North Charleston Christmas events

To celebrate the upcoming holiday season, the City of North Charleston will feature the following public Christmas events.

Christmas Festival and Parade
Saturday, December 7, from 3:00 pm to 9:00 pm around Park Circle with the Christmas Parade beginning at 5:00 pm. The Christmas Festival includes a Holiday Market with children’s activities, craft and food vendors, and live musical performances on two stages. The Christmas Parade begins at the corner of Montague and Mixson Avenues, proceeds down Montague, around Park Circle, and concludes at Armory Park.

Immediately following the Christmas Parade, Mayor R. Keith Summey and Santa Claus will light the City’s Christmas tree located outside the front entrance of the Felix C. Davis Community Center.

Christmas Festival Schedule
3:00 pm - Police will close the Park Circle traffic circle, Montague Avenue from Mixson to the traffic circle, and Mixson and Lackawanna to West Enterprise to vehicular traffic
3:00 - 4:45 pm - Children’s activities (jump castles, petting zoo, carriage rides)
5:00 - 6:30 pm - Parade, immediately followed by the Christmas tree lighting
6:30 - 9:00 pm - Musical performances on all stages, children’s activities continue, food and craft vendors
9:00 pm - Roads opens to traffic


View North Charleston Christmas Events in a larger map

Winter Wonderland
Tuesday, December 3, from noon to 1:30 pm, Wednesday, December 4 - Friday, December 6, from 9:00 am to 1:30 pm at Armory Park. This free pre-school event provides young children an opportunity to visit Santa, participate in hands-on activities, including holiday arts & crafts, and take part in live performances and music.

For required pre-registration, contact the North Charleston Parks & Recreation Department at (843) 740-5807.

Children’s Theatre
Friday, December 6, at 10:00 am at Sterett Hall Auditorium. Atlantic Coast Theatre presents Yes, Virginia, There Is A Santa Claus. Francis P. Church’s famous newspaper reply to an inquisitive little girl is imaginatively brought to the stage in this fast paced show that pays homage to the classic holiday films of the 1940s. A reporter must follow leads to find proof about the existence of Santa Claus, realizing in the end that believing is proof enough. For grades K-8.

To purchase tickets, call (843) 740-5854. Children $2, accompanying adults free.

Breakfast with Santa
Saturday, December 7, from 8:00 am to 10:00 am at Felix C. Davis Community Center. Breakfast with Santa gives area children the opportunity to visit with Mr. and Mrs. Claus. A hearty meal is provided.

To purchase tickets, call (843) 745-1028 or visit the Felix C. Davis Community Center for $4 per person.



Film Screening - It’s A Wonderful Life
Saturday, December 7, at 7:00pm at the Olde Village Community Building. The Park Circle Film Society will feature the classic holiday film It’s A Wonderful Life, as part of the quarterly Silver Screen Series. Frank Capra's inverted take on A Christmas Carol stars Jimmy Stewart as George Bailey, a good man who's spent a lifetime giving up on his dreams in order to keep life in his small town humming. When a guardian angel named Clarence finds a despondent George poised to jump off a bridge, he shows George what life would've been like had he never been born.

All tickets sold at the door. General Admission - $5, Film Society Members - $2.

North Charleston POPS!
Saturday, December 7, at 7:30pm at the North Charleston Performing Arts Center. The POPS! presents A Rockin’ Christmas, a rockin' good time featuring the greatest pops music of the season. Classics like Santa Baby, White Christmas, Jingle Bell Rock, Merry Christmas Darling, It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year and The Christmas Song are just a few of the treats awaiting you in this high-energy holiday concert.

Ticket information

Christmas Concert
Sunday, December 8, at 7:00 pm at St. Thomas Episcopal Church. The Charleston Symphony Orchestra's wind and strings ensembles will perform familiar holiday classics to kick off the holiday season. Bring family and friends to share in the good cheer of the holiday!

Admission is free.

Village Antiques & Collectibles Holiday Market
Saturday, December 14, and Sunday, December 15, from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm each day at Felix C. Davis Community Center. The Show will feature home decor, fine antiques, furniture, collectibles, antique guns, art, jewelry, rugs, crafts, vintage toys & games, silver, pottery, china, silver, salvage items, outdoor decor, vintage instruments, and more.

Admission is $2.00, all of which will be benefits The Spay Not Slay Endowment.

_______________________________

Christmas lights and displays will shine at Park Circle and on the eight exterior islands nightly from December 7 until New Year’s Day.

