Why Visit Charleston’s Second Sunday on King Street
Every second Sunday of the month in Charleston, South Carolina, locals and visitors head down to King Street from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m., when the city closes the street to traffic between Queen and Calhoun.
Instead of cars, the street is filled with vendors, musicians, artists, and food. Sample some Lowcountry fare, enjoy live music, and check out local artisans.
Second Sunday in Charleston is a special time where visitors and locals gather together to enjoy the best that South Carolina has to offer.
Second Sunday Activities
There’s plenty to see and do on King Street every second Sunday of the month. From shopping to book readings to eating, Second Sunday is a great way to learn about local culture. As a bonus, it’s a family friendly activity in Charleston, as there are plenty of activities for adults and kiddos alike.
Here are some of the best reasons to head to King Street for the festivities.
Shop on King Street
King Street is known as one of Charleston’s main shopping districts. Of course, all the shops on King Street open their doors and offer special events every second Sunday.
Pop into some of our favorite stores, including M. Dumas & Sons, Harvest Moon Home, and Worthwhile.
If you want to learn more about the history of King Street, consider booking our Charleston History tour or a private tour.
Enjoy Local Art
King Street offers all types of shopping, not just homewares and clothing boutiques. This area is also known for its art galleries and antique shops — all of which are open on Second Sunday. A few of the most popular art galleries and antique dealers include:
- LePrince Fine Art Galleries
- Kevin LePrice Studio and Gallery
- The Sportsman’s Gallery & Paderewski Fine Art
- George C. Birlant & Co.
While we always recommend perusing the local stores, there are other ways to enjoy art on Second Sunday, too.
Local artisans are featured in tents right on King Street during these events. A notable Charlestonian artist who was featured at Second Sunday was painter Lisa Shimko.
Sample Charleston Food
Food is one of the main events each month at Second Sunday in Charleston. Pop into any of the restaurants on King Street, or sample some Lowcountry eats right on the streets.
Many restaurants offer special menus and pricing on the second Sunday of the month. Stars Rooftop & Grill Room offers a weekend brunch set menu for $24.95 as well as $4 bloody Marys and $3 mimosas.
Buy New Books
Another main attraction of Second Sunday is live book readings. Famous South Carolina authors head to King Street from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. to read excerpts from their latest tomes in the shade of the book tents.
Past authors have included Patrick Bryant and Raphael James.
Listen to Live Music
One of the biggest draws of Second Sunday is the live music! Locals and visitors alike flock to King Street to see live music performed by noteworthy South Carolinians.
No matter whether you’re into jazz, bluegrass, or country, there’s a musical style that tickles everyone’s fancy at this event.
Past musical acts have included trumpeter Parker Williams, local singer/songwriter Madeline Broderick, and the jazz trio the Jelly Palm Jug Band.
Second Sunday – Information
When: Every second Sunday
Where: King Street (from Queen to Calhoun)
Time: 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Parking: Free with permit available on 2nd Sunday on King Street
Second Sunday Dates 2025
If you’re headed to Charleston in 2025 and happen to be here on the second Sunday of the month, here are all the remaining dates for this event for the year:
- September 14, 2025
- October 12, 2025
- November 9, 2025
- December 14, 2025
Of course, Second Sunday will continue into the new year in Charleston! So if you’re headed to the Holy City in 2026, don’t forget to head to King Street for the festivities. You may also want to book a spot on our Alleys and Hidden Passages tour if you want to learn about the behind-the-scenes history of the city.