Charleston Events in March: A Curated Guide to Culture, History & Seasonal Beauty
- Monica Edwards
- Mar 3
- 7 min read
March in Charleston arrives with the promise of spring, ushering in a season of celebration, culture, and connection. At the heart of the month’s happenings are three marquee events that draw visitors from near and far—the Charleston Wine + Food Festival, an indulgent showcase of the region’s culinary artistry; The Charleston Festival, a month-long tribute to the city’s historic homes, gardens, and cultural heritage; and The Charleston Show, a premier antiques fair bringing together exquisite pieces from around the world.
While these signature gatherings set the stage for an unforgettable month, Charleston’s event calendar offers far more than the grand and the glamorous. Beyond the bustling crowds, you’ll find thoughtfully curated experiences—intimate concerts, literary talks, historical deep dives, and artistic encounters—all inviting you to savor Charleston’s refined spirit in a more personal way. Here’s a look at some of the most noteworthy Charleston Events in March.
{Photo Credits: left, The Charleston Library Society for "12th Generation of a 300-Year-Old Palace" and right, by Monica Edwards for "Archaeological Excavations at the Heyward-Washington House"}
Top Charleston Events in March: Curated Activities for Connection and Culture
March 3–9
First Friday ArtWalks
When: February 7, 5–8 p.m.
Where: Downtown Charleston
Conversations with a Curator in the Archives: Celebrating Women of Charleston
When: March 7, 10:30 a.m.
Where: The Charleston Museum
2nd Sunday on King Street
When: March 9, 12–5 p.m.
Where: King Street (from Queen to Calhoun)
March 10–16
The Charleston Festival
When: March 13–April 13
Where: Various locations through Charleston
Details: Month-long Daily Events, Walks, Tours, Workshops
Curator-led Tour of new exhibition, Beyond the Ashes: The Lowcountry’s New Beginnings
When: March 13, 3:30 p.m.
Where: The Charleston Museum
Spring Strings with CSO: Schubert’s Trout Quintet
When: March 13 & 14, 7–8:30 p.m.
Where: The Library Society
The Charleston Festival: Themed Walking Tour: Ironwork
When: March 13, 9:30–11:30 a.m.
Where: Capt. James Missroon House, 40 E Bay St
Archaeological Excavations at the Heyward-Washington House
When: March 14, 2–5 p.m. and March 15, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Where: The Heyward-Washington House
*Fee: Free to Charleston Museum members and free with house admission.
*Details: Experience an archaeological dig firsthand and see excavations of one of the earliest documented parts of colonial Charleston. The Charleston Museum Archaeologist and the College of Charleston Archaeology Department faculty and students will be on-site to answer questions and provide insights into artifacts and history from some of the earliest recorded parts of Charleston lying just beneath our feet.
Adult Hands-on History: Paleontology Edition
When: March 14, 5:30–7:30 p.m
Where: The Charleston Museum *Fee: $15 Charleston Museum members and $25 for non-members
*Details: New after-hours adults-only event. Meet Curator of Natural History Matthew Gibson and learn more about the Museum’s extensive fossil collection. Get hands-on with real fossils as Gibson teaches you how to create a fossil cast to take home. Visit our charm and jewelry bar to create jewelry with shark’s teeth. Guests are also invited to bring their own fossil finds to have them identified by the curator.
March 17–23
The Charleston Festival
When: March 13–April 13
Where: Various locations through Charleston
The Charleston Festival: Calligraphy Workshop
When: March 18, 10–11:30 a.m.
Where: Capt. James Missroon House, 40 E Bay St
12th Generation of a 300-Year-Old Palace
When: March 18, 6–7:00 p.m.
Where: The Library Society
*Fee: $35, members. $45, non-members.
*Details: The twelfth generation of Blenheim’s proprietors, Lady Henrietta Spencer-Churchill, interior designer and daughter of the 11th Duke of Marlborough, will walk attendees through the halls of her family estate through her newest publication, Blenheim: 300 Years of Life in a Palace.
Pub Week Debut with Patti Callahan Henry
When: March 20, 6–7:00 p.m.
Where: The Library Society
*Fee: $32, includes book or $42, 1 book, 2 people.
*Details: Returning to the Main Reading Room, welcome lauded and bestselling author of The Secret Book of Flora Lea, Patti Callahan Henry, for her pub week debut of The Story She Left Behind – the emotional tale of a legendary book, a lost mother, and a daughter’s search for them both
Design à la Française
When: March 21, 10:30 a.m.–11:30 a.m.
Where: The Library Society
The Charleston Show
When: March 21–23
Where: Charleston Festival Hall
*Details: 30 exhibitors from the United States, England and Europe showcasing the best period to mid-century furniture, traditional and contemporary art and ceramics, jewelry, folk art, oriental rugs, silver, prints and maps, garden and architectural antiques.
March 24–28
The Charleston Festival
When: daily thru April 13
Where: Various locations through Charleston
SOLD OUT
The Charleston Festival: Indigo Girl: Food for Thought Lecture with author, Natasha Boyd
When: March 24, 11:30 a.m–1 p.m.
Where: Capt. James Missroon House, 40 E Bay St
Celebrating Italian Cinema
When: March 27, 6–7:00 p.m. plus March 28 5 & 7:00 p.m.
