SEWE will take place February 13-15, featuring animal demonstrations, acclaimed wildlife art, artisan exhibitors, outdoor experiences and more

The Southeastern Wildlife Exposition (SEWE), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit celebrating wildlife and the great outdoors through fine art, live entertainment and special events, will host its 44th annual showcase in downtown Charleston from February 13-15, 2026. A cornerstone of Charleston’s cultural calendar and the unofficial start of tourism season, SEWE draws visitors from across the country for immersive experiences that include acclaimed wildlife art, live animal demonstrations, outdoor programming, artisan exhibitors and more. General admission passes, special events tickets and limited VIP Packages are now available at SEWE.com.

SEWE will activate five marquee venues across downtown: The Charleston Place, Brittlebank Park, Gaillard Center, Marion Square and the Charleston Marriott, which debuts an expanded footprint, enhanced programming and a larger selection of high-end exhibitors. Returning favorites include the SEWE Fine Art Gallery, DockDogs®competitions, Center for Birds of Prey demonstrations, Busch Wildlife Sanctuary live shows, curated artisan markets, craftsmen exhibitors, canine demonstrations from herding and retrieving breeds, chef demos and additional family-friendly programming.

What’s New and Noteworthy for 2026

• Jeff Corwin returns to the Gaillard Center. The television personality and wildlife biologist will present educational shows featuring exotic animals. Corwin, who first appeared at SEWE in 2005, is known for acclaimed programs on Disney Channel, Animal Planet and Discovery Channel.
• Sporting Showroom expansion at the Charleston Marriott. SEWE is elevating the Sporting Showroom with an extended footprint that now includes the Marriott courtyard, the popular Ducks Unlimited Auction and additional space for guests to gather and enjoy refreshments. Expect the return of favorite exhibitors along with an expansion into high-end lifestyle brands.
• 2026 Featured Artist: Henry Von Genk III. Florida-based painter Henry Von Genk III has been selected as SEWE’s Featured Artist. His original piece, Charleston Splendor, is the 2026 Featured Painting and will appear on the official SEWE 2026 poster. The work will be on display at Gallery by SEWE inside The Charleston Place (205 Meeting Street) prior to the show and will be sold at auction during the SEWE VIP Gala & Sale on Thursday, February 12.
• Lowcountry Lyrics returns with an expanded lineup. Back by popular demand, Lowcountry Lyrics will be held Friday, February 13, featuring an intimate writers’ round with Marcus Hummon, Tony Arata, and Matraca Berg.
  • Marcus Hummon is a Grammy winning songwriter known for the Dixie Chicks hit “Travelin’ Soldier” and Rascal Flatts’ “Bless the Broken Road.”
  • Tony Arata wrote the Garth Brooks classic “The Dance” and has penned numerous hits recorded by Patty Loveless, Emmylou Harris, and others.
  • Matraca Berg is a Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame member whose works include “Strawberry Wine” and “You and Tequila,” recorded by artists such as Deana Carter, Kenny Chesney and Trisha Yearwood.
• New conservation partner activation with Turtle Survival Alliance. New in 2026, Turtle Survival Alliance will host daily demonstrations in the Demonstration Arena in Marion Square, sharing insights on turtle habitats, threats and global conservation efforts. Arena demos will take place Friday through Sunday at 3:30 PM.
• Live Art Series at the SEWE Fine Art Gallery. The SEWE Fine Art Gallery will once again host live art demonstrations, featuring events including the “Quick Draw Speed Sculpt & Auction” and “Pencil It In”.
• Enhanced Kids’ Areas with Charleston Parks Conservancy. In partnership with Charleston Parks Conservancy, SEWE will expand educational and nature-focused programming in the kids’ zones at Brittlebank Park and Marion Square, advancing SEWE’s conservation mission and creating memorable experiences for families.

General admission includes entry to all venues, shows and demonstrations. To help attendees plan ahead and secure the best value, SEWE 2026 features three tiered pricing windows:

• Tier 1: Early bird savings for purchases before November.
• Tier 2: On November 1, prices increase but still offer savings and flexibility. Online sales close February 1.
• Tier 3: After February 1, tickets are available at surrounding visitor centers, Gallery by SEWE, the Gaillard Center, and on-site at SEWE venues at on-site pricing.

Children 10 and under receive complimentary admission to all venues and do not require a ticket.

VIP Packages are limited and offered on a first-come, first-served basis. Benefits include private art viewings, exclusive lounge access, after-hours events, private shuttle services, and priority entry to all venues during show hours.

The 2026 SEWE weekend will feature a robust lineup of special events, beginning with the SEWE Kickoff at By The Way on Tuesday, February 10, where guests can enjoy a premium cocktail, appetizers and entry into exclusive raffles. On Friday, February 13, Lowcountry Lyrics will once again bring together an acclaimed roster of songwriters for an intimate evening of musical storytelling. On Saturday, February 14, attendees can start the festivities at the elegant Birds of a Feather Ladies Benefit Brunch at Hotel Bennett, featuring a three-course meal with a premium bar that raises funds for the Turtle Survival Alliance. That same evening, attendees can gather at Brittlebank Park for the Lowcountry Social, an after-hours oyster roast and barbecue accompanied by live bluegrass music.

For the full schedule, ticket options, and details on special events, and to learn more about SEWE’s conservation mission, visit SEWE.com.