Diana Lynn

It is still one of the colder months in Charleston, SC in February, but, as with other months, there are plenty of things to do in the beautiful city. February is the month that SEWE, the Southeastern Wildlife Exposition, is hosted in Charleston, with a jam-packed long weekend of indoor and outdoor activities for the entire family. Additionally, local establishments are sure to acknowledge Valentine’s Day, with fun events for kids, families and friends to participate in.

I’ve put together a list of my top picks for things to do in Charleston in February.

Charleston Events in February

• Valentine’s Macrame Coaster Class (Friday, February 2, 6:30 PM): Grab your galentines and learn how to make macrame coasters while enjoying some libations at Palmetto Brewing Co. ($30 a person).
• Saved the Light Half Marathon & 5K Run/Walk (Saturday, February 3, 8 AM): Help preserve the Morris Island Lighthouse by participating in a race on Folly Beach. Runners can do the half marathon or 5K, and walkers can participate in the 5K ($65 a person for half marathon, $45 a person for the 5K).
• Casino Royale at The South Carolina Aquarium (Saturday, February 3, 7:30 PM): Attend a gala at the aquarium 007 style, and support local foundations.
• Lowcountry Oyster Festival at Boone Hall (Sunday, February 4, 10-5): Enjoy a day filled with oysters, local food, beverages, live music, and competition at the beautiful Boone Hall Plantation & Gardens ($25 a person).
• MANIA: The ABBA Tribute at The Charleston Music Hall (Tuesday, February 6, 7:30 PM): This tribute kicked-off in London and celebrates the historic band with all their hits (Ticket prices range based on seating location).
• Mommy-Son & Daddy-Daughter Valentines Tea + Dance Party at Dulce (Friday, February 9, 4:30-6:30 PM): The go-to spot for beautiful and delicious dessert is hosting a Valentine’s event for kids, including tea service, a craft, dancing, and prizes ($35 a person).
• I Love CHS Night at Stingrays Hockey (Saturday, February 10, 6:05 PM): Stingrays will play the Savannah Ghost Pirates and auction off jerseys to benefit the American Heart Association.
• Princess Tea at Camellia’s (Sunday, February 11, 11:30, 2, or 4:30): February’s princess tea is focused on Mardi Gras and will feature the beautiful princess of New Orleans (Adults $75, Children $45).
• Galentine’s Cocktail Class (Tuesday, February 13, 6 PM): Head to the yummy Frannie & the Fox with your gals to learn how to make some delicious cocktails while tasting some great eats from the restaurant ($65 a person).
• Valentine’s Comedy Show at New Realm Brewing (Thursday, February 15, 7 PM): Get out for some laughs with your valentine or galentines while enjoying New Realm libations ($20 a person).
• Bizzy Bee Bluey Bash (Friday, February 23, 6-8 PM): Get your kids energy out on a Friday night while meeting their favorite cartoon character! Bluey will be there for a meet and greet.
• Cocktails & Camellias at Middleton Place (Saturday, February 24, 3-5 PM): Enjoy the beautiful bloom of camellias while experiencing specialty cocktails, great wine, small plates and live music in America’s oldest landscaped gardens ($90-95 a person).
• Annie at Charleston Gaillard Center (Tuesday, February 27): The classic musical is coming to Charleston for one night (prices vary by seat).

SEWE Events in February

SEWE (Southeastern Wildlife Exposition (February 14-February 18): 
There are tons of activities each day to take advantage of during SEWE. Below are just a few ideas for the weekend!
– Wednesday, February 14: SEWE Kickoff is hosted at LAMAR’s, one of Charleston’s newest sporting clubs ($45). There is also a Safari Club Gala benefiting Charleston Safari Club’s Youth Outdoor Education Camp ($175 a person).
– Thursday, February 15: Ian Munsick performs at the Charleston Gaillard Center (Starting at $29 a person)
– Friday, February 16: DuckDogs kicks-off at Brittlebank Park, where dogs participate in water jumping competitions ($40 Friday & Saturday, $35 on Sunday, and $85 for all three days). Johns Island Country Park hosts an intro to archery ($35 a person, ages 8 and up), and the popular Birds of Prey Flight Demos begin at Marion Square (no tickets required).
– Saturday, February 17 and Sunday, February 18: DuckDogs competition and Birds of Prey demonstrations continue. Sheep and Duck herding demos also take place at Brittlebank park (where DuckDogs is). Alongside the Birds of Prey demonstrations, there are Chef demos based on partnerships with local farmers and food. The Gaillard Center hosts the Busch Wildlife Sanctuary Show, allowing participants to get a close-up experience to alligators, foxes, birds of prey, snacks, and more (need a General Admission ticket to attend, $40 a person).

While there is always something fun to do in Charleston, SEWE really kicks off the plethora of family friendly events that happen throughout the spring and summer and are not only a fun experience, but educational too! What is your favorite thing to do in Charleston in the winter?