Charleston, SC

Local Events

Reenactments, heritage festivals, and living history programs — experience the Revolution where it happened.

Upcoming This Year

Jun

CeremonyFeatured

Carolina Day / Battle of Sullivan's Island Anniversary

Fort Moultrie, Sullivan's Island (Fort Sumter & Fort Moultrie National Historical Park)

Annual commemoration of the June 28, 1776, Patriot victory at the Battle of Sullivan's Island, where Colonel William Moultrie's forces at the palmetto-log fort repelled a British naval assault. The celebration includes wreath-laying ceremonies, cannon firings, living history demonstrations, and speeches at Fort Moultrie. Carolina Day has been observed in Charleston since the Revolution itself and is recognized by state law.

Free (standard NPS entrance fee may apply for fort)June 28 each year; some associated events may shift to the nearest SaturdayMore info →

May

Ceremony

Siege of Charleston Anniversary Commemoration

Various sites including White Point Garden (The Battery) and Charleston Museum, Charleston

Observance marking the 1780 Siege of Charleston and the surrender of the Continental Army — the largest American surrender of the Revolutionary War. Programs may include guided walks of the siege line locations on Charleston Neck, scholarly talks, and remembrance of the Patriot soldiers held as prisoners. Events are organized in coordination with local historical and preservation groups.

Free (museum programs may require paid admission)Held on or near May 12, the anniversary of the 1780 surrender; contact the Charleston Museum or local historical societies to confirm programming each year

Jun

Reenactment

Fort Moultrie Living History Weekend

Fort Moultrie, Sullivan's Island (Fort Sumter & Fort Moultrie National Historical Park)

The National Park Service hosts living history weekends at Fort Moultrie featuring uniformed interpreters demonstrating 18th-century military life, musket and artillery drills, and discussions of the Patriot defense of Charleston Harbor. Rangers provide guided tours covering the fort's role from the 1776 battle through the British occupation period.

Free with standard NPS site entrance feeTypically held on a weekend near the June 28 Carolina Day anniversary; check NPS Fort Sumter/Fort Moultrie event calendar for exact datesMore info →

Jul

Guided Tour

Old Exchange Provost Dungeon Living History Programs

Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon, 122 East Bay Street, Charleston

The Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon, one of Charleston's most important Revolutionary War landmarks, hosts periodic living history programs and special anniversary events throughout the year. Costumed interpreters portray Patriot prisoners held in the dungeon during the British occupation (1780–1782), and programs cover topics such as the ratification of the U.S. Constitution, which took place in the building's Great Hall.

Paid admission; check website for current pricingPrograms scheduled throughout the year, with special July 4th and Revolution-themed events; contact venue to confirm specific datesMore info →

Dec

Ceremony

British Evacuation of Charleston Anniversary

White Point Garden (The Battery) and downtown Charleston historic district

Commemoration of December 14, 1782, when British forces finally departed Charleston after more than two and a half years of military occupation, effectively ending the Revolutionary War in the South. Observances have included historical talks, walking tours of occupation-era sites, and ceremonies at White Point Garden where American troops re-entered the city.

FreeDecember 14 or nearest weekend; contact local historical societies to confirm annual programming