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The Charleston Festival 2025

Arts and Entertainment

February 6, 2025

From: The Charleston Festival

Historic Charleston Foundation has celebrated houses, history, and culture through its annual spring festival since its founding in 1947. As the Foundation's largest fundraising and educational event, after 78 years the Festival has evolved into a holistic celebration of Charleston's history, architecture, culture, and community. Now affectionately known as The Charleston Festival, this month-long event will continue to present House & Garden Tours and engaging lectures, in addition to a menu of new programs and venues to explore for 2025.

Schedule Of Events:

March 13, 2025

9:30 AM – 11:30 AM
Capt. James Missroon House, 40 E Bay St, Charleston, SC 29401, USA
Discover Charleston's stunning ironwork on a guided walking tour, celebrating centuries of artistry, craftsmanship, and cultural history in the Holy City. $35

6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Aiken-Rhett House, 48 Elizabeth St, Charleston, SC 29403, USA
The Opening Night Party launches Charleston by Design weekend with cocktails, light bites, live music, and a celebration of preservation and design at the c.1820 Aiken-Rhett House. $250

March 14, 2025

Themed Walking Tour: Churches and Steeples

9:30 AM – 11:30 AM
Capt. James Missroon House, 40 E Bay St, Charleston, SC 29401, USA
Explore Charleston's iconic churches and historic graveyards on a walking tour that uncovers the architectural and social stories behind the city's cherished landmarks. $35 adults, $10 ages 6-12.

Design in Mind Lecture: Ellie Cullman

10:00 AM – 11:30 PM
Second Presbyterian Church, 342 Meeting St, Charleston, SC 29403, USA
In the first Design in Mind Lecture, hear from Ellie Cullum, award-winning designer and co-founder of Cullman & Kravis at the c.1809 Second Presbyterian Church. $75

Design in Mind Lecture: Ben Pentreath and Peter Pennoyer

1:00 PM – 2:30 PM
Second Presbyterian Church, 342 Meeting St, Charleston, SC 29403, USA
At the c.1809 Second Presbyterian Church, join us for a conversation with two award-winning architects for the second Design in Mind Lecture. $75

Beyond the Garden Gates Tour I

2:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Addresses listed in Festival Program.
Tickets are currently unavailable for both dates. Stay connected for updates.

Home and Design Tour

3:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Addresses provided prior to event.
Explore some of Charleston's most exquisite private homes in this intimate and exclusive designer- interpreted tour. This self-paced tour provides insight into the design and decorating inspiration of very select homes.

The Art of Dining

6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
DOYLE Charleston, 123 King St, Charleston, SC 29401, USA
Join us for The Art of Dining, an evening hosted by DOYLE's Senior Vice President and Antiques Roadshow appraiser, Reid Dunavant. $55

March 15, 2025

Themed Walking Tour: The Living Museum

9:30 AM – 11:30 AM
Location is TBD
On a captivating walking tour, dive deeper into Charleston's preservation history and the evolution of its iconic architecture by tracing the city's colonial affluence, wartime roles, and cultural influences etched into its timeless streetscapes. $35

Design in Mind Lecture: Bobby McAlpine

10:00 AM – 11:30 AM
Second Presbyterian Church, 342 Meeting St, Charleston, SC 29403, USA
At the c.1809 Second Presbyterian Church, join us for a conversation with two award-winning architects for the second Design in Mind Lecture. $75

Design in Mind Lecture: Dara Caponigro with Timothy Whealon and Martyn Bullard

1:00 PM – 2:30 PM
Second Presbyterian Church, 342 Meeting St, Charleston, SC 29403, USA
Join us for an unmissable afternoon, as Dara Caponigro, Chief Creative Officer of FS&CO, moderates a lively and insightful conversation with renowned designers Timothy Whealon and Martyn Lawrence Bullard. $75

Catfiddle Street Tour

4:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Location is TBD
Designed just for Charleston by Design and The Charleston Festival, go behind the scenes of this unique neighborhood.

