Things to Do This Weekend in Charleston

Carolyn Lucas, Associate Artistic Director of Trisha Brown Dance Company, joins Dr. Alex Rich, President and CEO of the Gibbes Museum of Art, for a discussion exploring the life and legacy of groundbreaking choreographer Trisha Brown. The conversation examines her innovative approach to movement and composition, her influence on contemporary dance and visual arts, and her enduring impact on artists worldwide.

Enjoy a relaxed evening on the water aboard the Charleston Princess, featuring live music, sweeping views of the Holy City, and a casual BBQ buffet. This fun, social cruise offers a laid-back alternative to a traditional dinner, complete with pulled pork, herb-marinated chicken, classic sides, and banana pudding, plus a full bar with beer, wine, and cocktails available for purchase.

Guests can expect a fast-paced mix of short- and long-form improvisation, all fueled by audience suggestions and delivered by Theatre 99’s quick-witted ensemble. A beloved Charleston tradition, these high-energy performances promise plenty of laughter and unforgettable unscripted moments.

One of Charleston’s best traditions, First Friday Artwalks are a way of debuting the city’s vibrant art scene. This special occasion occurs on the first Friday of every month (excluding January and July) and highlights dozens of art galleries and studios across the entire city. This is your chance to check out local art studios and mingle with local artists.

Middleton Place welcomes acclaimed culinary historian and James Beard Award winner Michael W. Twitty for a day exploring the influence of African foodways on Southern cuisine. The program includes a garden discussion, live cooking demonstration, and book signing, highlighting the agricultural knowledge, culinary traditions, and cultural heritage that continue to shape the region’s food.

Kooben Café Mexicano celebrates Día de Muertos with Ofrenda, an immersive four-course dinner honoring one of Mexico’s most meaningful traditions. Through thoughtfully crafted dishes and storytelling, the experience explores the cultural significance of food and its power to connect people and traditions.

Coffee lovers are invited to a complimentary tasting each Friday at 10 a.m. at Counter Culture Coffee Training Centers. This longstanding weekly tradition offers guests the chance to sample beautifully brewed coffees while learning about the company’s high-quality, sustainably sourced selections—from classic blends to the latest micro-lots—and the journey each coffee takes from seed to cup.

Whiskey & History explores the legacy of George Washington’s 18th-century distillery through an engaging historical lecture and guided tasting. Guests will learn about the archaeological discovery and reconstruction of Washington’s five-still distillery before sampling five historically inspired whiskeys crafted using traditional methods.

Guests are invited to explore the Gibbes Museum’s collection and current exhibitions during a weekly public tour from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM. The tour offers engaging insight and opportunities for questions. The tour is free for Members and included with Museum admission for non-Members.

The Charleston Literary Festival is a boutique literary festival that highlights and celebrates unique authors in unique settings. Venues this year include the Dock Street Theatre and the new International African American Museum. Against the backdrop of Charleston’s charming streets and rich history, guests have the chance to learn more about the history of the Holy City as they enjoy their love for literature.

Local artist Kristy Bishop leads an introductory indigo dyeing workshop at the Dill Sanctuary, exploring the history of indigo in South Carolina, dye vat chemistry, and traditional shibori techniques. Participants will experiment with folding and binding methods to create unique patterns on cotton fabric and a silk scarf, with the option to bring additional natural-fiber items to dye.

Catch live music at The Windjammer! With a rotating lineup of artists every weekend, it’s the ultimate beachside escape for music lovers and weekend adventurers alike.

Middleton Place hosts its third annual Bourbon & Bluegrass fundraiser on November 7, featuring Lowcountry cuisine, an open-fire oyster roast, premium bourbon tastings, handcrafted cocktails, and live bluegrass music beneath the historic oaks. The evening supports the Middleton Place Foundation’s preservation and educational initiatives at the National Historic Landmark.

Head to Johns Island County Park for a day of live bluegrass, pumpkin decorating, kids’ crafts, hayrides, and more! Savor Southern delights like Carolina barbecue and kettle corn, and browse the crafters market for holiday gifts. Gates open at 11 am, with music starting at 12 pm. Bring chairs or blankets, but leave coolers and outside alcohol at home.

