Established in 1947 as the Festival of Houses and Gardens, The Charleston Festival is Historic Charleston Foundation's largest fundraising and educational event of the year. Become an insider with tours of some of the most beautiful private homes and gardens in Charleston, SC and discover the intersection of preservation and design through exciting lectures, workshops, concerts and social gatherings at some of Charleston's most historic landmarks. All proceeds from The Charleston Festival supports Historic Charleston Foundation and its mission-driven work. 

The Charleston Festival will kick-off its 2025 season with Charleston by Design, a four-day celebration of design and preservation featuring esteemed speakers, designers, and tours. The Foundation's Aiken-Rhett House Museum will be the centerpiece of the Opening Weekend; a canvas for modern artists and designers to be inspired the house's unique preservation style. The Charleston Festival is a celebration of Charleston; its history, its architecture, its culture, its people, its music, its stories, everything.