Charleston SC Events Sept-Oct 2013

2013 Coastal Living Showhouse

Sept 1 - Oct 20

Visit the newly constructed home from Max Crosby Construction.
Tickets are $15 with a portion of proceeds benefiting the Greater Carolinas Chapter of the Multiple Sclerosis Society. Smythe Park neighborhood of Daniel Island, Friday & Saturday 10am-4pm, Sunday Noon-4pm. danielisland.com/coastalliving

March of Dimes Signature Chefs Auction

Sept 5

Join the fun with delectable tastings from Charleston's finest chefs and to bid on exciting auction packages. 6:30pm. 843-571-1776. marchofdimes.com/southcarolina

Fort Sumter Sesquicentennial Tour & Dinner Cruise

Sept 7

History comes alive before your eyes at Fort Sumter. Board the Spirit of the Lowcountry for your transportation back in time to Fort Sumter 1863. During your one hour on the Fort you will enjoy a living history program by re-enactors representing Union & Confederate soldiers. After departing Fort Sumter, you will enjoy a delicious three-course southern-style dinner. A limited number of tickets will be available for this special event. $65. Liberty Square, Boarding time 5:30pm. 843-722-2628. spiritlinecruises.com

4th Annual OPEN Arts Expo

Sept 8

Featuring over 35 local art organizations, the arts expo presents a variety of artistic opportunities in music, dance, theatre, and the visual and literary arts. Attendees will get a chance to enjoy live music by the Music Initiative. Observe painting demonstrations and participate in an art walk presented by local artists as well as in a variety of hands-on arts opportunities throughout the day. OPEN is a family-friendly event with a special kids art zone. Cistern Yard, College of Charleston. Free. 12-4pm. 843-577-5288. artscharleston.org

Bulls Island Beach Drop

Sept 15

This memorable trip begins with a 50-minute naturalist-led boat tour through Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge saltmarsh estuary. Guests will be able to explore the beach at their own pace and will be able to visit a shore bird rookery. The North Beach is full of whelks, sand dollars and many other types of shells. Garris Landing in Awendaw. 843-884-7684. bullsislandferry.com

Inaugural Kiawah Island Golf Resort Triathlon

Sept 15

Tri-Kiawah will be a USAT sanctioned intermediate distance competition featuring a .7-mile swim, 24-mile bike and 6-mile run. This race is currently the only intermediate distance triathlon in the Charleston area to feature an ocean swim. The Triathlon will not only test beginner triathletes, but seasoned competitors alike in a unique environment that showcases Kiawah’s diverse natural habitats and unparalleled beauty. Night Heron Park, Kiawah Island. kiawahtriathlon.com

Steely Dan at the North Charleston Performing Arts Center

Sept 15

Legendary jazz-rock icons Walter Becker and Donald Fagen will perform as Steely Dan as part of their Mood Swings: 8 Miles To Pancake Day Tour. Onstage, Donald and Walter will be joined by eight brilliant supporting musicians, now appearing as The Bipolar Allstars, along with The Borderline Brats. 7:30pm. 843-529-5000. northcharlestoncoliseumpac.com

This Plate Matters

Sept 17

Experience some of the most historic and recognizable architectural ruins of the Lowcountry like never before. Local interior designers will transform these unrestored spaces for fine cuisine crafted by local chefs. Sites selected for supper locations are connected to the Seven to Save program. Full menus and locations are available at the website. 843-722-4630. preservationsociety.org/this-plate-matters.asp

Mozart in the South Festival

Sept 20 - 22

Enjoy three days of classical music during this festival produced by Chamber Music Charleston. Featuring Beethoven: His Women & His Music, Little Mozart Circus, and the finale Elizabeth Pitcairn and “The Red Violin”. Locations vary. 843-763-4941. chambermusiccharleston.org

42nd Annual Charleston Scottish Highland Games

Sept 21

Held on the back lawn of Boone Hall Plantation, this award-winning “Scotland for the Day” event is the second oldest Scottish Games in the Southeast and is known nationwide as one of the nicest and friendliest Games around. Enjoy a variety of competitions which originated in Scotland, including feats of strength such as tossing the caber (telephone pole) and high-stepping highland dancers. Scottish foods and music will be provided by Smithfield Fair, Collin Grant-Adams and other Celtic groups performing Scottish and Irish folk songs during the day. Children can participate in organized children’s games, and have their faces painted. Boone Hall Plantation. 9am-9pm. 843-884-4371. charlestonscots.org

