Events Fall 2021

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

Candlelight Tours of Drayton Hall

Oct. 9

Beautiful and moving, this eighteenth century historic house is the oldest untouched home open to the public in the United States. Experience Drayton Hall at night with an incredibly special candlelight tour experience. This is a remarkable way to understand the house and lives which touched it - and historic Charleston - from the perspective of a non-modernized colonial home. After your tour, we invite you to enjoy a warm cup of a non-alcoholic seasonal beverage. Pre-registration is required. Tickets are $45 for non-members and $40 for members. 3380 Ashley River Drive. www.draytonhall.org

Lowcountry Jazz Festival

Sept. 3

The Lowcountry Jazz Festival continues its Labor Day weekend tradition, kicking off Friday, September 3 with the All White Party Affair. The lineup includes Najee Peabo Bryson, Lindsey Webster & Adam Hawley, Kindred Family Soul and R&R (Richard Eliott and Rick Braun). Charleston Gaillard Center, 95 Calhoun St. Daily tickets start at $63 and the kickoff party tickets are $113. Discounts for purchasing tickets for multiple days. www.lowcountryjazzfest.com.

Fall music series at Firefly

Every Saturday in September and October

Open to all ages, the fall outdoor concert series at Firefly Distillery will bring regional and national acts to the stage with plenty of space in the four-acre field overlooking the marsh. Doors open at 6 p.m. and each concert will be held from 7-10 p.m. Tickets are available in premium 10x10 square seating for four people, or individual general admission. Each week will have a different band, food trucks plus beer, wine and Firefly cocktails. Blankets and chairs encouraged. No dogs allowed. 4201 Spruill Avenue, North Charleston. Visit www.fireflydistillery.com for the full lineup.

Party at the Point Beachside Concert Series

Sept. 3 & 10

Charleston’s premier Happy Hour concert series takes place Friday evenings overlooking the Charleston Harbor at the Charleston Habor Resort in Mt. Pleasant. This family-friendly event is hosted on our beachfront and features live music and plenty of food and drinks. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased online or at the door. 20 Patriots Point Rd. www.charlestonpartyatthepoint.com.

Fall music series at Firefly

Every Saturday in September and October

Open to all ages, the fall outdoor concert series at Firefly Distillery will bring regional and national acts to the stage with plenty of space in the four-acre field overlooking the marsh. Doors open at 6 p.m. and each concert will be held from 7-10 p.m. Tickets are available in premium 10x10 square seating for four people, or individual general admission. Each week will have a different band, food trucks plus beer, wine and Firefly cocktails. Blankets and chairs encouraged. No dogs allowed. 4201 Spruill Avenue, North Charleston. Visit www.fireflydistillery.com for the full lineup.

Charleston Water Week

Sept. 4-12

Join thousands of others for exciting opportunities on the water, in the water and by the water. If you love this region’s many tidal rivers, creeks, ocean views, harbor, and waterways, then this is the time to immerse yourself! Whether you're a recreational enthusiast or leisure water buff, Charleston Water Week has something for everyone. Events are being finalized. Visit
www.charlestonwaterweek.com

"Light Effects: The French Impressionists" art exhibition 

Sept. 3

The works of French masters Edgar Degas, Paul Cézanne, Auguste Renoir, Paul Gauguin, and other influencers during Impressionism will be highlighted at the Gibbs Museum of Art during the “Light Effects: The French Impressionists” exhibit that will run through February 2022. Work from private collections will be shown. 35 Meeting St, Charleston. Tickets to the museum are $12 for adults, $10 for seniors and $6 for children ages 4-17. www.gibbsmuseum.org.

Ribbon-cutting for renovated Moultrie Playground 

Sept. 9

The Charleston Parks Conservancy, residents and donors will celebrate the renovation of Moultrie Playground near Colonial Lake. The public is invited to a ribbon cutting ceremony with Charleston Mayor John Tecklenburg. Attendees can enjoy family activities, pickleball pickup, music, food and dancing. The event is 4:30-7:30 p.m. 41 Ashley Ave. www.charlestonparksconservancy.org/volunteer.

Charleston Restaurant Week

Sept. 9-19

The table is set for the next installment of Charleston Restaurant Week! This culinary dream, executed by Explore Charleston, is one of the most highly-anticipated culinary events in the Charleston area. It is an opportunity to enjoy the world-renowned cuisine of the Lowcountry as participating restaurants offer prix fixe lunch and dinner menus. For a full list of participating restaurants, visit www.lowcountryhospitalityassociation.com/restaurant-week.

