October Events in Charleston

Moja meaning “individual” in Swahili, is a multi-disciplinary festival that highlights the rich history of African-American and Caribbean Arts and their contributions to Western and International Cultures. Festivities will include visual arts, classical music, dance, gospel, jazz, poetry, music, storytelling, theatre, children’s activities, crafts, ethnic food, and more.

Are you looking for the perfect family-friendly fall activity? Look no further. Boone Hall Pumpkin Patch has something for everyone. Since 1997, this nearly one-month-long fall festival has become an autumn tradition that brings people of all ages together for a day of good old-fashioned fun on the farm. Enjoy a Halloween tractor tour, corn maze, petting zoo, pony rides, inflatable slide and obstacle course, and more! Before you go home, don’t forget to pick out a pumpkin from the pumpkin patch.

Live Under The Oaks returns to Towne Centre on October 1 with a free outdoor concert featuring Richard and The Twins, plus food from The CODfather Nexton Food Truck and beer and wine available for purchase.

The Fall Tours offerings are designed to maximize the educational experience for guests while minimizing impacts on the historic district. Guests taking the Piazzas and Garden Tour will go beyond the garden gate and onto the porches and piazza of some of Charleston’s finest homes. The Insider’s Garden Tour is designed for the garden enthusiast and will be led by notable professionals such as landscape architects, garden designers, and horticulturalists. Other tours include Insider’s Architecture Tours, Specialty Tours, Historic Walking Tours, and more.

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.

The Charleston Museum invites the community to explore Dill Sanctuary, a 580-acre wildlife preserve featuring guided tours, presentations on the property’s history and ecology, children’s activities, and opportunities to discover its natural landscapes.

The inaugural Charleston Cocktail Fest invites guests to experience mixology at its finest, as local bartenders showcase their creativity and compete for the title of Best Cocktail. Alongside the competition, the festival features live music, food trucks, vendors, and an interactive group cocktail session where attendees can try their own hand at bartending.

Keep Charleston Beautiful and Adopt-A-Highway host a community cleanup on Johns Island, bringing local volunteers together to remove litter from roads, neighborhoods, and other high-traffic areas across the island.

The Mermaids & Mateys Festival returns to Folly Beach, inviting the community to celebrate the sea with pirate flair, mermaid magic, and festive fall vibes.

The Charleston Museum’s Carl P. Borick leads a walking tour exploring key sites from the 1780 Siege of Charleston, the longest siege of the Revolutionary War and largest battle fought in South Carolina. Drawing from his book, A Gallant Defense: The Siege of Charleston, 1780, Borick will highlight the historic terrain and landmarks that remain connected to this pivotal moment in Charleston’s history.

Darius Rucker curated this popular event that features the country’s hottest new artists. Past performers include Lainey Wilson and Band of Horses. Riverfront Revival is poised to become a heartfelt ode to both the vibrant world of country music and the rich tapestry of South Carolina’s Lowcountry. This exhilarating two-day festival promises a journey filled with unforgettable live performances, immersive cultural experiences, and flavors deeply rooted in the region’s distinctive culinary traditions. Guests will depart with a deeper appreciation for Charleston.

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.

Charleston Vintage Market returns to The Refinery one Sunday each month from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., featuring more than 30 vendors offering vintage clothing, antiques, vinyl, art, home décor, and unique finds, along with local food and coffee trucks.

Charleston Beerfest is back and better than ever! Join us for a day filled with delicious craft beer, live music, and good company. Sample a variety of brews from local and regional breweries, indulge in delicious food from local vendors, and enjoy the festive atmosphere. Whether you’re a seasoned beer enthusiast or simply looking for a fun day out, Charleston Beerfest is not to be missed.

Join Taylor Grant of Taylor Grant Pilates for an intimate, engaging Pilates class at the Gibbes Museum. This session offers a focused and fun workout surrounded by inspiring art. Participants should bring their own mats.

Circa 1886 welcomes professional storyteller Tim Lowry for an immersive evening inspired by Charleston Renaissance author John Bennett’s The Doctor to the Dead. Featuring Lowcountry folklore and Gullah Geechee storytelling traditions alongside a multi-course dinner by Chef Marc Collins, Spirits of the Lowcountry offers an elegant celebration of Charleston’s history and storytelling traditions.

Movie Night in the Park brings free outdoor cinema to American Gardens every Thursday from September 3 through October 29. Guests can arrive early for local snacks, drinks, and kid-friendly activities before settling in for a 6 p.m. screening under the stars.

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.

Join Deep Water Vineyard for their Weekend Wine-Downs every Saturday, rain or shine! Enjoy $15 wine tastings (hourly, includes a souvenir glass), sip fun drinks from their patio bar—like wine slushies, mead, and mimosas—and relax with live music and rotating food trucks. Bring the whole crew: kids are welcome, and well-behaved, leashed dogs can roam the grounds with you. Lawn games, friendly animals, and good vibes await!

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.