ACBA & Christian Sottile: Campus Tour and Courier Square

4:00 PM – 6:00 PM
American College of the Building Arts, 649 Meeting St, Charleston, SC 29403, USA
Architect Christian Sottile will join us at the American College of the Building Arts to discuss the Courier Square project, highlighting its Charleston-inspired design, followed by a tour of the ACBA studios with professors. $45

March 16, 2025

A Morning with Mottahedeh

9:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Nathaniel Russell House, 51 Meeting St, Charleston, SC 29401, USA
Join us at the Nathaniel Russell House Museum for breakfast set by Mottahedeh, followed by a tour of the historic mansion, highlighting its architecture, cultural history, and ongoing archaeology in the Kitchen House. $55

March 17, 2025

Mothers, Mavericks, and Mavens: Lecture with Valerie Perry

11:30 AM – 1:00 PM
Capt. James Missroon House, 40 E Bay St, Charleston, SC 29401, USA
Join us and HCF Asst. Director of Museums, Valerie Perry, and explore the stories of Charleston's early mothers, mavericks, and mavens; the women who left a legacy in the Holy City. Lunch included. $55

Morning History Walk

11:30 AM – 1:00 PM
Capt. James Missroon House, 40 E Bay St, Charleston, SC 29401, USA
Take a two-hour walking tour through Charleston's Old & Historic District, guided by an expert who will share the city's rich history and architecture, perfect for newcomers to the area. $35 adults, $10 children 6-12.

March 18, 2025

Themed Walking Tour: Pink Houses

9:30 AM – 11:30 AM
Capt. James Missroon House, 40 E Bay St, Charleston, SC 29401, USA
Step into a world where history is painted in shades of pink! Join us on a picturesque walking tour through Charleston's historic district, as we explore the city's charming pink houses. $35

Calligraphy Workshop

10:00 AM – 11:30 AM
Capt. James Missroon House, 40 E Bay St, Charleston, SC 29401, USA
Learn the art of calligraphy with Cacky Bastian of Love Letter Gray, exploring the timeless principles of pen and ink. No experience is necessary, and all materials are provided. $55

Sweetgrass Basket Making Workshop

1:30 PM – 4:30 PM
Nathaniel Russell House, 51 Meeting St, Charleston, SC 29401, USA
Immerse yourself in the Gullah Geechee tradition of sweetgrass basket making. All supplies included. $150

Cocktail Bandits Workshop

5:30 PM – 7:30 PM
Charleston, 181 Church St, Charleston, SC 29401, USA
Join Charleston-based mixologists, The Cocktail Bandits, for an evening of cocktail history, focusing on Colonial-era classics, while crafting and savoring your own creations—complete with light bites and a look into Charleston's cocktail history.

March 19, 2025

Morning History Walk

9:30 AM – 11:30 AM
Capt. James Missroon House, 40 E Bay St, Charleston, SC 29401, USA
This two-hour walking tour of Charleston's Old & Historic District offers newcomers a comprehensive overview of the city's fascinating history, architecture, and charm. $35 adults, $10 children 6-12.

Charleston on Film: USC Archive of Moving Images

11:00 AM – 12:30 PM
The American Theater, 446 King St, Charleston, SC 29403, USA
At the historic American Theater, take a look at historic Charleston on film with the USC Archives of Moving Images. $55

South Battery Street Tour I

2:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Addresses included with Festival tickets.
Explore some of the peninsula's most magnificent Neoclassical and Colonial Revival mansions on South Battery Street. $75

March 20, 2025

Themed Walking Tour: Ironwork

9:30 AM – 11:30 AM
Location is TBD
Discover Charleston's stunning ironwork on a guided walking tour, celebrating centuries of artistry, craftsmanship, and cultural history in the Holy City. $35

Architectural Splendor Tour I

10:00 AM – 12:30 PM
Locations to be sent prior to tour.
Architectural Splendor tours offer exclusive and intimate tours of the most magnificent properties on the peninsula, with expert guides for the most elevated architectural tour of the Festival. $250.

