News Summary
As spring arrives in Charleston, a vibrant array of cultural events and openings await both locals and visitors. Highlights include the grand opening of the Charleston Planetarium on May 3, the Charleston Dragon Boat Festival, the ATOMACON convention, and various culinary experiences. Families can enjoy interactive programs at the Children’s Museum, while markets and live performances enhance the community spirit. Don’t miss the North Charleston Arts Fest and the anticipated Spoleto Festival. Charleston is buzzing with energy this season.
Charleston is welcoming spring with a variety of cultural events and new openings, providing numerous attractions for locals and visitors alike. The season kicks off with the grand opening of the Charleston Planetarium on May 3, following two years of planning. The opening will feature a ribbon-cutting ceremony and activities from 11:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.
On the same day, the Charleston Dragon Boat Festival will take place at Brittlebank Park from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., showcasing live performances and various food trucks. Additionally, concerts are scheduled for the evening at Credit One Stadium, where country star Cody Johnson will perform.
Families looking for engaging activities can bring their children to the Children’s Museum of the Lowcountry, which will be hosting its Checkout Challenge program on May 2 and May 7 from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. Children will learn valuable life skills in the interactive grocery store exhibit.
The highly anticipated ATOMACON convention, celebrating a multigenre mix of sci-fi, fantasy, and paranormal themes, is set for May 4 from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. continuing on May 5 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Trident Technical College Conference Center. Tickets for a single day are priced at $20, or $30 for a weekend pass, making it accessible for fans of all ages.
Foodies can look forward to several culinary events as well. A unique Cinco de Mayo wood-fired pizza-making class will be held at Frannie & the Fox on May 5 at both 5 p.m. and 7 p.m., priced at $75 per person. Later in the month, on May 15, a special collaborative dinner featuring chefs Nick Dugan and Michael Mina will present a prix fixe five-course menu.
The community spirit continues with the arrival of the Mount Pleasant Farmers Market, which reopens every Tuesday from 3:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. through September at Moultrie Middle School. Attendees can enjoy fresh produce, food vendors, and live music during their visit.
On May 4, the Gaillard Center will celebrate its 10th season with cultural performances, including artists such as Jason Isbell and Elvis Costello, in addition to the Lowcountry Jazz Fest. Meanwhile, Fleet Landing and Edmund’s Oast Brewing Co. will host a classic Lowcountry shrimp boil on the same day from noon to 5 p.m., with tickets priced at $30.
For those looking to support small businesses, Ruby Sunshine is organizing a small business expo on May 7 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., showcasing local entrepreneurs in West Ashley. In addition, a new Fresh Market location in Mount Pleasant will celebrate its opening with giveaways and a 20% discount for loyalty program members on May 3.
The North Charleston Arts Fest, ongoing until May 4, is also notable, offering free entry and celebrating art and culture across multiple locations. As spring unfolds, the community can look forward to several upcoming events, including the 54th annual Charleston Greek Festival from May 9–11 and Summerville MayFest on May 10. The widely anticipated Spoleto Festival USA will also commence from May 23 through June 8.
Local sports teams are also gearing up for an active month with the Charleston Battery and RiverDogs both holding several home games throughout May. Ticket prices will vary for each match, providing an opportunity for fans to enjoy competitive sporting events as the season progresses.
This spring season in Charleston brings forth a vibrant blend of cultural, culinary, and recreational events, promising entertainment for everyone in the community.
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Additional Resources
- CHS Today: Charleston Events
- Wikipedia: Charleston, South Carolina
- WVU Sports: 2025 Shriners Children’s Charleston Classic
- Google Search: Charleston events
- Cincinnati.com: Xavier Basketball Bracket
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Charleston
- WVGazette-Mail: Guns to Gardens Event
- Google News: Charleston community events
