Things to Do This Weekend in Charleston

Clerks hosts a kid-friendly pumpkin decorating party on October 22 for children ages five and up. Participants will receive a pumpkin, decorating supplies, and a candy bag for a festive evening of fall creativity and treats. Space is limited.

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.

Returning for its second season, Grammy Award-winning cellist and CSO Artist-in-Residence Zuill Bailey leads an anticipated chamber music ensemble this fall. The program spans centuries of classical music, featuring works by Couperin, Tchaikovsky, Blaž Pucihar, and Théodore Lalliet, culminating in the vibrant warmth of Souvenir de Florence.

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.

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.

Gibbes Museum President and CEO Alex Rich leads an exclusive guided tour of Impression, Monet: Loans from the Gregg Turk Foundation and Rodin: All the Truth of Nature, offering an intimate look at works by Claude Monet and Auguste Rodin. The evening begins with rosé and conversation in the Campbell Rotunda before the gallery tour.

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.

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.

Daniel Island Ferry partners with Bulldog Tours for its Haunted Harbor Tour, sailing throughout October with spooky tales and Charleston history on an after-dark cruise through the harbor.

The PreserVISIONist Soiree returns Friday, October 23, 2026, offering an evening of cocktails and waterfront views of Charleston Harbor. VIP guests will enjoy exclusive access to a scenic bar and lounge area, along with entry to a late-night after party.

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.

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 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.

Stitchen It celebrates its sixth anniversary with Totes & Toast on October 24, featuring custom tote bag embroidery, light bites, and drinks. Guests can personalize their own tote while enjoying an afternoon of creativity and celebration. Tickets are $65 and include all materials and refreshments.

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.

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 invites guests to enjoy an afternoon of live music, refreshments, and historic scenery. Tickets include access to the grounds and galleries, along with a complimentary first glass of beer or wine, offering a relaxed way to experience the estate beneath its iconic oak trees.

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 hosts the Autumn on the Ashley 5K on October 24, inviting participants to run or walk scenic trails along the Ashley River, beneath the iconic Avenue of Oaks, and through the peaceful Audubon Swamp, surrounded by the colors of fall.

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.

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.

The Charleston Jazz Jam Session is a monthly gathering for musicians of all ages and skill levels to play, learn, and collaborate in a welcoming environment. With local pros providing the rhythm, all Charleston area musicians are invited to join, and jazz fans are welcome to attend as space allows.

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 Sunday Oyster Roast series kicks off with an afternoon of all-you-can-eat oysters from Reeds Catering and Bird Island Oyster Co., live music by the Shakin’ Martinis, and waterfront views of Noisette Creek. Set on a five-acre field, the event celebrates the flavors and atmosphere of a Charleston fall, with limited tickets available in advance.

As part of the Conversations of Freedom 250th anniversary series, archaeologist Larry James of Brockington and Associates will share findings from a recent excavation of a historic kitchen house, offering new insights into the daily lives, labor, and experiences of those connected to the property.

Spend Sunday by the waterfront with live music, scenic views, and coastal breezes for a laid-back afternoon soundtrack to close out the weekend.