The Charleston Parks Conservancy hosts its 16th annual Party for the Parks on November 7 at Colonial Lake, featuring a secret agent-inspired evening of gourmet cuisine, handcrafted cocktails, live entertainment, and an exciting auction. The event raises support for the preservation and cultivation of Charleston’s public parks, gardens, and green spaces.

Join Charleston Candle Co. for a hands-on experience where you’ll learn to mix and create your own custom fragrance, and pour your own soy wax candles! Each ticket includes two 8 oz. candles per person. Perfect for crafting a personalized gift or treating yourself.

The annual Mead-ival Festival invites guests to embrace Renaissance and Viking lore with themed costumes, mead tastings, live music, food trucks, lawn games, inflatable jousting, and local vendors. Alongside a variety of meads, wine, and specialty drinks, the festival offers a full day of festive entertainment and medieval-inspired fun.

Founded in 1989, the Charleston Farmers Market in Marion Square is a beloved community event. You will find a variety of local produce, plants, herbs, and cut flowers as well as breakfast and lunch vendors, live entertainment, and an assortment of juried arts and crafts from local artisans every Saturday at the Market.

Magnolia Plantation & Gardens partners with the West Ashley Quilting and Sewing Group and Island Quilters Guild for the Airing of the Quilts in Cathedral Glade. Visitors can admire a colorful collection of traditional and contemporary quilts while watching live demonstrations of English paper piecing and classic American yo-yo quilting techniques.

Firefly Distillery hosts the 10th annual Bar Brew Grass Festival on November 8, featuring live bluegrass music, circus entertainment, an oyster roast, local food and drinks, and an online auction. The event raises funds to support children with cancer and blood disorders, bringing the community together for a day of music, food, and a meaningful cause.

Sunday Market at American Gardens invites guests to spend a leisurely Sunday exploring a curated selection of local farms, specialty food vendors, fresh florals, and live music. Taking place every Sunday from September 13 through November 8, the market offers a relaxed way to experience Charleston’s seasonal flavors and blooms.

Every second Sunday of the month from noon until 5 pm, the City of Charleston shuts down King Street from Queen to Calhoun to through traffic. In addition, no cars are allowed to park, giving pedestrians the ability to stroll through the street and visit businesses they might not have known about. There are also artists displaying their work on the street and unique food vendors tempting guests with their fare.

The Refinery Charleston hosts a dynamic lineup of live concerts and special events throughout the year, welcoming national, regional, and local performing artists to its vibrant mixed-use campus. With multiple event spaces and a schedule that’s continually evolving, guests can enjoy an ever-changing calendar of music, performances, and community gatherings in the heart of Charleston.

Keep Charleston Beautiful and the Charlestowne Neighborhood Association invite residents to a community litter sweep south of Broad Street on November 8. Volunteers will help keep the neighborhood clean and litter-free following the holiday weekend.

The Nosh invites the Charleston community to celebrate Jewish food, music, and culture along pedestrian-only Hasell Street. Enjoy classic favorites like corned beef and pastrami sandwiches, knishes, stuffed cabbage, bagels with lox, matzo ball soup, challah, and more—plus Dr. Brown’s sodas and homemade baked goods.

The Sunday Brunch Farmers Market takes place year-round behind The Charleston Pour House, featuring 40+ local vendors, live music, delicious food, and a full bar. Open Sundays from 11am–3pm, with free live music on the deck stage until 9.

The Mount Pleasant Historical Commission and Wassamasaw Tribe of Varnertown Indians host a free film screening celebrating Indigenous stories and communities. The afternoon features Frybread Face and Me, following a young Navajo boy’s cultural journey, and Fancy Dance, exploring family and identity within the Seneca-Cayuga community.

Circular Congregational Church hosts Jazz Vespers, a musical tribute honoring Jack McCray, one of the beloved founders of Charleston Jazz. The evening features a performance by the Charleston Jazz Academy combo and is free and open to the public.