The Charleston Festival (Formerly The Charleston Festival of House and Gardens)

Themed Walking Tour: Ironwork 3.13.25
9:15 am - 11:30 am

Join an exclusive walking tour with Walk and Talk Charleston to marvel at the detailed ironwork of the Holy City. Wander streets lined with masterworks of the medium, admiring the delicate filigree patterns, ornate twists, and rich details that characterize pieces dating to the 18th, 19th, and 20th centuries.

Opening Night Party 3.13.24
6:00 pm - 9:00 pm

The fabulous Opening Night Party kicks off the Charleston by Design weekend. Enjoy creative cocktails and light bites at the stunning preserved-as-found1820s historic Aiken-Rhett House, replete with live music, while honoring Charleston's unparalleled historic spaces.

Themed Walking Tour: Churches and Steeples 3.14.25
9:15 am - 11:30 am

On this walking tour, visit iconic churches such as St. Philip's, St. Michael's and the French Huguenot Church to learn about their roles in Charleston’s architectural and social history. We’ll also explore historic graveyards where ornate grave markers tell tales of the past residents who shaped the city.

Design in Mind Lecture I: Ellie Cullman 03.14.25
10:00 am - 11:30 am

Hear from Ellie Cullum, co-founder of Cullman & Kravis, who is a renowned interior designer celebrated for her timeless interior designs that seamlessly blend traditional and contemporary styles.

Design in Mind Lecture II: Ben Pentreath and Peter Pennoyer 03.14.25
1:00 pm - 2:30 pm

The 2023 and 2024 Richard R. Driehaus Prize winners, respectively, celebrated architects Ben Pentreath and Peter Pennoyer will speak together to candidly share stories of their designs and careers.

Tour: Beyond the Garden Gates 03.14.25
2:00 pm - 5:00 pm

Perfect for passionate gardeners, these tours focus on gardens and the landscape architecture of historic Charleston. Self-paced between properties, each garden includes docents to guide you through the property.

Charleston by Design Home Tour 3.14.24
3:00 pm - 5:00 pm

Explore some of Charleston's most exquisite private homes in this intimate and exclusive designer-interpreted tour. This self-paced walking tour will include expert designers at each elect location to answer questions and show you the details that take the designs to the next level. 

The Art of Dining 03.14.25
6:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Join us for The Art of Dining, an evening hosted by DOYLE's Senior Vice President and Antiques Roadshow appraiser, Reid Dunavant. Reid will explore the fascinating world of early 1800s dining, sharing insights into table settings, dining manners, and etiquette of the time. Experience the era firsthand with small bites and an authentic punch inspired by historic recipes.

Themed Walking Tour: The Living Museum 03.15.25
9:15 am - 11:30 am

Explore the living museum that is Charleston’s marvelously preserved historic district on a walking tour that navigates the evolution of the city’s famed architecture. We’ll examine how Charleston became a powerful and affluent colonial city, its roles in the Revolutionary and Civil Wars, how stylistic and practical influences from other cultures were adapted into local architecture, and how the ebbs and flows of wealth are recorded in its built environment, visible to those who know how to look.

Design in Mind Lecture III: Bobby McAlpine 03.15.25
10:00 am - 11:30 am

Join us in welcoming Bobby McAlpine, renowned architect, interior designer, and author celebrated for his poetic approach to traditional architecture and interiors, blending timeless elegance with modern sensibilities.

Design in Mind Lecture IV: Dara Caponigro, Tim Whealon, Martyn Bullard 03.15.25
1:00 pm - 2:30 pm

To conclude the lecture series, join us for an engaging conversation moderated by Dara Caponigro, the creative director of Schumacher and former editor-in-chief of Veranda, and panelists Tim Whealon, a NY-based interior designer known for his expertise in art and antiques, and Martyn Bullard, an award-winning interior designer and television personality celebrated for his eclectic, glamorous designs and work with high-profile clients. Together, they will offer an engaging discussion on design, style, and the evolution of interiors.

