September Events in Charleston

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.

Located on Marion Square, this weekly event features over 200 vendors, ranging from fresh produce to baked goods, and even crafts. These vendors are all local farmers, with fresh food grown right in the Lowcountry. The market also features live music so you can enjoy some entertainment while shopping. The Farmers Market is a great way to kick off your Saturday in the Holy City.

Do you remember the joy of putting on an album and listening to it all the way through? You can relive that experience with a unique live concert as The Black Jacket Symphony brings Elton John’s iconic album Madman Across the Water to life, performing it in its entirety—note for note, sound for sound—along with a full set of Elton John’s greatest hits.

Taco ’bout a fiesta! Indulge in Charleston’s 1st Taco & Margarita Festival. Savor mouthwatering tacos from diverse vendors, sip on authentic tequilas, and soak in the vibrant atmosphere with live music and cultural flair. It’s a feast for the senses you won’t forget!

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.

Grammy winner and recent Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee, Peter Frampton, is renowned as one of rock’s most celebrated artists and guitarists. At just 16, he became the lead singer and guitarist for the British band the Herd. By 18, he had co-founded Humble Pie, one of rock’s earliest supergroups.

If you’re looking for some fun entertainment, head over to the Mount Pleasant Pier where you can enjoy an evening of dancing to a variety of music. This month, guests can groove to popular hits from the 80s and 90s. The pier is located on the Cooper River, which provides an incredible view of the city skyline while you dance the night away. Get tickets for a variety of dance hits from The Cooper River Band.

Enjoy a hands-on workshop where you’ll learn about the history of indigo dye in South Carolina, explore the chemistry of dye vats, and use shibori tie-dye techniques like itajime, kumo, and nui to create unique patterns. Participants will practice on cotton squares and then dye larger fabrics, including a silk scarf. Bring personal items to dye if you wish. The workshop runs from 9:30 am to 12:30 pm and includes all materials, instruction, and admission to the Dill Sanctuary. Reservations are required.

Enjoy a special evening at Drayton Hall after hours! Whether you’re planning a date night, an outing with friends, or a fun family evening, “Drayton Hall at Night” is the perfect way to experience this historic site. Wander the grounds, listen to live music on the lawn, and explore the house during this exclusive nighttime event. Drayton Hall archaeologists will be on hand to share stories about their latest discoveries, while guests of all ages can participate in scavenger hunts and colonial games. Pack a picnic and bring your lawn chairs, or take advantage of beer and wine available for purchase on-site.

The stars of the Charleston Symphony will shine during opening weekend! Join the Charleston Symphony conducted by CSO Concertmaster and Artistic Director Yuriy Bekker, featuring the Symphony’s Principal Oboe Kelly Mozeik. Delight in music infused with romance, drama, and excitement from Mozart, Rossini, and Tchaikovsky for the 2024-2025 season kickoff.

Enjoy German beer and food specials all day! General admission is $10, and children under twelve are free. For an authentic beer hall experience, get an all-access ticket to the transformed Porter Room, which includes a souvenir stein, your first pour, and all the German food you can eat. The beer hall will feature a variety of German beers, including Festbier and Helles lagers from Weihenstephaner. The Hans-Schmidt Oompah Band will provide live entertainment for a festive atmosphere!

Celebrate the beauty of autumn at the Magnolia Beauti-Fall Festival! This family-friendly event takes place on September 21st and features live music, delicious food, and fun activities for all ages. Explore the stunning fall foliage of Magnolia Plantation & Gardens while enjoying the festive atmosphere.

Boone Hall Fright Nights offers terrifying yet thrilling experiences for brave souls. Our attractions feature spine-chilling creatures and special effects designed to scare and entertain. Please note that our events are not suitable for guests under 12 or those easily frightened. All guests under 12 must be accompanied by a ticketed adult, and children under 6 are unable to attend for safety reasons.

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.

This September launches the inaugural Food and Wine Classic! Sample delicious bites from world-class chefs and local stars, sip amazing wines and attend insightful seminars and cooking demos. It’s the perfect way to indulge your taste buds and discover something new. Beyond the plate, discover mixology secrets, groove to live music, and soak up Charleston’s Southern charm. Tickets for this new festival will go on sale in the spring, so be sure to secure your spot as soon as you can!

An extraordinary comeback story, TINA – The Tina Turner Musical tells the inspiring tale of a woman who shattered barriers to become the Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll. Set to her greatest hits, this electrifying show will lift your spirits.

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.

Don’t miss Evening at McLeod, a captivating night of music and history featuring the Charleston Symphony Brass ensemble. Through the powerful story of Mr. William Dawson’s journey from slavery to military service, the evening will showcase rich cultural heritage with live performances, local African American artists, and delicious Lowcountry cuisine from Carolina’s. Enjoy drinks, hors d’oeuvres, and support a great cause—the Charleston County Parks Foundation’s Cultural History Fund.

After traveling around the world, THE GREATEST SHOWMAN’S world class musicians and vocalists from 7 different countries bring to life the powerful music to one of the world’s most popular musicals. This is a highly entertaining show with the Vienna Light Orchestra. Featuring the iconic music of THE GREATEST SHOWMAN and other audience classic favorites. Whether you’re looking for an unforgettable and unique Charleston, SC event or a romantic, powerful experience — this event is for you and the family!