Events in Charleston
Looking for May events in Charleston? If so, you are in the right place! Spring and event season are in full swing, and we want to help you plan your itinerary by putting together a few of our favorite events in May!
42nd Annual North Charleston Arts Festival
When: April 30-May 4, 2025
Where: Various locations
The North Charleston Arts Fest explodes with five days of free festivities. Immerse yourself in a diverse array of performances, exhibitions, and activities. Sway to live music, be captivated by theatrical productions, or marvel at stunning visual arts. The festival brings art to life in a variety of spaces, from libraries and businesses to community centers and parks. With children’s programs, demonstrations, and more, there’s truly something for everyone to experience the joy of creativity. Don’t miss this opportunity to celebrate art in all its forms!
First Friday Artwalk
When: Friday, May 2, 2025 | 5-8 pm
Where: Downtown Charleston
Immerse yourself in local art at more than 30 galleries during the Charleston Gallery Association’s Artwalk. Taking place on the first Friday of most months, the Artwalk is a fantastic way to meet new people, discover local artists, and find the perfect art piece for your home. Participants have the ability to create their own Artwalk route using the CGA website’s “Charleston Gallery Association Map.” There is no cost of admission to this event.
Great Guns on the Ashley
When: Saturday, May 3, 2025 | 1, 2, 3 pm
Where: Charlestown Landing | 1500 Old Towne Rd, Charleston
Experience the thunder of 17th-century cannons as the Charles Towne Militia fires replicas, showcasing the threats early English colonists faced from Spain. This 20-minute program covers the Spanish threat, fortifications, and the militia that defended Carolina. Demonstrations are held at 1 pm, 2 pm, and 3 pm. Program times may vary due to weather or staffing. Location: Gun Platform along the History Trail.
Atomacon
When: May 4-5, 2025
Where: Trident Technical College Conference Center | 7000 Rivers Ave., North Charleston
The All Types of Media Arts Convention (ATOMACON) is a family-friendly, multi-genre event celebrating its 11th year. This Sci-Fi and Fantasy, Paranormal convention and Film Festival brings together fans to explore and appreciate science fiction, fantasy, and science through various artistic forms. ATOMACON is a nonprofit educational organization focused on fostering awareness and appreciation for these genres. The convention serves as a platform to honor the history and ongoing contributions of science fiction, fantasy, and related fields to art and popular culture.
Dancing on the Cooper
When: Friday, May 16, 2025 | 7:00-10:00 pm
Where: Mount Pleasant Pier
If you’re looking for some fun summer entertainment, head over to the Mount Pleasant Pier where you can enjoy an evening of dancing to a variety of music. Each month is a specific theme, ranging from beach tunes to classic 80s hits, so be sure to check out the link and plan to dance the night away! Advance tickets are $10 per person. Day-of tickets are $15 per person if the event hasn’t sold out. On-site tickets, if available, will only be sold via credit card.
Second Saturday at Patriots Point
When: Saturday, May 10, 2025
Where: Patriots Point Naval and Maritime Museum | 40 Patriots Point Road Mt Pleasant
Experience Living History with reenactors at Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum every second Saturday!
2nd Sunday on King Street
When: Sunday, May 11 | 12:00-5:00 PM
Where: KING STREET FROM QUEEN TO CALHOUN STREET
Enjoy exploring Kings Street without traffic every second Sunday of the month! You will find carefully curated artists showing their work on the street, unique food vendors, and other surprises! Enjoy discovering shops you might not have noticed before!
Wine on the Piazza
When: Thursday, May 15, 2025 | 4:30-6:00 pm
Where: Edmondston Alston House | 21 E. Battery
Looking for the perfect Charleston evening? If so, look no further than Wine on the Piazza at the Edmondston Alston House! Those taking part will get to enjoy a glass of wine, spectacular views of the Charleston harbor, and a self-guided tour of this historic Charleston home. Tickets for this relaxing evening start at $30 per person.
A Cup of History at Drayton Hall: The Way of Tea
When: Saturday, May 17, 2025 | 1-3:30 pm
Where: Drayton Hall | 3380 Ashley River Road
Join Drayton Hall for an unforgettable teatime experience! Begin with a guided tour of Drayton Hall and the Gates Gallery, highlighting the tea and social traditions of 18th-century South Carolina. Then, enjoy a fascinating presentation on tea history and culture, followed by a tea tasting led by tea expert Richard Kligler of For All the Tea in Charleston. Discover prized teas from China’s ancient trees and experience Cha Dao, The Way of Tea. Space is limited. $110 per person.
Spoleto Festival USA
When: May 23-June 8, 2025
Where: Various Locations
This annual 17-day event is a celebration of the arts. Hosting over 150 performances, this popular event showcases opera, dance, theater, classical music, and jazz. With its rich history and commitment to artistic excellence, Spoleto Festival USA continues to captivate audiences and inspire artists, making it a must-see event for arts enthusiasts worldwide.
Keith Urban
When: Saturday, May 24, 2025
Where: Credit One Stadium | 161 Seven Farms Dr., Charleston
Keith Urban is making a stop in Charleston during his World Tour with special guests Chase Matthew, Alana Springsteen, and Karley Scott Collins.
Charleston Farmers’ Market
When: Every Saturday | 8 am-2 pm
Where: Marion Square | 329 Meeting Street
Founded in 1989, the Charleston Farmers Market in Marion Square is a beloved community event. You will find a variety of local produce, plants, herbs, and cut flowers as well as breakfast and lunch vendors, live entertainment, and an assortment of juried arts and crafts from local artisans every Saturday at the Market.
RiverDogs Minor League Baseball
When: Home Games throughout May
Where: Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Park | 360 Fishburne Street
Get the family together, head on over to Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Park, and enjoy Charleston’s very own Minor League Baseball team! From waterfront stadium views to various food and drink vendors, a Charleston RiverDogs game makes for the perfect summer night. Also, check out their promotions page to see what special-themed nights they have going on this month. Tickets for the 2025 season are on sale now!
We hope this list of May events in Charleston will help you add some events to your calendar!