Events

Looking to fill your social calendar? We've got the rundown on how to stay entertained this fall season.

Charleston Jazz Orchestra Virtual Performance: Trumpet Legends

Sept 12

The Charleston Music Hall will present a virtual performance by the Charleston Jazz Orchestra dedicated to trumpet legends. In the early days of jazz, the trumpet was king. Before the shift to the saxophone as a dominant instrument of jazz, musicians such as Dizzy Gillespie, Louis Armstrong and Miles Davis put the trumpet in the spotlight. For this performance, the Charleston Jazz Orchestra will feature members of its trumpet section who will pay homage to the trumpet legends who shaped its sound. Virtual performance tickets are $10. CharlestonJazz.com.

Summerville Farmers Market

Saturdays through Nov. 21

The Summerville Farmers Market will return to normal operations with social distancing guidelines. The market runs every Saturday from 8 am - 1 pm through Nov. 21 and is located in the First Citizens Bank parking lot behind Town Hall. A variety of fresh local food vendors, artisans and prepared food vendors will be out selling treats and goodies. 200 South Main Street. Masks are required.

Live Music and Food Trucks at Firefly Distillery

Fridays and Saturday

The new Firefly Distillery location in North Charleston charmingly sits on an expansive lawn with an available tasting room. (See article on page 80). Every Friday, the distillery hosts food trucks and every Saturday it hosts live music. Come on out, stock up on Firefly Spirits, cocktails, and grab some awesome eats from a different truck every weekend. Feel free to bring a blanket and your favorite lawn game to socially distance out on our field. The firefly tasting room will be open. Check out the full food truck and music schedule online and let us lift your spirits. 4201 Spruill Avenue. FireflyDistillery.com.

Live music at Charleston Pour House

Nightly

The Pour House is an independent music venue in James Island that features musicians from around the country who bring rock, bluegrass, jazz, funk and other genres to Charleston audiences. Using responsible social distancing rules, the venue is offering intimate performances on its large outdoor deck. Fans are asked to reserve tables that are placed eight feet apart. Attendees are asked to remain at their tables unless to order at the bar or use the restroom. Micho food truck is available offering tacos and more. For a schedule of upcoming performances and admission, visit CharlestonPourHouse.com.

Charleston Essentials Farmers Market

Every Wednesday through Sept 30

The Charleston Farmers Market is operating as an essentials-only market on Wednesdays from 4 to 7 p.m. in the VIP parking lot adjacent to Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Park at 360 Fishburne Street downtown. This essentials-only format will feature farmer and grower vendors exclusively, including R. Fields Farm, O. Freeman Farm, R & R Acres and Simmons Farm. There will be no prepared food vendors, entertainment or other activities. Sanitation stations will be set up throughout the market. Vendors and patrons will be required to wear masks. Free parking is available in the lot across the street from the market. CharlestonFarmersMarket.com

West Ashley Essentials Farmers Market

Saturdays through Sept 30

The West Ashley Essentials Market returns to Ackerman Park at 55 Sycamore Avenue on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. This essentials-only format will feature farmer and grower vendors exclusively. Fresh veggies, honey products, eggs and meat will be available. Face masks and social distancing practices are required. Free parking. CharlestonFarmersMarket.com

Sunday Brunch Farmers Market

Sundays

The Sunday Brunch Farmers Market is an entirely local market, featuring 40+ local farmers, artisans and florists behind the Pour House music venue in James Island. The unique market offers a full deck bar, live music, delicious eats from a food truck and all kinds of amazing local goods. It’s open Sundays, 11 am-3 pm, followed by free live music on the Pour House deck stage until 9 p.m. Social distancing and masks required. 1977 Maybank Hwy. SundayBrunchFarmersmarket.com

Wine Down Wednesday

Sept 2, 16, 30; Oct. 14

Wine Down Wednesday is a relaxing event where guests can enjoy live music while exploring the beautiful open fields and groves of live oak trees at Old Towne Creek County Park in West Ashley. Admission fees cover wine as well as a commemorative wine glass. At each event, food truck fare will be on site with items available for purchase. Attendees are encouraged to bring chairs and blankets. Pre-registration is required and available until 2 p.m. the day of the event or until the event is sold out. On-site registration will not be available. Social distancing around the spacious park will be encouraged. Dogs are welcome but must remain on a leash at all times. $15 per person. 1400 Old Towne Road. For a music and food truck schedule, visit CharlestonCountyParks.com

Toast Under the Oaks

Sept 10 & 24

The Charleston County Park and Recreation Commission is introducing a new two-part outdoor happy hour event at Johns Island County Park. At Toast Under the Oaks, guests will enjoy wine, beer and live music under the park’s sweeping oak trees from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. Beer and wine is included with admission. A food truck will also be on site with food available for purchase. Admission to each Toast Under the Oaks event is $15 and must be purchased in advance. Tickets are limited to 150 per event to encourage social distancing. Registration is available for ages 21 and up until 2 p.m. the day of the event, or until it is sold out. 2662 Mullet Hall Road, Johns Island. CharlestonCountyParks.com or call 843-795-4386.

