MAKE THE MOST OF THE COAST
Nestled on the Charleston Harbor, Mount Pleasant is a charming coastal destination in South Carolina.
welcome to mount pleasant
Nestled on the Charleston Harbor, Mount Pleasant is the largest coastal town in South Carolina. Explore at your leisure and stay fueled with Southern cuisine at its finest. Experience our slice of paradise as you’d like; there’s something for everyone. Make the most of the coast and experience Mount Pleasant! Take our Keep It Pleasant Promise while exploring.
Explore OUR SLICE OF PARADISE
Get a Taste of Our Culture
Whether it’s breakfast, lunch, dinner or a sweet treat in between, Mount Pleasant can satisfy every taste. Find your perfect waterfront view or venture inland.
UPCOMING EVENTS IN MOUNT PLEASANT
Apr 26, 2026
11:00 am - 5:00 pm
The Blessing of the Fleet & Seafood Festival is the most popular event of the year in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina! This is a must-see festival for anyone looking for things to do in the Charleston area. With the iconic Ravenel Bridge and Cooper River as a backdrop, this family-friendly waterfront festival honors the Lowcountry’s fishing heritage with a traditional Blessing of the Fleet and shrimp boat parade, where working shrimp boats receive a ceremonial blessing for a safe and successful season. Festival-goers can enjoy local seafood samplings prepared by Mount Pleasant chefs, live music throughout the day, a craft show, free activities for all ages, and a Mount Pleasant Artists Guild juried art exhibit featuring regional artists! #JustAsk where your seafood came from before you buy! Support local and wild-caught to support your fishermen; nothing beats Wild American Shrimp!
Crowd favorites are the festival’s signature competitions! The Shrimp Eating Contest delivers fast-paced, laugh-out-loud fun as contestants race to claim seafood bragging rights, while the lively Shag-Dance Contest celebrates South Carolina’s official state dance with smooth moves, classic beach music, and plenty of audience energy. Whether you’re visiting the Lowcountry, planning a Charleston-area getaway, or searching for a unique South Carolina festival, the Blessing of the Fleet & Seafood Festival offers an authentic coastal experience filled with tradition, entertainment, and unforgettable waterfront views! Admission and activities are free!
Event Day Schedule
- 11:00 AM National Anthem with Mount Pleasant Fire Department Honor Guard, Mayor’s Welcome
- 11:20 AM Procession begins at the Pier Entrance Gate (Honor Guard, Ministers, Mayor, Dignitaries)
- 11:30 AM Blessing at the end of the Pier + Boat Parade in Charleston Harbor
Listen live in the park and on your phone via 92.5 Kickin’ Country - 12:30 PM Opening Band performance – The Smythes
- 2:00 PM East Coast Party Band performance
- 3:00 PM Shrimp Eating Contest (presented by Top Shelf Catering & Beverage Company)
- 3:30 PM Bowers Beach Boogie Contest with East Coast Party Band (presented by Harris Teeter)
- 5:00 PM Bon Voyage!
Restaurants & Food Vendors
Enjoy delicious seafood and plenty of other festival-favorite menu items offered by some of Mount Pleasant’s favorite restaurants and caterers – come hungry! Below is a list of restaurants that participated in the 2025 festival.
- Graze
- Mazyck’s Grill
- Charleston Festival Foods
- Zeus Grill & Seafood
- Charleston Bay Gourmet
- The Caterer of Charleston
- Top Shelf Catering
- Plus vendors serving kettle korn, funnel cakes, shaved ice, ice cream, baked goods, and more.
Parking & Shuttles
There is limited parking at Memorial Waterfront Park. Handicapped-accessible spaces are available.
Park & Walk: Parking is available at the Patriots Point Soccer Complex (85 Patriots Point Road).
- 10:45 AM – 5:15 PM – Free shuttle buses run continuously throughout the day
- 5:00 PM – Last shuttles depart from the park
- Accessible – Wheelchair-accessible shuttles available from Town Hall and the Novant Health Mullis Building
- Riders are welcome to bring chairs and festival gear on the shuttle buses.
- Find Shuttle Details & Locations Here!
Event Beneficiary Information
Continuing a tradition begun by the Magwood family when the festival started in 1988, the net proceeds from the Blessing of the Fleet & Seafood Festival are donated each year to local nonprofit organizations that partner with the Town on volunteer recruitment and management for the event. The 2026 festival beneficiaries are the East Cooper Mount Pleasant Kiwanis and Lonon Foundation. Be sure to stock up on official event memorabilia during the festival; every purchase helps support these wonderful local causes!
