achievement of youth in his neighborhood and beyond and was a huge philanthropist. Through the Tywanza Sanders Scholarship, proceeds from this event have allowed #Race4Wanza to award over $16,500 worth of scholarships since the event’s establishment to minority high school graduates in the Charleston area.
Time: 9:00 am
Tickets: $20-35
April 21-22: American Ballet Theatre- Giselle
This romantic ballet and love story of remorse and forgiveness combines music, movement, and drama into one. In this universally acclaimed production, the American Ballet Theatre’s international ballet stars bring Giselle‘s mystery and delicate beauty to life.
Time: 7:30 pm
Tickets: Starting at $29
April 22: Steve Aoki Concert
Happening at the Columbia Historic Speedway, Steve Aoki will be performing along with NGHTMRE, Champagne Drip and more!
Time: 2:00 pm
Tickets: Starting $70
April 22-23: Black Food Truck Festival
This family-oriented event features the best food trucks from around Charleston! Their mission is to make both an economic and social impact on the Black community by showcasing and supporting the Charleston area Black-owned businesses.
Time: 11:00 am to 7:00 pm
Tickets: Prices start at $60.33
April 22: Lowcountry Cajun Festival
Head out to the James Island County Park to enjoy a day of Zydeco music, Cajun and Creole foods, kids’ activities, and all-around Cajun fun! Authentic Cajun and Creole fare will be served including jambalaya, alligator, etouffee, andouille sausage, and crawfish. Regular festival food will also be served for those who prefer a more tame menu!
Time: 12:00-6:00 pm
Tickets: $33.33 per vehicle
April 24-30: Charleston Cocktail Week
This 7-day event celebrates the award-winning bars and restaurants in Charleston. You’ll experience the epicurean masterpieces of Charleston’s renowned chefs, mixologists, and bartenders.
Time: Signature events at varying times
Tickets: 7-day pass to enjoy signature cocktails at participating locations
April 26-30: Art Charleston Festival at The Gibbes Museum
First launched by The Gibbes Museum in the spring of 2022, Art Charleston raised over $500,000 to support the mission of The Gibbes Museum and they went on to invest more than $250,000 with local businesses in its very first year! Art Charleston puts on unique programs that showcase Charleston’s strong and diverse human stories through the visual arts. Art Charleston invites the local community and participants to imagine, question, explore, and recognize power exists in art.
Time: Varies based on separate event times
Tickets: Varies based on separate events
Columbia
April 6: Opening Night for the Columbia Fireflies
Join the Columbia Fireflies for a night of family-friendly fun at their season opener w/ post-game fireworks!
Time: 7:05 pm
Tickets: Prices vary
April 15: 4th Annual Jazz Fest
Come to this outdoor concert to enjoy an evening with the sounds of Jazz and a touch of soul. The Jazz fest offers a fun + vibrant street festival feeling that you will love. There will be performances by Jeanette Harris and Althea Rene, JJ Sansavarino, and Brittany Turnipseed. Backed by Rod Foster & Company. Make sure to bring your lawn chairs and blankets!
Time: 6:00-9:00 pm (gates open at 5:00 pm)
Tickets: Starting at $30
April 16-22: SC State Fair’s Spring Fair Food Drive Through
Head to the SC State Fairgrounds in Columbia for a drive-through full of your favorite fair foods!
Time: Times vary by date
Tickets: Free admission + menu of food for purchase
April 16: Live on Lincoln
Want to experience the best of Columbia’s vibrant culture and support local art organizations? Head to Live on Lincon for a night of live performances by Midlands arts and cultural organizations and a delicious dinner provided by Blue Marlin served at tables.
Time: 5:00-8:00 pm
Tickets: Prices vary
April 19-23: Columbia Food and Wine Festival
The Columbia Food and Wine Festivals teams up with the city’s best restaurants, wineries, breweries, and artisans from across the Midlands + South Carolina. There will be a number of small signature events to check out at multiple different fine dining establishments. Make sure you get your tickets ASAP before it sells out!
Time: Times vary depending on the event
Tickets: Prices vary depending on the event
April 22-23: Monster Jam
Head to Colonial Life Arena to see the infamous monster trucks at the Monster Jam event. Such a fun event for kids who love trucks!
Time: Times vary depending on the day
Tickets: Prices vary
April 23: Lake Murray Symphony Orchestra- Old World and New World
Come enjoy the contrasting works of the old, Mozart and Bach, with Dvorak’s Symphony No. 9 “From the New World”, by one of the most popular new age classical composers.
Time: 3:30 pm
Tickets: Free event!
April 25: Janet Jackson Concert
The infamous Janet Jackson will be performing with guest star Ludacris at Colonial Life Arena.
Time: 8:00 pm (doors open at 7:00 pm)
Tickets: Prices vary
April 29: 5th Annual Taco and Tequila Crawl
Walk through The Vista eating tacos, and enjoy an exclusive margarita, tequila, and beer specials.
Time: 1:00-6:00 pm
Tickets: Regular tickets for $25 + VIP for $35
April 30: Drink Pink Rosé Festival
Did you know the Southeast’s largest Rosé Festival is in Columbia? This event is dedicated to great wine, delicious food, and music. Guests can enjoy a wide assortment of rosé wines while savoring the delicious food of chef Kristian Niemi from restaurants Bourbon and Black Rooster. There will also be live music from Mark Rapp Jazz Band and Dave Britt and Adam Gould.
Time: 12:00-5:00 pm
Tickets: Regular tickets for $75 + VIP for $125
-♡Margaux
