North Charleston Arts Fest

10:30AM
KIDS/FAMILY

Puppet Show - The Emperor's New Clothes • What’s big and pink and loves to dress up in fancy clothes? Give up? It’s the Emperor himself in Grey Seal Puppet‘s clever adaptation of The Emperor’s New Clothes. Not only is this Emperor big and pink, he also happens to be a pig. 

10:30AM
THEATRE

Opening Celebration & Art Reception • It’s Arts Fest time! Celebrate with food, music, and more, set among the hundreds of pieces of artwork on display as part of the Arts Fest’s many competitions and exhibitions.

10:30AM
Theatre/Kids and Family

Interactive Children’s Theatre Performance – Diggery’s Dino Adventure • Join The Story Ship for this science-based immersive adventure featuring large interactive animated characters, dinosaur bones, a giant dinosaur egg, and beautiful puppets.

11:00AM
Lecture/Visual Arts

Lunch and Learn • Fiber art and textile enthusiasts are invited to bring a bag lunch or their favorite takeout meal and enjoy lectures and a guided tour of the 18th Annual African American Fiber Art Exhibition, In Praise of the Ancestors, led by curator Torreah “Cookie” Washington.

3:30PM
DANCE / MUSIC

African Dance & Music Performance – Healing Sounds & Movements of the Diaspora • Experience an electrifying fusion of rhythm, culture, and storytelling with Solae’ ENT! All ages can enjoy this dynamic dance performance that blends the vibrant traditions of West African dance, Gullah Geechee culture, and contemporary Afrobeat with the soulful influences of hip-hop and R&B.

5:00PM
VISUAL ARTS

African American Fiber Art Exhibition Reception • Join curator Torreah “Cookie” Washington and many of the featured artists for a public reception in honor of the 18th Annual African American Fiber Art Exhibition, In Praise of the Ancestors.

6:00PM
THEATRE

Improv Theatre • Create “instant theatre” with Charleston County School of the Arts Improv Troupe, The Fighting Gnomes. The group will take audience suggestions to perform an hour of family-friendly improv and sketch comedy.

7:00PM
MUSIC

Chamber Music Concert • Coming off its second sold-out North Charleston Arts Fest performance in 2024, the Colour of Music Festival Chamber Orchestra returns to present an evening of classical gems spanning centuries of classical musical brilliance.

7:00PM
MUSIC

Concert – Music Builds Bridges • Fox Music Friends consists of nine seasoned Lowcountry musicians from different backgrounds. Join Charles Miller (keyboards/vocals), Mark Barrett (keyboards), Mathew Maisie (percussion), Kain Naylor (drums), John Holenko (fretted instruments), John Kennedy (bass), Mike Kaufman (guitar/vocals), Joe Marlow (fretted instruments), and Brent Lacasce (trumpet) as they come together to present a concert that spans styles, genres, times, and places with a common language – music.  

10:30AM
KIDS/
THEATRE

Children’s Theatre Performance – Schoolhouse Rock Live! • Atlantic Coast Theatre for Youth invites one and all to step right up to the big top in this interactive adaptation of The Three Little Pigs where the Big Bad Wolf might just turn out to be the hero of the story. Best suited for grades K-5.

0:00AM
KIDS

Puppet Show – Hobey Ford’s Golden Rod Puppets • Follow the yellow brick road to this fun-filled event for young children featuring interactive entertainment, fun outdoor games, and hands-on activities. Offerings include maypoles, a petting zoo, STEM projects, inflatables, craft activities, visits with roving characters and stilt walker Mike Weakley, bubble fun with Soap Bubble Circus, photo-ops (bring your camera), and much more. Individuals and groups are welcome.

7:00PM
MUSIC

Jazz Concert • Leah María Suárez is a musician and arts entrepreneur whose primary instrument is her velvet rich voice. The multilingual singer will be joined by other Charleston musicians to present an intimate evening concert, featuring traditional US American Songbook and Jazz standards, along with a global mix of standards and other selections from Latin and South America.

6:00PM
LECTURE/
WORKSHOP

Pop-Up Opera • The Global Art Fair (TGAF) is a multidisciplinary and multicultural art experience that will be hosted annually in North Charleston beginning this Fall. Founded by arts industry leader, pioneer, and Charleston native Okeeba Jubalo, this event showcases a myriad of Lowcountry and southeastern creatives who deserve a world-class platform, presented with a mission is to bring the world to North Charleston and serve as the catalyst for turning the Lowcountry’s epicenter of arts and culture. This TGAF Soft Launch event offers just a taste of what the larger event has in store, featuring a fine art exhibition, Gullah cuisine, film screenings, spoken word presentations, speakers, education opportunities, and more.

7:00PM
MUSIC

World Music Café • Leah María Suárez is a musician and arts entrepreneur whose primary instrument is her velvet rich voice. The multilingual singer will be joined by other Charleston musicians to present an intimate evening concert, featuring traditional US American Songbook and Jazz standards, along with a global mix of standards and other selections from Latin and South America.

6:00PM
LITERARY 
ARTS

Hip Hop/Soul/New Age Concert • Enjoy back-to-back spoken word performances while surrounded by an exhibition of recent works by Arts Fest Poster Design Competition winner, Jirah Perkins. From 6-6:30pm, local poet Christopher Lucius “C-Lyric” Wynn will present The Poetry of C.O.L.O.R.S., featuring a selection of works from his debut poetry book, C.O.L.O.R.S., along with other compositions. From 6:30-7pm, Free Verse Festival and Griot and Grey Owl Black Southern Writers Conference Slam Champion Brittany Porcher, aka Ttruthseeker_thepoet, of Awendaw, SC, will present #andletthechurchsay, featuring a collection of original spoken word poetry pieces that merge Christian doctrine, blackness, humor, and faith.

