Charleston SC Events Sept-Oct 2014

Looking to fill your social calendar? We've got the rundown on what to do this fall season.

Charleston Watersports Week

Sept 5 - 14

Come enjoy 10 days of continuous activities on the Lowcountry's greatest asset, water! Charleston Watersports Week includes businesses, organizations and individuals providing a number of "on the water" options for visitors ready for a get-away vacation. There will be competitive sports, recreational sports, and leisure activities to participate in during the week. A Watersports EXPO will be located at the Charleston Maritime Center from September 12-14th. Multiple Venues. 843-805-3030, watersportsweek.com

6th Annual Dog Day Afternoon

Sept 7

Whirlin’ Waters Adventure Waterpark at North Charleston Wannamaker County Park will be open to canines and their owners from 12 - 5 p.m. Dogs can splash around the 27,000-sq. ft. Big Kahuna wave pool and the Rollin’ River lazy river. The refreshing Otter Bay kiddie pool area, recommended for smaller pooches, will also be open for frolicking. To maximize canine fun, owners will not be allowed in the water at Dog Day Afternoon. Food and beverages will be available for purchase at park concession stands to cool down the humans. Also on site at Dog Day Afternoon will be dog-related vendors as well as several non-profit rescue groups, so pet owners are encouraged to stop by to support these great organizations. Dogs must be up-to-date on all necessary vaccinations to enter the event. 843-795-4386. ccprc.com

41st Annual S.C. International Trade Conference

Sept 8 -10

Held at the Wild Dunes Resort on the beautiful Isle of Palms. With over 400 attendees present last year, the Conference expects an even greater registration demand for the 2014 Conference and encourage you to reserve early once the registration system is open. The South Carolina International Trade Conference will present an informative program of nationally recognized speakers again this year, as well as the networking opportunities you have come to expect. scitc.org

Dance with Dragons

Sept 14

The 2nd Annual Dance with Dragons offers a beautiful evening of outdoor circus arts performances including hooping, acroyoga, aerial silks, slacklining, and juggling playshops. Spectate, play, perform, gawk, share, and make new friends. You might be tempted to run away to the circus afterwards! This year's event benefits Dragon Boat Charleston, a non-profit that promotes physical and mental wellness among local cancer survivors and their community. Brick House Kitchen. 4:00 - 8:00pm. $5 for adults, kids attend free. 843-475-5765.

SUP One Design Race Series

Sept 18

Come out and enjoy friendly SUP competitions in this race series. This stand up paddleboard race series held on the lake at James Island County Park is unique because all participants use the exact same type of board, the 12’6 WING by BIC SUP. Racers are organized into heats and race around a short, exciting course with multiple buoy turns. Races held during spring, summer, and fall, and all competitors will be entered into a national drawing for a stand up paddleboard. Races begin at 5:30 p.m. Ages 10 & up. James Island County Park, 843-795-4386. ccprc.com

Le Cabaret de la Symphonie

Sept 19

The Charleston Symphony Orchestra League, and the Charleston Symphony Orchestra are putting their top hats together to present “Le Cabaret de la Symphonie,” featuring top-name entertainment, live and silent auctions, plus “extravagant” food and drink in the cabaret atmosphere of the Historic Rice Mill on the Ashley River. Vocalist Nicci Canada tops the list of entertainers which also features Charlton Singleton on trumpet, Gerald Gregory on piano, and violinist Seth Gilliard. Rounding out the evening’s lineup will be the popular CSO Brass Quintet. Guests will enjoy heavy hors d’oeuvres, plus an open bar. 843-323-6903, csolinc.org

43rd Annual Scottish Games

Sept 20

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, and 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-5pm. 843-884-4371. charlestonscots.org

2nd Annual Kiawah Island Triathlon

Sept 21

Tri-Kiawah will be a USAT sanctioned intermediate distance competition featuring a .7-mile swim, 25.1-mile bike and 6.1-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. 843-768-2121, kiawahtriathlon.com

MOJA Arts Festival

Sept 25 - Oct 5

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. Multiple Venues. 843-724-7305. mojafestival.com

Southern Living Taste of Charleston

Sept 26 - 28

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. 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. Boone Hall Plantation. 843-884-4371. charlestonrestaurantassociation.com

