North Charleston Arts Fest

North Charleston has become a hopping city in its own right, with a myriad of trendy breweries, restaurants, newly rejuvenated neighborhoods and parks like the gorgeous Riverfront Park  -  a successful new concert and festival venue.

Although Spoleto gets most of the attention where arts festivals are concerned, the North Charleston Arts Fest has it going on, too.  2026 will mark the 43rd installment of the annual event.  It tends to focus on local and regional talent, and all of the events are free and a lot of fun.  Parking is also free at most venues.

There's a whole schedule filled with live music, theater presentations, dance performances, exhibitions, art competitions (including the National Outdoor Sculpture Competition and Exhibition), workshops and demonstrations, readings, public art installations, children's programs and much more.  

There are almost 20 different venues all around North Charleston, including ones like Riverfront Park, City Hall, the Convention Center, Fox Music House, Snafu Brewing Company, Park Circle Gallery, Madra Rua Irish Pub, and the Oak Terrace Preserve Pavilion.

Exact dates and details for 2026 haven't been annouced yet, so stay tuned.  But here's a sampling of some of the highlights from a previous NCAF:

• Wednesday   -  Opening Celebration and Art Reception Kickoff at the Convention Center (6:00 - 8:00 p.m.);
• Thursday  -  North Charleston Farmer's Market Season Kickoff ; also a Funk/Soul Concert and the African-American Fiber Art Exhibition;
• Friday  -  Children's Festival, Children's Theater Production of Schoolhouse Rock Live! and Jazz Concert;
• Saturday  -   the World Dance Showcase, and the Arty Block Party & Street Market in the Olde Village area starting at 5:00 p.m., and World Music Concert;
• Sunday  -  Bluegrass Concert, Gospel Concert,  and Modern (+ more) Dance Matinee, and Theater Performance of Tales of the Lowcountry.

Check out the website for the full schedule and details.

NOTE: Date & details for 2026 are tentative, so check back closer to the event for the latest info.