A Historic Charleston Foundation Fundraiser
FAQ & More Information
The Trustees and staff of Historic Charleston Foundation want you to have a wonderful experience. House & Garden tours are primarily in private venues, and the following guidelines ensure the safety and enjoyment of all our guests, homeowners, and volunteers. Understanding these guidelines will help both you and others enjoy The Charleston Festival to the fullest. We appreciate your cooperation.
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Out of respect for our homeowners and event venues, volunteers and staff, pets are not permitted.
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All events and tours occur rain or shine. Please prepare for inclement weather if forecasted and your event is an outside event. Sometimes events may have "rain locations" for inclement weather conditions.
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Please remember that Charleston is a living city. Please use the crosswalks to cross. Be mindful of traffic, and do not walk in the streets. Trash receptacles may be found in public areas for your refuse. Be mindful of noise levels when in residential areas and do not block driveways or passerby on sidewalks.
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Pro tip: Download or bookmark the Sales Policy and Guide to The Charleston Festival for more information to navigate the 2024 Festival.
Photography
In accordance with South Carolina law, no photography is allowed on private property without the express written consent of the property owner. No interior photography is allowed. Only still photography for private, non-commercial use will be allowed in the specified gardens as indicated in the tour program.
Cell Phones
In consideration of other guests, please turn off cell phones at all tour and event sites, including both private houses and gardens.
Stay Comfortable
Tours may cover 6-8 city blocks, sometimes over cobblestone streets, and uneven sidewalks and stairs. Comfortable, flat-soled shoes will make your walk easier and protect the beautiful flowers of historic houses. Guests may bring closed water bottles into the sites on tour.
Children
The tours are designed to provide an engaging experience for adults. Well-supervised children ages six and older are welcomed on Festival tours with a regular ticket. Because of the risk to private property and collections, strollers, car seats, backpacks or children strapped in any manner to an adult are not permitted in the private residences on tour.
Parking
While some street parking may be available in certain areas, there are also nearby parking garages. Below, find parking suggestions for various venues and tours. Visit the City of Charleston website for more information.
Restrooms
Public restrooms are not readily available in residential neighborhoods. Restrooms at the Festival Ticket Office, 375 Meeting Street, are available for our guests daily and are wheelchair accessible. Visit the City of Charleston website for their Public Restroom Guide for more information.
Ticket pick-up information
House & Garden Tours and Glorious Gardens Tours
Ticket purchases will be confirmed by email; no tickets are mailed. Present your email confirmation at the NEW Festival Ticket Office inside the Charleston Visitor's Center, 375 Meeting Street on or after March 11 to receive your Tour Program and Tickets. The materials will include a list of properties (with a map) for your tour. Please note, most tours are not within walking distance of the Festival Ticket Office. Please plan to pick up Tour Program and Tickets prior to the start of your tour.
Beginning March 11, the Ticket Office is open daily, 9 am - 5 pm at 375 Meeting Street.
Tickets for all other Festival events
Ticket purchases will be confirmed by email; you will not receive a physical ticket. Provide your name or present your email confirmation at the event venue beginning 20 minutes prior to the start of the event. HCF staff will have a registration list.
Architectural Splendor & Garden Splendor Tours
Splendor Tour ticket holders will be contacted by email two weeks prior to the tour date with a meeting location and other tour details. No physical tickets are required for Splendor Tours. Guests do not need to pick up a Tour Program for Splendor Tours.
ALL SALES ARE FINAL
All events go on as scheduled, rain or shine. There is no cancellations or refunds. If you are unable to use your ticket, you can:
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Donate your tickets to Historic Charleston Foundation. Unused tickets may be donated back to the Foundation as a tax-deductible contribution. Please contact the Ticket Office to convert your unused ticket(s) to a donation. Inquiries regarding unused tickets must be made by the end of April 2024.
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Exchange your tickets. Unused tickets may be exchanged within the 2024 Festival for a processing fee of $10 per ticket plus any difference in price (conditional upon availability and approval). No refunds are given for exchanges to lower-priced tickets.
Festival Ticket Office
Address
375 Meeting Street
Charleston, SC 29401
Opens March 11, 2024
Contact
843-722-3405
Hours
Phone
Dec 1 - April 30, 2024
Mon - Fri
10 am - 2 pm
In-person
Opens March 11
March 11 - April 14
9 am - 5 pm
(Closed Easter Sunday, March 31, 2024)
Parking Suggestions & Getting Around the City
Festival Ticket Office: 375 Meeting St.
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There is metered parking in front of the Visitor Center at 375 Meeting, and additional parking is available at 63 Mary St parking garage. Visit the City of Charleston Parking Garages for more information.
More ways to move around Charleston
Pedicabs
Charleston is a great city to travel by bike! Utilize one of the Pedicabs available for trips on the Peninsula.
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Charleston Bike Taxi: 843-532-8663
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Charleston Pedicab: 843-577-7088
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Charleston Rickshaw: 843-723-5685
