Things to Do This Weekend in Charleston

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.

Chef Nikko Cagalanan leads a hands-on cooking class celebrating the vibrant flavors and traditions of Filipino cuisine. Guests will learn to prepare beloved dishes like lumpia and lechon while exploring the techniques, stories, and cultural heritage behind each recipe, all in a welcoming, interactive setting with thoughtfully paired beverages.

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.

Senator Phil Gramm, economist and former congressman, discusses his latest book, Triumph of Economic Freedom, exploring seven pivotal moments that shaped America’s economic history and the evolving role of government in a modern economy.

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.

Immerse yourself in local art at more than 30 galleries during the Charleston Gallery Association’s Artwalk. Taking place on the first Friday of most months, the Artwalk is a fantastic way to meet new people, discover local artists, and find the perfect art piece for your home. Participants have the ability to create their own Artwalk route using the CGA website’s “Charleston Gallery Association Map.” There is no cost of admission to this event.

Join Gibbes Museum President and CEO Alex Rich for a special guided tour of Impression, Monet, featuring three remarkable landscapes on view through October 25. Guests will gain deeper insight into Monet’s groundbreaking artistic style, career, and enduring influence on the art world.

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

Celebrate the end of summer at The Last Sunset of Summer, a lively girls’ night out featuring cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, a live DJ, interactive experiences, curated goodie bags, and plenty of opportunities to make new friends. Whether attending with friends or flying solo, guests can enjoy an evening of music, dancing, and late-summer fun.

Kick off the weekend with live music at the waterfront and settle into a laid-back summer evening with great views, coastal breezes, and the perfect soundtrack to start your night.

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.

The Reggae Nights Summer Concert Series returns to James Island County Park with an evening of live roots reggae in a scenic outdoor setting. Guests are invited to bring a chair or blanket, relax under the summer sky, and enjoy great music and laid-back Lowcountry vibes.

A local book club hosts Girl Dinner: Weird Little Books Edition, an evening of snacks, conversation, and unconventional short reads. Guests are invited to enjoy a casual gathering centered around three unique, one-sitting books that blend genres and spark lively discussion.

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 thier patio bar, 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.

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.

Saturdays at the Distillery invites guests to unwind at Firefly with live local music, delicious food from an on-site food truck, and refreshing cocktails in a relaxed open-air setting. The laid-back afternoon experience is the perfect way to kick off the weekend and enjoy the distillery before the evening begins.

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.

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.

Explore the art and history of indigo during this hands-on workshop at Magnolia Plantation & Gardens. As part of the America 250 commemoration, participants will create their own naturally dyed textile while learning the science behind traditional indigo dyeing and the complex history of indigo cultivation in colonial South Carolina, including the essential knowledge and labor of enslaved Africans in the Lowcountry.

The Charleston Sprint Triathlon Series at James Island County Park is a premier endurance event featuring a 600-yard swim, 12-mile bike, and 5K run. Drawing thousands of athletes over its history, it has been recognized as one of Charleston’s Top Ten Signature Sport Events by the Charleston Metro Sports Council.

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.

King Street transforms every second Sunday of the month into a pedestrian paradise! From 12pm-5pm, enjoy shopping local vendors, dining at sidewalk cafes, and taking in live music and performances. Soak up the city’s culture, support local businesses, and experience Charleston’s charm in a whole new way. It’s a must-do for any visitor or resident looking for a fun-filled afternoon.

Celebrate the legacy of Claude Monet at Monet & Mimosas, a special member program at the Gibbes Museum of Art. Held every second Sunday during the Impression, Monet exhibition, the experience includes mimosas followed by a guided tour exploring Monet’s landscapes and his lasting influence on modern and American art.