MOJA Arts Festival returns September 15 – October 5 with can’t miss events

The MOJA Arts Festival is back, bringing 11 days of music, art, dance, food, and community to Charleston from September 25 through October 5, 2025. Now in its 41st year, MOJA continues its tradition of celebrating African American and Caribbean culture with performances and events across the city.

While the full schedule offers something for everyone, here are five signature events to look out for:

• Opening Day Street Parade — Thursday, September 25, 6:00 – 7:00 pm
  A high-energy procession from Marion Square to East Bay/South Market, launching the festival in true MOJA style.
• MOJA x Eastside Neighborhood Celebration — Saturday, September 27, 11:00 am – 5:00 pm, Hampstead Square
  A family-friendly celebration of Charleston’s vibrant cultural heritage in one of the City’s most historic parks, with artisans, food trucks, drumming and dance, and live music by guitarist Greg Loney. Presented in partnership with Eastside Community Development Corporation and the Charleston Parks Conservancy.
• MOJA Downtown Block Party — Wednesday, October 1, 6:00 – 9:00 pm, Ann Street & Bus Shed
  A free community favorite, featuring food, vendors, and Tommy Brown presents A Tribute to Black Icons.
• Gullah Collective — Friday, October 3, 7:00 pm, Dock Street Theatre
  A powerful evening assembling some of Charleston’s most noted musicians to highlight the art and culture of the Gullah community.
• MOJA Finale — Sunday, October 5, 4:00 – 9:00 pm, Hampton Park
  A free citywide closing celebration with food, fellowship, and live music from Live in the Flesh Band.

“MOJA is more than a festival—it’s a celebration of unity, heritage, and creativity,” said Mayor William Cogswell. “These events showcase the incredible talent and traditions that make Charleston so special.”

“The excitement leading up to our beloved MOJA Arts Festival of 2025 has been incredible,” said MOJA Artistic Director Charlton Singleton. “The official poster image by visual artist Christine D. Johnson has set the tone for another electric festival for Charleston and the Lowcountry.”

The 2025 MOJA Arts Festival poster features the artwork, Life Witness – What is Your Story? By Christine D. Johnson. Born and raised in Jamaica, Johnson is a South Carolina-based mixed-media abstract painter, poet, and author.

The 2025 MOJA Arts Festival is produced and directed by the City of Charleston Office of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the MOJA Planning Committee, an all-volunteer community arts and cultural group. MOJA is funded in part by the National Endowment for the Arts, South Arts, the South Carolina Arts Commission, and the Gaylord and Dorothy Donnelley Foundation.

For the full schedule and ticket information, visit mojafestival.com