Need a reason to visit the beach? Take in one of the annual events held from January through March. It's a great excuse to get to the coast and kick off the spring beach season.
Lowcountry Oyster Festival at Boone Hall on February 6 serves up 60,000 pounds of oysters to down while visitors enjoy live music on the main stage, wine, a selection of domestic and imported beers, a Children's Area and a "Food Court." Oyster Shucking and Eating Contests start at noon.
Get tickets and book a stay for the 14th Gourmet & Grapes, a four-day event held at The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Golf Resort on February 3 – 6, 2022. Gourmet & Grapes is the only fundraiser in the Lowcountry that brings together award-winning chefs and winemakers to raise money for cancer research. The money raised supports cancer research and patient programs at Hollings Cancer Center at the Medical University of South Carolina. Events include BBQ and bourbon, a Biking & Bubbles event followed by a Caviar & Champagne Brunch, Wine Odyssey Gala, and Silent and Live Auctions. Purchase tickets here.
Watch for dates for the Mardi Crawl on Shem Creek, an annual foodie event held in Mt. Pleasant in late February. Enjoy food and drink specials along with games and prizes. Shuttles and boat taxis travel between venues, including Red's Icehouse, RB's, Vickery's, Saltwater Cowboys, and Water's Edge.
See you there, dude! Lace-up your running shoes for the Hippie Dash 5K, set March 5 at James Island County Park. Done your 70s attire, then groove your way along the 3.1-mile course. Runners, walkers, children, and even dogs are all encouraged to participate. The Hippie Dash benefits Palmetto Goodwill.
The Front Beach Fest, a street festival, is held in March on Isle of Palms with music, food and craft vendors, and children's activities. Check with the city of Isle of Palms for updates on the date for this year's fest.
The Charleston Symphony Orchestra Spring Concert sets a tone at 5 p.m. on Sunday, March 27, at Kiawah Island's Holy Spirit Catholic Church. There's no charge for the event, but you'll need a ticket, which is available in March.
But, honestly, who needs an event to get you to the coast? Just book a beach stay to get your toes in the sand, launch your kayak, or cast your line in the water. You don't need a special occasion to do that.