Rutledge Street Tour I

2:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Addresses included with Festival tickets.
Explore a hidden gem in Charleston in two tour opportunities. Rutledge Avenue boasts some of the finest examples of Federal, Regency, Greek Revival and early Victorian architecture. March 20 and 23. $75

Festival Music Series: Kanika Moore

7:30 PM – 9:00 PM
The Riviera, 227 King St, Charleston, SC 29401, USA
In a specially curated show for The Charleston Festival, Doom Flamingo's Kanika Moore performs with her own jazz ensemble at the historic Riviera. $

March 21, 2025

Morning History Walk

9:30 AM – 11:30 AM
Capt. James Missroon House, 40 E Bay St, Charleston, SC 29401, USA
Stroll through Charleston's Old & Historic District on a two-hour tour with expert guides, perfect for first-time visitors wanting to learn about the city's vibrant history and stunning architecture. $35 adults, $10 children 6-12.

Painting Old Charleston with Karl Beckwith Smith

11:30 AM – 1:00 PM
Capt. James Missroon House, 40 E Bay St, Charleston, SC 29401, USA
Karl Beckwith Smith, Charleston-based muralist and decorative painter, will share highlights of his work with private clients, institutions, and historic plantations from 1992 to 2024, while illustrating his process, context, and results. Lunch included. $55

Beyond the Garden Gates Tour II

2:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Addresses listed in Festival Program.
Perfect for passionate gardeners, these tours focus on gardens and the landscape architecture of historic Charleston. Self-paced between properties, each garden includes docents to guide you through the property. $75

Marvelous Murals: A Walking Tour with artist, Karl Beckith Smith

3:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Tour begins at Capt. James Missroon Hous, 40 E Bay St, Charleston, SC 29401, USA
Mural artist Karl Beckwith Smith guides guests around the neighborhoods South of Broad to showcase some of his hand painted murals in private homes in a truly exclusive experience. $200

March 22, 2025

Sunrise Photography Walkabout with Kim Graham

6:00 AM – 8:00 AM
Nathaniel Russell House, 51 Meeting St, Charleston, SC 29401, USA
Join expert photographer, Kim Graham, for a sunrise photography walk in Charleston's South of Broad neighborhood. $60

Morning History Walk

9:30 AM – 11:30 AM
Capt. James Missroon House, 40 E Bay St, Charleston, SC 29401, USA
Explore Charleston's most iconic and historic neighborhoods on a two-hour walking tour led by knowledgeable guides, ideal for those new to the area wanting to discover the city's rich history. $35 adults, $10 children 6-12.

South Battery Street Tour II

2:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Addresses included with Festival tickets.
Explore some of the peninsula's most magnificent Neoclassical and Colonial Revival mansions on South Battery Street. Two tours available.

Bubbles and Blooms

5:30 PM – 6:30 PM
Nathaniel Russell House, 51 Meeting St, Charleston, SC 29401, USA
Step into the garden of the c.1808 Nathaniel Russell House for live music, light bites and prosecco. 21+. $55

March 23, 2025

Behind-the-Scenes of Middleton Place with Tracey Todd

10:30 AM – 2:00 PM
Middleton Place, 4300 Ashley River Rd, Charleston, SC 29414, USA
HCF's Director of Museums, Tracey Todd will host an intimate behind the scenes tour of Middleton Place National Historic Landmark. $250

Rutledge Street Tour II

2:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Addresses included with Festival tickets.
Explore a hidden gem in Charleston in two tour opportunities. Rutledge Avenue boasts some of the finest examples of Federal, Regency, Greek Revival and early Victorian architecture. March 20 and 23. $75

Jazz at the Emeline

5:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Emeline, 181 Church St, Charleston, SC 29401, USA
New this year, we are excited to announce Anne Caldwell, of the Magnolia Singers, and Roger Bellow will delight guests with an hour of jazz standards in the breezy courtyard of the Emeline.

March 24, 2025

Morning History Walk

9:30 AM – 11:30 AM
Capt. James Missroon House, 40 E Bay St, Charleston, SC 29401, USA
Enjoy a two-hour stroll through Charleston's Old & Historic District, where a seasoned guide will provide a fascinating overview of the city's heritage and iconic landmarks. $35 adults, $10 children 6-12.