ACBA + Christian Sottile Tour 3.15.24
4:00 pm - 6:00 pm

Renowned architect Christian Sottile will share insights on the Courier Square project, developed with Greystar and the American College of the Building Arts, emphasizing its Charleston-inspired design. After his talk, ACBA professors will guide a tour of the college studios.

A Morning with Mottahedeh 03.16.25
9:00 am - 11:00 am

Join us in the beautifully restored Nathaniel Russell House Museum while Mottahedeh sets the breakfast table. Expert docents will be on hand to offer additional details of the ca.1808 mansion highlighting its architectural features, cultural history, and the ongoing archaeological work in the Kitchen House.

Valerie Perry: Mothers, Mavericks, and Mavens 03.17.25
11:30 am - 1:00 pm

Throughout its 350 year history, courageous and innovative women have helped shape the history of Charleston. Hear their stories as told by Valerie Perry, HCF's Assistant Director of Museums.

Morning History Walk 03.17.25
9:15 am - 11:30 am

Stroll through the Old & Historic District on a two-hour walking tour led by Charleston’s most experienced, licensed guides. No private sites or interiors are included on these walking tours.

Workshop: Calligraphy 03.18.25
10:00 am - 11:30 am

Learn the basics of the beautiful and romantic art of calligraphy with Cacky Bastian of Love Letter Gray. This lost art will take you back in time exploring the principles of pen and ink. No experience necessary, materials provided.

Workshop: Sweet Grass Basket Making 03.18.25
1:30 pm - 4:30 pm

Immerse yourself in the Gullah Geechee tradition of sweetgrass basket making. Under the skilled guidance of artisan Sarah Edwards-Hammond, this hands-on workshop teaches the art of coiling sweetgrass into intricate baskets as you discover the symbolism within each design. Supplies included. 

Morning History Walk 3.19.25
9:15 am - 11:30 am

Stroll through the Old & Historic District on a two-hour walking tour led by Charleston’s most experienced, licensed guides. No private sites or interiors are included on these walking tours.

USC Moving Images 03.19.25
11:00 am - 12:30 pm

USC will present rare footage of Charleston (c. 1920-1970), highlighting the development of its film collections, preservation challenges, and global impact. Highlights include the 1926 Ashley River Bridge opening, a celebrity visit to the old Citadel, and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s visit.

Tour: South Battery 03.19.25
2:00 pm - 5:00 pm

South Battery Street is home to a variety of mansions from late 19th century Colonial Revival to early 20th century waterfront homes that overlook White Point Gardens and the harbor.

Architectural Splendor: Tour of Showcase Houses 03.20.25
10:00 am - 12:30 pm

Architectural Splendor and Garden Splendor tours offer exclusive and intimate tours of the most magnificent properties on the peninsula, with expert guides for a more elevated experience.

Tour: Rutledge Avenue 03.20.25
2:00 pm - 5:00 pm

By the turn of the 19th century, planters and well-to-do merchants were building grand residencies in this suburban area. Along Rutledge Avenue there are some of the finest examples of Federal, Regency, Greek Revival and early Victorian architecture in the city.

Music Series: Kanika Moore 03.20.25
7:30 pm - 9:00 pm

Kanika Moore is a dynamic vocalist known for blending elements of rock, funk, jazz, and soul as the frontwoman of Doom Flamingo, a Charleston-based synth-wave rock band. In a new music project just for The Charleston Festival, join us for a jazzy side of Kanika’s powerful vocals at the historic Riviera.

Morning History Walk 03.21.25
9:15 am - 11:30 am

Stroll through the Old & Historic District on a two-hour walking tour led by Charleston’s most experienced, licensed guides. No private sites or interiors are included on these walking tours.

