FESTIVALS AND SPECIAL EVENTS
The City of Charleston Office of Cultural Affairs produces two major arts festivals annually which provide performance opportunities for local and regional artists. Additionally, the OCA produces special projects and events that play a vital part in the revitalization of the downtown business district with the majority of events being offered to the public admission-free.
April 3 - December 19, 2010
The Charleston Farmers Market is available each Saturday from 8am-2pm in the beautiful Marion Square, between King and Meeting Streets at the edge of Calhoun Street in the Upper King Street Design District. The park at Marion Square has long been the center of festive activities and is the perfect tranquil setting for the Farmers Market. Nestled beneath beautiful trees with plenty of room for families to gather and children to play, the Farmers Market comes to life each Saturday morning and offers an abundance of the freshest local produce, plants, herbs and cut flowers. While strolling the Charleston Farmers Market, a delicious breakfast, brunch or lunches are available while listening to a variety of live entertainment. The Farmers Market also offers an amazing assortment of juried arts and crafts, providing the best selection and most talented local artisans.
MOJA ARTS FESTIVAL
September 23 - October 3, 2010
The MOJA Arts Festival is a multi-disciplinary festival produced and directed by the City of Charleston Office of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the MOJA Planning Committee, a community arts and cultural group and the MOJA Advisory Board, a group of civic leaders who assist with fundraising and advocacy. MOJA, a Swahili word meaning “One,” is the appropriate name for this festival celebration of harmony amongst all people in our community. The Festival highlights the many African-American and Caribbean contributions made to western and world cultures. MOJA’s wide range of events include visual arts, classical music, dance, gospel, jazz, poetry, R&B music, storytelling, theatre, children’s activities, traditional crafts, ethnic food, and much, much more. In addition to its myriad arts presentations, MOJA also includes an active and busy educational outreach component of workshops in the public schools and senior outreach in senior citizen homes.
HOLIDAY MAGIC IN HISTORIC CHARLESTON
December 4 - December 31, 2010
The City of Charleston will celebrate the holiday season this December with Holiday Magic in Historic Charleston, offering family-oriented activities, performances and decorations that capture the spirit of the season for everyone in the community. Festivities kick off on Saturday, December 4th with the opening of a special extended Holiday Farmers Market in Marion Square followed by the Official City of Charleston Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony at 4:30pm in the park. Then head to the waterfront the same evening for the Holiday Parade of Boats from 5-8pm on the Cooper River. Chanukah in the Square will take place December 5th from 4-6pm, and the candles on the Kwanzaa Kinari will be lit December 26th. Then ring in the New Year at Happy New Year Charleston on December 31st from 4:30-10:30pm in Marion Square, an admission-free, non-alcoholic, family-friendly celebration of the arts.
PICCOLO SPOLETO FESTIVAL
May 27 - June 12, 2011
The combination of historic Charleston’s old European charm and the world-class Spoleto Festival USA together produce a unique and impacting synergy for all who come to the city by the sea to experience this magnificent international multi-arts festival. But what really adds the ingredient of magic to the mix is Piccolo Spoleto, which provides access to the festival for every person, especially children. Focusing primarily on artists of the Southeast region, Piccolo Spoleto is the perfect complement to the international scope of its parent festival and its 700 events in 17 days, transforms Charleston into an exhilarating celebration of performing, literary and visual arts. Piccolo Spoleto’s traditional program offerings include visual arts exhibits, classical music, jazz, dance, theatre, poetry readings, children’s activities, choral music, ethnic cultural presentations, crafts and film.