Watch the “Behind The Blessing” video series to get a behind-the-scenes look at the day-to-day of Mount Pleasant’s shrimpers! Follow the Facebook event page to stay up-to-date on event information and join the discussion.
Support Our Sponsors For This Event!
Artisan Application Closed | Interested Sponsors & Vendors, email events@tompsc.com
Blessing of the Fleet & Seafood Festival FAQ
- Are pets allowed?
This event is pet-friendly; however, several thousand people attend. There is live music, large crowds, and children playing. Please use your discretion when bringing pets into a festival environment. Only service animals are allowed on shuttles, and pets are not permitted on the Mount Pleasant Pier.
- What food and drinks are available?
Local restaurants and caterers will serve up some of the Lowcountry’s finest seafood. Food tickets are NOT needed; cash/card only to purchase food. Non-alcoholic drinks are available at most restaurant tents, the River Watch Café, and at concession vendor booths. Beer & wine is sold only in the Cooper River Room Beer Garden and at the River Watch Café. Alcohol must be in a cup or can with koozie. No glass bottles! No alcohol is allowed in the playground. Please consume responsibly! Public intoxication and other alcohol-related offenses will be enforced..
- Are there restrooms?
Restrooms are available at the Visitor’s Center, Pier Shop, and near the roundabout between the pier and the park.
- Can I bring a tent or umbrella?
Tents and large umbrellas are not permitted if they obstruct the view or movement of other attendees.
- Is the Mount Pleasant Pier open during the festival?
Yes, the pier remains open during the event. However, no pets, fishing, or bicycles are allowed during the festival. Chairs may be set up on the pier.
Apr 28, 2026
3:30 pm - 7:00 pm
The Mount Pleasant Farmers Market is a gathering place for locals and visitors to leisurely explore the market’s treasure trove. The opening bell rings at 3:30 pm signaling the time to buy the freshest local vegetables, fruits, seafood, flowers, baked and canned goods, fresh-cooked meals, and snacks. Learn more about the people who make the market a success! Talk to the farmers who grow your food! Live music each week. Free parking.
Follow the Facebook page to stay up-to-date on event information and join the discussion.
May 1, 2026
6:00 pm -
Party at the Point is one of the most popular live music events in Mount Pleasant and a favorite thing to do near Charleston during the spring! Held at the waterfront Charleston Harbor Resort & Marina, the weekly concert series features live bands, food and drinks, and dancing by the harbor with stunning sunset views. Get tickets by clicking the “Visit Website” button on this page.
May 1, 2026: Landslide (A Tribute To Fleetwood Mac)
May 2, 2026
1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
The Charleston Airshow returns to the Lowcountry with an exciting new vantage point, right over the Charleston Harbor! Making it easier than ever to catch the action from Mount Pleasant. This high-flying event features jaw-dropping aerial performances from the U.S. Navy Blue Angels, including military jet demonstrations, aerobatic stunts, and precision flying that showcase the skill and power of aviation.
Now visible from several public waterfront locations in Mount Pleasant, spectators can enjoy incredible views of the show from spots like Memorial Waterfront Park, the Mount Pleasant Pier, Shem Creek Park, and Pitt Street Bridge! No matter where you are, if you can see the sky above the harbor, you can see the show!
Local Closures Information (All times are approximate; signage will be in place)
Thursday, April 30th – Wonders’ Way Pedestrian Path CLOSED 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Friday, May 1 – Wonders’ Way Pedestrian Path CLOSED 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM | Vehicle Traffic: Reduced to one lane in each direction from 12:45 PM – 3:00 PM
Saturday, May 2 – Wonders’ Way Pedestrian Path CLOSED 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM | Vehicle Traffic: Fully closed from approximately 12:30 PM – 3:00 PM
May 2, 2026
7:00 pm -
The Charleston Battery is our local professional soccer club. Get ready to Pack The Point to cheer on the Charleston Battery against the Sporting JAX!
FIND LOCAL ARTISANS & NAME BRAND DESIGNERS
Shopping in Mount Pleasant reflects our coastal lifestyle. A casual attitude with a sophisticated style and an everlasting Southern charm. Bring a little piece of Mount Pleasant home with you.
places to stay
Stay where you play with 5-star and boutique hotels in the heart of it all. Mount Pleasant’s diverse local hospitality landscape ensures every traveler has a home away from home.
LEARN MORE ABOUT MOUNT PLEASANT
