Press Release
The Historic Charleston Foundation announced updates to its annual spring festival, formerly known as the Festival of Houses and Gardens. New in 2024, the Foundation's largest and longest annual event is now The Charleston Festival, celebrating houses, history and culture. This will mark the 77th year of the annual Festival, and of bringing educational events to the community in support of the Foundation's mission-driven work.
What's new?
- After 76 years the name has changed to The Charleston Festival, to better encompass the range of activities that celebrate visiting, and living in, Charleston.
- New presenting sponsor – Beemok Hospitality Collection (BHC), which also includes hosting events at The Riviera Theater, Sorelle, and The Charleston Place.
- New locations and activities – The Charleston Festival will feature an expanded concert series including Charlton Singleton and the Beehive Jazz Band at The Riviera, headline lectures at The American Theater, and hands-on workshops and culinary experiences.
- Charleston by Design, A Celebration of Art, Interiors and Preservation featuring four days of programs specifically focused on the Lowcountry's rich history of interior design, landscape architecture and decorative arts. Charleston by Designwill include Design-in-Mind presentations by renowned speakers, studio visits, design focused house tours, designer vignettes and the popular glamorous Opening Night Party Fundraiser at the Aiken-Rhett House Museum.
Alongside Charleston by Design, the Foundation is proud to present a solo monthlong exhibition of paintings by Charleston and London-based artist, Jill Hooper, at the Aiken-Rhett House Museum. Hooper's exhibit, “Window into Another World” will feature original works of art meant to complement the Aiken-Rhett House Museum. Inspired by the preserved-as-found preservation approach, Hooper's paintings will engage visitors with a new perspective in this evocative, historic space. Window into Another World will be open to the public with admission to the Aiken-Rhett House Museum for the duration of The Charleston Festival. Activities include en plein air workshops and studio visits during The Charleston Festival.
The Festival's beloved House & Garden Tours will be back with new and exciting options added to the traditional line up. The Food for Thought Lecture Series will continue featuring expert speakers on a variety of topics, and new for 2024, Lectures on Location will introduce unique sites to visitors to enhance lecture topics. Live Like a Local events will continue to include culturally immersive experiences such as hands-on workshops, live music, cuisine-based gatherings, and harbor boat tours, all celebrating the architectural, historical, and cultural contributions unique to the Lowcountry.
Event details and ticketing for The Charleston Festival will be located on a new dedicated website TheCharlestonFestivalSC.org. Tickets for the 2024 Festival go on sale December 1, 2023, and may be purchased online or by phone at 843.722.3405.