Karl Beck Smith: Painting Old Charleston 03.21.25
11:30 am - 1:00 pm

Karl Beckwith Smith will discuss his decades long career as a muralist and decorative painter, working in Charleston from 1992 to 2024. Karl’s colorful career has given him the opportunity to work for incredible private clients in houses downtown, wonderful institutions on the Peninsula and historic plantations around the Lowcountry. He will talk about and illustrate his process, context, and results.

Tour: Beyond the Garden Gates 3.21.25
2:00 pm - 5:00 pm

Perfect for passionate gardeners, these tours focus on gardens and the landscape architecture of historic Charleston. Self-paced between properties, each garden includes docents to guide you through the property.

Lecture on Location: Marvelous Murals with Karl Beckwith Smith 03.21.25
3:00 pm - 5:00 pm

Mural artist Karl Beckwith Smith guides guests around the neighborhoods South of Broad to showcase some of his hand painted murals in private homes. Karl will discuss his process with each unique interior or mural. This tour pairs well with his Food for Thought Lecture in the morning on the same day.

Workshop: Sunrise Photo Walkabout 03.22.25
6:00 am - 8:00 am

Join Charleston photographer Kim Graham on this sunrise photography walkabout. Step into the timeless charm of Charleston while Kim shows you some of her favorite early morning spots. This walkabout offers a chance to frame the spirit of the past and the beauty of the present through any lens. 

Tour: South Battery 03.22.25
2:00 pm - 5:00 pm

South Battery Street is home to a variety of mansions from late 19th century Colonial Revival to early 20th century waterfront homes that overlook White Point Gardens and the harbor.

Bubbles and Blooms 03.22.25
5:30 pm - 6:30 pm

Step into the romantic Nathaniel Russell House Garden at our "Blooms & Bubbles" cocktail event, where we blend the sophistication of prosecco with the beauty of the formal gardens at 51 Meeting Street. Enjoy live music, light bites and bubbly libations while exploring the 1808 mansion. 

Lecture on Location: Behind the Scenes of Middleton Place 03.23.25
10:15 am - 2:00 pm

Historic Charleston Foundation’s Director of Museums, Tracey Todd, will host an intimate behind the scenes tour of Middleton Place National Historic Landmark.

Tour: Rutledge Ave 03.23.25
2:00 pm - 5:00 pm

By the turn of the 19th century, planters and well-to-do merchants were building grand residencies in this suburban area. Along Rutledge Avenue there are some of the finest examples of Federal, Regency, Greek Revival and early Victorian architecture in the city.

Music Series: Jazz at the Emeline 03.23.25
5:00 pm - 6:00 pm

New this year, we are excited to announce Anne Caldwell of the Magnolia Singers and Roger Bellow will delight guests with an hour of jazz standards in the breezy courtyard of the Emeline. 

Morning History Walk 03.24.25
9:15 am - 11:30 am

Stroll through the Old & Historic District on a two-hour walking tour led by Charleston’s most experienced, licensed guides. No private sites or interiors are included on these walking tours.

Natasha Boyd: Indigo Girl 03.24.25
11:30 am - 1:00 pm

Back by popular demand, internationally award-winning author, Natasha Boyd, will share the astounding accomplishments of Eliza Lucas Pinckney, who as a teenaged girl developed one of South Carolina’s most lucrative cash crops. So influential was Eliza in early America, President George Washington served as a pallbearer at her funeral. Boyd’s novel, The Indigo Girl, is based on historical documents, including Eliza's letters.

Workshop: Quilting with Rick 03.25.25
10:00 am - 1:00 pm

Join experienced and passionate quilter Rick Sanchez to learn the art of hand stitching and quilting an Antique Block. Rick will guide the class through the process of creating their own quilt square. No experience necessary and supplies included.

Workshop: Sweet Grass Basket Making 03.25.25
1:30 pm - 4:30 pm

Immerse yourself in the Gullah Geechee tradition of sweetgrass basket making. Under the skilled guidance of artisan Sarah Edwards-Hammond, this hands-on workshop teaches the art of coiling sweetgrass into intricate baskets as you discover the symbolism within each design. Supplies included. No experience needed.