Indigo Girl: Food for Thought Lecture with author, Natasha Boyd

11:30 AM – 1:00 PM
Capt. James Missroon House, 40 E Bay St, Charleston, SC 29401, USA
Award-winning author of The Indigo Girl, Natasha Boyd will share insights into the novel based on the extraordinary life and achievements of Eliza Lucas Pinckney, a trailblazing teen who transformed South Carolina's economy. Lunch Included. $55

March 25, 2025

Themed Walking Tour: Churches and Steeples

9:00 AM – 11:30 AM
Location is TBD
Explore Charleston's iconic churches and historic graveyards on a walking tour that uncovers the architectural and social stories behind the city's cherished landmarks. $35

Quilting with Rick

10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Capt. James Missroon House, 40 E Bay St, Charleston, SC 29401, USA
Join experienced and passionate quilter Rick Sanchez to learn the art of hand stitching and quilting an Antique Block. $60

Sweetgrass Basket Making Workshop

1:30 PM – 4:30 PM
Nathaniel Russell House, 51 Meeting St, Charleston, SC 29401, USA
Immerse yourself in the Gullah Geechee tradition of sweetgrass basket making. All supplies included. $150

Colonial Cocktails: Rum and Madeira

5:30 PM – 7:30 PM
Capt. James Missroon House, 40 E Bay St, Charleston, SC 29401, USA
Enjoy a Colonial mixology experience with Mount Gay Rum, where you'll learn about Charleston's 17th-century rum trade and its connection to Barbados, while sampling three cocktails and light bites inspired by the era. $55

March 26, 2025

The Journey of Mottahedeh

11:00 AM – 12:30 PM
The American Theater, 446 King St, Charleston, SC 29403, USA
Wendy Kvalheim, President of Mottahedeh, will delve into the fascinating history of the porcelain industry, exploring how Eastern craftsmanship met Western design to shape the modern dinner table.

Tradd Street Tour I

2:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Addresses included with Festival tickets.
Said to be named after the first child of European descent born in Charles Town, this street and neighborhood contain a fascinating collection of early 18th-century houses. March 26 and 29. $75

Sunset Harbor History Boat Tour

6:15 PM – 7:45 PM
Charleston Tours & Events Dock, 10 Wharfside St, Charleston, SC 29401, USA
Enhance your festival with a Charleston Harbor boat tour featuring expert historic narration, light bites, and a cash bar. $65 adults, $35 ages 6-12.

March 27, 2025

Themed Walking Tour: The Living Museum

9:30 AM – 11:30 AM
Location is TBD
On a captivating walking tour, dive deeper into Charleston's preservation history and the evolution of its iconic architecture by tracing the city's colonial affluence, wartime roles, and cultural influences etched into its timeless streetscapes. $35

Architectural Splendor Tour II

10:00 AM – 12:30 PM
Locations to be sent prior to tour.
Architectural Splendor tours offer exclusive and intimate tours of the most magnificent properties on the peninsula, with expert guides for the most elevated architectural tour of the Festival. $250.

King Street Tour I

2:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Addresses included with Festival tickets.
Tickets are currently unavailable for both dates. Stay connected for updates.

Festival Music Series: Charlton Singleton

7:30 PM – 9:00 PM
The Riviera, 227 King St, Charleston, SC 29401, USA
Join us at The Riviera for an energetic and unforgettable performance by Grammy award-winning musician, Charlton Singleton. $55

March 28, 2025

Morning History Walk

9:30 AM – 11:30 AM
Capt. James Missroon House, 40 E Bay St, Charleston, SC 29401, USA
This two-hour walking tour of Charleston's historic streets offers newcomers a comprehensive overview of the city's fascinating history, architecture, and charm. $35 adults, $10 children 6-12.

Architectural Splendor Tour III

10:00 AM – 12:30 PM
Locations to be sent prior to tour.
Architectural Splendor tours offer exclusive and intimate tours of the most magnificent properties on the peninsula, with expert guides for the most elevated architectural tour of the Festival. $250.