Folly Pier Fishing Tournament

Sept 21

Experience one of the best destinations in the Lowcountry for pier fishing.This breathtaking landmark stretches out 1,045’ into the Atlantic Ocean and offers spectacular views, fishing, dining, tournaments, special events, and more throughout the year! Tournaments end at 4:00 pm and are followed by prize presentations. Prizes will be given for the largest King Mackerel catch and three largest catches in the Big Fish category. 843-588-3474. ccprc.com

30th Annual MOJA Arts Festival

Sept 26 - Oct 6  

Selected as one of the Southeast Tourism Society’s Top 20 events, the Festival promises an exciting line-up of events with a rich variety of traditional favorites. The Festival highlights the many African-American and Caribbean contributions to western and world cultures. MOJA’s wide range of events include visual arts, classical music, dance, gospel, jazz, poetry, R&B music, storytelling, theatre, children’s activities, traditional crafts, ethnic food, and much more. Nearly half of the events are admission free.  180 Meeting Street, Charleston. 843-724-7305. mojafestival.com

Southern Living Taste of Charleston

Sept 27 - 30

This three-day culinary celebration of Lowcountry cuisine has been named one of the "Top 20 events in the Southeast" by Southeastern Tourism Society. Check website for specific listings and participants. The main event will be held on Sunday, Sept 30 at Boone Hall. Event will showcase a sampling of local cuisine from more than 50 of Charleston's finest restaurants as well as live music, waiter's wine race, children's area, beer garden and Southern Living exhibition area. 843-577-4030. charlestonrestaurantassociation.com

Cape Romain Lighthouses Tour

Sept 29

An incredible outdoor adventure that combines a fun-filled boat eco-tour with exploration of the Cape Romain lighthouses, perfect for all ages. Located over five miles from the mainland, Lighthouse Island is a significant spot for shorebirds and nesting Loggerhead Sea Turtles. Once on the island, you'll have the opportunity to enter one of the lighthouses and experience their majestic presence. Sewee Center, Awendaw. 843.881.4582. bullsislandferry.com

37th Annual Fall Tour of Homes & Gardens

Oct 3 - 27

During this four-week event, visit intimate gardens and architecturally significant private homes, churches and public buildings as you stroll through our historic streets. Tours highlight American architecture from the early Georgian Period into the 21st century. Enjoy unique neighborhoods that represent Charleston’s flourishing culture from the Colonial era to the present. The homes and gardens on tour are privately owned and are open to the public exclusively for the Preservation Society of Charleston. Times vary. 843-722-4630. preservationsociety.org

11th Annual Scrumptious Summerville Kitchen Tour

Oct 6

The Kitchen Tour is a unique delight for the senses as patrons tour grand homes in Summerville and sample gourmet treats prepared by premiere Lowcountry chefs. Local musicians perform in each home or garden and area florists will grace the interior décor with floral arrangements. 1-5pm. 843-875-1551. scrumptioussummerville.com

Children's Museum of the Lowcountry 10th Annual Gala

Oct 10

CML's will bring the colors, sights & sounds of Brazil to the Lowcountry as they transform the Visitor Center's Bus Shed into a euphoric Rio de Janeiro block party with refreshing cocktails and delectable bites, complete with entertainment from an authentic Brazilian band, Malandro Soul, and the art of capoeira. Come join the effort to raise money to provide free scholarships, Museum admissions, educational day camps and programming to under-served and special needs children and their families. 843-853-8962. explorecml.org

4th Annual Mac Off

Oct 11

One of the largest macaroni and cheese festivals in the country! Restaurants take this competition seriously to earn bragging rights with the best concoctions of the year. Memorial Waterfront Park. 843.884.8517. comeonovermp.com

Southern Ground Music & Food Festival

Oct 19 - 20

Zac Brown Band's ultimate sensory experience, the third annual Festival in Charleston, takes place at Blackbaud Stadium. Nightly performances by Zac Brown Band with special sit-in guests, Kenny Rogers, and Clare Bowen. charleston.southerngroundfestival.com

The Red Party

Oct 25

The American College of Building Arts will host their annual fundraiser, The Red Party, in the Old City Jail with a Great Gatsby theme. Charleston-based interior designer, Cortney Bishop, will transform the American College of Building Arts (ACBA) main campus, into all the grandeur and excess of Jay Gatsby’s little mansion parties. 843-577-5245. buildingartscollege.us

Edisto Island Bluegrass Festival

Oct 26

Features some of the best traditional and contemporary Bluegrass and Americana bands in the country, including Lonesome River Band, Shovels & Rope, Frank Solivan & Dirty Kitchen, as well as great Lowcountry bands Bluestone Ramblers, Blue Plantation, Flatt City, and Southern Flavor. Spectacular scenery on the grounds of Edisto's historic Point of Pines Plantation, unforgettable music, and local delicacies. 11:30am-10pm. edistoislandbluegrass.com