Workshop: Colonial Cocktails - Rum + Madeira 03.25.25
5:30 pm - 7:00 pm

Enjoy a sip of Colonial mixology courtesy of a partnership between Historic Charleston Foundation and Mount Gay Rum. Learn about the connection between Barbados and Charleston and the origins of the rum trade, dating back to the 17th century. This class offers light bites and three cocktail samples.

Morning History Walk 03.26.25
9:15 am - 11:30 am

Stroll through the Old & Historic District on a two-hour walking tour led by Charleston’s most experienced, licensed guides. No private sites or interiors are included on these walking tours.

The Journey of Mottahedeh 03.26.25
11:00 am - 12:30 pm

President of Mottahedeh, Wendy Kvalheim, will talk about the development of the porcelain industry and how East meets West. Wendy will talk about its journey to the contemporary dinner table, a place of beauty and culture.

Tour: Tradd Street 03.26.25
1:00 pm - 5:00 pm

Said to be named after the first child of European descent born in Charles Town, this street and neighborhood contain a fascinating collection of early 18th-century houses.

Sunset Harbor History Boat Tour 03.26.25
6:00 pm - 7:45 pm

Add to your festival experience and embark on a captivating boat tour! Guests will explore Charleston’s Harbor by boat while our expert historian narrates a time in Charleston’s history when the city was a crucible of American independence. Light bites and a cash bar will be available on board.

Themed Walking Tour: The Living Museum 03.27.25
9:15 am - 11:30 am

Explore the living museum that is Charleston’s marvelously preserved historic district on a walking tour that navigates the evolution of the city’s famed architecture. We’ll examine how Charleston became a powerful and affluent colonial city, its roles in the Revolutionary and Civil Wars, how stylistic and practical influences from other cultures were adapted into local architecture, and how the ebbs and flows of wealth are recorded in its built environment, visible to those who know how to look.

Architectural Splendor: Tour of Showcase Houses 03.27.25
10:00 am - 12:30 pm

Architectural Splendor and Garden Splendor tours offer exclusive and intimate tours of the most magnificent properties on the peninsula, with expert guides for a more elevated experience.

Tour: King St 03.27.25
2:00 pm - 5:00 pm

Untouched by the great fires that ravaged Charleston, this neighborhood boasts architecture from early Georgian to late Victorian, from modest artisans’ houses to grand townhouses. 

Music Series: Charlton Singleton & the Honeycomb Jazz Orchestra 03.27.25
7:30 pm - 9:00 pm

A native of Awendaw, SC, Charlton Singleton is the founding member of the Grammy award-winning ensemble, Ranky Tanky, a quintet that interprets the sounds of Gullah from the Lowcountry. In 2017 Ranky Tanky reached the top of the Billboard charts with their self-titled album followed by a Grammy Award for “Best Regional Roots Album” in 2019. As a performer, Charlton leads his own ensembles that vary in size and style. For the 2025 Festival, Charlton is back "home" in the Holy City with his Honeycomb Jazz Orchestra.

Morning History Walk 03.28.25
9:15 am - 11:30 am

Stroll through the Old & Historic District on a two-hour walking tour led by Charleston’s most experienced, licensed guides. No private sites or interiors are included on these walking tours.

Architectural Splendor: Tour of Showcase Houses 03.28.25
10:00 am - 12:30 pm

Architectural Splendor and Garden Splendor tours offer exclusive and intimate tours of the most magnificent properties on the peninsula, with expert guides for a more elevated experience.

Music Series: Under the Magnolias 03.28.25
5:00 pm - 7:00 pm

Known for their gift of historic storytelling through song, The Magnolia Singers will perform a collection of Gullah music and spirituals under the beautiful magnolia trees of the Aiken-Rhett House’s hallowed grounds.