Toast under the Oaks

Sept. 9 & Sept. 23

Enjoy drinks and live music under the oaks of Johns Island County Park. 5- 7 p.m. Tickets include wine, beer, and live music. Food truck fare will be available for purchase on-site. Advanced tickets are $20 per person and can be purchased online. Day-of tickets are $25 per person if the event hasn't sold out. 2662 Mullet Hall Road. www.ccprc.com

Cast Off Fishing Tournament

Sept. 11 & Oct. 23

A fun fishing tournament at the Mount Pleasant Pier. Prizes are awarded for the three largest catches in the Big Fish category. Everything you need is available on site, including equipment rentals, tackle, and frozen bait. Snacks will be available for purchase. Ages 13 and up, $10; military, $9, youth (ages 3-12) and seniors (ages 60+), $8. Fishing Pass members, $5 Adult chaperone is required for participants ages 15 and under. Tournaments are held rain or shine. 71 Harry M. Hallman Jr Blvd. www.ccprc.com

Shaggin' on the Cooper

Sept. 11 & Aug. 21

Dust off your dancing shoes! Live music fills the air as local bands perform on the Mount Pleasant Pier for the beloved Shaggin’ on the Cooper event. Let loose, breathe in the harbor breeze, and dance the night away under the stars! Beer, wine and soda will be available for purchase. Chairs encouraged. Gates open at 7 p.m., and music will be from 7:30 -10:30 p.m. $8 per person and tickets must be purchased in advance at www.ccprc.com. 71 Harry M. Hallman Jr Blvd. 

Friends and Heroes 2021 with Blake Shelton and Special Guests

Sept. 16

Blake Shelton Friends and Heroes Tour with special appearances by Martina McBride, Tracy Byrd and Trace Adkins. Very special guest Lindsay Ell will be held at the North Charleston Coliseum. The event starts at 7 p.m. Doors open at 6 p.m. Parking is $10 Tickets $74-$134. www.northcharlestoncoliseumpac.com.

Gatsby Orchestra

Sept. 18

Enjoy a full Gatsby experience with an impressive 12-piece orchestra at Forte Jazz Lounge. Featuring Charleston's finest musicians, it will be an evening of authentic and glamorous music of the 1920's and 1930's jazz orchestra, dance, song, costume, theater and cabaret. Two shows: 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. Tickets $30-$50. Attendees must be vaccinated. 477 King St. www.fortejazzlounge.com.

Serenata Italiana – A Gala Celebration of Italian Opera

Sept. 18

Charleston Opera Theater will hold an Opera Gala Performance with orchestra, soloists and chorus at the recently renovated and historic College of Charleston Sottile Theatre in downtown Charleston. This performance will be a celebration of the Italian opera tradition and will feature well-known excerpts from masters such as Puccini, Verdi, Rossini, Mascagni and Leoncavallo. Headlining this event will be international artists Keri Alkeme, soprano; Jasmine Habersham, soprano Dominick Chenes, tenor; Michael Chioldi, baritone. Wojciech Milewski conducts the Charleston Opera Theater Orchestra. A post-performance Meet the Artists Gala Champagne Reception will be held. 44 George St. Tickets are $25-$75 at www.charlestonoperatheater.org. 

An Evening With Queer Eye’s Antoni

Sept. 21

Join Queer Eye star and New York Times bestselling author Antoni Porowski for a special evening to celebrate the publication of his next cookbook, Antoni: Let’s Do Dinner. He will demo recipes from the book, sharing how to crank the flavor, make exciting suppers from pantry staples, and create new takes on classics by swapping in a surprising ingredient or two. Antoni will answer your kitchen questions about everything from simple but special post-work suppers to casual entertaining tips and tricks. 7 p.m. Tickets start at $45. Every ticket includes a copy of Antoni’s book. Charleston Gaillard Center, 95 Calhoun Street. www.gaillardcenter.org

Porto Seguro - An Evening of Brazilian Music

Sept. 23 & Oct. 28

Jazz meets Brazilian and Bossa Nova grooves with the highly accomplished Porto Seguro ensemble which will perform at Forte Jazz Lounge. The strong foundation in classical music brings a precision and strength to the eclectic cultural selections. Special Guest Artist: Alva Anderson. 477 King St.

44th Annual Cooper River Bridge Run

Sept. 25

Charleston’s premier event, The Cooper River Bridge Run provides a world-class 10K foot race across the beautiful Cooper River Bridge. The race promotes continuous physical activity and a healthy lifestyle through education and opportunity. The race begins in Mt. Pleasant on Coleman Boulevard, and finishes in downtown Charleston. Participants are welcome to run or walk the race. The finish festival and Bridge Run Expo feature hundreds of vendors and will award cash prizes to overall winners and winners in each age category. The start is at the corner of Simmons and Coleman Blvd in Mt. Pleasant. Start time is 8 a.m. The event will be capped at 25,000 people. To register, visit www.bridgerun.com

Chamber Music Charleston: Ovation Concert Series Opening

Sep 28

Chamber Music Charleston returns to the newly renovated Sottile Theatre downtown for two exceptional programs featuring great works of the chamber music repertoire. Guest artists from across the globe join our very own musicians of Chamber Music Charleston for a series that is not to be missed! 44 George St. Tickets are $5-$50  and can be purchased by following the events link at www.sottile.cofc.edu.

