The city of Charleston's annual First Day Festival will take place on Sunday, August 13th, from 1 pm to 4 pm, at the Gaillard Center (2 George Street) and the South Carolina Aquarium (100 Aquarium Wharf). Each year, the festival serves as a celebration of the importance of education and a kick-off to the new school year. Students who attend the festival will receive pre-packed bags of donated school supplies while they last.
In addition to the school supply distribution located at the Gaillard Center, the venue will host a number of exhibits providing information on student support services and community resources, as well as a free food distribution with the Lowcountry Food Bank.
Liberty Square, located in front of the South Carolina Aquarium, will feature the city of Charleston Recreation Department's Kids Zone with a variety of activities and entertainment. Free boat rides and admission to the South Carolina Aquarium will be offered during Festival hours, while supplies last. Boat ride tickets can be picked up at Liberty Square.
Festival parking will be free in the Aquarium (24 Calhoun Street) and Gaillard Center (33 Alexander Street) parking garages. A free shuttle service will be provided and will run between the Aquarium and Gaillard Center throughout the afternoon to allow Festival attendees to easily move between event locations.
How to donate: School supply donations will be accepted through 5 pm, Thursday, August 10th, 2023. The most requested supplies include pencils, crayons, markers, colored pencils, composition notebooks, loose-leaf paper, spiral notebooks, glue sticks, two-pocket folders and pencil pouches. View the full list of drop-off sites here: https://www.charleston-sc.gov/