Morning History Walk 03.29.25
9:15 am - 11:30 am

Stroll through the Old & Historic District on a two-hour walking tour led by Charleston’s most experienced, licensed guides. No private sites or interiors are included on these walking tours.

Tour: Tradd Street 03.29.25
2:00 pm - 5:00 pm

Said to be named after the first child of European descent born in Charles Town, this street and neighborhood contain a fascinating collection of early 18th-century houses.

Bubbles and Blossom 03.29.25
5:30 pm - 6:30 pm

Step into the romantic Nathaniel Russell House Garden at our "Blooms & Bubbles" cocktail event, where we blend the sophistication of prosecco with the beauty of the formal gardens at 51 Meeting Street. Enjoy live music, light bites and bubbly libations while exploring the grandeur of the 1808 mansion. 

Russell House Coffee and Tour Featuring Baxter Mills Textile Archives 03.30.25
9:00 am - 11:00 am

Enjoy a morning coffee and light breakfast in the formal garden of the Nathaniel Russell House Museum before touring the beautifully restored ca. 1808 mansion. Expert docents will highlight its architecture, cultural history, and ongoing archaeology in the Kitchen House.

Tour: King Street 03.30.25
2:00 pm - 5:00 pm

Untouched by the great fires that ravaged Charleston, this neighborhood boasts architecture from early Georgian to late Victorian, from modest artisans’ houses to grand townhouses.

Morning History Walk 03.31.25
9:15 am - 11:30 am

Stroll through the Old & Historic District on a two-hour walking tour led by Charleston’s most experienced, licensed guides. No private sites or interiors are included on these walking tours.

Just Schwebler: From St. George's to Charles Towne - History of Bermuda Stone 03.31.25
11:30 am - 1:00 pm

Bermuda stone was first used in Charleston by Bermudian immigrants and traders in the late 17th century and was imported in great quantities throughout the 18th century. Join Justin Schwebler, Preservation Manager at Historic Charleston Foundation, who will share the history of Bermuda stone’s importation, use, and locations in Charleston where it still exists today.

Themed Walking Tour: Pink House 04.01.25
9:15 am - 11:30 am

Step into a world where history is painted in shades of pink! Join us on a picturesque walking tour through Charleston's historic district as we explore the city's charming pink houses. This unique walking tour will immerse you in the stories and secrets behind Charleston's rosy-hued architecture, showcasing how pink buildings span every architectural style and socioeconomic level. Discover the vibrant spectrum of pink houses, from quaint cottages to grand mansions. Each stop reveals a new layer of Charleston's rich architectural tapestry, adorned in pink!

Workshop: Calligraphy 04.01.25
10:00 am - 11:30 am

Learn the basics of the beautiful and romantic art of calligraphy with Cacky Bastian of Love Letter Gray. This lost art will take you back in time exploring the principles of pen and ink. No experience necessary, materials provided.

Workshop: Container Gardening Demonstration 04.01.25
1:00 pm - 2:30 pm

This engaging demonstration with Meeting Green guides you through the essentials; from container options to the perfect micro-climate plants. Valuable tips on plant selection, watering, fertilization and maintenance will ensure your container garden can thrive beautifully throughout the year.

Tour: Anson Street 04.01.25
2:00 pm - 5:00 pm

Although North of Broad, Anson Street's antebellum houses boast Regency and Greek Revival details and were built in the years between the Great Fire of 1838 and the outbreak of the Civil War.

Workshop: Cocktail Bandits 04.01.25
5:30 pm - 7:00 pm

Elevate your bar skills with Charleston-based mixologists, The Cocktail Bandits. Johnny and Taneka will explore the history behind some of our favorite spirits while you savor your cocktail creations. Cheers to an evening of delicious discoveries. 

Morning History Walk 04.02.25
9:15 am - 11:30 am

Stroll through the Old & Historic District on a two-hour walking tour led by Charleston’s most experienced, licensed guides. No private sites or interiors are included on these walking tours.

