Springtime in Charleston is a sensory treat of blooming azaleas and perfect temperatures. Unsurprisingly, this transformation means that more events and activities are on the books for visitors and residents to enjoy.
This April is no exception, and an array of festivals, performances, and attractions are already scheduled for the upcoming month. To identify the diamond experiences in an avalanche of activities, Palmetto Carriage Works has curated a list of the best things to do in April. From world-renowned festivals to outdoor markets, check out these 11 items to make your Charleston trip as memorable as possible.
Charleston Jazz Festival
Expanded to nine days this year, the Charleston Jazz Festival features world-class performances and education programs to celebrate music and create a sense of community. The slate of live performances for 2025 include the College of Charleston Faculty Jazz Ensemble, Mark Sterbank Quartet during the festival’s Lowcountry Jazz Day, and Paquito D’Rivera. Get into the smooth groove and snag your tickets for this event while they’re still available!
The Charleston Jazz Festival takes place April 21-28, 2025. To learn more about this event, click here.
Mount Pleasant Farmers Market
Established in 1998, the Mount Pleasant Farmers Market sells farm-fresh produce, meats, sauces, baked goods, and other specialty foods via local vendors. Enjoy an official Low Country meal and listen to the live bands that commonly perform. With an emphasis on local talent and the Charleston community, the market allows guests to mingle, sample, and purchase handicrafts as souvenirs.
The Mount Pleasant Farmers Market takes place every Tuesday from 3:30 PM to 7:00 PM. To learn more about this event, click here.
The Charleston Festival House & Garden Tours
Get deep insight into Charleston’s architectural heritage with a tour to the Charleston Festival House and Garden. Select from one of three itineraries that are carefully designed to appeal to different interests and knowledge levels. With a Street Tour, participants will see Tradd Street and get an intimate glimpse into preserved residences of 1800s Charleston. Fans of the outdoors can opt for the Behind the Garden Gates tour that provides time for a self-guided exploration of beautiful gardens and landscapes.
You can learn more about The Charleston Festival and its house and garden tours by visiting here.
The Lowcountry Strawberry Festival
Don’t miss the opportunity to explore the infamous Boone Hall Plantation when you attend the Lowcountry Strawberry Festival! A family-oriented event that celebrates the springtime harvest, this festival allows guests to pick their own strawberries, participate in interactive activities, and showcase regional culture. Live performances also shine a spotlight on local talent and contribute to the overall atmosphere of community, love for the outdoors, and commitment to tradition.
The Lowcountry Strawberry Festival takes place April 4-6 & April 11-13, 2025. To learn more about this event, click here.
Lafayette Musical & Immersive Bicentennial Tour (1825-2025)
Check out this special musical performance by the French National Orchestra of Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes titled Lafayette Musical & Immersive Bicentennial Tour (1825-2025). It specifically recognizes the 200-year anniversary of the Marquis de Lafayette’s storied return to the United States. Called the “Guest of the Nation,” Lafayette played a critical role fighting for America’s independence from Britain. These performances also feature sound and light show techniques to immersively trace Lafayette’s journey across the U.S.
The Lafayette Musical & Immersive Bicentennial Tour (1825-2025) takes place April 15, 2025 at 7:30 PM. To learn more about this event, click here.
Summerville Flowertown Festival
An annual three-day arts and crafts festival hosted by the Summerville Family YMCA, the Summerville Flowertown Festival is based about a half hour north of Charleston proper. The drive is well worth it, however, particularly since visitors can check out original works by local artists, taste test regional cuisine, and enjoy the many games and rides. The festival regularly attracts 200,000 participants so show up early to get a good parking spot!
The Summerville Flowertown Festival takes place April 4-6, 2025. To learn more about this event, click here.
Cooper River Bridge Run
Compete in a marathon like no other during the Cooper River Bridge Run! This experience allows participants to run over Charleston’s famous Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge (known locally as the Cooper River Bridge). Gaze out over the bridge’s stunning views of the surrounding area and even sign up your children for the separate Kids Run. Afterwards, make sure you contact organizers about viewing the official highlight video to relive the action all over again.
The Cooper River Bridge Run takes place April 5, 2025. To learn more about this event, click here.
Woofstock 2025: A Lowcountry Dog Music Festival
Who says humans have all the fun? Woofstock 2025: A Lowcountry Dog Music Festival aims to foster appreciation for live music, cultivate Charleston’s cultural community, and — you guessed it — turn up the spotlight (and snuggles) on some furry friends. Dog fashion walks, talent contests, and “Best in Show” competitions are all on the event’s docket. Keep an eye on Woofstock’s updates page to learn more about breed meetups and adoptions occurring in the area.
The Woofstock 2025: A Lowcountry Dog Music Festival takes place April 12, 2025 from 12:00 PM to 7:00 PM. To learn more about this event, click here.
High Water Festival
With a venue at Charleston’s Riverfront Park, the High Water Festival features a lineup of acclaimed artists ready to celebrate spring with their audience. This year, performances by Arcade Fire, Counting Crows, and Waxahatchee are booked along with Lord Huron, The Backseat Lovers, and Darren Kiely. Grab a friend, put on some sunblock, and get ready to dance!
The High Water Festival takes place April 26-27, 2025. To learn more about this event, click here.
The Great Gatsby Ballet
Time to step into the Roaring Twenties with The Great Gatsby Ballet, a performance based on F. Scott Fitzgerald’s famous novel of the same name. A multinational cast of 40 professional ballet dancers showcase hand-crafted costumes while dancing to an original 1920s-inspired score. The World Ballet Company has performed in over 300 cities, which makes its visit to Charleston exciting indeed. Purchase tickets today!
The Great Gatsby Ballet takes place April 24, 2025. To learn more about this event, click here.
Carriage Rides with Palmetto Carriage Works
Get intimate insight into Charleston’s history with a private daytime or evening carriage ride. Your dedicated driver will introduce you to buildings, landmarks, and natural greenery as you travel through the city in comfort and style. For about 25 to 30 blocks, your group can admire historic houses, gardens, mansions, churches, and parks. Begin at the iconic Red Barn and finish at a restaurant of your choice. The only thing better than a carriage ride is a nice dinner to top it off!
Clearly, April’s calendar for this year is full of fun and unique things to do in Charleston. To support your busy itinerary, Palmetto Carriage Works is committed to provide a personalized and entertaining way to explore.
Join the #1 rated best horse-drawn carriage tour and learn about important landmarks and attractions along the way. Quite simply, our family-owned and operated carriages are the best way to experience the city. Book your ride today!