2012 Charleston Carifest Caribbean Carnival

'Play Mas' Caribbean Carnival is celebrated with a Carnival Street Parade, often referred to as a 'march'. Many of the Caribbean Islands celebrate Carnival year after year. The largest and most well known celebrations are held in Trinidad, Tobago, New York, and Toronto. In June 2012, you too can participate in this exciting, annual celebration right here in Charleston, South Carolina! Join us for three special days of fun filled festivities during the 2012 Charleston Carifest!

Carifest Symposium
June 14, 2012 from 6:00PM - 9:00PM 
Masquerade Fete 
June 15, 2012 from 7:00PM - Midnight 
Carnival Street Parade
June 16, 2012 at 3:00PM 
Carnival Finale: Caribbean Carnival Celebration in the Park
June 16, 2012 from 2:00PM - 8:30PM 
Carifest After Party at Tropix Bar & Grill
June 16, 2012 from 10:00PM - 2:00AM


The celebration begins on Thursday, June 14, 2012 with the Carifest Symposium at the Avery Institute, College of Charleston. This event is FREE so save the date today. The featured country for the 2012 festival is Jamaica! On Friday, June 15, 2012, the celebration continues with Masquerade Fete, a Mardi Gras party! This dinner & dance fundraiser supports the Carifest Children's Steel Band Project. This event will take place from 7PM - Midnight at the International Longshoreman's Hall which is located at 1142 Morrison Drive, Charleston, SC. The price for this event is $40.00 and tickets can be purchased at this website.

Finally, on June 16, 2012, the big event will finally arrive. This day full of fun includes a Carnival Street Parade, a Celebration in the Park, and a Carifest After Party! The parade starts at the Visitor's Center on Ann Street at 3:00PM. Enjoy the splendor of the Caribbean with colourful Revelers in beautiful costumes dancing to the beat of Reggae and Soca music as they make their way through the streets to Brittle Bank Park. If you would like to participate in the parade, you can email info@charlestoncarifest.com. The parade ends at the Carnival Celebration in the Park located at Brittle Bank Park, across from the Charleston Police Station. The Celebration in the Park starts at 2:00PM and ends at 8:30PM. Park Entry is $6.00 in advance and $10.00 at the door. Children under 12 years old are FREE! Join us at this event to celebrate Caribbean American Heritage Month. Enjoy cultural festivities including steel bands, Reggae / Soca Music, Caribbean dancers, Indian dancers, Caribbean Food, Drinks, Crafts, and more! As the Celebration in the Park comes to an end, round up your friends and head over to the Carifest After Party at Tropix Bar and Grill. 'Wine down and whine down' with your friends to end this spectacular day of Caribbean festivities. Visit the Charleston Carifest website for additional details about this exciting weekend coming up in June 2012 and get your tickets here.

We hope to see everyone there at this wonderful Charleston event. If you will be visiting us from out of town, we invite you to stay with one of our Charleston SC Events hotel partners. We look forward to your arrival!

Danielle Snyder
Charleston SC Events

Charleston South Carolina Valentine's Day Celebrations

Valentine's Day will be here before we know it and we want to make sure that you have something special planned for your loved one. Check out upcoming Valentine's Day events and romantic getaways listed below so that you can begin planning something special for Valentine's Day!

Charleston South Carolina Valentine's Day Events:

Kid's Night Out - No Parents Allowed!
Valentine's Day After Hours Event
February 14, 2012 from 5:00PM - 9:00PM
For the love of parents, bring your kids to CML on Valentine's Day, then treat yourself to a romantic dinner. The Museum will be open on Valentine's Day for fun crafts, activities, games, story time, and dinner in a safe, camp-themed environment. Visit their website for additional details and contact information.

Celebrate Valentine's Day with Circa 1886
February 14, 2012
Circa 1886 is a fine dining restaurant located on the grounds of the Wentworth Mansion in Charleston, SC. They hold the distinctions of Forbes Four Star and AAA Four Diamond ratings. Join them for Valentine's Day this year and enjoy a six course meal with your loved one. Visit their website for additional details. 

Valentine's Day Beer & Chocolate Pairing at Westbrook Brewing Company
February 14, 2012
Join Westbrook Brewing Company for a beer and chocolate pairing on Valentine's Day. Enjoy Christophe Artisan Chocolates paired with your favorite beers. Cost is $20 per person or $35 per couple. Make your reservation today because spaces are filling up quickly! 843-654-9112


Romantic Getaways near Charleston South Carolina

Columbia, South Carolina Romantic Getaway
Visit Riverbanks Zoo, take a stroll along the Congaree River, and enjoy an intimate dinner in the Vista Downtown. Columbia is a spectacular place to spend Valentine's Day with that special someone. After a day full of romantic activities, relax and unwind at the Staybridge Suites. Book their Romantic Getaway Package and enjoy a luxurious hotel suite, chilled champagne, gourmet chocolates, and breakfast for two.

Wilmington, North Carolina Romantic Getaway
Visit this beautiful city along the North Carolina Coast for Valentine's Day. Take a romantic tour of historic downtown and enjoy the beautiful scenery at Wrightsville Beach. At the end of the day, join the Holiday Inn Wilmington and take advantage of their romantic getaway package. Their A Night To Remember package includes a bottle of champagne, a box of chocolates, and breakfast for two in the morning.

Savannah, Georgia Romantic Getaway
Savannah is a beautiful city along the Georgia Coast and is the perfect place to spend Valentine's Day with your loved one. Spend the day on Tybee Island, tour historic downtown, and enjoy dinner for two at one of Savannah's finest restaurants. There are countless romantic activities for you and that special someone to enjoy on this special occasion. Plus, the Best Western Savannah Gateway is offering a special Romantic Getaway Package for only $69.00 per night!

How will you be spending your Valentine's Day this year? If we are missing an upcoming Charleston Valentine's Day event, please send us information so that we can share event details! We hope that you and your loved one have a wonderful time celebrating Valentine's Day 2012!

Happy Valentine's Day!

Danielle Snyder
Charleston SC Events