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May 2026 Festivals & Events
Moonlight Mixer
Friday, May 1, 7 – 10 p.m.
Folly Beach Pier
Moonlight Mixers are back on the Folly Beach Pier! Music starts at 7 p.m. Children 3 and under are free, and a registered and paid chaperone is required for all participants ages 15 and under.
Fee: $15
Inclusive Superhero Dance
Wednesday, May 6, 6-8 p.m.
Cooper River Room at Mount Pleasant Memorial Waterfront Park
People with disabilities and their families and friends are invited to an unforgettable night! Come dressed as your favorite superhero!
Fee: $4
Starlight Yoga
Thursday, May 7, 7:30 p.m.
Johns Island County Park
The moon and stars enhance this flowing yoga class. Participants will receive a special glow in the dark prize. What to expect: This class is open to all levels, including beginners. Accessible parking and restrooms available.
Ages: 10 and up
Fee: $12 in advance or $14 day-of
Cast Off Fishing Tournament
Saturday, May 9, 6 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Mount Pleasant Pier
Join us at the Mount Pleasant Pier for a fun day of fishing during the season’s first Cast Off Fishing Tournament. Prize categories include Biggest 3 by Weight, Biggest youth catch (12 & under), and Best 5 Fish Total Weight. No preregistration required. Register on site the morning of each tournament.
Fee: $12 for ages 13 and up; $9 for members of the military; $9 for youth and seniors; $5 for fishing pass holders
Ages: 3 and up (adult chaperone required for ages 15 and under)
Dancing on the Cooper
Friday, May 15, 7 – 10 p.m.
Mount Pleasant Pier
Enjoy scenic views of the Charleston Harbor while dancing to live music from Vinyl Daze. Live music starts at 7 p.m.
Ages: 4 and up
Fee: $10 in advance; $15 at the event
Cast Off Fishing Tournament
Saturday, May 16, 6 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Folly Beach Pier
Join us at the Folly Pier for a fun day of fishing during the Cast Off Fishing Tournament. Prize categories include Biggest 3 by Weight, Biggest youth catch (12 & under), and Best 5 Fish Total Weight. No preregistration required. Register on site the morning of each tournament.
Fee: $12 for ages 13 and up; $9 for members of the military; $9 for youth and seniors; $5 for fishing pass holders
Ages: 3 and up (adult chaperone required for ages 15 and under)
Wheel to Surf
Saturday, May 16, 8:30 -1 p.m.
Folly Beach County Park
This unique event provides individuals with disabilities an opportunity to experience surfing! Adaptive surfing staff from partner organizations Ocean Cure, Adaptive Surf Project, Coastal Adaptive Sports, and Adaptive Expeditions will provide instruction and assistance in a controlled environment. Participants must meet guidelines prior to registration.
Ages: 4 and up
Free event; registration required
17474 (morning session) 17475 (afternoon session)
Reggae Nights Summer Concert
Friday, May 29, 7:30 – 11 p.m.
James Island County Park
Relax and enjoy traditional old school roots reggae with a new school attitude in the beautiful outdoor setting of James Island County Park. Bring your chair or blanket and rock the night away! Food, beverages, and souvenirs will be available for purchase. Music begins at 8:00pm. Visit our website at ccprc.com or call (843) 795-4386 for more information.
Fee: $20 per vehicle in advance; $30 per vehicle on site
Inclusive Swim Night
Sunday, May 31, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Splash Zone waterpark
People with disabilities and their families are invited to an unforgettable night at your waterpark! Enjoy all the fun of the waterpark, including the lazy river, slides, and pool, in a sensory-friendly environment.
Fee: $7
May 2026 Programs
Family Archery
Saturday, May 2, 1 – 2:30 p.m.
Johns Island County Park
Get your bull’s-eye! Bring the family, get a brief orientation, and fling some arrows at Johns Island County Park’s target archery range. Equipment will be provided. Each family member wishing to participate must register.
Ages: 8 and up
Fee: $20
Early Morning Bird Walk at Caw Caw
Ongoing: Wednesdays and Saturdays, May 2, 6, 13, 16, 20, 23, 27, 30
Caw Caw Interpretive Center
Join us on one or more of our regular bird walks. Our trek through many distinct habitats will allow us to view and discuss a variety of birds, butterflies, and other organisms. What to expect: Accessible parking, accessible restrooms, accessible water fountains, and accessible picnic tables are available at this location. The program route is a flat, loop and benches are available along the trail route. The trails are unpaved. The program speed is moderately slow and will require periods of standing and gazing upwards.