The Grimke Sisters 04.02.25
11:00 am - 12:30 pm

The novel The Invention of Wings was inspired by daring real-life abolitionists Sarah and Angelina Grimké. Valerie Perry, HCF’s Assistant Director of Museums, will describe how she assisted author Sue Monk Kidd with research for the novel. Lee Ann Bain, certified tour guide, will discuss how she separated fact from fiction to develop The Original Grimké Sisters Tour with her colleague Carol Ezell- Gilson.

Tour: Church Street 04.02.25
2:00 pm - 5:00 pm

Often called “the most romantic street in America,” Church Street is a visible record of Charleston’s history. Colonial and Georgian period dwellings stand beside charming gardens and historic churches. 

Sunset Harbor History Boat Tour 04.02.25
6:00 pm - 7:45 pm

Add to your festival experience and embark on a captivating boat tour! Guests will explore Charleston’s Harbor by boat while our expert historian narrates a time in Charleston’s history when the city was a crucible of American independence. Light bites and a cash bar will be available on board.

Themed Walking Tour: Ironwork 04.03.25
9:15 am - 11:30 am

Join an exclusive walking tour with Walk & Talk Charleston to marvel at the detailed ironwork of the Holy City. Wander streets lined with masterworks of the medium, admiring the delicate filigree patterns, ornate twists, and rich details that characterize pieces dating to the 18th, 19th, and 20th centuries. Learn about the skilled artisans who crafted these timeless pieces, and discover how they fit into the architectural and cultural fabric of the city. This tour, created just for Charleston by Design, celebrates the craftsmanship, history, and enduring beauty of Charleston’s ironwork.

Garden Splendor Tour 04.03.25
10:00 am - 12:30 pm

Architectural Splendor and Garden Splendor tours offer exclusive and intimate tours of the most magnificent properties on the peninsula, with expert guides for a more elevated experience.

Tour: Anson Street 04.03.25
2:00 pm - 5:00 pm

Although North of Broad, Anson Street's antebellum houses boast Regency and Greek Revival details and were built in the years between the Great Fire of 1838 and the outbreak of the Civil War.

Music Series: The Plantation Singers 04.03.25
5:30 pm - 6:30 pm

The Plantation Singers, one of the Southeast's most acclaimed a cappella groups, will bring the rich and energetic performances of Gullah spirituals to The Charleston Festival. Guests will have two performances to choose from, both held at the historic First Baptist Church, 48 Meeting Street.

Morning History Walk 04.04.25
9:15 am - 11:30 am

Stroll through the Old & Historic District on a two-hour walking tour led by Charleston’s most experienced, licensed guides. No private sites or interiors are included on these walking tours.

Michael Moore: Robert Smalls, The Inside Story 04.04.25
11:30 am - 1:00 pm

Author of Freedom on the Sea, an illustrated children’s book about Robert Smalls, and an Associate Producer for the upcoming graphic novel and feature film Defiant, Michael Moore is a direct descendant of Robert Smalls. Michael shares the heroic story of Robert Smalls and his legendary liberation of CSS Planter during the American Civil War. Few people have the inside knowledge and provenance of Michael Moore to retell the history of this remarkable American statesman.

Tour: Beyond the Garden Gates 04.04.25
2:00 pm - 5:00 pm

Perfect for passionate gardeners, these tours focus on gardens and the landscape architecture of historic Charleston. Self-paced between properties, each garden includes docents to guide you through the property.

Campus Tour and Workshop at American College of Building Arts 04.04.25
3:00 pm - 5:00 pm

Join ACBA professors for a panel and Q&A on student and faculty projects, preservation education, and craftsmanship in stone, plaster, timber framing, carpentry, design, and blacksmithing. Afterward, enjoy refreshments and a guided workshop and campus tour. 