Inaugural North Charleston Harvest Festival & Block Party Set for October 26

The City of North Charleston announces the inaugural Harvest Festival and Block Party featuring live musical performances, art and craft booths, costume contests and children’s activities. The fall festivities will take place in the Olde Village of North Charleston, located on East Montague Avenue near Park Circle, on Saturday, October 26, 2013, from 6:00-10:00pm. Admission and parking are free. East Montague Avenue will close to vehicular traffic from Jenkins Avenue to Virginia Avenue at 4:00pm and remain closed for the duration of the event.

The celebration features music by The Local Honeys and performances by other local arts groups from 6:00-7:30pm; a Kid’s Zone with ghost stories by the Backporch Storytellers, a student art exhibit, craft activities, carnival games, face painting and inflatables from 6:00-8:00pm; a street market showcasing fine art and crafts by members of the North Charleston Artist Guild from 6:00-9:00pm; and a street dance with festive tunes by The V-Tones from 8:00-10:00pm. Many of the restaurants in the Olde Village will offer additional programming and food and drink specials.

Other highlights include costume contests for children, adults and pets with prizes in several categories. The contests for children and adults are free to enter and prizes will be furnished by the City of North Charleston and the Olde North Charleston Merchants Association. The pet costume contest, sponsored by The Flats at Mixson, carries a $5 entry fee. Proceeds benefit the Charleston Animal Society, who will be on hand with pets available for adoption. Participants for all contests should be prepared to line up for judging at 7:30pm.

Check out information on Park Circle Films’ line-up of events taking place the same evening at parkcirclefilms.org. Artists interested in participating in the street market can do so by becoming a member of the North Charleston Artist Guild. Visit northcharlestonartistguild.org for more information.

The inaugural North Charleston Harvest Festival and Block Party is sponsored by the Olde North Charleston Merchants Association, the North Charleston Artist Guild and the City of North Charleston. For more information, visit northcharleston.org.

FREE: Fourth of July Festival in North Charleston - largest show of fireworks in the Lowcountry

Join in on the Facebook event

The City of North Charleston will hold its Fourth of July Festival at Riverfront Park on Thursday, July 4, 2013, 3:00 pm - 10:00 pm. The event and parking are free of charge and all general admission.

North Charleston’s Fourth of July Festival will feature the largest show of fireworks in the Lowcountry and one of the largest in the State of South Carolina.

The following is a schedule of events:

3:00 pm 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm 4:15 pm – 5:30 pm 5:45 pm – 7:30 pm 7:45 pm – 9:15 pm 9:15 pm – 9:45 pm

Festivities begin Island Trio Calvin Taylor Band Plane Jane Blue Dogs featuring Skylar Laine (from American Idol) Show of fireworks over the Cooper River by Zambelli Fireworks International with music performed by North Charleston Pops

Guests are invited to bring lawn chairs and blankets, as there will be no seating provided. A wide variety of food vendors will be on site. Children activities will be available free of charge, including inflatable jump castles, games, the play area, the giant sandbox, and the water fountain.

Food vendors attending the event: Vendors: DIG Rig, Smoothie Time, Kool Katz Italian Ice, Tony the P-Nut Man, Jeans Peanuts, Philly’s Italian Ice, Sweets N Treats, Zeus Grill and Seafood, Just Lemonade, Chucktown Mobile Seafood, Cast Iron Food Truck, Charlie Brown Seafood, Dulce Truck, Charleston Festival Foods, That’s How We Roll, Charleston’s Poboy Food Cart.

Riverfront Park is located on the former Charleston Naval Base, easily accessible from I-526 and I-26. Enter the former Charleston Naval Base by the McMillan Avenue or Virginia Avenue gate and turn onto Hobson Avenue. Riverfront Park signs are visible for easy to follow directions. All parking is free and shuttles will be available for the convenience of guests.

Open to the public year-round, Riverfront Park has become a favorite destination for residents and visitors. Set on the banks of the beautiful Cooper River, the park is adjacent to the historic homes once occupied by the Charleston Naval Base officers, surrounded by graceful grand oak trees and peaceful river vistas. Bordered by Noisette Creek, the park boasts a magnificent contemporary Performance Pavilion and meadow.

Riverfront Park is home to the Greater Charleston Naval Base Memorial, erected in honor of the countless military personnel and civilians that served the United States and the Greater Charleston region while the Charleston Naval Base was operational. The Memorial is the only location in the United States that displays both the Lone Sailor and the Homecoming statues. Riverfront Park is also the location of North Charleston’s Annual National Outdoor Sculpture Competition and Exhibition. A component of the 2013 North Charleston Arts Festival, the Competition and Exhibition features large-scale contemporary sculptures on display throughout the year.