All ages
Fee: $12
Junior Naturalist: Salt Marsh Investigations
Saturday, May 2, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
James Island County Park
Bring your curiosity and engage all of your senses while exploring natural habitats at your county parks! Led by Charleston County Park’s Education staff, the multi-seasonal Junior Naturalist program series offers a wide variety of fun and educational nature-based activities focused around a central theme. Children who attend 8 classes earn the title of a Certified Junior Naturalist! South Carolina’s salt marshes are one of the most environmentally diverse places on Earth. Learn about the fascinating plants and animals that call this place home. Prepare to get wet and muddy! What to expect: Accessible parking, accessible restrooms, and accessible water fountains are available at this park. This program will take place in an open-aired shelter and will include a walk to the fishing dock. Trails are paved and flat and the program speed is moderate to slow. Benches are located along the program route, which is out and back. Periods of standing and gazing upwards and downwards to observe wildlife are part of this program.
Ages: 8-12
Fee: $10
Belay Basics
Sunday, May 3, 10 – 11:30 a.m.
James Island County Park Climbing Wall
New to belaying? This class will teach you the essential skills to belay safely and confidently on top rope. We’ll cover proper setup, communication, catching falls, and gear handling all broken down step by step. No experience required, just a willingness to learn. By the end, you’ll be ready to belay a climbing partner outdoors or indoors. Gear is provided; feel free to bring your own.
Ages: 14 and up
Fee: $25
Beginners Night at the Climbing Wall
Thursday, May 7, 5 – 7 p.m.
James Island County Park
New to climbing? This is the perfect place to start. Join us for a relaxed, staff-supported session designed to help you learn the basics, meet other beginners, and enjoy the experience at your own pace. Free gear rental is included, and you?re welcome to stay and climb until close. No experience needed?just show up ready to try something new.
Ages: 18 and up
Fee: $15
Nature’s Soundscape: How to Really Tune In
Thursday, May 7, 9:30 – 3:30 p.m.
Caw Caw Interpretive Center
Master Naturalist advanced training opportunities provide exposure and skill development in areas such as natural history, natural resource management, and nature interpretation. In order to keep a Master Naturalist certification current, you must take at least eight hours of advanced training per year. Listening to natural sounds can open new doors to experiencing the natural world, and every habitat has its own unique sounds. In this course we’ll hone our auditory skills to enhance our connection to the natural world.
Ages: 18 and up
Fee: $50
Lighthouse Inlet Bird Walk
Friday, May 8, 8:30 – 10:30 a.m.
Lighthouse Inlet Heritage Preserve
This walk focuses on the incredibly diverse northeast end of Folly Island. Once the home of a Coast Guard station, this Heritage Preserve protects maritime forest, beach, dune, and marsh habitats for wildlife. This site boasts one of the largest bird lists in South Carolina. At this time of year, we hope to see spring arrivals such as Painted Buntings and Wilson’s Plovers, plus much more. What to expect: This program is open to birders of all levels, including beginners. No accessible parking available. No restrooms available. The park includes paved surface that leads to natural, unimproved surface out to a sandy beach. The program route is out and back and is approximately one-mile-long total. The program route is flat leading to moderate elevation when crossing sand dunes and no benches are available along the trail. The program speed is moderately slow and requires periods of standing and gazing upwards.
Ages 12 and up
Fee: $12
Coconut, Peach, and Chewies: Southern Dessert Traditions
Friday, May 8, 11 a.m. – 12 p.m.