Bubbles and Blooms 04.05.25
5:30 pm - 6:30 pm

Step into the romantic Nathaniel Russell House Garden at our "Blooms & Bubbles" cocktail event, where we blend the sophistication of prosecco with the beauty of the formal gardens at 51 Meeting Street. Enjoy live music, light bites and bubbly libations while exploring the grandeur of the 1808 mansion. 

Tour: Church Street 04.06.25
2:00 pm - 5:00 pm

Often called “the most romantic street in America,” Church Street is a visible record of Charleston’s history. Colonial and Georgian period dwellings stand beside charming gardens and historic churches. 

Blues and BBQ on the Battery 04.06.25
5:00 pm - 7:00 pm

Join us for an evening of music and southern BBQ on the Battery at 40 East Bay Street, Historic Charleston Foundation's headquarters. Enjoy a BBQ dinner with a waterfront view provided by the local legend Jamie Westendorff.

Morning History Walk 04.07.25
9:15 am - 11:30 am

Stroll through the Old & Historic District on a two-hour walking tour led by Charleston’s most experienced, licensed guides. No private sites or interiors are included on these walking tours.

Andrew Agha: Recent Archaeological Discoveries from the Russell House 04.07.25
11:30 am - 1:00 pm

Enjoy a light lunch and lecture at Historic Charleston Foundation's headquarters overlooking The Battery. 

Themed Walking Tour: Churches and Steeples 04.08.25
9:15 am - 11:30 am

Delve into the stories behind Charleston's historic churches, steeples, and graveyards with Walk & Talk Charleston. On this walking tour, visit iconic churches such as St. Philip's, St. Michael's, and the French Huguenot Church to learn about their roles in Charleston’s architectural and social history. We’ll also explore historic graveyards and cemeteries where ornate grave markers tell tales of the past residents who shaped the city we love today.

Workshop: Quilting with Rick 04.08.25
10:00 am - 1:00 pm

Join experienced and passionate quilter Rick Sanchez to learn the art of hand stitching and quilting an Antique Block. Rick will guide the class through the process of creating their own quilt square. No experience necessary and supplies included.

Workshop: Container Gardening Demonstration 04.08.25
1:00 pm - 2:30 pm

This engaging demonstration with Meeting Green guides you through the essentials; from container options to the perfect micro-climate plants. Valuable tips on plant selection, watering, fertilization and maintenance will ensure your container garden can thrive beautifully throughout the year.

Workshop: Colonial Cocktails - Rum + Madeira 04.08.25
5:30 pm - 7:00 pm

Enjoy a sip of Colonial mixology courtesy of a partnership between Historic Charleston Foundation and Mount Gay Rum. Learn about the connection between Barbados and Charleston and the origins of the rum trade, dating back to the 17th century. This class offers light bites and three cocktail samples.

Morning History Walk 04.09.25
9:15 am - 11:30 am

Stroll through the Old & Historic District on a two-hour walking tour led by Charleston’s most experienced, licensed guides. No private sites or interiors are included on these walking tours.

Ted + Matt Lee: Catering to Charleston -A Social History of Moveable Feasts & Large Parties 04.09.25
11:00 am - 12:30 pm

James Beard award-winning authors, Ted and Matt Lee, are brothers and culinary colleagues who grew up and learned to cook in Charleston. Harnessing their careers as celebrity food journalists, cookbook authors, and television commentators, the sought-after duo present a history of catering and entertaining in Charleston.

Tour: East Bay Street 04.09.25
2:00 pm - 5:00 pm

Colorful 18th century dwellings which once housed shops on the entry level intermingle with grand antebellum mansions. Panoramic views of Charleston Harbor further enhance the allure of this area. 

Themed Walking Tour: The Living Museum 04.10.25
9:15 am - 11:30 am

Explore the living museum that is Charleston’s marvelously preserved historic district on a walking tour that navigates the evolution of the city’s famed architecture. We’ll examine how Charleston became a powerful and affluent colonial city, its roles in the Revolutionary and Civil Wars, how stylistic and practical influences from other cultures were adapted into local architecture, and how the ebbs and flows of wealth are recorded in its built environment, visible to those who know how to look.

