Picnic for the Parks sets Attendance Record with Sold-Out Event to Support Charleston Parks
Picnic for the Parks sets Attendance Record with Sold-Out Event to Support Charleston Parks
CHARLESTON, S.C. – A sellout crowd gathered at the Rose Pavilion in Hampton Park on Sunday, April 27, 2025, for the Charleston Parks Conservancy’s 4th annual Picnic for the Parks, setting a new attendance record for the event. The fundraiser generated $55,000 to support the Conservancy’s care of 26 parks, gardens, and trails across Charleston and to help fund nearly 200 hours of free community programming throughout the year.
“Picnic for the Parks reflects the importance of the public realm to the Charleston community. This beloved event has become a family tradition for many and an opportunity for the Charleston Parks Conservancy to showcase its work in our parks,” said Jessica Gibadlo, Charleston Parks Conservancy Board Chair.
As one of the Conservancy’s signature annual fundraisers, along with Shucked & Sauced in February and Party for the Parks in November, Picnic for the Parks plays a vital role in sustaining the year-round efforts of the Conservancy. Not only do the funds raised go towards maintaining the city’s public green spaces, but they also help support free community events, including the Teddy Bear Picnic in March, Light the Lake in December, the year-round Music in the Parks and Bird Walk series, and the brand new Bloom Charleston festival, coming this October.
This year’s Picnic for the Parks delivered a lively afternoon for all ages. Guests enjoyed an all-inclusive tasting experience featuring top local restaurants and beverage makers, including Bevi Bene Brewing Company, D’Allesandro’s Pizza, Dino Bars, Edmund’s Oast, Glacé, Harvest Market, Life Raft Treats, Lillian’s Petite Market & Eatery, Sightsee, The Dewberry Charleston, The Little Market and Volley. Live music from Green Levels set the festive tone as families explored a variety of activity stations, including mining for gems, flower crown crafting, a petting zoo, carnival games, face painting, a book nook and the ever-popular cake walk and sack race.
Generous support from sponsors helped make this year’s Picnic for the Parks a success. The event design was courtesy of HobNob Entertaining. Stage sponsor United Community Bank powered the live entertainment, while Beemok Hospitality Collection hosted the photo booth experience. Activity stations were sponsored by Croghan’s Jewel Box, DesignWorks, Gedney and Mae Howe, High Tide Orthodontics, Kiawah Partners, K&L Gates, Lowcountry Editorial, Lowcountry Kids Pediatric Dentistry, Minnow, Refuel, Sam Easley and Jason Owen and The Van Wyck and Morrison Family.
The Charleston Parks Conservancy looks forward to welcoming the community back for the 5th annual Picnic for the Parks on April 26, 2026.
For more information or to support Charleston’s parks year-round, visit www.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.
Photo credit: Marit Elizabeth Photography