McLeod Planation Historic Site
Coconut, Peach, & Chewies: Southern Dessert Traditions presented by cultural educator and storyteller Julian Gooding is a flavorful journey through Lowcountry dessert history blending African American foodways with the European baking influences that shaped early Southern kitchens. This engaging presentation traces the stories behind coconut cake, peach cobbler, and Charleston Chewies celebration sweets carried through generations in homes, churches, and community gatherings. Come for the tradition, stay for the history, and leave with a sweet understanding of how culture and craft built the Southern table. What to expect: This program will take place at the McLeod Plantation Historic Site Pavilion where seating is available for all participants. The program location is outside in a shaded area. A small, tasting portion of food will be provided to each participant. McLeod Plantation Historic Site has accessible parking, restrooms, water fountains, and picnic tables. Trails throughout the property are of a natural, unpaved surface. Thanks to the generous support of the Charleston County Parks Foundation, this program is offered at a discount. Registration is strongly recommended to guarantee you have a spot.
Ages: 16 and up
Fee: $5
Nature Ramble
Saturday, May 9, 9-11 p.m.
Johns Island County Park
Join a Master Naturalist instructor to see the natural wonders of our parks in a new light. Discover plants and animals while learning about their connections to the world around them and how that connectivity may circle back to you! What to expect: Accessible parking is available at the park office and an accessible restroom is available in the meadow. There is no accessible route to the restroom building. All trails are natural and unpaved, and the program walk will be less than a mile. Program speed is moderately slow and requires periods of standing. Benches are available at park site.
Ages: 12 and up
Fee: $12
Intro to Lead Climbing
Sunday, May 10, 1 – 4 p.m.
James Island County Park Climbing Wall
Ready to take your climbing to the next level? This class covers the basics of lead climbing in the gym?how to clip safely, manage rope drag, belay a lead climber, and fall safely with confidence. We?ll walk you through key techniques and safety protocols, with plenty of hands-on practice. No prior lead experience needed, but participants should be comfortable top rope belaying and able to climb at a 5.9 level or higher. All gear provided; bring your own if you prefer.
Ages: 14 and up
Fee: $40
Shark Tooth Sleuthing
Monday, May 11, 9:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Folly Beach County Park
Spring is a great time to explore the beach. Join an experienced naturalist to search for shark teeth and other beach artifacts. We’ll discuss shark adaptations and biology while learning the secrets to searching for shark teeth. What to expect: Accessible parking, accessible restrooms, and accessible water fountains are available near the Dunes House where the program begins and ends. An accessible route to a natural sand beach is present and beach wheelchairs are available for checkout on a first-come, first-served basis. This program takes place on a sandy beach and requires periods of slow walking, standing, and gazing upwards or downwards to observe wildlife.
Ages 9 and up
Fee: $12
Seashore Exploration
Thursday, May 14, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Kiawah Beachwalker Park
Spring is a great time to explore the beach. Join an experienced naturalist to familiarize yourself with many species that may be found there. We’ll search for artifacts and living creatures along the beach such as molluscs, sponges, corals, and more. Share in the discovery by learning intriguing stories about adaptations that allow for life near the ocean. What to expect: Accessible parking, accessible restrooms, and accessible water fountains are available near the snack bar where the program begins and ends. An accessible route to a natural sand beach is present and beach wheelchairs are available for checkout on a first come, first served basis. This program takes place on a sandy beach and requires periods of slow walking, standing, and gazing upwards or downwards to observe wildlife.
Ages: 9 and up
Fee: $12
Tones at Twilight
Thursday, May 14, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Caw Caw Interpretive Center
Have you ever wondered about sounds from the natural world? Join a Master Naturalist instructor to figure some of them out. We will listen for owls, frogs, and other creatures awake during the twilight hours. What to expect: Accessible parking, accessible restrooms, accessible water fountains, and accessible picnic tables are available at this location. The program speed is moderately slow and will require periods of standing and gazing upwards.
Ages: 12 and up
Fee: $12
Seashore Exploration
Friday, May 15, 9:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Isle of Palms County Park
Spring is a great time to explore the beach, and a trained naturalist will help familiarize you with several species. Share in the discovery by learning intriguing stories about adaptations that allow for life near the ocean. What to expect: Accessible parking, accessible restrooms, and accessible water fountains are available near the Park Center where the program begins and ends. An accessible route to a natural sand beach is present and beach wheelchairs are available for checkout on a first come, first served basis. This program takes place on a sandy beach and requires periods of slow walking, standing, and gazing upwards or downwards to observe wildlife.
Ages: 9 and up
Fee: $12
Ramble and Row
Saturday, May 16, 9 – 11:30 a.m.