11:00AM
KIDS/FAMILY

Interactive Magic Show • John Tudor‘s heartwarming magic has been enjoyed across North America for more than three decades. Join him on a journey to Egypt, India, China, and beyond, taking a few jumps in time through magic history from the past to present day.

12:00PM
DANCE

World Dance Showcase • Experience a mesmerizing display of traditional, folk, and modern dances of cultures from around the world by local performers in vibrant costumes. Lola’s Lumpia and Kona Ice will be on hand to serve up some tasty food options.

2:00PM
LITERARY
ARTS

Literary Workshop – Korean Adoptee Literature: Poetry and Prose with Maria S. Picone • Maria S. Picone is an award-winning multi-genre writer whose work speaks to her own heart and her adoption from South Korea as a child. This workshop consists of a brief author reading, followed by a session of reading and responding to prompts based on the work of other Korean adoptee writers such as Lee Herrick, Matt Salesses, Marci Calabretta Cancio-Bello, and Sun Yung Shin. Prompts will be for all levels and genres of writers to help them get creative and write. There will be time for questions and sharing works written in the workshop at the end.

3:00PM
LITERARY
ARTS

Spoken Word/Poetry Presentation • Join host Carlos Johnson, aka Los tha Host, for an afternoon of poetry, spoken word, and music. Youth poets from the Speak Freely Foundation and students from Berkeley Center for the Arts, Goose Creek High School, and Burke High School will take the stage to give their written words a voice. Special guests include Georgia Nubia and DJ G-Money.

5:00PM
KIDS/
FAMILY

Arty Block Party • Shop local while enjoying live music and roving entertainers! Vendor booths featuring local artists and makers will line the street. Musical entertainment for the evening kicks off with 2Slices (Charleston-based indie group combining catchy dance beats with soaring synth-pop melodies and psychedelic guitar) from 5-6:30pm and closes out with RasB and ReggaeInfinity (original, authentic Roots Reggae) from 7-8:30pm. It’s an art-filled evening of fun for the whole family!

5:00PM
VISUAL ARTS

Exhibition Reception – Sowing Seeds • Meet the artist behind the 2024 North Charleston Arts Fest Poster Design and view an exhibition of her recent work. Jirah Perkins’ solo exhibition features her winning design PlayPen, along with a collection of works that, through visual storytelling, explore the many layers of kinship, community, and identity. Refreshments will be served.

7:00PM
MUSIC

World Music Concert – Voyage • You are welcome here! Voyage is a deeply connected experience of spaces, stories, and sounds from the Republic of Chad to North Charleston, SC, to the Nation and World, featuring Mr.Bernoji and special guests. We are where music is. Curated by Marked Co. in collaboration with Singamong.

7:00PM
MUSIC

Concert Band Performance - Aah, Suite Spring • The Charleston Concert Band is comprised of approx. 80 professional and serious amateur musicians from throughout the Lowcountry. Their annual Spring concert will feature one of the great works for concert bands, First Suite in Eb for Military Band by British composer Gustav Holst. Other selections include The National Game march by John Philip Sousa, Rhapsody by James Curnow, featuring euphonium soloist, Tom Watson, The Voice of the Navy, featuring special vocalist Courtney Williams, and more.

2:00PM
VISUAL ARTS

Exhibition Encore • Last call! This event serves as a closing celebration for the Arts Fest’s many visual art competitions & exhibitions, including Judged Fine Art and Photography, SC Palmetto Hands Fine Craft, and Tri-County Youth Art and High School Sculpture. In addition to admiring the vast array of artwork on display, patrons can enjoy live fiber art demos by local artists.

2:00PM
MUSIC

Youth Choral Performance – Peace, Love & Harmony • The sweet voices of the Palmetto Youth Choir will welcome spring in this joyful afternoon concert. Enjoy a variety of uplifting and heartwarming musical selections, all celebrating the universal themes of peace, love, and harmony, including songs by The Beatles, Jack Johnson, Jackie DeShannon, renowned choral composer Greg Gilpin, and more! The choir will be conducted by Danielle Loveless and accompanied by Bill Gesin, with artistic direction by Regina Ruopoli.

3:00PM
MUSIC

Bluegrass Concert • Headin’ Home is a family bluegrass band hailing from Bloomingdale, GA, with a repertoire that boasts a fascinating fusion of both traditional and original material. The group consists of Jon Lindblom, dad, on upright bass and vocals; Marina Lindblom, mom, on fiddle; Luke Lindblom, on dobro and vocals; Libby Lindblom on guitar and vocals; Lucy Lindblom on mandolin and vocals; and Timothy Lindblom on banjo. This seasoned family band is a refreshing burst of youthful energy, red-hot picking, chilling vocal harmonies, an entertaining stage show, and uplifting, faith-based music rooted in the traditional bluegrass sound.

3:00PM
DANCE

Modern (+ more) Dance Matinee • This afternoon program features modern, hip-hop, jazz, and contemporary dance performances by youth and adult dancers from throughout the Lowcountry.

5:00PM
MUSIC

Gospel Concert – Gospel Music at it’s Best • Project L.O.V.E. invites one and all to this uplifting evening of music and praise featuring The Tony Washington Singers, Nikki Smalls & Friends, Helen Freeman, Minister Anthony Ravenel, Minister O.C. Riley & Friends, and more.

5:00PM
THEATRE

Theater Performance – Tales of the Lowcountry • History, ghostly legends, and occasional humor intertwine in this collection of short stories ad original plays presented by The Crabpot Players. From forgotten pirates to resilient spirits, embark on a dark journey that uncovers the secrets hidden beneath the starlit skies and flickering bonfires that bring the Lowcountry’s soul to life.