Dog Day Afternoon at Whirlin’ Waters

Sept 13

On Sunday, Sept. 13, Whirlin’ Waters Adventure Waterpark at Wannamaker County Park in North Charleston will host their annual Dog Day Afternoon. Dogs and their owners will sign up in advance to attend one of two sessions to enjoy at the waterpark. The Lazy River, the Big Kahuna Wave Pool and Otter Bay Kiddie Pool area will be open for all four-legged visitors. The two sessions will be held from 10 a.m. - 12.p.m. and from 1 - 3 p.m. Each session will have a limited capacity of 400 dogs. Food and beverages will be available for purchase. Advance registration is required and is $12 per dog. There will be no on-site registration. Owners get in free as a guest of their dogs. Guests will be encouraged to wear masks and to practice social distancing. Puppies under six months old are not allowed. All dogs must be up to date on vaccinations. It’s all at 8888 University Blvd, North Charleston. Register at CharlestonCountyParks.com.

Starlight Yoga at the Mt. Pleasant Pier

Sept 17

The Charleston County Park and Recreation Commission will host Starlight Yoga at the Mount Pleasant Pier on Thursday, Sept. 17. Set your mind at ease while gazing at the stars, taking in the harbor views and enjoying live music from Chris Dodson from 7:30 – 8:30 p.m. Pre-registration is available for $8 and will end at 2 p.m. Sept. 16. On-site registration will be $10. Spots are limited so advance registration is recommended. Starlight Yoga is open to people of all fitness levels ages 12 and up. Instructor Ji Hwang became a certified yoga instructor in 2008 at The Shambhava School of Yoga in Hawaii. She is dedicated to sharing the power of yoga based on her firm belief that yoga is for everyone. Participants will be given a special glow-in-the-dark prize. Rain date will be Sept. 24. Participants will be expected to practice social distancing and bring their own mat and water bottle.  71 Harry M. Hallman Jr Blvd. CharlestonCountyParks.com.  

Vintage Market Days

Sept 18-20

Vintage Market Days is an upscale vintage-inspired indoor/outdoor market featuring art, antiques, clothing, jewelry, handmade treasures, home decor, outdoor furnishings, delicious eats, seasonal plantings and live music. The market is a three-day event held several times a year in varying communities throughout the country. Each Vintage Market Days event is a unique opportunity for vendors to display their talents and passions. Social distancing is encouraged. Exchange Park Charleston, 9850 Hwy 78 in Ladson. General admission on Friday and Saturday is $10. Sunday $5. VintageMarketDays.com/market/Charleston.

Witchcraft and Wizardry

Sept 19

Wands at the ready, detectives! A spell-binding adventure game is coming to Charleston and your team of mystery-solving wizards can join in the fun! Transporting you into a fantasy world of witchcraft and wizardry, this enchanting outdoor adventure game will take your team on a magical journey across town. The mystery will unfold virtually via a smartphone app and the game is self-guided. Start anytime between 9 am and 2 pm. Work with your teammates to crack the clues, solve the puzzles and save the realm. Can your team of wizards unravel the mystery and crack the case in time? Cost is $49 per team, with between 2-6 players per team. Cluedupp.com

Lowcountry Splash 2020

Sept 26

Get Under It! A fundraiser open-water swim will bring athletes to the waters of the Wando River and the Charleston Harbor and under the Ravenel Bridge for a 2.4-mile and a six-mile open water swim. The Lowcountry Splash is a major fundraiser for LAPS, which provides water safety and swimming instruction to young children. This year’s Splash will feature a competition for the largest amount of donations collected for LAPS; the winner will receive a lifetime registration to The Splash. The six-mile race starts at 7:40 am directly under the Wando River Bridge on Daniel Island, and the 2.4 mile race starts at 8 am at the Hobcaw Yacht Club in Mt. Pleasant. The finish is the Charleston Harbor Marina Dock in front of the USS Yorktown. A post-race celebration and awards ceremony is set for Omar Shrine in Mt. Pleasant. Pre-registration is required. LowcountrySplash.com

Preserving Traditional Arts: A Conversation with a Gullah Sweetgrass Basket Maker

Sept 26

Participate in a small-group conversation with Nakia Wigfall, a fifth-generation Gullah Geechee basket maker, about the craft in an online event hosted by the Gullah Geechee Cultural Heritage Corridor Commission. Sweetgrass basketry, one of the most well-known of Gullah Geechee craft traditions, is an extension of cultural continuity from West African rice cultivation and agriculture. Sweetgrass artistry is prominent in Mount Pleasant, where the creativity of the local artisan basket makers, and the sweetgrass basketmaking tradition has been recognized nationally by the Smithsonian and other institutions for its intrinsic artistic value. The event will be held from 2 pm- 3:30 pm. To register, send an e-mail with the subject "Basketmaking" to info@gullahgeecheecorridor.org or call 843-818-4587.

Charleston’s Garden and Home Show

Sept 27

The Charleston's Garden and Home Show and free fall festival will be held at the Omar Shrine Auditorium in Mt. Pleasant. Bring the family for an afternoon of fun from 12- 5 pm. There will be vendors demonstrating indoor and outdoor living products, food vendors, a kids fun park, adult beverages for purchase and more. Register for free tickets online and automatically be in the running for door prizes the day of the event. KeriSeayEvents.com.

