Charleston Sternwheel Regatta FAQ

Q: Does the Charleston Sternwheel Regatta have an admission charge? 

A: Admission to the Charleston Sternwheel Regatta is free!  However, there are certain events that may require tickets or other payment. Check out the full schedule of events here.

 

Q: Where can I find the times for the TC Energy Carnival? 

A: You can visit the Charleston Sternwheel Regatta event page OR  Gambill Amusements website for more information. 

 

Q: How much are wristbands/tickets at the TC Energy Carnival? 

A: You can visit Gambill Amusements website for more information.

Tickets are $1.25 EACH // 18 FOR $20 // 40 FOR $40

Unlimited ride wristbands are available to purchase online through Gambill Amusements website.

 

Q: Where is the Moses Auto Group stage? 

A: The Moses Auto Group stage is located at the corner of Capitol Street and Kanawha Boulevard. 

 

Q: Where is the family area, and is it free? 

A: The WesBanco Family Fun Zone is at located City Center at Slack Plaza (accessible from Summers Street, between Quarrier Street and Lee Street).  Bring the kiddos down for fun with bounce houses, a foam party, DIY art, and more! There will be free activities for the kids to enjoy.   

 

Q: Where can I find tickets for events? 

A: Tickets are NOT needed for the concerts. You can view more information about each event on the schedule 

Tickets for the Wheelwash Beer Festival, presented by Better Homes and Gardens, are available HERE.  

 

Q: Where can I find event parking for the Charleston Sternwheel Regatta? 

A: A general parking map is available on the Traffic Information page and can be viewed HERE. The following City garages will offer public parking on the following dates and times. Please note, event parking fees may apply. 

Shanklin Parking Garage - 501 Virginia Street E

  • Wednesday, July 3 - $ 5.00 beginning at 5pm
  • Thursday, July 4 - $5.00 beginning at 12pm
  • Friday, July 5 - $5.00 beginning at 5pm
  • Saturday, July 6 - $5.00 beginning at 12pm
  • Sunday, July 7 - available free all day

Summers Street Garage - 166 Summers Street

  • Wednesday, July 3 - $ 5.00 beginning at 5pm
  • Thursday, July 4 - $5.00 beginning at 12pm
  • Friday, July 5 - $5.00 beginning at 5pm
  • Saturday, July 6 - $5.00 beginning at 10am
  • Sunday, July 7 - available free all day

Cinema Parking Garage - 612 Washington Street

  • Wednesday, July 3 - Free beginning at 5pm
  • Thursday, July 4 - available free all day
  • Friday, July 5 - available free all day
  • Saturday, July 6 - available free all day
  • Sunday, July 7 - available free all day

City Service Center Garage - 915 Quarrier Street

  • Wednesday, July 3 - Free beginning at 5pm
  • Thursday, July 4 - available free all day
  • Friday, July 5 - available free all day
  • Saturday, July 6 - available free all day
  • Sunday, July 7 - available free all day

Municipal Auditorium Lot - 244 Virginia Street E

  • Wednesday, July 3 - $5 .00 beginning at 4pm
  • Thursday, July 4 - $ 5.00 beginning at 12pm
  • Friday, July 5 -$5.00 beginning at 4pm
  • Saturday, July 6 -$5.00 beginning at 12pm
  • Sunday, July 7 - available free all day

Additional parking information may be found HERE.

 

Q: Where can I find a full schedule for the Charleston Sternwheel Regatta? 

A: You can find a full schedule as well as performance times for each artist here.

 

Q: Where can I find accessible parking?  

A: Please refer to this map to view accessibility and parking options.

 

Q: Is the car show cruise-in or judged? 

A: This is a judged show. Award categories include Mayor's Choice, Best of Show, Sternwheeler's Choice, Best Chrysler, Best Ford, Best GM, Best Domestic, Best Import, Best Truck, Best 4x4, Best Pro Street/Race, Best Woman-Owned, and Young Gun (21 and under). 

 

Q: Will the winners of the Little & Tiny Miss and Mister Sternwheel Photo Contest be announced before the July 3rd crowning? 

A: Yes. The award winners were announced on Facebook and will be introduced on Wednesday, July 3 (6P-6:30P) before the evening's entertainment starts. 

 

Q: What are the accommodations for boats? 

A: Docks and boat parking are available at Haddad Riverfront Park on a first-come, first-served basis. You must be permitted by the City of Charleston to dock or moore at Haddad Riverfront Park. More information can be found here.

 

Q: What time will the fireworks go off? 

A: Fireworks are scheduled to begin at 9:30 pm on Thursday, July 4th. 

 

Q: Where will the fireworks go off? 

A: They can be viewed from Haddad Riverfront Park and surrounding areas.

 

Q: Where can I park to view the fireworks? 

A: You may find parking and traffic information here.

 

Q: Is there a vendor/food truck list? 

A: Check out the Charleston Sternwheel Regatta's "Know Before You Go" post. 

 

Q: Is there a way to watch the concerts online? 

A: Sorry! We do not record or live-stream concerts online. 

 

Q: What time do the vendors/food trucks open? 

A: The Charleston Sternwheel Regatta officially opens at noon on Wednesday, July 3! Vendors and food trucks will open at noon each day of the Regatta.

 

Q: What is the route for the Fire Parade? 

A: Staging for the Fire Parade will take place on Kanawha Blvd (eastbound lanes / riverside only), from Patrick St to Ohio Ave starting at 3P. The parade will start at 5P on Kanawha Blvd >> Left onto Ohio Ave >> Right onto Virginia St >> Right onto Leon Sullivan Way >> Left onto Kanawha Blvd (exiting parade route eastbound toward State Capitol). Read more info in Friday's Traffic Info

 

Q: Can you bring camping chairs and/or coolers to the concerts? 

A: You are welcome to bring camping chairs to enjoy the live music. Coolers are not permitted.

 

Q: Do the vendors take card or cash only? 

A: This depends on the specific vendor.

 

Q: Where can I park for the KRT shuttle? 

A:  Please refer to this map for parking and for the KRT shuttle route.

 

Q: How will I find information regarding rain delays/schedule changes? 

A: Make sure you are following the Charleston Sternwheel Regatta and City of Charleston Facebook pages for updates. Our Regatta and City Teams will also notify local media to help get the word out.  

Q: Where is the lost and found?

A: The lost and found is in the Regatta Store located at Court St and the Blvd. 

 

Q: If my child becomes separated from me, what do I do? 

A: Locate the closest law enforcement officer for assistance.  If an officer is not nearby, find a fire/EMS worker, Regatta staff member (look for a radio and/or staff shirt), or a Regatta Volunteer (look for the blue volunteer shirts) so they can connect you with a law enforcement officer.