Sunday August 13, 1:00-4:00 PM
Charleston Gaillard Center and SC Aquarium
Volunteer at the Festival: FDF Volunteer Sign-up- On-line sign up ENDS August 1!
Be an event Sponsor:Email Mindy Sturm: sturmm@charleston-sc.gov
Sign up to be an Exhibitor (space limited):Exhibitor registration is now closed. If you have any questions, email sturmm@charleston-sc.gov.
- 75 Calhoun Street, Suite 3700 City of Charleston
- Recreation Department Facilities
- Daniel Island
- James Island Recreation Center
- Arthur Christopher Community Center
- Bees Landing
- 823 Meeting Street
- Hilton Hotel Drop off locations
Hampton Inn and Suites Charleston-West Ashley: 678 Citadel Haven Dr, Charleston, SC 29414
Hampton Inn and Suites North Charleston- University Blvd: 2688 Fernwood Dr, North Charleston, SC 29406
Hampton Inn and Suites Charleston Airport: : 3020 W Montague Ave, North Charleston, SC 29418
Homewood Suites Charleston Airport: 5048 International Blvd, North Charleston, SC 29418
Home2 Suites Daniel Island: 120 Fairchild St, Daniel Island, SC 29492
Hampton Inn Daniel Island: 160 Fairchild St, Charleston, SC 29492
Hampton Inn and Suites Isle of Palms-Mt Pleasant: 1104 Isle Of Palms Connector, Mt Pleasant, SC 29464
Hampton Inn Patriots Point-Mt Pleasant: 255 Sessions Way, Mt Pleasant, SC, 29464
Embassy Suites Ferry Wharf Charleston Harbor: 100 Ferry Wharf Rd, Mt Pleasant, SC 29464
Embassy Suites Charleston Historic District: 337 Meeting St, Charleston, SC 29403
Hampton Inn and Suites Historic District: 345 Meeting St, Charleston, SC 29403
List of most requested supplies
- Crayons/Markers/Colored pencils
- Paper product- composition notebooks, looseleaf paper, spiral notebooks
- Glue sticks
- Pencils
- Two-pocket folders
- Pencil pouches
Thank you to our Festival Sponsors!
Platinum Level Sponsor
LINC- Lowcountry Innovators, Creators & Scientists
Gold Level Sponsors
United Bank
TD Bank
Silver Sponsor
Nucor Steeleand CharityProud
Bronze Level Sponsors
The InterTech Group
Haynesworth, Sinkler, Boyd
Burr & Forman
First Day Festival is a celebration of the start of the new school year. Sponsored by the City of Charleston since 2003, the purpose of the event is to provide children and families with the supplies and information they need to start the school year off right!
The Festival is possible because of long-standing partnerships with the Charleston County School District, SC Aquarium, Lowcountry Food Bank, and the many exhibitors, volunteers, and donors who give of their time, talents, and resources.
At the event, children receive free school supplies, families can access free fresh foods courtesy of the Lowcountry Food Bank, receive information from close to 100 community organizations, and enjoy free admission to the SC Aquarium during the hours of the Festival!
For more information, contact Mindy Sturm at sturmm@charleston-sc.gov