Experience the dazzling pagentry of costumes and dance as Carifest’s Carnival Parade meanders through the streets of Charleston to Brittlebank Park to the scintilating sounds of soca, reggae, steel pan, and other Caribbean music. Charleston Carifest, a celebration of Caribbean American Heritage Month, is four days of food, fun, music, and costumes submerged in education and culture. Carifest honors the creative expression of Caribbean people, though all are welcome to enjoy this celebration of unity in diversity. The British and American Virgin Islands are the focus of this year’s festival events.

The parade starts at 4:00 pm on John Street, proceeding along King Street, Sumter Street, Congress Street, and Hagood Street to Brittle Bank Park.

Enjoy post-parade festivities in Brittlebank Park, with performances by Empress J, MichaelStar, Umoja Drum & Dance, Gatorman, and Blazin Posse Band. The park opens at 4:00, with festivites starting at 5:00 pm. Vendors will offer Caribbean art, craft and cuisine.

Children 12 and under attend for free. Blankets and chairs are welcome. Bags subject to search. NO COOLERS.