Charleston Boat Parade

Event Details

Parade begins along Mt.Pleasant at 5:30pm, Viewing from the peninsula begins at 6:30pm

You may participate in the parade by simply registering with the city, decorating your boat from stem to stern with lights, and joining us on the water. Thousands of spectators view the parade along the route from Mt. Pleasant to Charleston each year.

The parade begins at approximately 5:30PM near the Mt. Pleasant side and ends in the Ashley River, (after processing down the Charleston side of the Cooper River), at approximately 8:00PM. We say approximately, because of various factors, including wind, current, and the ability of the boats to maintain headway.

Captains and crews will be invited to the Captain's Party at a date, time, and location to be announced. Prizes will be awarded to the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place boats in both the power and sail categories, with the best-in-show award going to the highest scoring boat overall.

For those who also wish to attend the City of Charleston's tree lighting ceremony in Marion Square on the same evening, there is ample time to get to the waterfront and enjoy both. We look forward to seeing you on the water!