David Hoffman: The Hand Tools that Built Charleston

11:30 AM – 1:00 PM
Capt. James Missroon House, 40 E Bay St, Charleston, SC 29401, USA
David Hoffman, master craftsman and founder of Edgewood Builders, will showcase his passion for preserving Charleston's architecture through this talk and demonstration. Lunch included. $55

Behind-the-Scenes of Preservation at the Aiken-Rhett House with Justin Schwebler

3:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Aiken-Rhett House, 48 Elizabeth St, Charleston, SC 29403, USA
Explore the Aiken-Rhett House Museum, c.1820, and its unique preservation style, offering a rare glimpse into Charleston's history through exclusive access to spaces with Justin Schwebler, HCF Preservation Manager in this Lectures on Location program. $45

Music Under the Magnolias

5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Aiken-Rhett House, 48 Elizabeth St, Charleston, SC 29403, USA
The Magnolia Singers will perform a collection of Gullah music and spirituals under the beautiful magnolia trees of the Aiken-Rhett House's hallowed grounds. $65

March 29, 2025

Family Stroll and Storytime with The Charleston Festival

9:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Meet at Capt. James Missroon House, 40 E Bay St, Charleston, SC 29401, USA
Join us for a stroll along The Battery, ending with a story time of local children's books in White Point Gardens with HCF! This event is made for little ones and a guardian.

Morning History Walk

9:30 AM – 11:30 AM
Capt. James Missroon House, 40 E Bay St, Charleston, SC 29401, USA
Enjoy a two-hour stroll through Charleston's Old & Historic District, where a seasoned guide will provide a fascinating overview of the city's heritage and iconic landmarks. $35 adults, $10 children 6-12.

Tradd Street Tour II

2:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Addresses included with Festival tickets.
Said to be named after the first child of European descent born in Charles Town, this street and neighborhood contain a fascinating collection of early 18th-century houses. $75

Bubbles and Blooms

5:30 PM – 6:30 PM
Nathaniel Russell House, 51 Meeting St, Charleston, SC 29401, USA
Step into the garden of the c.1808 Nathaniel Russell House for live music, light bites and prosecco. 21+. $55

March 30, 2025

NRH Coffee and Tour feat. Baxter Mills Textile Archives

9:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Nathaniel Russell House, 51 Meeting St, Charleston, SC 29401, USA
Enjoy a morning coffee in the garden of the Nathaniel Russell House, with Baxter Mills Textile Archives showcasing their impressive collection of historical prints and design inspiration for today's artisans. $55

King Street Tour II

2:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Addresses included with Festival tickets.

March 31, 2025

Morning History Walk

9:30 AM – 11:30 AM
Capt. James Missroon House, 40 E Bay St, Charleston, SC 29401, USA
Stroll through Charleston's Old & Historic District on a two-hour tour with expert guides, perfect for first-time visitors wanting to learn about the city's vibrant history and stunning architecture. $35 adults, $10 children 6-12.

From St. George's to Charles Towne: A History of Bermuda Stone with Justin Schwebler

11:30 AM – 1:00 PM
Capt. James Missroon House, 40 E Bay St, Charleston, SC 29401, USA
Join Justin Schwebler, HCF Preservation Manager, in a discussion about Bermuda stone, its 17th and 18th-century importation to Charleston, its uses, and where it can still be found today. Lunch included. $55

April 1, 2025

Themed Walking Tour: Pink Houses

9:30 AM – 11:30 AM
Capt. James Missroon House, 40 E Bay St, Charleston, SC 29401, USA
Step into a world where history is painted in shades of pink! Join us on a picturesque walking tour through Charleston's historic district, as we explore the city's charming pink houses. $35 adults, $10 ages 6-12.