Caw Caw Interpretive Center
For a unique look into the ecology of the Lowcountry, join trained naturalists who will share the fascinating cultural and natural history of this site. Walk from forest to former rice fields and then hop into a canoe for a little on-water time that may alter your perspective in more than one way. What to expect: Accessible parking is available. Accessible restrooms, water fountains and picnic tables are available near the Welcome Center where program begins and ends. While taking part in this activity, participants are required to sit for extended periods of time, bend knees, reach and pull with torso, and climb in and out of boats.
Ages: 12 and up
Fee: 50
Gator Tales
Thursday, May 21, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Caw Caw Interpretive Center
Join us as we search for alligators and separate fact from fiction to learn why these large reptiles carry the special title of “keystone species.” Alligators captivate us with their ancient features, remarkable survival skills, and dangerous potential. Join us to learn about many of their fascinating behaviors and features while learning how you can keep yourself and alligators safe! What to expect: Accessible parking, accessible restrooms, and accessible water fountains are available at this park. The trails are composed of a natural surface and flat and the program speed is moderate to slow. Benches are located along the program route.
Ages: 12 and up
Fee: $12
Lowcountry Youth Track and Field Games
Saturday, May 23, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
St. John’s High School
The Lowcountry Track & Field Games introduce children to the fun of physical fitness through basic track and field events like running, jumping, and throwing. The program will promote active participation and encourages all eligible youth to get involved and stay moving. Must be born between 2012 – 2019 to participate in this event. Age cut off as of December 31, 2026. A participant may compete in only three events [this may be two running events and a field event or two field events and a running event]. Athletes may only exceed this limit if participating in a relay race. Registration deadline is on April 30, 2026.Age Groups will be divided into the following: Born in 2018-2019 (Boys and Girls Ages 7-8)Born in 2016-2017 (Boys and Girls Ages 9-10)Born in 2014-2015 (Boys and Girls Ages 11-12)Born in 2012-2013 (Boys and Girls Ages 13-14)Events Include:50 Meter Dash (Ages 7-10 Only)100 Meter Dash200 Meters Dash400 Meter Dash (Ages 7-12 Only)800 Meter Run (Ages 11-14 Only)1600 Meter Run (Ages 13-14 Only)4 x 100 Meter Relay Standing Long Jump Softball Throw Lowcountry Track and Field Game Rules Lowcountry Track and Field Games Schedule
Ages: 7-14
Fee: $10
Adaptive Climbing Day – Adult
Sunday, May 24, 1 – 3 p.m.
James Island County Park Climbing Wall
We’re partnering with Catalyst Sports to host a monthly adaptive climbing meetup – a welcoming and supportive space for climbers with disabilities. Whether you’re brand new to climbing or a seasoned pro, this community is all about overcoming obstacles together, fostering growth, and celebrating every step of the journey. Adaptive climbers will find an encouraging environment that highlights individual strengths and embraces the excitement of climbing. Empower yourself, reach new heights, and connect with a community where every achievement matters. Interested in Volunteering? We’d love your help! Volunteers must register with both CCPRC and Catalyst Sports and complete a required training. Please sign up with Catalyst using the link below and reach out to us for more information. Register through Catalyst Sports. Registration is required for both climbers and volunteers through Catalyst, in addition to registering with CCPRC. For questions or more info, contact our Climbing Wall Manager robert.lavarnway@ccprc.com
Fee: $10
Adult: 17377 (ages 16 and up)
Youth: 17379 (ages 6-15)
Bird Photography
Saturday, May 30, 9:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Palmetto Islands County Park
Join wildlife photographer Colin Hocking, Licentiate of the Royal Photographic Society, and naturalist Kristina Wheeler for a program focusing on the photographic study of birds. Learn techniques on how to quickly adapt your camera settings for quality results, along with tips to help ensure that your perfect shot doesn’t come at the expense of your subject. What to expect: Palmetto Islands County Park has accessible parking. Accessible restrooms are available at the meadow, and accessible picnic tables are dispersed throughout the park. The park contains paved and unpaved trails where benches are placed alongside the trails.
Ages: 12 and up
Fee: $20
Students from SCSU and Duke with a dental patient in Guatemala.
Courtney Johnson helps a patient with a blood pressure check.Learning beyond the classroom