Photos of previous Fourth of July Festivals.

Watch until the end to see Mayor Summey’s solo

Charleston County Hosts 2013 Earth Day Festival on April 20 at Riverfront Park

Charleston County’s Environmental Management Department invites citizens to join in celebrating Earth Day during the 2013 Earth Day Festival on Saturday, April 20. The free event will be held from 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. at Riverfront Park on the former Naval Base in North Charleston.

The 14th Annual Earth Day Festival is a celebration of Charleston County’s environmental community. The festival provides hands-on educational opportunities for all ages, and highlights the County’s environmental programs.

“Our annual Earth Day Festival provides an ideal opportunity for Lowcountry residents to learn how they can make a difference in our community at home, work and play,” said Carolyn Carusos, Charleston County Environmental Management Department’s Recycling Programs Manager. “Riverfront Park offers a beautiful waterfront setting to enjoy the diverse, fun and family-oriented activities.”

Charleston County’s Earth Day Festival attracts as many as 8,000 people each year. All participants are asked to commit to reducing waste at the event. Resource Recovery Centers will be strategically located throughout the park to collect recyclable materials and organic waste generated during the festival.

Charleston County’s Annual Earth Day Art Contest was held again this year, and students in grades kindergarten through sixth grade submitted drawings for the theme: “One Earth, One Future.” The winning artwork will be featured at the event and will be printed on the back of all festival T-shirts.

April 20 Earth Day Festival Schedule of Events:
11 a.m.: Event kickoff with Military Magnet Academy’s Marching Band
11:15 a.m.:
     Opening remarks by attending Charleston County Council members
     Awards and recognition of the Annual Earth Day Art Contest winners
     Recognition of festival volunteers

11:30 a.m.: Live performance by local step team Gentlemen of Duty & Distinction Service Brotherhood
11:45 p.m.: Live musical performance by members of the Blue Dogs, a band from Charleston
12:45 p.m.: Birds of prey demonstration by Stephen Schabel with The Avian Conservation Center
1:15 p.m.: Mad Science demonstration
1:30 p.m.: Live musical performance by Professor Bottleneck & Harmonica Frank, a German acoustic duo specializing in blues, jazz and swing with an environmental twist
2:00 p.m.: Goodwill Fashion Show
2:15 p.m.: Zumba with Prisca Denton
2:30 p.m.: Live musical performance by The Bluestone Ramblers, a South Carolina bluegrass band
3:00 p.m.: Live reptile demonstration by Kiawah Island Nature Center
3:30 p.m.: Storytelling by Hawk Hurst

Other Highlights of the 2013 Earth Day Festival: 

Over 60 environmental activities and educational displays on alternative energy, conservation, local and organic agriculture, animals and habitat preservation, litter, water and air quality, seedlings, recycling and composting
FREE shredding services (located in the parking lot)
Collection of electronic waste, such as old TVs and computers, for recycling (located in the parking lot). Bring old/unwanted electronic items to be recycled and avoid these items being disposed of in the landfill.
Goodwill donation center (located in the parking lot)
Composting Awareness Center, a focal point tent emphasizing “Are you in the Loop?” where attendees can learn about the composting cycle. Guests will receive home composting information, commercial food waste information and free compost samples.
Hands-on fun with Mad Science play stations
Water buffalo by Charleston Water Systems
Nature walks with a local naturalist
Pet Helpers will be on site providing information on animal rescue and adoptable animals
Local food vendors and food trucks offering classic festival fare plus some vegetarian options
Returning Trash-to-Treasure guest, The Yo Art Project, to assist with craft-making using recycled materials
Charleston County’s Environmental Management Department staff will:
     Provide reusable bag giveaways for the first 500 attendees
     Feature demonstrations showing the new single stream recycling truck
     Host a recycling tent with information, giveaways and prizes

Plus a whole day of fun activities, prize drawings, contests and interactive live performances

Charleston County’s Environmental Management Department thanks their contributors:

City of North Charleston
S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control

For more information on recycling or the 2013 Earth Day Festival, visit recycle.charlestoncounty.org or call (843) 720-7111.

4th of July Festival in North Charleston, feat. largest fireworks show in the State of South Carolina

The City of North Charleston will hold its Fourth of July Festival at Riverfront Park on Wednesday, July 4, 2012, 3:00 pm - 10:00 pm. The event and parking are free of charge and all general admission.

