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.

Moultrie Park & Playground hosts a free evening of live music featuring Charleston blues musician Shrimp City Slim, along with food from Platia Greek Goodness and complimentary King of Pops for the first 250 children. The all-ages event offers an evening of music, food, and community in the park.

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.

Our Prehistoric Palmetto State explores fossilization and prehistoric life in the South Carolina Lowcountry, from giant birds and predatory dolphins to sharks, mosasaurs, ground sloths, and sea turtles. Led by Ashby Gale, the interactive presentation invites the audience to help choose which prehistoric creature comes next.

Ballet photographer and former dancer Steven Caras discusses his memoir, Through the Lens of a Dancer, in conversation with Charleston arts and culture journalist Maura Hogan. Drawing on his experiences with ballet legends including George Balanchine, Jerome Robbins, and Mikhail Baryshnikov, Caras shares the personal stories behind his life and career in the art form.

Live Under the Oaks returns every Thursday in October with free live music, food options, and seasonal drinks. Emceed by Johnny O’ of 95SX, the outdoor series offers a relaxed fall evening with friends and family at the Towne Centre.

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.

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.

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.

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. Led by knowledgeable Museum Interpreters, the tour offers engaging insight and opportunities for questions. The tour is free for Members and included with Museum admission for non-Members.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Magnolia Plantation & Gardens hosts the Airing of the Quilts, a colorful showcase of handmade quilts displayed throughout the Cathedral Glade. Presented by local quilting groups, the event features a variety of traditional and modern designs, along with live demonstrations of English paper piecing and classic American “yo-yo” quiltmaking techniques.

Firefly Distillery hosts a fall cocktail competition featuring its bartenders’ creative takes on Apple Pie Moonshine. Guests can sample each cocktail and vote for their favorite, with live music from Six Foot Tide and food from Butter Chicken adding to the afternoon in North Charleston.

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.

Sweat on the Ship offers an all-levels strength and movement class on the USS Yorktown’s flight deck. Combining functional training, breathwork, and mobility, participants enjoy a unique workout with sea breezes, golden skies, and historic surroundings, leaving them strong, centered, and energized.

Drayton Hall offers free admission on select fall dates, inviting guests to explore the historic property and learn about ongoing preservation and archaeological work. Visitors can meet members of the archaeology and preservation teams, enjoy colonial games and demonstrations, and take in views of the Ashley River beneath the live oaks.

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.

Islander 71 welcomes Hans Wenzel for an afternoon of live music on the waterfront Sunday, October 11, from 3–6 p.m. Guests can enjoy live music, drinks, and a relaxed fall afternoon by the water.

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.

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.

Palmetto Islands County Park hosts Palmetto Park Jam, an afternoon of live music, local food, and craft vendors. Headlined by Idlewild Revival, the event celebrates the music of the Allman Brothers with extended jams and familiar favorites in an outdoor Lowcountry setting.

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.

This intimate evening celebrates the artistry and enduring influence of Louis Armstrong through original recordings, conversation, and live jazz. Special guest Bruce Harris will share insight into Armstrong’s legacy alongside performances by Charleston jazz musicians.