Charleston has several big event weekends like SEWE (Southeastern Wildlife Exposition) on Valentine's weekend, which I covered in that last blog.
Perhaps the biggest weekend of all, is that of the Cooper River Bridge Run, when you’ll see tens of thousands of people running (or walking) across the stately Ravenel Bridge. It draws people from across the globe, including some of the most elite runners from Kenya, Ethiopia and beyond. Everyone is encouraged to register and take part, including YOU.
The 2026 Bridge Run’s taking place on Saturday morning, March 28th.
That very same weekend, some other major area events also are happening:
- The beloved Flowertown Festival takes over downtown Summerville from Friday, March 27th through Sunday, March 29th.
- One of the country’s biggest women’s tennis tournaments, the Credit One Charleston Open, kicks off on Saturday, March 28th on nearby Daniel Island.
- The Charleston Festival (formerly The Festival of Houses and Gardens) is also in full swing in the historic district of downtown Charleston, with several terrific tours and events going on that weekend.
Bridge Run weekend such a popular time to be here. So if you’re interested in a Charleston beach house, be sure to contact us as soon as you can. That last weekend of March books up FAST.
Cooper River Bridge Run
2026 marks the 49th running of this amazing race, the third largest 10K in the country. Wheelchair racers go first (and FLY over the Ravenel Bridge). Then the runners start at 8:00 a.m. – including world-class athletes who hardly break a sweat - followed by walkers, people pushing strollers, folks wearing kooky costumes, you name it. It’s a terrific event that’s a lot of fun to do with a group of friends and family.
The race starts on Coleman Boulevard in Mount Pleasant, heads over the Ravenel Bridge into Charleston and down historic streets, culminating in an after party at Marion Square. Read more about it on our Events page, or register here.
Flowertown Festival
Summerville’s a charming historic town that’s an easy drive up I-26 from your Isle of Palms vacation rental. For more than 50 years, they’ve been hosting the beloved Flowertown Festival - a massive family-friendly arts & crafts street fair that’s also a fundraiser for the YWCA. It traditionally kicks off the day before the Bridge Run and runs all weekend.
Centered around the downtown area filled with azaleas and other spring flowers in bloom, you’ll find vendors galore, live music, activities for the kids, and countless food options. The Flowertown Festival has been named one of the top 20 events in the Southeast.
Credit One Charleston Open
Over on Daniel Island, keep an eye peeled for the giant octagonal building. That’s the Credit One Stadium, home of the esteemed Charleston Open professional women’s tennis tournament. It’s kicking off the same day of the Bridge Run, with tournament action lasting all week.
The greatest names in women’s tennis have played this tournament, and because of how the stadium is built, you can get close to watch the action. The whole vibe around the tournament is a cool one, with meet and greets, vendors, hospitality options like the luxe Coastline Lounge and the Baseline Club, promotions and more.
Their tagline: “The greatest players. The finest fans. A premier venue. An idyllic setting. Experience tennis at its very best.”
Check out the schedule, players slated to take part, and get tickets via the official site.
The Charleston Festival
If Charlestonian houses and gardens are more your thing, this beloved local festival is just the ticket. Sponsored by the Historic Charleston Foundation, The Charleston Festival is your chance to peek behind the gates into some of downtown’s most charming places.
On Bridge Run weekend (Friday, March 27th through Sunday, March 29th), The Charleston Festival has some great options on the calendar. They include Architectural Legacy Tours, Morning and Afternoon History Walks, Music Under the Magnolias, Bubbles and Blooms, Beyond the Garden Gates tours, and a Tradd Street Tour – one of Charleston’s most charming streets. The Charleston Festival runs from March 18th through April 11th, 2026.
An IOP beach house makes the perfect home base.
Bridge Run weekend is an ideal time to gather a group of loved ones and head to the beach, whether you’re running/walking the 10K or not. Exclusive Properties’ has Isle of Palms rental homes in all sizes and for different budgets. You could opt for one of our oceanfront Isle of Palms vacation rentals. We have 19 gorgeous ones to choose from, ranging in size from five to eleven bedrooms. Wake up each morning to sweeping vistas of the sandy beach and the ocean, the surf and the waves.
If you’re taking part in the Bridge Run, it’d be nice to take a dip in a private pool after the race. We have 34 Isle of Palms weekend rentals with pools to choose from!
Just contact us, and we’ll pair you up for the best IOP beach home base for you and your group.
All best,
Lowcountry Lisa
your Isle of Palms vacation blogger