Calligraphy Workshop

10:00 AM – 11:30 AM
Capt. James Missroon House, 40 E Bay St, Charleston, SC 29401, USA
Learn the art of calligraphy with Cacky Bastian of Love Letter Gray, exploring the timeless principles of pen and ink. No experience is necessary, and all materials are provided. $55

Container Gardening

1:00 PM – 2:30 PM
Emeline, 181 Church St, Charleston, SC 29401, USA
This demonstration with Meeting Green covers container selection, micro-climate plants, and essential tips on watering, fertilizing, and maintaining your container garden for year-round success. $45

Anson Street Tour I

2:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Addresses included with Festival tickets.
Although North of Broad, Anson Street's antebellum houses boast Regency and Greek Revival details and were built in the years between the Great Fire of 1838 and the outbreak of the Civil War. Two tour dates. April 1 and 3. $75

Cocktail Bandits Workshop

5:30 PM – 7:30 PM
Charleston, 181 Church St, Charleston, SC 29401, USA
Join Charleston-based mixologists, The Cocktail Bandits, for an evening of cocktail history, focusing on Colonial-era classics, while crafting and savoring your own creations—complete with light bites and a look into Charleston's cocktail history.

April 2, 2025

Morning History Walk

9:30 AM – 11:30 AM
Capt. James Missroon House, 40 E Bay St, Charleston, SC 29401, USA
Take a two-hour walking tour through Charleston's Old & Historic District, guided by an expert who will share the city's rich history and architecture, perfect for newcomers to the area. $35 adults, $10 children 6-12.

Valerie Perry and Lee Ann Bain: The Grimke Sisters

11:00 AM – 12:30 PM
The American Theater, 446 King St, Charleston, SC 29403, USA
The novel The Invention of Wings was inspired by daring real-life abolitionists Sarah and Angelina Grimké. Explore fact and fiction with Valerie Perry, Asst. Director of Museums in this talk with Lee Ann Bain. $55

Church Street Tour I

2:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Addresses included with Festival Tickets.
Often called “the most romantic street in America,” Church Street is a visible record of Charleston's history. Colonial and Georgian period dwellings stand beside charming gardens and historic churches. Two tour dates available. April 2 and 6. $75

Sunset Harbor History Boat Tour

6:15 PM – 7:45 PM
Charleston Tours & Events Dock, 10 Wharfside St, Charleston, SC 29401, USA
Enhance your festival with a Charleston Harbor boat tour featuring expert historic narration, light bites, and a cash bar. $65 adults, $35 ages 6-12.

April 3, 2025

Themed Walking Tour: Ironwork

9:30 AM – 11:30 AM
Capt. James Missroon House, 40 E Bay St, Charleston, SC 29401, USA
Discover Charleston's stunning ironwork on a guided walking tour, celebrating centuries of artistry, craftsmanship, and cultural history in the Holy City. $35

Garden Splendor Tour I

10:00 AM – 12:30 PM
Locations to be sent prior to tour.
Garden Splendor tours offer exclusive and intimate tours of the most magnificent properties on the peninsula, with expert guides, for the most elevated tour experience of the Festival.  $250.

Anson Street Tour II

2:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Addresses included with Festival tickets.
Although North of Broad, Anson Street's antebellum houses boast Regency and Greek Revival details and were built in the years between the Great Fire of 1838 and the outbreak of the Civil War. Two tour dates. April 1 and 3. $75

Festival Music Series: The Plantation Singers

5:30 PM – 6:30 PM
First Baptist Church, Sanctuary: 61, Church St, Charleston, SC 29401, USA
The Plantation Singers, one of the Southeast's most acclaimed a cappella groups, will perform Gullah spirituals at the historic First Baptist Church on Church Street during The Charleston Festival, with two performances to choose from. $40

April 4, 2025

Morning History Walk

9:30 AM – 11:30 AM
Capt. James Missroon House, 40 E Bay St, Charleston, SC 29401, USA
Explore Charleston’s historic streets on a two-hour walking tour led by knowledgeable guides, ideal for those new to the area wanting to discover the city’s rich history. $35 adults, $10 children 6-12.

Robert Smalls: The Inside Story with descendant, Michael Moore

11:30 AM – 1:00 PM
Capt. James Missroon House, 40 E Bay St, Charleston, SC 29401, USA
Learn more about Robert Smalls and his legacy on Charleston and beyond from a very personal perspective, his great-great-grandson. Lunch included. $55.

