The City of North Charleston Cultural Arts Department proudly presents the 2011 North Charleston Arts Festival, April 29 – May 7. The fabulous nine-day celebration of the arts is one of the most comprehensive arts festivals in the Lowcountry, providing over 30,000 residents & visitors with a fabulous array of performances, exhibitions, and activities. The Main Event, held April 30 & May 1 at the Charleston Area Convention Center Complex, offers free admission and parking to over 40 performances on four stages featuring national, regional, and local professional performers, ethnic & cultural groups, and community groups. Other Main Event activities include judged art, photography, youth art, and fine craft exhibitions, a gem & mineral show, an antique show & sale, children’s activities, arts & crafts booths, and an outdoor food courtyard. The Arts Festival continues with over 50 free or moderately priced ticketed events throughout the week at various locations around North Charleston. Festival Week offerings include concerts, theater and dance performances, exhibitions, children’s programs, literary events, street dances, an Art Walk, and much more. The festivities conclude on Saturday, May 7, with the Grand Finale at North Charleston Riverfront Park, featuring a variety of concerts and activities, as well as a fantastic fireworks display over the Cooper River.

There’s truly something for everyone, so be sure to take advantage of the arts and cultural opportunities available at the 2011 North Charleston Arts Festival!

North Charleston is the perfect place to have as a home base for your South Carolina Lowcountry visit! North Charleston offers no parking meters, more than 7,000 affordable to luxury accommodations, a wide selection of restaurants, entertainment complexes, shopping malls and specialty shops, and is central to accessing area attractions.

North Charleston and American LaFrance Fire Museum and Educational Center, the Lowcountry’s newest attraction, offers interactive exhibits and displays that will not only excite the youngsters, but will also provide an educational experience for everyone to learn about the antique fire trucks and fire safety.

The city opened its first public golf course in 2000, The Golf Club at Wescott Plantation. This 27-hole course has all the finest amenities, including a 12,900 square foot Clubhouse complete with a pro shop, restaurant, and meeting space.

The Charleston Area Convention Center Complex supports a total of 202,000 square feet of meeting, exhibit, and ballroom space for the Lowcountry. It is connected to the North Charleston Performing Arts Center, a 2,300-seat facility offering smaller venue concerts, Broadway plays and other creative entertainment. The North Charleston Coliseum at the Complex also hosts a variety of events, including concerts, circuses, sporting extravaganzas, consumer shows, arts & crafts exhibits, and ice and hockey shows.

Annual North Charleston events are more exciting every year with our Fourth of July Festival, The North Charleston Christmas Lighting Festival and Parade, the North Charleston Annual Arts Festival, and the North Charleston Farmers Market.

North Charleston is where all the excitement begins, and it continues as a lively center of hospitality. Come visit and stay a while, you will love our style.