Charleston is a beautiful place to be in the spring, which is why you need to be here for these recommended must-do events the Holy City is hosting. And when Charleston throws a party, she goes all out, so be prepared for a good time!

Shuckin’ at the Reel Bar, March 7, Charleston Harbor Resort & Marina, Mount Pleasant.

Take in the Carolina sunshine at this afternoon event filled with live music, steamed oysters, beach games and s’mores. For more information, visit Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/CharlestonHarborReelBar.

74th Annual Festival of Houses and Gardens, March 11-May 21, Various Times & Locations.

This beloved, longtime tradition will still go on in 2021, with a few changes to accommodate COVID safety measures, such as having smaller audience sizes and limiting tours to outdoor private gardens and exteriors only. While the Sip and Stroll and Garden Splendor tours are canceled, “Food for Thought” luncheons, virtual lectures, Morning History Walks, Festival Fridays and Gullah Spirituals are still on. Festival proceeds benefit the Historic Charleston Foundation. For more info, visit https://www.historiccharleston.org.

America’s Largest Interactive Mystery Dinner Show, March 13 and 27, April 10, Embassy Suites – Convention Center, North Charleston.

This isn’t your typical murder mystery dinner theatre experience! The action happens all around, with anyone in the audience an active participant – maybe even you. The first The Dinner Detective show was in 2004 and has grown since then to become the largest one of its kind in the United States.

843 Series Release: Blueberry Backtrack Release, March 19 and 21, 1 and 9 p.m., Palmetto Brewing Company, Charleston.

Join the brew makers of Palmetto Brewing Company, here in Charleston since 1993, for a weekend of March Madness, their new 843-Series seasonal release, live music, food from Gobble Gobble, games, prizes and more. Blueberry Backtrack starts with noticeable yeast-derived banana and clove notes and finishes refreshingly with a bright blueberry sweetness. Soft with minimal hop bitterness. For more info, visit https://www.eventvesta.com/events/3734.

Grass in the Hall, March 20, Doors Open at 7 p.m., Charleston Music Hall.

Hailing from Johns Island, Americana roots band The Lowhills will hit the stage combining jazz, classic country, bluegrass, swing, and R&B styles – plus a little comedy. The trio is comprised of lead vocalist/mandolinist/songwriter Lauren Bevins Cahill, her husband, Matt Cahill on standup bass and the couple’s lifelong friend, Joe Marlow, primary songwriter and multi-instrumentalist. Marlow and Matt’s former rock band, The Tips, opened for big-name acts, like Foreigner. Concert safety will be followed, reduced audience capacity, social distancing, face mask requirement, and preassigned seating in groups of two and four. Tickets are $18; make your reservation at www.charlestonmusichall.com.

Volvo Car Open, April 3-11, Various Times, Volvo Car Stadium, Daniel Island, Charleston.

This grand slam women’s-only pro tennis tournament makes its return to the court this year, after being force to cancel in 2020. Although fans will not be able to attend in person, you can visit volvocaropen.com or call 843.856.7900 for more information on how to watch the tournament and ticket options.

Safe Sounds at Firefly Spring Concert Series, April 17-June 26, Doors Open at 6 p.m., Firefly Distillery, North Charleston.

Sip and see (and listen to) Firefly’s full schedule of socially distanced concert series that feature national and regional musical acts. In its third year, Safe Sounds offers Tier 2 tickets and VIP “squares” for four guests to watch the concert from its four-acre field, where they can also enjoy beer, wine and food truck fare. Only adults 21 and over are admitted. For tickets and a full lineup, visit https://www.citypapertickets.com/events/110331939/safe-sounds-at-firefly-music-series.

The Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis, April 23-24, 7:30 p.m., Charleston Gaillard Center.

The great trumpetist and music director Wynton Marsalis will perform two socially distanced concerts alongside his septet of talented musicians. Expect a vast repertoire, from rare historic compositions to commissioned works, including arrangements by Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Fletcher Henderson, Dizzy Gillespie, Benny Goodman, Charles Mingus, and more. A livestream of the April 24 concert will also be available to purchase for $20. For tickets and more info, visit https://gaillardcenter.org/events/the-jazz-at-lincoln-center-orchestra-with-wynton-marsalis/.

Blessing of the Fleet and Seafood Festival, April 25, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Memorial Waterfront Park, Mount Pleasant.

This 34^th annual festival is one of Charleston’s most popular, featuring a boat parade, live music, art and craft show, seafood samplings, shag and shrimp-eating contests, and lots of free family-friendly activities, as well as the ceremonial blessing of the shrimp/fishing fleet. For more info, visit https://experiencemountpleasant.com/events/blessing-of-the-fleet/.

Metropolitan Bridal Show Expo, April 25, Charleston Convention Center.

Plan out your fairytale wedding by meeting some of the Charleston metropolitan area’s best wedding vendors, all in one venue. One lucky bride will even win a comprehensive wedding package (floral, planning, etc.)! Sign up to attend today at: www.metropolitanbridalexpo.com.

North Charleston Arts Fest, April 28-May 2, Various Times & Locations.

This five-day fest is a flurry of artistic expression that showcases more than 100 national, regional and local artists and performers in dance, music, theatre, visual arts, crafts, photography, media arts and literature. These free or affordably priced performances, workshops, exhibitions, and activities are held in venues throughout North Charleston, including libraries, businesses, community centers, and parks. All events will have COVID-19 safety protocols in place; because of restrictions on large gatherings, the World Art Expo at Riverfront Park and Children’s Festival will not take place.