The Beach Boys

Oct. 3

As The Beach Boys mark more than a half century of making music, the group continues to ride the crest of a wave unequalled in America's musical history. The Beach Boys have become synonymous with the California lifestyle and have become an American icon to fans around the world. 7:30 p.m. Tickets start at $60. Gaillard Center, 95 Calhoun St. www. gaillardcenter.org.

Avondale 5K Walk + Run for Special Kids

Oct. 9

Lace up your shoes for a good cause. The 12th annual race will benefit the Charles Webb Center, a non-profit daycare center that serves children who have developmental disabilities and special needs. Avondale 5K runners and walkers will make their way through the streets of the Avondale neighborhood and onto the new bike path in West Ashley. Strollers and dogs are welcome! The After Race Party starts as soon as participants cross the finish line. Triangle Char and Bar is hosting the party complete with music, all-inclusive food and drinks. Awards and prizes will be given. Race starts at 8 p.m. at the corner of Savannah Highway and Magnolia Road. To register, visit www.avondale5k.com.

Lowcountry Trail Half Marathon and 5K on Johns Island 

Oct. 9

Enjoy a scenic run with Charleston County Parks at the Johns Island County Park. Runners will take in spectacular foliage and moss-draped oaks as they make their way through Johns Island’s breathtaking trails. Races are offered for two distances: a half marathon and 5K. The half marathon begins at 8 a.m. The 5K will begin at 8:30 a.m. Pre-registration ends on Oct. 4. On-site registration will not be available.  Participants ages 10-15 can register for the 5K but must be accompanied by an adult chaperone who is also running the 5K. Dogs are not allowed. The half marathon is a run only event. 2662 Mullet Hall Road. www.charlestoncountyparks.com or call 843-795-4386.

Pat Benatar & Neal Giraldo

Oct. 19

Pat Benatar's staggering vocals and take-no-prisoners attitude, along with Neil Giraldo’s trailblazing artistry as a guitarist, producer and songwriter forged the undeniable chemistry and unique sound that created some of rocks most memorable hits including We Belong, Invincible, Love Is A Battlefield, Promises In The Dark, We Live For Love, Heartbreaker and Hell Is For Children. They will perform on Oct. 19 at 7:30 p.m. at the Gaillard Center. Tickets start at $39. 95 Calhoun St. www.gaillardcenter.org.

Palmetto City Ballet’s season opener, “French Twist”

October 22-24

Palmetto City Ballet’s 2021-2022 season opener debuts an exciting evening of original choreography, transporting you to a vintage European jazz lounge. Experience the plight of an emerging lounge performer and see how a Twist of fate can make or break a star on the rise. The stylized choreography by Artistic Director and choreographer Jonathan Tabbert melds with renowned French jazz composer Claude Bolling, to offer a tantalizing taste of Parisian night life. Sotille Theater at College of Charleston, 44 George St. Visit www.palmettocityballet.org for showtimes and tickets. 

8th Annual Wine Women and Shoes

Oct. 28

Wine Women & Shoes gives women the opportunity to get glamorous with their friends while enjoying incredible varietals from top winemakers - all for a good cause to support Florence Crittenton Programs of South Carolina that impact young women in the community.
In addition to shopping peep-toes while sipping Pinots, guests will enjoy a fabulous fashion show, live and silent auctions with incredible items and travel experiences and a chance to win a closet full of designer clothes and accessories. 6-9:3 p.m. Gaillard Center
95 Calhoun Street. Registration will open soon at www.winewomenandshoes.com.

Party for the Parks

Oct. 29

The popular parks fundraiser will return to Colonial Lake with a celestial theme, food, cocktails and plenty of entertainment. Switching to a Friday night this year, Party for the Parks is set for 6-10 p.m. on Oct. 29. Guests will be treated to food from local restaurants, specialty cocktails, music and live entertainment. Attendees are encouraged to dress to the theme of Zodiac: A Celestial Celebration. All-inclusive tickets are $150 and benefit the Charleston Parks Conservancy and its work beautifying and maintaining more than 20 of Charleston’s city parks. Tickets go on sale Tuesday, Sept. 14 at www.partyfortheparks.com. 

Charleston Beer Week

Oct. 29

An event solely held to celebrate craft beer in Charleston, the annual Charleston Beer Week features over 50 events and showcases over 35 breweries and brewpubs over ten days. The 8th Annual Charleston Beer Week is set to run from Oct. 29 to Nov. 6. See our story on page 40 and visit www.charlestonbeerweek.com for a schedule of events and participating locations.