Welcome to the 42nd Annual North Charleston Arts Fest!

A multi-venue, multi-disciplinary arts festival for every resident & visitor of North Charleston

The North Charleston Arts Fest features five days of events highlighting regional and local artists and performers in the areas of Dance, Music, Theatre, Visual Arts, and Literature. Residents and visitors are invited to experience a diverse array of free performances, exhibitions, and activities in a variety of venues, including libraries, businesses, community centers, and parks. The festival schedule offers something for everyone, including concerts, theatre presentations, dance performances, children’s programs, demonstrations, exhibitions, and more.

Schedule

April 30, 2025

Puppet Show – The Emperor’s New Clothes

10:30-11:30am

Otranto Road Regional Library - 2261 Otranto Road, North Charleston, SC 29406

What’s big and pink and loves to dress up in fancy clothes? Give up? It’s the Emperor himself in Grey Seal Puppet‘s clever adaptation of The Emperor’s New Clothes. Not only is this Emperor big and pink, he also happens to be a pig. The Hans Christian Andersen story takes on a whole new dimension as this classic tale is transformed into a fable. The crafty tailors are foxes; the prime minister is a near-sighted camel; and the councilor is a befuddled old walrus. Even the audience takes part – as animals, of course. It’s puppet fun for everyone!

Opening Celebration & Art Reception

6:00-8:00pm

Charleston Area Convention Center Complex Exhibit, Hall C - 5001 Coliseum Drive, North Charleston, SC 29418

It’s Arts Fest time! Celebrate with food, music, and more, set among the hundreds of pieces of artwork on display as part of the Arts Fest’s many competitions and exhibitions. Award winners of the Judged Fine Art and Photography, SC Palmetto Hands Fine Craft, National Outdoor Sculpture, and Tri-County Youth Art and High School Sculpture competitions will be acknowledged at 6:30pm. Smooth sounds for the evening provided by Alva Anderson and Porto Seguro. With Anderson’s captivating and soulful voice as centerpiece, the group delivers a heartfelt tribute to Brazilian music. Be sure to enter the FREE raffle for an original piece by this year’s Poster Design Competition winner, Amy Stewart. Local artist Scott Truman will offer a live painting demonstration and members of The North Charleston Artist Guild will also present live art demos in a variety of media throughout the evening. Complimentary beer, wine, and heavy hors d’oeuvres will be served.

Date: April 30 - May 5, 2025