Where: The Library Society & Queen Street Theatre
*Fee: $40, members. $50, non-members
*Details: A reception and film talk on the 27th at CLS to kick off the Cinema Ritrovato On Tour festival, featuring Italian cocktails and a presentation by scholar Kim Tomadjoglou, audio and visual curator and archivist. Dr. Tomadjoglou will share clips and insights into the work required along with examples of how collective film viewing is critical to preserving our history in film. Tickets include a screening on the 28th of a double-header of classic movies at the Queen Street Playhouse, recently restored by the Cineteca di Bologna.
Workshop:Illuminated Manuscripts: A Journey Along the Silk Road
When: March 28, 9:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Where: The Library Society
*Fee: $250, members. $350, non-members
*Details: Join Director of Development Jen Comer and Director of Conservation James Davis for a special Bindery workshop exploring the history of illuminated manuscripts and the Silk Road’s role in shaping global literary traditions. Participants will step into a medieval scribe’s workshop, using traditional tools and materials to create their own illuminated page. A hands-on experience for history and art enthusiasts alike where you will make a page of your own.
SOLD OUT
The Charleston Festival: Behind the Scenes of Preservation at the Aiken-Rhett House
When: March 28, 3–5 p.m.
Where: Aiken Rhett House
More Ways to Experience Charleston Events in March
{Photo credits: Monica Edwards}
Beyond the scheduled events, March offers countless ways to immerse yourself in Charleston’s beauty, history, and culture. Whether it’s a leisurely garden stroll, an exploration of the city’s ironwork, or a quiet afternoon in one of Charleston’s storied spaces, these curated experiences invite you to engage with the city in a deeper way. Here are seven ways to embrace the season while discovering the essence of Charleston.
Embrace the Arrival of Spring in Charleston’s Gardens
As the city awakens from winter, March is one of the most breathtaking months to visit Charleston’s historic gardens. Camellias linger, azaleas begin their show, and wisteria drapes the city in purple blooms. A leisurely stroll through Middleton Place, Magnolia Plantation, or the gardens of The Charleston Festival will reveal the beauty of the season in full bloom.
👉 Plan your route: 6 Plantations & Gardens in Charleston to See
Explore Charleston’s Iconic Ironwork on a Guided Walking Tour
Charleston’s ornate ironwork is more than decoration—it’s a legacy shaped by the city’s artisans. From grand gates to intricate balconies, each piece tells a story of craftsmanship and tradition. Our Knowing Charleston series explores the people who shape her, and this March, you can experience that legacy firsthand with a guided walking tour dedicated to Charleston’s ironwork.
👉 Read More: Knowing Charleston: The Company She Keeps
👉 Join the Tour: Charleston Festival: Themed Walking Tour – Ironwork
Indulge in a Seasonal Lowcountry Dinner
With spring comes fresh seasonal ingredients that shape Charleston’s best dishes. March is the perfect time to enjoy delicate seafood, fresh greens, and classic Lowcountry flavors that highlight the region’s rich culinary heritage. From time-honored recipes to innovative takes on Southern staples, savor a meal that reflects the season’s bright and fresh beginnings.
Step Inside Charleston’s Most Beautiful Homes
Each spring, The Charleston Festival offers a rare opportunity to step beyond the gates of private historic homes, showcasing the city’s architectural beauty and dedication to preservation. While these exclusive tours are a highlight of the season, Charleston is also home to several museum houses that offer year-round access to the city’s storied past. These historic homes provide a glimpse into Charleston’s history, craftsmanship, and enduring charm.
👉 Go Inside: 5 Best Historic House Tours in Charleston
Experience Art & Culture at Charleston’s Museums
As spring breathes new life into Charleston, it’s also the perfect time to explore the city’s museums, where history, art, and culture are preserved year-round. Whether you’re drawn to fine art, historic artifacts, or the stories of the people who shaped the city, Charleston’s museums offer a deeper connection to its past and present. Spend a quiet afternoon wandering through exhibits, discovering hidden gems, and gaining a fresh perspective on the Holy City’s rich cultural heritage.
👉 Discover More: Best Charleston Museums to Visit in 2025
Take a Leisurely Stroll Through Charleston’s Blooming Streets
March welcomes the first burst of spring in Charleston, with wisteria-draped gates, azaleas in full bloom, and jasmine scenting the air. It’s the perfect time to wander the city’s most picturesque streets, where every turn offers a new scene of color and charm. From the historic homes along Tradd Street to the hidden pathways of Church Street, a springtime stroll through Charleston is an experience in itself.
👉 Plan Your Walk: Top Streets to Explore in Charleston
Embrace the Return of Warm Mornings with a Beach Walk
As March ushers in milder temperatures, it’s the perfect time to return to sunrise strolls along Charleston’s shores. The chill of winter fades, making way for peaceful mornings spent walking along Sullivan’s Island or Folly Beach, searching for seashells and driftwood before the summer crowds arrive. Whether you’re soaking in the quiet rhythm of the waves or enjoying a leisurely afternoon by the water, spring invites you to savor the beach at its most serene.
👉 Find Your Spot: The Best Beaches in Charleston, SC
Charleston Events in March: A Season of Culture and Connection
As spring unfolds, Charleston events in March offer a rich blend of history, culture, and seasonal beauty. From grand festivals that celebrate the city’s culinary and architectural heritage to intimate gatherings that invite deeper connection, this month provides countless opportunities to experience Charleston with intention. Whether you’re exploring hidden gardens, admiring masterful ironwork, or indulging in the flavors of the Lowcountry, March is a time to slow down, savor, and immerse yourself in the artistry of the Holy City.