Yappy Hour at Wannamaker County Park

Oct 1 & 8

A new event at the North Charleston Wannamaker County Park location, dogs and their owners are welcome to enjoy the park and hear live music as well as purchase eats from food trucks. Admission is free with park admission. 5-7 p.m. 8888 University Blvd, North Charleston. For a music and food truck schedule, visit CharlestonCountyParks.com

Autumn on the Ashley

Oct 10 & 11

Magnolia’s Autumn on the Ashley Arts and Craft Fair is celebrating its 13th year. On Oct. 10 and 11, dozens of Lowcountry artisans will feature their handcrafted items for sale from 8:30 am – 4:30 pm. Featured items include wood carvings, paintings, textiles, jewelry, photography, natural skincare, lawn art and more. This is a great opportunity to support local artists and get a jump start on your holiday shopping. Attendance to Magnolia Gardens requires basic garden admission, $20 per adult, $10 per child ages 6-12. Kids under 5 are free. 3550 Ashley River Rd. MagnoliaPlantation.com

That BIG Book Sale

Oct 9-11

Book lovers and bargain hunters are in for a treat when the Charleston Friends of the Library hosts its 39th annual That BIG Book Sale at the Omar Shrine Auditorium. Over 60,000 books, DVDs, CDs, books on CDs, sheet music and maps will be on sale to the public with prices starting at just $1. Friday 9 a.m. - 7p.m. Saturday 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Sunday 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. Omar Shrine Auditorium, 176 Patriots Point Rd. Free admission. CharlestonLibraryFriends.org.

Starlight Yoga at Wannamaker County Park

 Oct 15

The Charleston County Park and Recreation Commission will host Starlight Yoga at the Wannamker County Park in North Charleston. Set your mind at ease with while gazing at the stars from 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. Pre-registration is available for $8 and will end at 2 p.m. on Oct. 14. On-site registration will be $10. Spots are limited so advance registration is recommended. Starlight Yoga is open to people of all fitness levels ages 12 and up. Rain date is Oct. 22. Participants will be expected to practice social distancing and bring their own mat and water bottle.  8888 University Blvd, North Charleston. CharlestonCountyParks.com.  

Bicycle Across South Carolina

Oct 15-18

Bicycle Across South Carolina is a multi-day ride that takes seasoned riders off the road and onto the scenic trails of South Carolina. Riders will experience the unique opportunity to explore state parks, off-the-grid trails, and engage with a community of like-minded enthusiasts. Rides are approximately 50 miles per day. Each night will feature live music, local food and beer, kayaks and paddle boarding, campfires, and more. Cyclists can expect a variety of road and trail conditions as the course includes rough trails, logging roads and rural areas. The ride is set up for mountain, cross, gravel, and crossover bikes with wider tires. Road bikes are not recommended. Various locations include Sumter County, Orangeburg County and Berkeley County. Children must be at least 14 years old to participate. Registration varies for two-day and three-day rides and includes breakfast and coffee before the ride, lunch and snacks on the ride and dinner, soda, beer and wine after the ride. bicycleacrosssouthcarolina.com

Sounds of the Lowcountry

Oct 17

The Charleston Jazz Orchestra presents Sounds of the Lowcountry, a tribute to jazz, at the Charleston Music Hall in downtown Charleston. America’s greatest art form may have been born in New Orleans, but the Lowcountry was considered one of the early incubators of jazz. Based on the rhythms of the Gullah/Geechee Culture, that Lowcountry Swing can be found in famed tunes – Corner Pocket, Tuxedo Junction, A Night in Tunisia and Porgy & Bess. From Ragtime to Broadway and everything in between, the Charleston Jazz Orchestra will explore the Sounds of the Lowcountry with music that is distinctly Charleston Jazz. 5 pm – 9:30 pm. 37 John St. Ticket prices range from $25-$62. CharlestonJazz.com

Charleston Greek Festival 50th Anniversary

Oct 23 -25

The Charleston Greek Festival hosted by the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in downtown Charleston is a celebration of life, fun and Greek culture. Attendees at this three-day event can enjoy Greek food, wine, live music, dancing, wine tastings, various performances, vendors, cultural experiences, Greek history, traditions and much more. Whether you are enjoying the festival with kids in tow or a group of friends of any age, you will find an exciting event to entertain you. Friday, 5-10 p.m., Saturday 11 am -10 pm, Sunday 12-6 pm. Admission is $5. Moms get in free on Sunday and active military members get in free all days. 30 Race St. Visit the website for a complete schedule of performances. CharlestonGreekFestival.com

Charming Charleston Virtual Walking Tour

Oct 28

Walk the historic gas-lamp-lit streets, pass horse-drawn carriages and historic architecture from the comfort of your home. This live, free virtual tour, hosted by Mark’s Delicious Adventures, will be held from 2-3 pm. Search “Charming Charleston Live Virtual Tour” on Facebook to register.