North Charleston’s Fourth of July Festival will feature the largest show of fireworks in the State of South Carolina.

The following is a schedule of events:

3:00 pm 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm 4:15 pm – 5:30 pm 5:45 pm – 7:30 pm 7:45 pm – 9:15 pm 9:15 pm – 9:45 pm

Festivities begin Common Ground Coastrunners Atlanta Pleasure Band Ruben Studdard, former American Idol Show of fireworks over the Cooper River by Zambelli Fireworks International with music performed by Equinox Jazz Band

Guests are invited to bring lawn chairs and blankets, as there will be no seating provided. No alcohol is permissible within the park. A wide variety of food vendors will be on site. Children activities will be available free of charge, including inflatable jump castles, games, the play area, the giant sandbox, and the water fountain. 

Riverfront Park is located on the former Charleston Naval Base, easily accessible from I-526 and I-26. Enter the former Charleston Naval Base by the McMillan Avenue or Virginia Avenue gate and turn onto Hobson Avenue. Riverfront Park signs are visible for easy to follow directions. All parking is free and shuttles will be available for the convenience of guests.

Photos from last year's show of fireworks.

Open to the public year-round, Riverfront Park has become a favorite destination for residents and visitors. Set on the banks of the beautiful Cooper River, the park is adjacent to the historic homes once occupied by the Charleston Naval Base officers, surrounded by graceful grand oak trees and peaceful river vistas. Bordered by Noisette Creek, the park boasts a magnificent contemporary Performance Pavilion and meadow.

Riverfront Park is home to the Greater Charleston Naval Base Memorial, erected in honor of the countless military personnel and civilians that served the United States and the Greater Charleston region while the Charleston Naval Base was operational. The Memorial is the only location in the United States that displays both the Lone Sailor and the Homecoming statues. Riverfront Park is also the location of North Charleston’s Annual National Outdoor Sculpture Competition and Exhibition. A component of the 2012 North Charleston Arts Festival, the Competition and Exhibition features large-scale contemporary sculptures on display throughout the year.

For further information, visit the City’s website at http://www.northcharleston.org.

Last year's Fourth of July Festival

2012 Earth Day Festival on April 14 at Riverfront Park

Charleston County’s Environmental Management Department will host the 2012 Earth Day Festival on Saturday, April 14, from 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. The new location for this year’s festival is Riverfront Park on the former Naval Base in North Charleston.

The County’s 13th Annual Earth Day Festival is a celebration of Charleston County’s environmental community. The festival provides hands-on educational opportunities highlighting Charleston County’s environmental programs and community in an entertaining atmosphere.

“Our Annual Earth Day Festival provides an ideal opportunity for Lowcountry residents to learn how they can make a difference in our community at home, work and play,” said Carolyn Carusos, Charleston County’s Environmental Management Recycling Programs Manager. “The new location for this year’s festival at Riverfront Park offers a beautiful waterfront setting to enjoy all the diverse, fun, family-oriented activities.”

Charleston County’s Earth Day Festival has attracted as many as 8,000 people to the free event each year. All participants are asked to commit to reducing waste at the event. Resource Recycling Centers will be strategically located throughout the park to collect recyclable materials and organic waste generated by attendees.

Charleston County’s Earth Day Art Contest was held again this year. Students in grades kindergarten through sixth grade were asked to submit drawings on Earth Day subjects with the theme of “Put Your Green Foot Forward.” The winning artwork will be featured at the event and will be printed on the back of the volunteers’ T-shirts.

Schedule of Events:

Main Stage

• 11:30 a.m.: Event kickoff with Bishop England’s Marching Band
• 12 p.m.: Opening remarks by Charleston County Council Representatives in attendance / Awards & recognition of Earth Day art contest winners and recognition of festival volunteers
• 12:30 p.m.: “We All Live Downstream” by speaker Kim Counts with the Ashley Cooper Stormwater Education Consortium
• 1 p.m.: Live performance by Shrimp City Slim, piano/vocals, specializing in Lowcountry blues & original songs
• 2 p.m.: Live performance by The 3 Dudes, Charleston’s youngest & most rocking rock band
• 3 p.m.: Live performance by Yeehaw Junction, Charleston's premier bluegrass band specializing in playing traditional bluegrass music
• 4 p.m.: Live performance by Adande African Drum & Dance Company, exploring the elements of history and entertainment combined in a single musical experience

