CHARLESTON’S ANNUAL Spring Festival of Houses & Gardens returns March 11 and runs through April 18. More than 100 historical houses and gardens will be on display, with afternoon and evening tours of some of Charleston’s finest private houses and gardens in the city’s historic district.

Hosted by the Historic Charleston Foundation, the annual fund-raiser—now in its 73rd year—offers an opportunity for visitors to step inside historical homes—some dating to the 18th century—preserved and adapted for the lives of modern residents from the generations who preceded them throughout the city’s 350-year history. With more than a dozen neighborhood tours taking place, visitors will see personal collections and modern adaptations of these historical houses and gain an appreciation of Charleston’s unique culture.

In addition to the walking tours, guests may also participate in the Food for Thought Luncheon Lectures, a casual lunch and educational talk with topics ranging from history to horticulture, as well as other special events.

As its largest educational program, the Spring Festival of Houses & Gardens raises funds for the Foundation’s preservation initiatives to help protect the historical context and character of the Charleston region in a vibrant and quickly changing modern landscape.

Festival goers can enjoy Morning History Walks with expert guided tours of Charleston’s earliest neighborhoods, Gullah Spirituals Concerts, wine tastings and more. New in 2020, an Architectural Splendors tour and a Garden Splendors tour will each showcase specially curated properties.

Tickets for all festival tours and events are available at historiccharleston.org/festival. All tours are on foot and occur rain or shine.