Dancing on the Cooper

One of the more popular seasonal events comes back each summer, sponsored by the good folks at Charleston County Parks and Rec.  You can dance to live bands as the sun sets over Charleston.  

It's gotten so popular over the years, they've expanded both the theme and the dates.  What started as Shaggin’ on the Cooper has now become Dancing on the Cooper.  The shag is the official dance of South Carolina and has been ever since 1984, and the event orginaly focused on shagging and beach music.  But this year, they've enlarged the variety of music genres to include country, rock, pop, jazz, funk and blues. The season now starts in April and lasts into October.

They take place on Saturday evenings on the pier at Waterfront Memorial Park, underneath the Ravenel Bridge on the Mount Pleasant side of the Cooper River. 

The event is a whole lot of fun and draws a wide crowd.  Word to the wise  -  it often sells out in advance, so get tickets early.  You can do so through the website. 

Here are the dates and musical lineup for 2022’s Dancing on the Cooper:

• April 23: Mason Dixon Band (Country and Southern Rock)
• May 21: Shem Creek Boogie Band (Beach and Shag)
• June 18: Pop Rock Cult (Pop and Rock)
• July 4 Uncle Sam Jam: Dave Landeo & The Sol Beats 
• July 9: The Coppertones (Beach and Shag)
• July 30: Wet Nose Dogs (Eclectic Soul, Blues, and Alternative Rock
• August 20: Vinyl Daze (Beach and Shag)
• September 17: Louie D Project (Funk, Jazz, and Blues)
• October 1: The Spazmatics (Funky 80’s and 90’s)

Gates open at 7:00 p.m., and the live bands start playing at 7:30 p.m.  The fun lasts till 10:30 p.m. 

Tickets are just $8 advance via the website or $10 at the gate (if there are any left).  Food and beverages will be available for purchase at the pier’s gift shop.  You’re encouraged to bring chairs, as seating is limited, but please leave outside alcohol, food, coolers, pets, smoking or vaping devices at home. 

This is a wholesome event perfect for all ages.  Paid and registered chaperones are required for those under the age of 15.  Kids three and under are free.

Waterfront Memorial Park is located at 71 Harry Hallman Boulevard in Mount Pleasant.