Beyond the Garden Gates Tour III

2:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Addresses listed in Festival Program.
Perfect for passionate gardeners, these tours focus on gardens and the landscape architecture of historic Charleston. Self-paced between properties, each garden includes docents to guide you through the property. $75

Artisans at Work: Exploring Building Arts Education at ACBA

3:00 PM – 5:00 PM
American College of the Building Arts, 649 Meeting St, Charleston, SC 29403, USA
This Lecture on Location brings you to the American College of the Building Arts! Explore the unique preservation education and craftsmanship of the ACBA through a panel, Q&A, refreshments, and a guided campus tour. $45

April 5, 2025

Bubbles and Blooms

5:30 PM – 6:30 PM
Nathaniel Russell House, 51 Meeting St, Charleston, SC 29401, USA
Step into the garden of the c.1808 Nathaniel Russell House for live music, light bites and prosecco. 21+. $55

April 6, 2025

Church Street Tour II

2:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Addresses included with Festival Tickets.
Often called “the most romantic street in America,” Church Street is a visible record of Charleston’s history. Colonial and Georgian period dwellings stand beside charming gardens and historic churches. Two tour dates available. April 2 and 6. $75

Blues & BBQ

5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Capt. James Missroon House, 40 E Bay St, Charleston, SC 29401, USA
Join us for an evening of music, Southern BBQ, and waterfront views at 40 East Bay Street, Historic Charleston Foundation’s headquarters, featuring a BBQ dinner by local legend Jamie Westendorff. $60

April 7, 2025

Morning History Walk

9:30 AM – 11:30 AM
Capt. James Missroon House, 40 E Bay St, Charleston, SC 29401, USA
Explore Charleston’s historic streets on a two-hour walking tour led by knowledgeable guides, ideal for those new to the area wanting to discover the city’s rich history. $35 adults, $10 children 6-12.

Dr. Andrew Agha: Archaeology under the NRH Kitchen House

11:30 AM – 1:00 PM
Capt. James Missroon House, 40 E Bay St, Charleston, SC 29401, USA
Dr. Andrew Agha, RPA, will discuss his 2024 excavation of the Nathaniel Russell Kitchen House and its thousands of artifacts revealing new insights into the lives of the Russell family and enslaved Africans, as part of the Food for Thought Lecture Series. Lunch included. $55

April 8, 2025

Themed Walking Tour: Churches and Steeples

9:30 AM – 11:30 AM
Capt. James Missroon House, 40 E Bay St, Charleston, SC 29401, USA
Explore Charleston's iconic churches and historic graveyards on a walking tour that uncovers the architectural and social stories behind the city's cherished landmarks. $35 adults, $10 ages 6-12.

Quilting with Rick

10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Capt. James Missroon House, 40 E Bay St, Charleston, SC 29401, USA
Join experienced and passionate quilter Rick Sanchez to learn the art of hand stitching and quilting an Antique Block. $60

Container Gardening

1:00 PM – 2:30 PM
Emeline, 181 Church St, Charleston, SC 29401, USA
This demonstration with Meeting Green covers container selection, micro-climate plants, and essential tips on watering, fertilizing, and maintaining your container garden for year-round success. $45

Colonial Cocktails: Rum and Madeira

5:30 PM – 7:30 PM
Capt. James Missroon House, 40 E Bay St, Charleston, SC 29401, USA
Dive deeper into the connections between Charleston and Barbados, and learn colonial-era recipes with rum and Madeira wine. $55

April 9, 2025

Morning History Walk

9:30 AM – 11:30 AM
Capt. James Missroon House, 40 E Bay St, Charleston, SC 29401, USA
Join a two-hour walking tour through Charleston’s historic streets, where expert guides will walk you through the city’s most iconic landmarks and share its captivating history. $35 adults, $10 children 6-12.

Catering to Charleston: A Social history of Moveable Feasts and Large Parties

11:00 AM – 12:30 PM
Charleston, 446 King St, Charleston, SC 29403, USA
At the historic American Theater, join Ted and Matt Lee for an engaging conversation on the history of great parties. $55

East Bay Street Tour I

2:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Addresses included with Festival tickets.
Colorful 18th century dwellings which once housed shops on the entry level intermingle with grand antebellum mansions. Panoramic views of Charleston Harbor further enhance the allure of this area. Two tour dates available. $75

April 10, 2025

Themed Walking Tour: The Living Museum

9:30 AM – 11:30 AM
Capt. James Missroon House, 40 E Bay St, Charleston, SC 29401, USA
On a captivating walking tour, dive deeper into Charleston's preservation history and the evolution of its iconic architecture by tracing the city’s colonial affluence, wartime roles, and cultural influences etched into its timeless streetscapes. $35 adults, $10 ages 6-12.