Garden Splendor Tour 04.10.25
10:00 am - 12:30 pm

Architectural Splendor and Garden Splendor tours offer exclusive and intimate tours of the most magnificent properties on the peninsula, with expert guides for a more elevated experience.

Music Series: The Plantation Singers 04.10.25
5:30 pm - 6:30 pm

The Plantation Singers, one of the Southeast's most acclaimed a cappella groups, will bring the rich and energetic performances of Gullah spirituals to The Charleston Festival. Guests will have two performances to choose from, both held at the historic First Baptist Church, 48 Meeting Street.

Morning History Walk 04.11.25
9:15 am - 11:30 am

Stroll through the Old & Historic District on a two-hour walking tour led by Charleston’s most experienced, licensed guides. No private sites or interiors are included on these walking tours.

Garden Splendor Tour 04.11.25
10:00 am - 12:30 pm

Architectural Splendor and Garden Splendor tours offer exclusive and intimate tours of the most magnificent properties on the peninsula, with expert guides for a more elevated experience.

Robert Rosen: The Men at the Battle of Fort Sullivan 04.11.25
11:30 am - 1:00 pm

Third generation Charlestonian, Robert Rosen, is the author of A Short History of Charleston and Confederate Charleston, and more. Join Robert in a storytelling journey to the Battle of Sullivan's Island and into the lives of the soldiers engaged in the first decisive patriot victory over the British Royal Navy, which shocked the world and protected Charleston during a critical early stage of the American Revolution.

Tour: Beyond the Garden Gates 04.11.25
2:00 pm - 5:00 pm

Perfect for passionate gardeners, these tours focus on gardens and the landscape architecture of historic Charleston. Self-paced between properties, each garden includes docents to guide you through the property.

Campus Tour and Workshop at American College of Building Arts 04.11.25
3:00 pm - 5:00 pm

Join ACBA professors for a panel and Q&A on student and faculty projects, preservation education, and craftsmanship in stone, plaster, timber framing, carpentry, design, and blacksmithing. Afterward, enjoy refreshments and a guided workshop and campus tour. 

Family Stroll and Storytime 04.12.25
9:00 am - 11:00 am

Join us for a stroll along The Battery, ending with a story time of local children’s books in White Point Gardens, lead by a Historic Charleston Staff member. 

Workshop: Photo Walkabout 04.12.25
9:00 am - 11:00 am

Step into the timeless charm of Charleston on a captivating instructional photography walkabout. At every turn, this walkabout offers a chance to frame the spirit of the past and the beauty of the present through any lens. All skill levels are welcome.

Morning History Walk 04.12.25
9:15 am - 11:30 am

Stroll through the Old & Historic District on a two-hour walking tour led by Charleston’s most experienced, licensed guides. No private sites or interiors are included on these walking tours.

Tour: East Bay Street 04.12.25
2:00 pm - 5:00 pm

Colorful 18th century dwellings which once housed shops on the entry level intermingle with grand antebellum mansions. Panoramic views of Charleston Harbor further enhance the allure of this area. 

Bubbles and Blooms 04.12.25
5:30 am - 6:30 pm

Step into the romantic Nathaniel Russell House Garden at our "Blooms & Bubbles" cocktail event, where we blend the sophistication of prosecco with the beauty of the formal gardens at 51 Meeting Street. Enjoy live music, light bites and bubbly libations while exploring the grandeur of the 1808 mansion. 

NRH Coffee and Tour feat. Baxter Mills Textile Archives
9:00 am - 11:00 am

Enjoy a morning coffee and light breakfast in the formal garden of the Nathaniel Russell House Museum before touring the beautifully restored ca. 1808 mansion. Expert docents will highlight its architecture, cultural history, and ongoing archaeology in the Kitchen House.