Dancing on the Cooper

One of the more popular seasonal events comes back each summer, sponsored by the good folks at Charleston County Parks and Rec.  You can dance to live bands as the sun sets over Charleston.  

It's gotten so popular over the years, they've expanded both the theme and the dates.  What started as Shaggin’ on the Cooper has now become Dancing on the Cooper.  The shag is the official dance of South Carolina and has been ever since 1984, and the event orginaly focused on shagging and beach music.  But they've enlarged the variety of music genres to include country, rock, pop, jazz, funk and blues. The season now starts in March and lasts into September.

New in 2024 - they now take place on Friday evenings (it was on Saturdays) on the pier at Memorial Waterfront Park, underneath the Ravenel Bridge on the Mount Pleasant side of the Cooper River. 

The event is a whole lot of fun and draws a wide crowd.  Word to the wise  -  it often sells out in advance, so get tickets early.  You can do so through the website. 

They haven't announced dates and details for 2025 yet, so stay tuned.  But here's what was on tap for 2024’s Dancing on the Cooper:

• Friday, March 22: Vinyl Daze (Beach and Shag);
• April 26: Mason Dixon Band (Classic Country and Southern Rock);
• May 17: Shem Creek Boogie Band (Beach and Shag);
• June 7: Tommy & the Chucktown Players (eclectic fusion of Soul, Rock and Funk);
• July 19: Island Party Band (greatest hits from the 60's, 70's and 80's);
• September 13:  The Cooper River Band (cool variety of dance hits).

Gates open at 7:00 p.m., and the live bands start playing at 7:30 p.m.  The fun lasts till 10:30 p.m. 

Tickets are just $10 advance via the website or $15 at the gate (if there are any left).  Food and beverages will be available for purchase at the pier’s gift shop.  You’re encouraged to bring chairs, as seating is limited, but please leave outside alcohol, food, coolers, pets, smoking or vaping devices at home. 

This is a wholesome event perfect for all ages, and it's an easy drive from all our Isle of Palms vacation rentals oceanfront.  Kids three and under are free.

Memorial Waterfront Park is located at 71 Harry Hallman Boulevard in Mount Pleasant.