First Day Festival

Event Details

The First Day Festival is a community-wide celebration of education that encourages parents to attend school with their children on the first day, urges businesses to support parents by giving them time off to get involved in their child’s education, and enhances public engagement in our schools. The First Day Festival encourages widespread support for the education of our community’s children. Our goal is to ensure that all students are able to start school with the resources necessary to participate fully in the learning process.

Every August, Charleston welcomes thousands of students and their families to its annual First Day Festival. At the Festival, students and their families receive school supplies, discover student support services, learn about healthy snacks, and enjoy Festival entertainment such as Aquarium tours and boat rides at no cost to attendees. The Festival is made possible through contributions from individuals and businesses alike. The First Day Festival is a wonderful way to unite the community around an important cause.

This year, the 12th Annual First Day Festival will be held on Sunday, August 17, 2014 at Liberty Square at the SC Aquarium and the Charleston Maritime Center from 1:00-4:00pm.

There are a number of fun and free events taking place this year including:
-Admission into the SC Aquarium
Tours of Ft. Sumter Museum
-Boat rides
-Educational exhibits
-Healthy snacks
-Face painting
-Kids zone
-Health and Wellness exhibits
-School supplies
-Create your own shaved ice with Kona Ice!

You can also expect performances by:
-Japan Karate Institute
-LowCo Suzuki Guitar
-Flip! Gym

Charlie T. RiverDog of the Charleston RiverDogs and Cool Ray of the SC Stingrays will be there!

$1.00 parking will be available at the SC Aquarium and Gaillard Garages. School supplies and boat ride tickets are on a first-come, first-served basis.