Charleston is known as the Holy City and home of the Gullah Geechee people. If you are looking for a day trip or weekend getaway, Charleston is the place for you. There’s always something to do whether it’s musical events, expos, or outdoor cultural festivals. Here are some that you may want to consider participating in.
1. Charleston Middle Passage Remembrance
Date- June 8, 2024, Typically the second Saturday of June
Location- Fort Moultrie Sullivan’s Island, SC
The event is in its 27th installment. I went for the first time last year and it was so inspiring and amazing. We honored the ancestors who didn’t make it through The Middle Passage of the Transatlantic Slave Trade. We sang as we walked to the beach. On the beach, we formed a huge circle of love, played instruments, clapped our hands, and swayed from side to side singing.
2. Juneteenth Family Festival
Date- June 15, 2024
Location- Riverfront Park, North Charleston
Festivities will begin at 3 pm. This day-long celebration is going to be packed with activities ranging from live performances, Black art displays, games for children, and delicious cultural food! Non-profit organizations, local community service vendors, as well as Historically Black Colleges and Universities will be on site. At the end of the night, there will be a fireworks display too.
3. Charleston Natural Hair Expo
Date- July 13, 2024
Location- Trident Tech College Conference Center, North Charleston
At the expo, you can find various vendors for hair & skin products, food, jewelry, and more. I had a vendor booth in 2022 when I was promoting my book- “Quit Making Excuses & Loc Your Hair.” On the following day, there is a day brunch to mix and mingle. You’re able to purchase tickets for both.
4. LowCountry Jazz Festival
Date- Labor Day weekend Aug 30th- Sept 1st
Location- Gaillard Auditorium, Downtown Charleston
The festival was created by Dr. Thaddeus John Bell, to create scholarships for Black medical students in the area. This is a grown folks’ party right here. I went before the pandemic and it was an awesome time. And that was just the Friday event- All White Party. I’m hoping to go again this year and catch at least one day of the national recording artists live performances. This year new, young jazz sensation, Samara Joy will be performing.
5. Moja Arts Festival
Date: Sept 26 – Oct 6, 2024
Location: Downtown Charleston
Festival events include visual arts, music, food, dance, poetry, theater, storytelling, traditional crafts and family activities. I typically go every year, particularly to the block dance. It’s now held at Brittlebank Park in front of the Ashley River waterfront. I often go to the event finale held on Sunday at Hampton Park. Last year, additional musical events were added. My friend Shanice and I went to the Queens of Hip Hop Soul performance. Hubby and I went to the New Jack Swing Dance Party. We had a blast at each event.
6. Latin American Festival
Date- October 6, 2024
Location- Wannamaker Park, North Charleston
This is a fun family event filled with good food and music. I went pre-pandemic. The annual Latin American Festival celebrates Charleston’s vibrant Latin and Caribbean cultures through non-stop merengue, reggaeton, bachata and salsa music; folkloric artwork and crafts; and authentic Latin American and Caribbean staples – from flavorful empanadas to tasty arroz con pollo.
7. Black Food Truck Festival
Date: April 26-28, 2024
Location: Exchange Park Fairgrounds, Ladson, SC
This is a ticketed event. You must pay to enter and pay for food. Food options include Caribbean, vegan, BBQ, seafood, and desserts. They have activities for kids and live music as well. I went last year. Several people attend this event. My recommendations include: arriving early, bringing a lawn chair, and bringing your patience. More than likely there will be long lines for food.
8. Colour of Music Festival
Date – Typically first week of February
Location- Downtown Charleston
I attended one of the performances this year. It was my first ever classical music experience. It was really enjoyable. The Colour of Music Festival highlights the impact and historical significance of Black classical composers and performers on American and world culture. The Colour of Music Festival began in 2013 with performances at various venues throughout historic Charleston. Now it debuts in cities across the country with artists from across the globe.
Hopefully, you will come to visit Charleston for one of these events. As always share with a friend. Let’s connect. Remember you can follow me on Instagram and Facebook.