Party Town
A sampling of summer festivals
BY NIKKI GLENN
You don't earn the designation of top vacation destination in the world if you're not always ready for a good time. Aside from Charleston's beautiful beaches and history-heavy downtown, there are countless festivals. Each spring and summer, Charleston's streets are packed with people of all kinds from all over ready to indulge in seafood, gyros, tea, art and, of course, sweetgrass. Here’s just a sampling of the festivities.
Charleston GreekFest
May 10 to 12
Charleston’s GreekFest is a busy and exciting weekend packed with music, history and authentic Greek foods, such as gyros, kebobs, moussaka, spanakopita, mezethaki plates, baklava and Greek salads. Those interested in more than a full tummy can enjoy Greek music while milling around, bartering for items and admiring the unique exhibits. Church tours will show the religious-heavy aspects of Greece’s history, music and art. Location: 30 Race Street. Admission: $3 general, $1 for students and seniors.
COURTESY OF CHARLESTON GREEK FESTIVAL
COURTESY OF CHARLESTON TEA PLANTATION
Seventh Annual First Flush FesTEAval
May 19
The newly sprouted first leaves of spring have tea drinkers looking forward to the upcoming warmer months. The “first flush,” what tea harvesters call these inaugural leaves, is causing a lot of excitement and anticipation for the flavors of this rare tea. Charleston Tea Plantation holds an entire festival to celebrate the occasion. In addition to this spring tea, the plantation offers various other blends. Kids (and some adults) can keep busy with the blow-up slide and arts and crafts, while kid-free zones offer grown-ups some private time to take in the sites. The Wadmalaw Island location is surrounded by nothing but trees, blue skies and, of course, tea. Location: Charleston Tea Plantation on Wadmalaw Island. Admission: $15 in advance, $20 at the gate. Free for kids under 10.
PHOTO COURTESY SPOTLETO FESTIVAL USA
Spoleto Festival 2013
May 24 to June 9
For more than two weeks, visitors will pour into Charleston to see one of the most celebrated art festivals in the world. Spoleto is dedicated to helping new and established artists year after year by showcasing them for thousands of people. Started by Italian composer Gian Carlo Menotti, American composer Christopher Keene and others, Spoleto began in 1977 as a way to bring the Festival of Two Worlds in Spoleto, Italy, to America. They chose Charleston because of its churches and historic background. Spoleto has a wide range of performances, including opera, theater, jazz, dance, music, visual arts, artist talks and more. Location: various. Admission: Tickets for any of the 38 shows can be ordered by phone (843-579-3100), in person at the Charleston Visitor Center (375 Meeting St.) or online.
COURTESY OF SWEETGRASS FESTIVAL
Sweetgrass and Cultural Arts Festival
June 1
Many Lowcountry dwellers take sweetgrass for granted. It grows in the marshes, can be seen everywhere and mostly goes unacknowledged. For some, however, these yellow-gold strands represent art. Sweetgrass weaving originated in Africa and is an art form that has been passed down through generations for more than 100 years. The Sweetgrass and Cultural Arts Festival reminds people that this material isn't just for making baskets and bowls (though it does hold water), but works of art, culture and history. The Sweetgrass festival is different from any other because it’s packed with Gullah-influenced events such as gospel music, praise dance, a basket-weaving demonstration and traditional Gullah food from 15 restaurants in the area.
Location: Mount Pleasant Waterfront Park. Admission: free.