Educational Stage

• 12:30 p.m.: Nature walk with Christine Poole / Music provided by singer, songwriter Estee Gabay
• 1 p.m.: Storytelling by Hawk Hurst
• 1:30 p.m.: Mad Science demonstration
• 2 p.m.: Birds of Prey demonstration by Stephen Schabel with The Avian Conservation Center
• 2:30 p.m.: Storytelling by Hawk Hurst
• 3 p.m.: Nature walk with Christine Poole/Reading of “The Lorax” by Bronwyn Santos with Charleston County Environmental Management
• 3:30 p.m.: Judo demonstration by Tom Rieff with Charleston Martial Arts

Other Highlights of the 2012 Earth Day Festival:

Over 60 environmental activities and educational displays on alternative energy, conservation, local and organic agriculture, animals and habitat preservation, litter, water and air quality, seedlings, recycling and composting

• Hands-on fun with Mad Science play stations
• Water buffalo by Charleston Water Systems
• Pet Helpers will be on site providing information on animal rescue and adoptable animals
• Local food vendors and food trucks offering classic festival fare plus some vegetarian options
• Returning Trash-to-Treasure guest, The Yo Art Project, to assist with craft-making using recycled materials

Charleston County Environmental Management staff will:

• Collect electronic waste, such as old TVs and computers for recycling. Bring your unwanted electronic items with you to avoid these items being disposed of in the landfill.
• Provide reusable bag giveaways for first 100 attendees
• Feature demonstrations showing the new single stream recycling truck
• Host a recycling tent with information, giveaways and prizes
• Have recycling bins for available for residents to take home
• Provide home compost information, backyard composting demonstrations and free compost samples

Plus a whole day of fun activities, prize drawings, contests and interactive live performances

Charleston County Government’s Environmental Management Department thanks their contributors:
City of North Charleston
S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control

For more information on recycling or the Earth Day Festival, visit recycle.charlestoncounty.org or call (843) 720-7111.

St. Paddy's Day Block Party & Parade

Saturday, March 17th in North Charleston on East Montague from 12:00 noon - 8:00 pm

Join the biggest St. Patrick’s Day street party in the Lowcountry on Saturday, March 17th in the Olde Village of North Charleston (located on East Montague Avenue near Park Circle). The 9th Annual “St. Paddy’s Day Block Party & Parade” is from 12:00 noon – 8:00 pm and promises fun for the entire family.
The celebration includes two stages with live music, jump castles, the City of North Charleston Cultural Arts Department family stage, face painting, bagpipe music, a mechanical bull, the Carolina Studios Mobile Studio, food vendors, corned beef and cabbage, a DJ, Irish trivia, and  much more.

Live music line-up includes:  WADATA, MOONLIGHT ALE, FOLKGRASS TRIO, KARL BYRNE, WHISKEY DIABLO, THE THREE DUDES, LIZZY PITCH, SEAN and AUSTIN LEONARD.

This year’s party will kick off with a parade starting at Park Place East (adjacent to East Montague Avenue and across from Park Circle Community Center) at 12 PM. The parade route will go down East Montague Avenue to the block party location near Virginia Avenue. The parade Grand Marshall will be city of North Charleston Council Member Todd Olds. North Charleston's Mayor Keith Summey will also participate in the parade.

East Montague Avenue will close from Park Place East to O’Hear Avenue at 11:30 am and stay closed for the duration of the parade.  East Montague will close between Virginia Avenue and  Jenkins Avenue at 10:00 am and stay closed for the duration of the block party.

The party, parade and parking are free to the public.

The 9th Annual St. Paddy’s Day Block Party and Parade is sponsored by the Madra Rua Irish Pub, Pearlstine Distributors, Cork Neighborhood Bistro, DIG in the Park, EVO Pizza, Cheerwine, The Sparrow, The Barbecue Joint and Guinness.

Christmas Events and Parade (Updated with photos)

Update: Parade photos added

___________________________________________

To celebrate the upcoming holiday season, the City of North Charleston will host the following public Christmas events.

Christmas Festival and Parade

Saturday, December 3 from 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm around Park Circle with the Christmas Parade beginning at 6:00 pm. The Christmas Festival includes a Holiday Market with children activities, craft vendors, food vendors, and live musical performances on three stages. The Christmas Parade begins at the corner of Montague and Mixson Avenues, proceeds down Montague, around Park Circle, and concludes at Armory Park.

Immediately following the Christmas Parade, Mayor R. Keith Summey and Santa Claus light the City’s Christmas tree located outside the front entrance of the Felix C. Davis Community Center.