Gibbes Museum Renovation Kick-Off

Sept 27

The Gibbes Museum of Art will launch its renovation with a kick-off celebration! For the first time in history, the museum will be emptied of its treasures, and guests are invited to explore the spaces and learn about the future of the Gibbes. The community will engage with activities in the museum from dawn to dusk beginning with yoga and ending with shag dancing in the Main Gallery. Throughout the day, visitors of all ages can participate in art making and interactive demonstrations while enjoying live music, food trucks, and more. 9am-9pm. 843-722-2706, gibbesmuseum.org

Boone Hall Pumpkin Patch

Oct 1 - Nov 2

The Boone Hall Pumpkin Patch is the Lowcountry's most popular fall festival family fun event. Features a petting zoo, family friendly hayride, largest jump pillow in the state, three story slide tower, playground fun, inflatables, corn maze, games, retail tent, and of course, plenty of pumpkins.Mon-Sat 9am-6pm, Sun 11am-6pm. 843-884-4371, boonehallplantation.com

38th Annual Fall Tour of Homes & Gardens

Oct 2 - 26

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. Multiple Venues. 843-722-4630. preservationsociety.org

March of Dimes Signature Chefs Auction

Oct 2

The Lowcountry’s top chefs show off their culinary talents in support of the March of Dimes. Come enjoy a night of giving with friends and community members featuring delectable tastings and exciting silent and live auctions. Every dollar raised supports the March of Dimes mission for stronger, healthier babies. Charleston Marriott. 6:30pm. 843-614-3357. marchofdimes.com/southcarolina

Widespread Panic

Oct 3 - 4

Tickets are on sale for Widespread Panic’s highly anticipated 2014 Fall Tour. The Tour kicks off in October with two dates in North Charleston, SC. The tour will continue in the deep south with shows in Florida, Alabama, Georgia and Mississippi, before heading to Texas for a two night stand at the Moody Theatre in Austin. North Charleston Coliseum. 843-529-5000, northcharlestoncoliseumpac.com

Isle of Palms Connector Run and Walk

Oct 4

The Isle of Palms Connector Run and Walk for the Child returns on October 4, 2014. Proceeds benefit the prevention and healing of child abuse in the Charleston area. $35 for race registrations received by 10/2/2014, and $40 for all race entries received between 10/3/2014 to 10/4/2014. ioprun.com

HALOS Oyster Roast

Oct 5

Join HALOS for oysters, beer, wine and fun times to benefit abused and neglected children in the Lowcountry! Enjoy a relaxing afternoon including oysters, chili, dessert, beer, wine, live entertainment, a silent auction and a children's area while taking in beautiful waterfront views. Tickets include all food and beverages and are available for $35 in advance and $40 at the door. Harborside East. 843-953-3715, charlestonhalos.org

12th Annual Scrumptious Summerville Kitchen Tour

Oct 5

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

Zac Brown's Southern Ground Music and Food Festival

Oct 10 - 11

Festival is coming back to Charleston's Blackbaud Stadium for the fourth year in a row! Great performers like Blues Traveler, Gov't Mule, The Wailers, Rodrigo y Gabriela, Ashley Monroe and of course, ZBB are already set to appear. Also, don't forget the food! Gourmet chefs will be hand selected from around the country preparing delicious fare. Continuing the festival's annual tradition, Zac Brown Band will close each night with different "Super Sets" featuring special sit-in performances from other acts on the bill. Two-day tickets for the festival are now on-sale. Blackbaud Stadium. charleston.southerngroundfestival.com

Bus Shed Bash - 11th Annual Oyster Roast & BBQ

Oct 16

Join the Dee Norton Lowcountry Children's Center for the Bus Shed Bash at The Charleston Visitor Center Bus Shed. Enjoy live music featuring Midnight City, prizes and a silent auction. All proceeds will go directly to the DNLCC. $30 per person in advance and $40 at the door and will include oysters, BBQ, hotdogs, beer and wine. 843-723-3600, dnlcc.org

27th Annual Children's Day Festival

Oct 19

From time-honored festival games and old-fashioned pony rides to enormous inflatable slides, live entertainment, wall climbing, face painting, and many other activities. Admission, all activities and parking are free. Food concessions are offered by East Cooper schools as a fundraising opportunity for their programs. Park West Recreation Complex. 12 - 5pm. 843-884-8517, comeonovermp.com