What’s new at the Southeastern Wildlife Exposition in 2024

CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD) – An annual event that celebrates the outdoors through wildlife art, performances, animal demonstrations, and more returns to Charleston this week.

The Southeastern Wildlife Exposition (SEWE) is a renowned showcase that begins on Feb. 14 and runs until Feb. 18.

SEWE features live demonstrations, exhibits, art, concerts, and so much more at five locations – Brittlebank Park, Charleston Marriott, The Charleston Place, Gaillard Center, and Marion Square. In addition to celebrating all things wildlife, the event has also been called the beginning of tourism season here in Charleston.

Here is a list of a few new things you can expect from SEWE 2024.

LOWCOUNTRY LYRICS: A Writer’s Round

Feb. 16, 7:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.

This event will offer guests custom cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, fire pits, and acoustic music.

Several top writers will be in attendance, such as Bradley Gaskin, whose debut single “Mr. Bartender” charted for 20 weeks in the country’s top 40, Keith Stegall, who worked with George Jones, Alan Jackson, Zac Brown Band, and more, Kevin MaC of ‘Kevin Mac and the Homies” who’ve opened for bad like REO Speedwagon and Kenny Chesney, and Leslie Satcher whose written songs for George Strait, Martina McBride, Willie Nelson, Sheryl Crow and more.

The writer’s round will be held at a private residence on Shem Creek, and ticket holders will be texted the location before the event.

Tickets for the event are $175 and can be purchased here.

WOMEN IN CONSERVATION PANEL: Wildlife Heroes of Sea, Land and Sky

Gaillard Center, Feb. 17, 4 p.m. – 4:45 p.m.

Panel member will discuss their contributions to wildlife conservation, challenges they’ve overcome, and achievements concerning wildlife conservation on land, at sea, and in the sky.

Panel members:

• Mandy Feavel, Vice President and Director of Operations, Avian Conservation Center / Center for Birds of Prey (Awendaw, South Carolina)
• Dr. Forrest Gomez, Director of Conservation Medicine and Operation GRACE, National Marine Mammal Foundation (San Diego, California)
• Amy Knight, Director of Busch Wildlife Sanctuary (Jupiter, Florida)
• Julie Scardina, Moderator and Special Guest, Animal Ambassador, and Corporate Curator for SeaWorld, Busch Gardens, and Discovery Cove Zoological Parks (California)

This event is included with a general admission ticket. To see where to buy general admission tickets, click here.

CAROLINA MARSH TACKY ASSOCIATION

Brittlebank Park, Feb. 16 & 17, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m., Feb. 18, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

The Carolina Marsh Tacky Association will showcase one of the most endangered horse breeds in the world, the Marsh Tacky horse, at Brittlebank Park. The Colonial Spanish Breed was brought to South Carolina by Spanish explorers. There are roughly 400 Marsh Tackies left in existence. Guests will get to see them up close and learn about their history in the Lowcountry.

SEWE KICK OFF AT LAMAR’S

Lamar’s Sporting Club, Feb. 14, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.

SEWE will host a kickoff party at Lamar’s Sporting Club for the first time in 2024. Tickets start at $45 and include a Tito’s espresso martini, surcees, light bites, live painting and a chance to win an art piece by previous Featured Artist Ryan Kirby. Attendees must be 21 and up. To buy tickets, click here.

IAN MUNSICK LIVE AT THE GAILLARD WITH GUEST, ANDREW BEAM

Gaillard Center, Feb. 15, 7:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.

Wyoming native and country music star Ian Munsick will perform at the Gaillard Center on Feb. 15. Munsick has over 100 million global streams and was named one of Spotify’s inaugural Hot Country Artists to Watch. Andrew Beam from the Blue Ridge Mountains will join Munsick’s performance. Beam has released singles, including “Selma by Sundown,” “Lowcountry,” and a 2023 acoustic EP, “The Salt Creek Sessions.”

Tickets start at $29 and can be bought here.

NEW TALENT AT SEWE FINE ART GALLERY

Charleston Place, Feb. 15 – 17. 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

General admission grants access to the Fine Art Gallery, where nearly 80 painters and sculptors will showcase their art. This year, five new painters are featured: Jennifer Anderson, J.R. Hess, Yelena Lamm, Cody Oldham, and Daren Wilding. Attendees will have the chance to meet the artists when visiting. For more information on the Fine Art Gallery schedule, click here.

AMPHIBIAN AND REPTILE CONSERVANCY and SC AQUARIUM

Marion Square, Feb. 16-18

For 2024, the Amphibian and Reptile Conservancy and SC Aquarium will be in Marion Square, showcasing local reptiles, their fieldwork, research, and more throughout the weekend. To view the weekend schedule in Marion Square, click here.

SPORTING ART ROADSHOW APPRAISAL DAYS

Opal Room, Charleston Marriott, Feb. 16-18

Visitors can bring their sporting art and decoys to The Sporting Showroom in the Charleston Marriott for a complimentary review and appraisal with a specialist from Copley Fine Art. Appraisals will begin at 10 a.m.

To view further details, click here.

NEW EXHIBITORS

Several new exhibitors will set up camp at different SEWE locations, including Topped Hats, BirdDog experiences, Sight Line Provisions, Outdoors at Last, Monti Coolers, Free Fly Apparel, Charleston Shoe Company, Lowcountry Land Trust, and more.