Charleston welcomes summer with an array of vibrant events during the Memorial Day Weekend. Whether you choose to spend a day outdoors, go on a cruise, attend a BBQ party, an art festival, or a patriotic ceremony to honor the fallen, Charleston will be super vibrant, warm, and friendly.
Memorial Day Concert at Hampton Park (May 27, 2024)
Hampton Park is one of the best places to celebrate Memorial Day. Bring a lawn chair or a blanket and relax to the sounds of beautiful music! The concert, featuring the Charleston Concert Band, runs from 3 to 4 pm. The event is free for the public, but donations are welcome. The concert is supported by the City of Charleston Office of Cultural Affairs and by the South Carolina Arts Commission,
Spoleto Festival (May 22-June 9, 2024)
Every spring, the Spoleto Festival and Piccolo Spoleto Festival become the highlights of the Charleston cultural scene. These renowned events usually start around Memorial Day Weekend and run through early June. Spoleto features theater, opera, dance, music, and visual arts. Piccolo Spoleto is focused on smaller cultural happenings throughout the city. One of the largest performing arts festivals in the US, Spoleto was founded in 1977. The event runs across several venues in downtown Charleston. In the past, Spoleto hosted such artists as Yo-Yo Ma, Renée Fleming, Emanuel Ax, Joshua Bell, and Jean-Yves Thibaudet. The festival's music lineup spans various genres, from jazz to bluegrass, soul, and blues.
Aiken Memorial Day Parade (May 25, 2024)
Wear your best red, white, and blue outfit for the Memorial Day Parade in Downtown Aiken. Thousands of people gather to pay tribute to heroes who sacrificed their lives for freedom. The Parade, which features military vehicles, fire trucks, military bands and various community groups, starts at Laurens St SW & Park Ave SW at 10 am.
Charleston RiverDogs: Run Charlie Run 5K (May 26, 2024)
Charleston RiverDogs: Run Charlie Run 5K is an annual race, taking place at Joseph P. Riley Park in Charleston around Memorial Day Weekend. Proceeds from the race, supported by The Marino Group, benefit community charities. The 5 K course runs from Joseph P. Riley Park to the baseball field (home plate), where finishers are usually greeted by RiverDogs players. Registration fee is $55. It includes a medal, a t-shirt, two post-race beers (for those over 21), and a RiverDogs game ticket.
