May in Charleston is marked by warm, sunny weather and a vibrant atmosphere, making it one of the best times of year to experience the city.
The weather in May is ideal for those who enjoy the heat, with average daily high temperatures in the low 80s, often reaching the 90s on particularly hot days.
The biggest Charleston events in May are the Spoleto Festival and its cousin, the Piccolo Spoleto Festival, both beginning over the Memorial Day weekend, and the North Charleston Arts Fest, usually held at the start of the month.
Other May events in Charleston include the Charleston Greek Festival, special Mother’s Day events, Charleston’s popular weekly farmers market in Marion Square, spring events at local attractions, races, plus other food, arts and music events, and the ongoing selection of concerts and performances at the city’s arts venues.
Things to do in Charleston in May are abundant and varied. This is a great time for outdoor sightseeing, activities and attractions — parks, historic cemeteries, plantations, visits to nearby Morris Island and its lighthouse, kayak tours of scenic Shem Creek, and other natural and historic sights near the city.
Many May days are hot enough for the beach, with the several beaches near Charleston attracting plenty of visitors on sunny weekends. Historic house tours and local museums are a draw year-round, and there is also a wide range of historical tours, focused on topics such as Black history, Charleston’s ghosts and folklore or its food culture.
Interested in a specific type of event? See Charleston’s calendars of upcoming:
– Concerts
– Comedy shows
– Musicals
– Food festivals
– Farmers markets
See also:
– Free things to do in Charleston
– Things to do in Charleston
– Charleston’s biggest festivals
!Event dates, venue and other details can change at short notice. Please check all information at the official website before making plans to attend an event.
– The Ocean We Swim In, April 16 - May 9 2026
Play at Cannon Street Art Center. More details
– Company, April 24 - May 10 2026
Musical at the Queen Street Playhouse. More details
– ArtWalk, May 1 2026
Monthly first Friday art walks in downtown Charleston galleries. More details
– Moonlight Mixers, May 1 2026
Monthly summer music and dancing at the Folly Beach Pier. More details
– Brandon Lake with Pat Barrett, May 1-2 2026
Concert at the Credit One Stadium. More details
– Charleston Farmers Market, Saturdays April through November 2026
Very popular weekly farmers market in Marion Square, with produce, prepared foods and other goods from local vendors, arts and crafts, and live performances. More details
– Charleston Dragon Boat Festival, May 2 2026
Annual dragon boat races to benefit local cancer survivors. More details
– The Lost Things: An All-New Magical Experience from Illusionist Scott Silven, May 2-3 2026
Illusion show at the Gaillard Center. More details
– Charleston RiverDogs: Run Charlie Run 5K, May 3 2026
Annual 5K race at Joseph P Riley Jr Park to benefit MUSC Children’s Health. More details
– Kathy Griffin, May 3 2026
Comedy show at the Charleston Music Hall. More details
– The Ocean We Swim In, April 16 - May 9 2026
Play at Cannon Street Art Center. More details
– Company, April 24 - May 10 2026
Musical at the Queen Street Playhouse. More details
– Ty Segall, May 5 2026
Concert at the Music Farm. More details
– Trey Kennedy, May 8 2026
Comedy show at the Charleston Music Hall. More details
– Brit Floyd: The Moon, The Wall and Beyond, May 8 2026
Tribute concert at the North Charleston Coliseum and Performing Arts Center. More details
– Charleston Greek Festival, May 8-10 2026
Popular annual festival of Greek culture at the Greek Orthodox Church of the Holy Trinity, with traditional foods and drinks, live music and dance performances, craft vendors and more. More details
– Charleston Farmers Market, Saturdays April through November 2026
Very popular weekly farmers market in Marion Square, with produce, prepared foods and other goods from local vendors, arts and crafts, and live performances. More details
– St Paul & the Broken Bones, May 9 2026
Concert at the Charleston Music Hall. More details
– Katt Williams: The Golden Age Tour, May 9 2026
Comedy show at the North Charleston Coliseum and Performing Arts Center. More details
– Cast Off Fishing Tournament, May 9 2026
Series of fishing tournaments at the Mount Pleasant Pier. More details
– Akaash Singh, May 15 2026
Comedy show at the Charleston Music Hall. More details
– Dancing on the Cooper, May 15 2026
Monthly summer music and dancing at the Mount Pleasant Pier. More details
– Charleston Farmers Market, Saturdays April through November 2026
Very popular weekly farmers market in Marion Square, with produce, prepared foods and other goods from local vendors, arts and crafts, and live performances. More details
– Cast Off Fishing Tournament, May 16 2026
Series of fishing tournaments at the Folly Beach Pier. More details
– AtomaCon, May 16-17 2026
Annual sci-fi, fantasy and paranormal convention and film festival at Trident Technical College, North Charleston. More details
– Hairball, May 21 2026
Tribute concert at the Charleston Music Hall. More details
– Dwight Yoakam & ZZ Top: Dos Amigos Tour, May 21 2026
Concert at the North Charleston Coliseum and Performing Arts Center. More details
– Spoleto Festival USA, May 22 - June 7 2026
Big annual performing arts festival with performances across Charleston. More details
– Piccolo Spoleto Festival, May 22 - June 7 2026
Popular annual arts festival featuring a variety of visual and performing arts events across the city. More details
– Charleston Farmers Market, Saturdays April through November 2026
Very popular weekly farmers market in Marion Square, with produce, prepared foods and other goods from local vendors, arts and crafts, and live performances. More details
– Spoleto Festival USA, May 22 - June 7 2026
Big annual performing arts festival with performances across Charleston. More details
– Piccolo Spoleto Festival, May 22 - June 7 2026
Popular annual arts festival featuring a variety of visual and performing arts events across the city. More details
– Charleston Farmers Market, Saturdays April through November 2026
Very popular weekly farmers market in Marion Square, with produce, prepared foods and other goods from local vendors, arts and crafts, and live performances. More details
– MGK: Lost Americana Tour with Wiz Khalifa & Beauty School Dropout, May 30 2026
Concert at the Credit One Stadium. More details
→ See more June events