Annual North Charleston Arts Festival set for May 3-11

The 31st annual North Charleston Arts Festival kicks off  May 3 and continues through May 11.

Recognized by the Southeast Tourism Society as a Top 20 Event, the nine-day event has matured into one of the most comprehensive arts festival in the state, drawing thousands of residents and visitors to experience the talents of national, regional and local artists and performers in the areas of Dance, Music, Theatre, Visual Arts, Crafts, Photography, Media Arts, and Literature. Nearly 100 festival offerings are scheduled to take place in a variety of venues throughout North Charleston and the surrounding area, including libraries, community centers, schools, civic auditoriums and parks.

The City of North Charleston Cultural Arts Department organizes and presents the event, striving to maintain the spirit of a public celebration with the mission of presenting a broad, multi-discipline schedule with a wide range of performances, exhibitions, and activities for people of all ages and backgrounds. Many of the offerings are free, and those that are ticketed are moderately priced.

“The variety of Arts Festival offerings and the inclusiveness of the event have really become a point of pride for the City of North Charleston,” says North Charleston Mayor Keith Summey. “The event provides both our residents and visitors from throughout the Southeast a myriad of opportunities to experience high quality programming in every arts discipline in a variety of traditional and non-traditional settings.”

The Arts Festival Main Event, held on Saturday, May 4, and Sunday, May 5, at the North Charleston Performing Arts Center and Charleston Area Convention Center, offers free admission and parking to more than 40 performances on four stages. Features include judged fine art and photography exhibits; the 12th annual South Carolina Palmetto Hands Fine Craft Exhibit; youth art from Charleston, Berkeley and Dorchester county students; the Lowcountry Gem & Mineral Society show and sale; the Village Antiques & Collectibles show; children’s activities at Box City and Creation Stations; art & craft vendors, a food court, and much more.

Free and ticketed offerings throughout the nine-day schedule include concerts, street dances, theatre presentations, film screenings, art workshops and demonstrations, an art walk and  children’s programs.

This year’s Grand Finale on May 11 features a Tri-County school showcase, music and dance performances, a slam poetry show, children’s activities, food trucks and an evening concert by Rivers & Company. The event concludes with a fantastic fireworks display over the Cooper River.

For more information, visit NorthCharlestonArtsFest.com or contact the North Charleston Cultural Arts Department office at (843) 740-5854.

Via: North Charleston Cultural Arts Department