Garden Splendor Tour II

10:00 AM – 12:30 PM
Locations to be sent prior to tour.
Garden Splendor tours offer exclusive and intimate tours of the most magnificent properties on the peninsula, with expert guides, for the most elevated tour experience of the Festival.  $250.

April 11, 2025

Morning History Walk

9:30 AM – 11:30 AM
Capt. James Missroon House, 40 E Bay St, Charleston, SC 29401, USA
Explore Charleston’s charming streets on a two-hour walking tour, guided by a local expert who will introduce you to the city’s key landmarks and moments in history. $35 adults, $10 children 6-12.

Garden Splendor Tour III

10:00 AM – 12:30 PM
Locations to be sent prior to tour.
Garden Splendor tours offer exclusive and intimate tours of the most magnificent properties on the peninsula, with expert guides, for the most elevated tour experience of the Festival.  $250.

The Men at the Battle of Fort Sullivan: Lecture with Robert Rosen

11:30 AM – 1:00 PM
Capt. James Missroon House, 40 E Bay St, Charleston, SC 29401, USA
Join us for a lecture with third generation Charlestonian, Robert Rosen, focused on the men at the Battle of Fort Sullivan. Lunch included. $55

Artisans at Work: Exploring Building Arts Education at ACBA

2:00 PM – 5:00 PM
American College of the Building Arts, 649 Meeting St, Charleston, SC 29403, USA
This Lecture on Location brings you to the American College of the Building Arts! Explore the unique preservation education and craftsmanship of the ACBA through a panel, Q&A, refreshments, and a guided campus tour. $45

Beyond the Garden Gates Tour IV

2:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Addresses listed in Festival Program.
Perfect for passionate gardeners, these tours focus on gardens and the landscape architecture of historic Charleston. Self-paced between properties, each garden includes docents to guide you through the property. $75

April 12, 2025

Family Stroll and Storytime with The Charleston Festival

9:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Meet at Capt. James Missroon House, 40 E Bay St, Charleston, SC 29401, USA
Join us for a stroll along The Battery, ending with a story time of local children’s books in White Point Gardens with HCF! This event is made for little ones and a guardian.

Charleston Photography Walkabout

9:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Nathaniel Russell House, 51 Meeting St, Charleston, SC 29401, USA
Ideal for the instagrammers and iPhone photographers new to Charleston, explore some of the most viral photography locations with HCF staff photographer. $60

Morning History Walk

9:30 AM – 11:30 AM
Capt. James Missroon House, 40 E Bay St, Charleston, SC 29401, USA
Explore Charleston’s historic streets on a two-hour walking tour led by knowledgeable guides, ideal for those new to the area wanting to discover the city’s rich history. $35 adults, $10 children 6-12.

East Bay Street Tour II

2:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Addresses included with Festival tickets.
Colorful 18th century dwellings which once housed shops on the entry level intermingle with grand antebellum mansions. Panoramic views of Charleston Harbor further enhance the allure of this area. Two tour dates available. April 9 and 12. $75

Bubbles and Blooms

5:30 PM – 6:30 PM
Nathaniel Russell House, 51 Meeting St, Charleston, SC 29401, USA
Step into the garden of the c.1808 Nathaniel Russell House for live music, light bites and prosecco. 21+. $55

April 13, 2025

NRH Coffee and Tour feat. Baxter Mills Textile Archives

9:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Nathaniel Russell House, 51 Meeting St, Charleston, SC 29401, USA
Enjoy a morning coffee in the garden of the Nathaniel Russell House, with Baxter Mills Textile Archives showcasing their impressive collection of historical prints and design inspiration for today's artisans. $55

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