Charleston Lowcountry Festivals: 6 Events for Southern Food and Fun

South Carolina’s Lowcountry coast includes several popular destinations, including Charleston. These areas not only offer a different geography than other cities on the Atlantic Coast, but they also have distinct cultural differences. One of the best ways to experience Lowcountry living is by attending an event – and Charleston hosts several. Get ready for culture, tons of food and fun at these top Charleston Lowcountry festivals.

Charleston Lowcountry Festivals That Celebrate Culture and Food

charleston lowcountry festivals oyster

Oyster Festival (January)

January welcomes everyone to shake the winter blues and shuck oysters. All 80,000 pounds of them. One of the largest oyster festivals in the world, Lowcountry Oyster Festival has delighted guests for over 35 years.

Top events include: oyster shucking and oyster eating contests, live music, a children’s area and more activities. In addition, attendees enjoy wine, domestic and imported beers, and sample food made by local vendors.

Info: Boone Hall Plantation in Mount Pleasant, Oyster Festival tickets

Lowcountry Irish Fest (February or March)

Celebrate all things Irish at Lowcountry Irish Fest in February. Enjoy entertainment mixed with history, as the festival showcases Charleston’s founding fathers, Irish laborers and even pirates.

In addition, hear Irish pipes and drums, see live music and dancing, and participate in fun activities. Festival-goers can also sample traditional Irish cuisine and beverages.

Info: Omar Shrine Convention Center, Irish Fest tickets

charleston cajun festival food

Lowcountry Cajun Festival (April)

Louisiana flavor comes to Charleston at Lowcountry Cajun Festival in April, one of the top Charleston Lowcountry festivals. For one day, visitors experience Cajun and Creole foods, fun and Zydeco music.

Sample authentic fare including alligator, etoufee, jambalaya and crawfish, or try regional dishes such as barbecue and local seafood. The event also has live music, as well as a kids carnival with rides and games. For those brave enough, enter the crawfish easing contest and show up the competition.

Info: James Island County Park, Cajun festival tickets

Lowcountry Strawberry Festival (April)

Also in April, Lowcountry Strawberry Festival offers u-pick fields full of berries paired with family-friendly events. Pick baskets full of strawberries, and enjoy fair rides and activities.

Rides range from a calm carousel to bouncy slides and thrills. Don’t leave without attending the Miss Berry Princess, strawberry recipe contest and strawberry pie eating contests. Then stop by the petting zoo and watch dogs perform special tricks.

Info: Boone Hall Plantation, Strawberry Festival tickets

lowcountry festivals jazz charleston

Jazz Festival (September)

In September, music lovers from all over attend Lowcountry Jazz Festival presented by Closing the Gap in Health Care. The event brings together jazz performers and guests to celebrate music and discuss important health issues. Along with music and education, the event recognizes outstanding musicians and healthcare advocates in the community.

Info: North Charleston Performing Arts Center, Jazz Festival tickets

Lowcountry Hoedown (November or December)

Love bluegrass and cowboys? Head to Lowcountry Hoedown, an evening packed full of Southern entertainment and flavor. Held in November, this festival features brews, bourbon, barbecue and more goodies.

While eating and drinking, hear live bands and grab a partner to two-step the night away. Other things to do include cowboy hat toss, photo booth pics and mechanical bull rides.

Info: Visitor Center Bus Shed in downtown Charleston, Hoedown tickets

Experience these Charleston Lowcountry festivals! View available Charleston vacation rentals. Then find Charleston kids activities and things to do.