A map displaying each event and the parade route.

Winter Wonderland

Thursday, December 1 and Friday, December 2 from 10:00 am to 12:00 noon at Armory Park. This free pre-school event provides young children an opportunity to visit Santa, participate in hands-on activities, including holiday arts & crafts, and take part in live performances and music.

Live Performances on Thursday & Friday by Becky Becker of Becky’s Box of Puppets, helping children discover the joy of reading and weaving magical tales that come to life before your eyes are two of Becky's trademarks.

For required pre-registration, contact the North Charleston Parks & Recreation Department at (843) 745-1028.

Children’s Theatre

Friday, December 2 at 10:00 am at Sterett Hall Auditorium, Atlantic Coast Theatre presents a Beatrix Potter Holiday. Famous children's author, Beatrix Potter, arrives to entertain the guests at her annual holiday party. Stories such as "The Tailor of Gloucester" and "The Rabbit's Christmas Party" come to life on stage with the help of the audience. Her most famous character, Peter Rabbit, may even surprise the guests.

This performance is full but a waiting list is available in case of cancellation. Call 740-5854 for more information.

Breakfast with Santa

Saturday, December 3 from 8:00 am to 10:00 am at Felix C. Davis Community Center. Breakfast with Santa gives area children the opportunity to visit with Mr. and Mrs. Claus. A hearty meal is provided. Tickets can be purchased Monday through Friday from 8:30 am to 4:00 pm at the Felix C. Davis Community Center for $4.00 per person.

To purchase tickets, contact the North Charleston Parks & Recreation Department at (843) 745-1028 or visit the Felix C. Davis Community Center.

$5 to $50 Gift Market

Saturday, December 3 & Sunday, December 4; 11:00 am-3:00 pm at The Meeting Place. Presented by the North Charleston Artist Guild.

The $5 to $50 Gift Market is the perfect place to purchase original art, jewelry, and fine crafts by local artists as gifts for family and friends this holiday season. Admission is free and, as the name suggests, everything will be priced at or below $50. More information at northcharlestonartistguild.org

Christmas lights and displays will shine at Park Circle and on the eight exterior islands nightly from December 3 until New Year’s Day.



PHOTOS: Christmas Festival and Parade

For general inquiries, the public should visit www.northcharleston.org or contact Sheri Pearson at (843) 740-2538.

4th of July Festival in North Charleston

The City of North Charleston will hold its July 4th Festival at Riverfront Park on Sunday, July 4, 2010, 3:00 pm - 10:00 pm. The event is free of charge and all general admission.

The following is a schedule of events:

3:00 pm	Festivities begin
3:30 pm	Welcoming remarks, Mayor R. Keith Summey
4:00 pm – 5:00 pm	CoastRunner
5:15 pm – 6:30 pm	The Blue Dogs
7:30 pm – 9:00 pm	Quiana Parler & Friends
9:00 pm – until	Show of fireworks over the Cooper River

Riverfront Park is located on the former Charleston Naval Base, easily accessible from I-526 and I-26. Enter the former Charleston Naval Base by the McMillan Avenue or Virginia Avenue gate and turn onto Hobson Avenue. Riverfront Park signs are visible for easy to follow directions. All parking is free and shuttles will be available for the convenience of guests.

View Riverfront Park in a larger map

Guests are invited to bring lawn chairs and blankets, as there will be no seating provided. No alcohol is permissible within the park. A wide variety of food vendors will be on site. Children activities will be available free of charge, including inflatable jump castles, games, the play area, the giant sandbox, and the water fountain.

Riverfront Park is open to the public year-round and has become a favorite destination for residents and visitors. Set on the banks of the beautiful Cooper River, the park is adjacent to the historic homes once occupied by the Charleston Naval Base officers, surrounded by graceful grand oak trees and peaceful river vistas. Bordered by Noisette Creek, the park boasts a magnificent contemporary Performance Pavilion and meadow.

Riverfront Park is home to the Greater Charleston Naval Base Memorial, erected in honor of the countless military personnel and civilians that served the United States and the Greater Charleston region while the Charleston Naval Base was operational. The Memorial is the only location in the United States that displays both the Lone Sailor and the Homecoming statues. Riverfront Park is also the location of North Charleston’s 5th Annual National Outdoor Sculpture Competition and Exhibition. A component of the 2010 North Charleston Arts Festival, the Competition and Exhibition features large-scale contemporary sculptures on display throughout the year.

Here's a glimpse at last year's Festival