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Moving to Charleston means discovering new routines, faces, and traditions. One of the best ways to feel connected quickly is through local events. The area hosts a wide array of weekly, seasonal, and annual gatherings that bring people together and help new residents feel at home. You’ll soon find the city is full of welcoming spaces to strike up a conversation. After all, there’s a reason Charleston was named the friendliest and most polite city in the country. And perhaps you’ve heard of our famous Southern hospitality? So whether you’re new to town or a beenya looking to expand your social circle, here are some of the best ways to meet people and make new friends in Charleston, SC.
Farmers markets are a great place to meet locals and make connections while enjoying the outdoors and exploring the area. Fortunately, Charleston offers plenty to choose from nearly every day of the week, each spring through early fall. The bustling Downtown Charleston Farmers Market in Marion Square runs on Saturdays with fresh produce, local honey, and handmade goods. Just over the Ravenel Bridge, Mount Pleasant has a dedicated pavilion on Coleman Boulevard that features fresh seafood, handmade crafts, and gourmet treats on Tuesday afternoons. West Ashley’s Ackerman Park hosts a market on Wednesdays. The Pour House on James Island offers a laid-back brunch market on Sundays. Visitors can sip on a cold brew under Spanish moss while browsing heirloom tomatoes, artisan bread, and locally made soaps.
If prepared meals are more your vibe, Charleston’s food trucks deliver everything from Southern comfort food to international cuisines. In the spring, trucks gather for vibrant festivals with live music, DJs, rides, and local brews. Two of the largest are the Charleston Food Truck Festival at North Charleston’s Noisette Park and the Black Food Truck Festival at the Exchange Park Fairgrounds in Ladson. Firefly Distillery also hosts a popular two-day event. These family-friendly gatherings are perfect for food enthusiasts looking to explore new flavors and support local businesses, while communing with fellow foodies.
Charleston’s French Quarter Art Walks are a beloved monthly tradition. On First Friday evenings, over 40 galleries open their doors to residents and visitors alike, offering a chance to view artwork and meet the artists in person. Many offer complimentary hors d’oeuvres, wine, and even live music.
Take a casual, self-guided stroll through Colonial-era courtyards and cobblestone streets while exploring contemporary abstracts, realistic Lowcountry landscapes, sculptures, jewelry, and live painting demos. Art lovers can sip a glass of wine, chat with gallery owners and artists, and discover new favorites. More than just a cultural outing, art walks are vibrant social gatherings where the creative atmosphere makes it easy to strike up a conversation with others admiring the same work.
The Lowcountry is a fantastic home for sports enthusiasts, with plenty of events to keep you active and entertained year-round. Charleston hosts several minor league teams: fans can catch a Charleston RiverDogs baseball game at Joseph P. Riley Jr. Park, a lively venue known for its family-friendly fun, quirky promotions, and famous co-owner Bill Murray. Soccer fans rally behind the Charleston Battery, while hockey lovers cheer on the South Carolina Stingrays at the North Charleston Coliseum. Yes, we have ice rinks in the South!
Beyond the stadiums, Charleston’s sports bars are the perfect place to celebrate wins or commiserate losses. Whether you’re following college football or the NFL, you can find a spot to watch on the big screen indoors, or take advantage of the mild coastal falls to enjoy a broadcast on a patio or rooftop bar. Many franchises have official or unofficial local hangouts where you’ll always meet fellow enthusiastic fans. (Special shout out to my Buffalo Bills Backers!) Even Premier League Soccer fans have their regular haunts. A quick Google or social media search for your favorite team will put you in touch with fellow fans that will become fast friends.
If you prefer participating over spectating, the annual Cooper River Bridge Run draws tens of thousands of runners each spring. If you’re more into watersports, you’ll find regattas in Charleston Harbor, surf competitions on Folly Beach, fishing tournaments, and even a Polar Bear Plunge for the truly bold. Many municipal parks offer basketball, tennis, and pickleball courts. Joining a team or league is a great way to stay active and meet people with shared interests.
Charleston is a living classroom of American history and culture, and local tours bring that history to life. Wander through cobblestone streets, hidden alleyways, and antebellum homes while licensed guides share fascinating tales. In addition to museum houses and plantations that are open year-round, you can get a rare peek inside private homes and gated gardens every spring and fall through popular fundraising tours hosted by Historic Charleston Foundation and the Preservation Society.
Beyond history and architecture, themed walking tours offer something for nearly every interest. Dive deeper into Black history, LGBTQ+ stories, ghost tales, pirate legends, or the darker side of Charleston’s past. Culinary tours pair historic insight with tastes of Lowcountry cuisine, while cocktail tours mix storytelling with handcrafted drinks. Budding photographers can even join guided walks to capture the city's most picturesque Instagram-worthy photo ops. With so many options, you’re sure to find a tour that appeals to you—and gives you something in common to chat about with your fellow explorers.
DIY classes in Charleston are a creative, hands-on way to meet people while learning something new. No matter your interest, you’re sure to find an appealing class. From painting to pottery, candle-making to cooking, these interactive experiences foster a relaxed, collaborative atmosphere. Many include a glass of wine or beer (or allow you to BYOB) to get your creative juice –and conversations–going. Whether crafting a charcuterie board or building a terrarium, these sessions create a welcoming space to connect with others. Offer tips and encouragement, share laughs, and compliment your fellow participants’ creations to make friends while flexing your creative muscles.
Starting fresh in Charleston, SC is easier than you might think. The area’s lineup of local events makes it easy to feel at home and find your people. Whether you're sampling bites at a food festival, cheering on the RiverDogs, or exploring galleries during an art walk, there’s no shortage of opportunities to meet new friends. Soon, you’ll discover that Charleston’s charm isn’t just in its cobblestone streets, it’s in the people you meet along the way.
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