Tickets for Charleston’s must-attend family Spring Event, Picnic for the Parks, go on sale March 7
March 6, 2025
Tickets for the 5th annual Picnic for the Parks go on sale Friday, March 7, 2025, and they sell out fast. Hosted by the Charleston Parks Conservancy, the family-friendly event returns to Hampton Park’s Rose Pavilion on Sunday, April 27, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tickets are $125 for adults and $50 for children, with free entry for children ages two and under. This all-inclusive experience features an open bar, food from renowned local restaurants, live entertainment, and hands-on activities for all ages. Proceeds support the Conservancy’s 26 parks, gardens, and trails. For tickets and event details, visit charlestonparksconservancy.org/picnicfortheparks.
“Picnic for the Parks has been a spring tradition for many Charleston families for years, and it’s one of the best ways to celebrate the season while supporting the parks we all enjoy,” said Jessica Gibadlo, board chair of the Charleston Parks Conservancy. “Picnic for the Parks is a special opportunity for the community to come together, enjoy a beautiful spring day, and support the Conservancy’s work to keep Charleston’s parks thriving.”
Picnic for the Parks offers a lineup of family-friendly activities and experiences, including:
- Crosswind Farm Petting Zoo – Get up close with gentle farm animals, including goats and bunnies.
- Flower Crown – Add a whimsical touch to your look with intricate flower crowns with fresh flowers.
- Face Painting – Transform into a butterfly, tiger, or your favorite design with hand-painted artwork from talented local artists.
- Field Games – Compete in classic outdoor games like sack races and relay challenges, with exciting prizes for the winners.
- Tasty Treats and Surprises – Indulge in special sweets like Life Raft Treats and snacks throughout the day, with a few surprises along the way.
- Book Nook and Flower Pressing – Unwind in a reading corner, then preserve a piece of the picnic by creating your own pressed-flower bookmark to take home.
- Delicious Local Fare – Enjoy pizza from Welton’s Fine Foods, desserts from The Dewberry, fresh fruit and smoothies from WiBi Ashley, and much more.
“Each year, we put a lot of thought into making this event feel fresh and exciting while ensuring there’s something for everyone to enjoy—just as the Conservancy works year-round to make Charleston’s parks welcoming to all,” said event co-chair Alex Malloy. “It’s a reflection of the Conservancy’s mission to create vibrant public spaces where the entire community can come together.”
Picnic for the Parks is one of the Charleston Parks Conservancy’s signature annual fundraisers, along with Shucked & Sauced in February and Party for the Parks in November. These events and donations help fund nearly 200 hours of free programming each year, including community favorites like Teddy Bear Picnic, Light the Lake, Music in the Parks, Bird Walks and more. Beyond supporting these free events, fundraisers enable the Conservancy to enhance and care for Charleston’s 26 parks, gardens, and trails, ensuring they remain vibrant, accessible, and well-maintained.
This year’s Teddy Bear Picnic welcomed 3,500 attendees to Hampton Park on March 2 for a day of nature-focused fun, live entertainment, and environmental education. The Conservancy also prioritizes sustainability, incorporating recycling, composting, and reusable materials to reduce landfill waste and support Charleston’s parks. These efforts resulted in a 92.9% waste diversion rate, reinforcing the Conservancy’s commitment to environmentally responsible event practices.
The free event was made possible through the support of partners and sponsors. The Walmart Community Art Project provided an interactive space where children created a Lorax-themed art installation, and Select Health hosted a photo booth featuring Parker Bear. Cru Catering and Crews Subaru served as stage sponsors, presenting performances by Heart Beatz Dance Academy and the V-Tones of Charleston.
Align your brand with Picnic for the Parks event and support Charleston’s parks with a customizable sponsorship package—contact Emily Topham, Director of Development & Marketing, at [email protected] to learn more.
For more information and to support the Charleston Parks Conservancy, visit charlestonparksconservancy.org.
About the Charleston Parks Conservancy
The Charleston Parks Conservancy is a nonprofit organization dedicated to enriching Charleston’s parks and strengthening community connections. Since 2007, the Conservancy has helped care for and enhance 26 parks, gardens, and trails in partnership with the City of Charleston. The organization secures 90% of the funding needed for park maintenance through private and corporate donations, with the city covering the remaining 10% of the costs. The Conservancy provides year-round care, focusing on seasonal plantings, revitalizations, and sustainable maintenance. In 2024 alone, the organization planted more than 46,000 plants and 1,000 trees, donated two tons of fresh produce and 1,200 flower bouquets, and advocated for the vital role of urban parks. Notable projects include Colonial Lake, the Rose Pavilion at Hampton Park, Moultrie Playground, St. Julian Devine Community Center and Park, Magnolia Park and Community Garden, Medway Park and Community Garden, and Corrine Jones Community Garden. For more information, visit www.charlestonparksconservancy.org.
