Charleston is known as a friendly city. In fact, it’s been voted “America’s Most Friendly City” three different times, twice by Travel + Leisure and once by Conde Nast Traveler. That’s quite the tip of the cap, and one of the reasons Charleston gets such love is the growing popularity of “2nd Sunday on King Street,” a year-round event in downtown Charleston that takes place the second Sunday of each month from 1-5 pm.
2nd Sunday is a wonderful event for both visitors and locals, attracting as many as 20,000 revelers on a given day. King Street, in downtown Charleston, is blocked off from Calhoun to Queen Street, allowing pedestrians to enjoy everything King Street has to offer, from great shopping and eating to simply relaxing and strolling down the gorgeous streets.
2nd Sunday provides live music and emphasizes the great shopping and abundance of different restaurants in Charleston. 2nd Sunday has become a staple of Charleston culture, attracting both locals and visitors from all over the world. Local bands and musicians, as well as unique artists and performers, populate the streets to show off their myriad of talents.
Food and drink options abound as well, with many of the restaurants participating by setting up tables and seating outside. Brunch is a Charleston staple, and you’ll have plenty of places to choose from on any given 2nd Sunday. You can find any brunch item you can think of, with southern and seafood twists the rule more than the exception. Like the food, the drinks are fun and festive, with each eatery putting their local spin on classic favorites as well as signature drinks. The music is unplugged and spread throughout the ½ mile route.
If you love to shop, then 2nd Sunday is an absolute must. King Street is known for its phenomenal shops—US News & World Report called it one of the ten best shopping streets in the United States. 2nd Sunday is put on by downtown businesses, the city of Charleston, and the Charleston Peninsula Preservation Trust, starting out as a business development initiative that supports downtown Charleston’s balance and livability, 2nd Sunday has become an iconic event that lets Charleston put its best foot forward.
Whether you’re looking to enjoy brunch, go shopping, listen to music, or just spending some quality time with friends and family, 2nd Sunday has it all and is sure to provide positive vibes and an afternoon you won’t soon forget.
We might also suggest that a perfect way to kick off your 2nd Sunday experience is with a relaxing, informative, and fun 90-minute tour of Charleston Harbor. The Carolina Belle heads out with a narrated, sightseeing harbor tour every Sunday morning at 11:30 am. This tour is the best way to take in the historical sites and learn about the deep history of this unique city.
For the most relaxing way to enjoy Charleston, we can’t overstate how delightful the 2nd Sunday Wine-Tasting Sunset Sail is. Board the three-masted tall ship, Schooner Pride, for a luxurious evening sail in Charleston Harbor and enjoy tasting several unique wines from Southern Glazer’s Wine and Spirits plus delightful hors d’oeuvres provided by Foodies Catering.
A tour of Charleston Harbor, followed by all the fantastic sights, sounds, eats, and shopping offered by 2nd Sunday, sounds like the perfect way to experience Charleston!
