Charleston Spring Events 2008

The Season of New Experiences - Charleston Spring Events 2008

On the heels of the spring flowers, homes tours and arts festivals in
Charleston come timely Lowcountry events.  Check www.charlestoncvb.com
for more information and lodging packages.

French Quarter Art Walk
1st Friday of March and May:  All 30 of the French Quarter District art
galleries open their doors to the public free of charge.  The district
encompasses East Bay, Church, Meeting, South Market, Cumberland, Queen,
Chalmers, Broad and Tradd streets, www.frenchquarterarts.com.

BB&T Charleston Food + Wine Festival
February 28-March 2: A spectacular world-class culinary weekend in the
heart of downtown Charleston, which will showcase some of the country's
best chefs, authors and wine professionals, cooking demonstrations, tastings,
dinner parties, a gospel brunch and more.  866-369-3378 or
www.charlestonfoodandwine.com

61st Annual Festival of Houses & Gardens
March 13-April 12: Sponsored by the Historic Charleston Foundation, the
Festival features interior tours of 150 privately-owned homes and gardens in
11 historic neighborhoods, and Lowcountry oyster roasts at Drayton Hall
Plantation.  Reservations 843-722-3405 or www.historiccharleston.org.

12th Annual Town of Mount Pleasant Arts Festival
March 15: This free event is open to the public and will be held at the Mt.
Pleasant Towne Centre.  Art, music, dancing, children's activities,
entertainment and exhibits will provide a fun family atmosphere for all ages. 
Two stages will be set up, along with roaming artists, craft stations and play
areas.  843-849-2061 or www.townofmountpleasant.com

Charleston Fashion Week
March 25-29: Charleston's historic Marion Square will echo New York's Bryant
Park during the NYC Fashion Week with enclosed tents filled with the latest
designer fashion wares.  The event includes a local designer competition. 
www.fashionweek.charlestonmag.com

Flowertown Festival
April 4-7: This annual recreational and cultural event is for the whole family
and is nationally recognized with over 400 vendors, entertainment, a youth
festival, the Taste of Summerville, and many extra events.  Located in Azalea
Park on Main Street in Summerville.  843-871-9622.

Cooper River Bridge Run
April 5:  Hosted by the Medical University of South Carolina, this 10K (6.2
mile) run and 4.4 mile walk begins in Mt. Pleasant, crosses the Arthur
Ravenel, Jr. Bridge, and ends in historic downtown Charleston.  843-937-4183
or www.bridgerun.com

Family Circle Cup Tennis Tournament
April 12-20: The Family Circle Cup has called Charleston home since 2001. 
Some of the biggest names in women's professional tennis will compete at the
Family Circle Tennis Center on Daniel Island to compete for one of the most
coveted trophies in professional sports.  800.677.2293 or
www.familycirclecup.com.

20th Annual Blessing of the Fleet
April 27, 2008:  This seafood festival celebrates the historical Mt. Pleasant
shrimping industry with the ceremonial Blessing of the Fleet.  The festivities
include music, fresh seafood from local restaurants and the annual shrimp
eating contest.  Alhambra Hall, 131 Middle Street, from 11:30-4:30 p.m. 843-
884-8517

North Charleston Arts Festival
May 2-10: The multi-discipline festival features local, regional and national
artists.  The free two-day main event includes 40 performances, art and
photo exhibits, hands on children's activities, art and fine craft booths, food
and more.  An array of free and ticketed events throughout the city round
out the festival week: plays, concerts, storytelling, workshops, exhibits,
street parties and more.  843-745-1087 or www.northcharleston.org.

Charleston HarborFest
May 16-18: Maritime Center and Ansonborough Field.  Come practice your
best "ARGGG!" in the authentic Pirate Camp, tour the newly constructed tall
ship named the Spirit of South Carolina, wander through the classic wooden
boat display on land and in the water, build your very own 12 foot Charleston
boat, take sailing lessons or cruise on a catamaran and listen to live music
while enjoying the sights and sounds of the Charleston waterfront.
www.charlestonharborfest.org.

Spoleto Festival USA
May 23-June 8:  Historic Charleston hosts its 30th Spoleto Festival USA with
an array of artistic performances.  Opera, jazz, theatre, orchestral, chamber,
contemporary music, literary and visual arts fill the theatres and halls of the
area during this special two weeks.  843-722-2764 or www.spoleto.org.

Piccolo Spoleto
May 23-June 8:  As the official outreach arm of Spoleto Festival USA, Piccolo
Spoleto showcases the Southeast's best artists, writers and performers
against the international backdrop of its parent festival, Spoleto.  843-724-
7305 or www.piccolospoleto.com.

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"The mission of the Charleston Area Convention & Visitors Bureau is to unify
and lead the local travel industry in marketing the Charleston area as an
individual, meeting, incentive and group destination to both the domestic and
international markets."


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