The Charleston Carifest symposium is confirmed for June 25, 2026 and carnival returns on September 12, 2026
The Charleston Carifest Caribbean Carnival is celebrated in Charleston, South Carolina, USA.
Charleston Carifest is a two-day Caribbean carnival held in the Charleston area of South Carolina each June, staged in honour of Caribbean American Heritage Month. It’s run by South Carolina Caribbean Culture & Heritage, a non-profit founded in 2006 to unearth, study, preserve, and promote Caribbean cultural heritage, led by organiser Lorna Shelton-Beck.
What distinguishes it from other US Caribbean carnivals is that it spotlights a different Caribbean country each year — Cuba, Barbados, the Virgin Islands, Jamaica, Antigua and Barbuda, and Guyana have all had their turn. The featured nation shapes the performers, the food, and the cultural programming, so the carnival is meaningfully different from one June to the next.
Expect a small, culture-forward carnival rather than a mass street festival. Two days carry a symposium, a fete, and a parade, with the emphasis as much on education and heritage as on the road.
Enjoy vibrant processions featuring participants adorned in elaborate costumes, representing the diverse cultures of the Caribbean.
Immerse yourself in the infectious rhythms of the Caribbean with live performances ranging from soca and calypso to reggae and dancehall.
Indulge in a culinary journey with a variety of authentic Caribbean dishes, including jerk chicken, roti, and tropical fruits, offering a taste of the region's rich gastronomic traditions.
An educational session on Caribbean culture and history, tied to the featured country of the year. Ticketed separately and the clearest signal of what this carnival is for.
Date: June 25, 2026
Location: Simon Center Recital Auditorium, College of Charleston, Charleston, South Carolina
Time: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
The Caribbean American Heritage Month Symposium serves as the opening reception for Charleston Carifest, bringing together cultural discussion, community programming, and Caribbean heritage celebration ahead of the main carnival event.
Date: September 12, 2026
Location: Charleston, South Carolina, United States
Time: TBA
Charleston Carifest Caribbean Carnival celebrates Caribbean culture, music, food, costumes, and community pride in Charleston. The full 2026 event schedule has not yet been published — we'll update this page as soon as it's announced.
Note: Changes to the schedule are beyond our control, so please check for updates before finalizing travel plans.
Charleston is easy to reach whether you’re coming from elsewhere in the United States, the Caribbean, or internationally.
Flying in for Carnival? Use the search above to find the best fares to Grand Cayman.
The best area to stay for Charleston Carifest is North Charleston, near the airport and convention centre — the closest hotel cluster to the parade route on Dorchester Avenue and the festival village at Jenkins Youth Village on Azalea Drive.
Note that no hotels sit within walking distance of the venue, so plan on driving or using a rideshare.
Use the above map to find and book stays near the Carnival parade route!
Getting around Charleston during Carifest is easiest if you stay near downtown or the main event areas.
Stroll the cobblestone streets of Historic Downtown Charleston, explore the pastel row houses along Rainbow Row, or take a walk along The Battery for harbor views and Southern charm. Dive into history at Fort Sumter or enjoy Lowcountry flavors at Husk and Fleet Landing. When the sun goes down, the live music and rooftop bars in King Street keep the festive spirit going strong.
We’ve gathered some of our most useful Carnival travel blogs to help you plan for the Charleston Carifest and other Global festivals:
