A sellout crowd gathered at the Rose Pavilion in Hampton Park on Sunday, April 27, 2025, for the Charleston Parks Conservancy’s 4th annual Picnic for the Parks, setting a new attendance record for the event. The fundraiser generated $55,000 to support the Conservancy’s care of 26 parks, gardens, and trails across Charleston and to help fund nearly 200 hours of free community programming throughout the year.
“Picnic for the Parks reflects the importance of the public realm to the Charleston community," said Jessica Gibadlo, Charleston Parks Conservancy Board Chair. "This beloved event has become a family tradition for many and an opportunity for the Charleston Parks Conservancy to showcase its work in our parks."
As one of the Conservancy’s signature annual fundraisers, along with Shucked & Sauced in February and Party for the Parks in November, Picnic for the Parks plays a vital role in sustaining the year-round efforts of the Conservancy. Not only do the funds raised go towards maintaining the city's public green spaces, but they also help support free community events, including the Teddy Bear Picnic in March, Light the Lake in December, the year-round Music in the Parks and Bird Walk series, and the brand new Bloom Charleston festival, coming this October.
This year's Picnic for the Parks delivered a lively afternoon for all ages. Guests enjoyed an all-inclusive tasting experience featuring top local restaurants and beverage makers, including Bevi Bene Brewing Company, D'Allesandro's Pizza, Dino Bars, Edmund’s Oast, Glacé, Harvest Market, Life Raft Treats, Lillian’s Petite Market & Eatery, Sightsee, The Dewberry Charleston, The Little Market and Volley. Live music from Green Levels set the festive tone as families explored a variety of activity stations, including mining for gems, flower crown crafting, a petting zoo, carnival games, face painting, a book nook and the ever-popular cake walk and sack race.
The Charleston Parks Conservancy looks forward to welcoming the community back for the 5th annual Picnic for the Parks on April 26, 2026.
For more information or to support Charleston’s parks year-round, visit www.