A Travel Reason For All Seasons In Charleston, S.C.

For Immediate Release, February 2010

From June through December 2010, Charleston is set to host a variety of public festivals and events. From a parade of sails along the harbor in June to hundreds of light displays at James Island County Park in December, many events will be themed to coincide with the seasons. The area’s rich history, magnificent architecture and cobblestone streets provide a backdrop where visitors will find plenty to do no matter when they visit.
Event-goers can take advantage of added value at top-rated area hotels and attractions, which offer a wide range of travel packages for most headlining events. These packages, as well as a complete list of upcoming events and information beyond the following sampling, can be found at www.ExploreCharleston.com:

Spoleto Festival USA
May 28 – June 13, 2010
Each spring, the Spoleto Festival USA takes over the historic theaters, churches and outdoor venues of Charleston with more than 120 performances by renowned artists and emerging performers. Showcased disciplines include opera, theater, dance, jazz, as well as the visual arts. For more information, please call (843) 722-2764 or visit www.spoletousa.org.

Piccolo Spoleto
May 28 – June 13, 2010
Like its parent festival, Spoleto USA, Piccolo Spoleto showcases the very best artists, writers and performers. Specifically, Piccolo Spoleto highlights artists from the Southeast region of the United States – adding to Charleston’s rich culture and fine talents. These events are geared towards families and many are priced accordingly. For more information, please call (843) 724-7305 or visit www.piccolospoleto.com.

Sweetgrass Cultural Arts Festival
June 5, 2010
Celebrating the rich Gullah and Geechee cultures, the festival will display a variety of sweetgrass baskets found in the area. Not only will guests have the opportunity to watch live performances but traditional Gullah cuisine will also be available from 15 local restaurants and vendors. For more information, please call (843) 856-9732 or visit www.sweetgrassfestival.org.

Patriots Point Independence Day Blast
July 4, 2010
Charleston celebrates America’s birthday with hot bands, a huge Kidz Zone and amazing fireworks that are lit from the flight deck of the USS Yorktown. For more information, please call (843) 884-2727 or visit www.patriotspoint.org.

2010 MOJA Arts Festival: A Celebration of African-American and Caribbean Arts
September 23- October 3, 2010
A Swahili word meaning “One,” MOJA is recognized for its ability to bring people together through a celebration of Western and world cultures. Highlighting African-American and Caribbean fine arts, MOJA will showcase everything from gospel, dance, poetry, storytelling, theatre, children's activities, traditional crafts, ethnic food, and more. For more information, call (843) 724-7305 or visit www.mojafestival.com.

34th Annual Fall Tours of Homes & Gardens
September 23 – October 24, 2010
This event is sponsored by the Preservation Society of Charleston. Visitors tour breathtaking gardens, private homes, churches and public buildings showcasing architecture from the early Georgian period to the 20th century. The tours explore Charleston’s neighborhoods which emanate with a culture that started in the Colonial area. For additional information, please call (843) 722-4630 or visit www.preservationsociety.org.

Taste of Charleston
October 8 – 10, 2010
The Greater Charleston Restaurant Association hosts this three-day gastronomical extravaganza highlighting lowcountry cuisine. It features some of Charleston’s finest, nationally recognized chefs. In addition to opportunities to sample the chefs’ creations, the event features an Iron Chef Competition, wine and beer classes, an art walk and live music. Please visit www.charlestonrestaurantassociation.com or call
(843) 577-4030 for more information.

Christmas in Charleston
December 1- 31, 2010
The Charleston area offers various holiday events during December. Visitors can partake in a progressive holiday dinner, in which they are chauffeured by a horse-drawn carriage to three dining locations. The annual Holiday Festival of Lights at James County Park goes from November 12 to January 2. Walking tours are available to explore historic homes decorated in period fashions, showcasing the area’s Southern charm. For a complete schedule of events, please visit www.christmasincharleston.com.

The mission of the Charleston Area Convention & Visitors Bureau is to unify and lead the local travel industry in marketing the Charleston area as an individual, meeting, incentive and group destination to both the domestic and international markets. For more information, visit www.ExploreCharleston.com.