Picture this: The world’s greatest athletes are flying into Charleston International, waiting for their oversized, equipment-filled luggage, and preparing to vie for a coveted medal.

While we wait for a Charleston Olympics to come to fruition, we’re imagining how the start of the 2026 Winter Olympics would be celebrated at our own Opening Ceremony.

Head to Marion Square for the Opening Day Parade before it travels down King Street. | Photo by @walkablecharleston

The torch arrives

To start off the festivities, let’s stick to what we know best: a coastal celebration.

In true Charleston style, a center console flotilla following behind a massive container shipwould make for the perfect entrance for the Olympic torch. We'd then take things landside, as we expect the torch to finish at Marion Square.

The athletes wave

The 2026 Winter Olympics Opening Ceremony will take place across four venues. We envision something similar for the Holy City:

The peninsula would host athletes, bumping along cobblestone streets.
Some athletes would wave to the crowds as they drove down Coleman Boulevard.
Others would be doing something similar from Folly, showcasing one of the Lowcountry’s beaches.
Last but not least, Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Park would be overflowing.

We couldn't be more excited for the return of golden hours at The Joe. | Photo by @10westedge

A Charleston celebration begins

Inside The Joe, we’re thinking a drone show with classic Lowcountry symbols like sweetgrass baskets, church steeples, live oak trees, and shrimp boats dancing around the sky to the tune of Charleston Symphony backed by Gullah Geechee rhythms. We’d close things out with “Southern State of Mind” by Charleston’s own Darius Rucker — and the Games can commence in style.

How to watch the Opening Ceremony

The real 2026 Opening Ceremony takes place in Northern Italy on Friday, Feb. 6. As the Games begin, stay tuned to WCBD’s coverage of the Olympics so you don’t miss a moment.