Already a month into 2023—January flew by—and Charleston is still brimming with events and things to do downtown and across the metro area. Why not kick off the shortest month of the year with a breakdown of the must-do activities happening in the Holy City?
We at Charleston Tours and Events love supporting local businesses, as we are one such business, and this list reflects that value, representing interests sure to pique everyone’s curiosities while encouraging Charleston’s pro-small-business attitude.
So, without further ado, why not start with what we have happening this February?
Save by Combining a Carriage Tour and Harbor Tour
Historic Charleston is a rather broad term, as many visitors tend to underestimate all this city has to offer. There’s the French Quarter, of course, Slightly North of Broad, and the large and bustling harbor, holding such landmarks as Fort Sumter and the USS Yorktown.
You’ll need multiple tours to cover all this ground, is the bottom line.
Never fear! By combining a carriage tour and harbor tour, you’ll sightsee by land and by sea while saving money.
Our historic harbor tour is a 90-minute treat for the senses: breathtaking views of stunning architecture and untouched marshes, live narration mixed with history trivia, even the fragrance of fresh popcorn and an array of snacks and drinks for you to enjoy. With 75 points of interest covered, you’ll be engaged the entire trip.
The carriage tour is brought to you by Palmetto Carriage Works, a well-established group of hospitality professionals ready to show you the town in style. Passionate about the wellbeing of their four-hooved tour assistants, the guides expertly lead you through downtown Charleston for an hour, narrating the sights and sharing with you the stories of the dearly loved horses pulling you along.
Repticon
Things that slither, others that crawl—for exotic animal lovers, Repticon is the shining gem of February.
If you’re free to stop by the Exchange Park on the 18th or 19th, and you’ve never come face-to-face with some of the most efficient—and cutest—predators on Earth, feel free to stop by and enjoy yourself! From snakes to lizards, rats to tortoises, you’ll encounter a wide variety of creatures here.
Just a straight shot up I26 West from downtown Charleston, Repticon is located inside Freedom Hall, and tickets are $15 per adult, $6 per child under 12, and free of charge for little ones under 5 years old.
Southeastern Wildlife Expedition
Affectionately known as SEWE in Charleston, this unique animal Expo offers something for everyone.
In the span of five days, Charleston will host dog diving competitions, black-tie galas, art auctions, live music, archery, and, of course, wildlife around every corner! Brush up on your cooking and grab your sculpting tools, and most importantly, come with a plan. Dozens of events each day result in not enough daylight for one person to see it all, so mark down your must-do events on a map of downtown Charleston before you arrive.
If you’re not a local, be sure to plan ahead for lodging, as hotels and AirBnB’s in Charleston fill up quickly this time of year. Whether you’re looking for a five star experience at the Charleston Place Hotel or a house for rent downtown, the options are plenty, but so are the expected patrons of SEWE this year.
Wizard Fest presents WizardCon
For “Harry Potter” fans, this themed bar crawl downtown is an absolute must. Time to grab your robes and wand, because the wizarding world awaits.
Explore Charleston like never before as you and your group of wizards participate in a bar crawl that ends in a Wizard Fest party, where you can expect costume contests, trivia, games, and a live DJ!
Never had butter beer before? Well now is your chance to live out your childhood dreams of attending Hogwarts in an aged-up manner.
The Gatsby Gala
After a COVID-induced hiatus, the Gatsby Gala is back!
A Charleston favorite, this two-night event starts February 3 through February 4, and tickets are on sale now! General admission includes access to professional roaring twenties-themed photo ops, live music from Charleston’s best bands, an open bar, and much, much more!
Of course, should you prefer to live life even more luxuriously, VIP tickets can be purchased, which provides features such as early admission, two VIP lounges, and premium food options.
Dance the night away while dressed to the nines at this swanky party located at Festival Hall. Cheers, old sport!
Off-Season is a Myth
Just as the above states, Charleston never sleeps, and events are hosted around town all year long! While one may assume this top destination city has beaches, seafood, and not much else, nothing could be further from the truth.
So come visit Charleston and all it has to offer, with tips from the locals on how to make the most of your time this February.
