The MOJA Arts Festival will return to Charleston from September 25 to October 5, 2025, marking its 41st year. The festival features music, art, dance, food, and community events that celebrate African American and Caribbean culture throughout the city.
Five main events have been highlighted for this year’s festival. The Opening Day Street Parade on September 25 will begin at Marion Square and proceed to East Bay/South Market. On September 27, Hampstead Square will host the MOJA x Eastside Neighborhood Celebration in partnership with the Eastside Community Development Corporation and the Charleston Parks Conservancy. This event will include artisans, food trucks, drumming and dance performances, and live music by guitarist Greg Loney.
The MOJA Downtown Block Party is scheduled for October 1 at Ann Street & Bus Shed. It is a free event featuring food vendors and a tribute performance titled “Tommy Brown presents A Tribute to Black Icons.” On October 3 at Dock Street Theatre, the Gullah Collective event will bring together musicians to highlight Gullah art and culture.
The festival concludes with the MOJA Finale on October 5 at Hampton Park. This closing celebration is open to all residents and visitors and includes food offerings as well as live music from Live in the Flesh Band.
Mayor William Cogswell commented on the significance of the festival: “MOJA is more than a festival—it’s a celebration of unity, heritage, and creativity,” said Mayor William Cogswell. “These events showcase the incredible talent and traditions that make Charleston so special.”
Charlton Singleton, Artistic Director of MOJA Arts Festival, noted: “The excitement leading up to our beloved MOJA Arts Festival of 2025 has been incredible,” said MOJA Artistic Director Charlton Singleton. “The official poster image by visual artist Christine D. Johnson has set the tone for another electric festival for Charleston and the Lowcountry.”
This year’s official poster features artwork by Christine D. Johnson titled “Life Witness – What is Your Story?” Johnson was born in Jamaica and works as a mixed-media abstract painter based in South Carolina.
The City of Charleston Office of Cultural Affairs produces and directs the festival alongside an all-volunteer planning committee made up of community members focused on arts and culture initiatives. Funding comes from organizations including the National Endowment for the Arts, South Arts, South Carolina Arts Commission, and Gaylord and Dorothy Donnelley Foundation.
For additional details about scheduling or tickets for any events during this period visit https://mojafestival.com/.
