September & October Events

September & October 2026 Events

Lowcountry Jazz Festival 2026: The All White Party: September 4

The three-day festival begins with the All White Party, an elegant evening where guests are invited to wear their finest white attire. The night is headlined by saxophonist Vincent Ingala, whose melodic style and chart-topping contemporary jazz hits have made him a favorite on stages across the country. Tickets include food and drink. This event will be held in the Gaillard Center’s Grand Ballroom. (thegaillardcenter.com)

ArtWalk: September 4, October 2

Discover the art scene of Charleston during First Friday ArtWalks! Take a stroll downtown through some of the liveliest neighborhoods and enjoy this vibrant community event as you explore galleries and discover inspiring artwork.  (charlestongalleryassociation.com/map)

Second Annual Taco & Margarita Festival: September 5

Who’s ready for a day full of tacos,  refreshing margaritas and good  Charleston vibes? Featuring a  21+  margarita garden, with beer, wine,  mocktails and other spirits. live DJs, competitions and awards, and exclusive menus from local and regional culinary talent. Starts at 11 a.m. at Riverfront Park. Check eventbrite.com for tickets.

Cast Off Fishing Tournament: September 12, 19  October 3, 17

Cast your line and compete for prizes at the Cast Off Fishing Tournament at the Mount Pleasant Pier on September 19 and October 17 from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. or at the Folly Beach Pier on September 12 and October 3 from  6 a.m. to 2 p.m. Whether you’re an experienced angler or just looking for a fun day on the water, this family-friendly tournament offers participants a chance to compete in multiple categories. Registration fee. (ccprc.com)

Monet & Mimosas: September 13, October 11

Celebrate the centennial of Claude Monet’s passing with Monet & Mimosas, a new Member program at the Gibbes Museum of Art, that happens on every Second Sunday at 1 p.m. while the new Impression, Monet exhibition is on view. (gibbesmuseum.org)

Zac Brown Band: September 17

Check out the legendary country band from Atlanta when they take the stage at Credit One on their Love & Fear Tour with special guest Brothers Osborne. (creditonestadium.com)

Pickle Palooza: September 18—20

The largest pickle festival in the Southeast returns! A festival-style atmosphere with live music featuring multiple bands/DJs, food trucks, beer tents, liquor vendors, games, and more. Takes place at Cannon Distillery. (thepicklepalooza.com)

The Sweet Tea Festival: September 19

A celebration of the birthplace of sweet tea in Summerville where the Historic Downtown is transformed into a massive open house/street fair with different food trucks, artisanal vendors and entertainment. Help select the Tea of the Year by sampling and voting for your favorite! 10 a.m.—4 p.m. (summervilledream.org/sweet-tea-festival)

MOJA Arts Festival: September 24 —October 4

 An annual celebration of Black arts and culture and the related artistic contributions to the world, especially through African American and Caribbean legacies, this multi-disciplinary festival is produced and directed by the City of Charleston Office of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the MOJA Planning Committee, now a non-profit community arts and cultural group. Festival events include visual arts, music, food, dance, poetry, theater, storytelling, traditional crafts, and family activities.(mojafestival.com)

MELT Mural Festival: September 24—27

It’s back! The second annual MELT Mural Fest takes place at Building 64 at the Navy Yard in North Charleston. September 26 will be a free public event, featuring vendors, live painting, food trucks, and more from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. (meltmuralfestival.com)

The Fall Tours: October 1—31

Now in its 50th year, the Preservation Society of Charleston’s signature Fall Tours are specially designed to showcase Charleston’s unique cultural and architectural heritage. Enjoy walking tours, house and garden tours, or in-depth tours of neighborhoods and residences all throughout the city.  (preservationsociety.org/falltours)

The Isle of Palms Connector Run: October 3

The Isle of Palms Connector Run is a fun but challenging road race across the IOP Connector. Starting at 8 a.m. on the Isle of Palms, crossing into Mount Pleasant and returning to IOP, it attracts 10K and 5K runners, walkers and teams of all experience levels and ages. A post-race festival for the whole family features live music, free beer (21+), kids' area, cash prizes, awards ceremony, and vendor exhibits. (ioprun.com)

Mermaids and Mateys Festival: October 3

The beloved Mermaids & Mateys Festival returns to Folly Beach starting at 10 a.m. Gather your crew, dust off your tail or pirate gear, and prepare to celebrate the sea in true Folly fashion with a splash of spooky fall fun. (visitfolly.com/festival/mermaids-mateys-event)

Oktoberfest: October 3

Join the Lowcountry’s favorite fall celebration from noon to 6 p.m. in historic Hutchinson Square in Summerville. Savor authentic German food, enjoy cold Oktoberfest beer, dance to live music, and explore family-friendly activities all afternoon. Free admission. (summervilleoctoberfest.org)

AfroSouth Film Festival : October 8-10

An amazing weekend of film, music, and fashion, the festival’s mission is to provide a premier showcase for all aspects of African American and Southern culture through the art of filmmaking. (afrosouth.com)

Riverfront Revival: October 9-10

Curated by Darius Rucker and produced by a seasoned team, Riverfront Revival is a love letter to country music and to South Carolina’s Lowcountry at Riverfront Park in North Charleston. A two-day festival loaded with unforgettable live music, engaging culture and delicious tastes inspired by the region’s unique foodways.  (riverfrontrevival.com)

Broadway Bound: October 14 - November 1

Set in 1940s Brooklyn, “Broadway Bound” is Neil Simon’s Tony Award-winning finale to his beloved autobiographical trilogy, a coming-of-age story that celebrates chasing your dreams and finding your voice. Playing at the Dockstreet Theatre. (charlestonstage.com)

Ville to Ville Coastal Relay—Summerville to Mount Pleasant: October 17

The inaugural Ville to Ville Coastal Relay spans roughly 70 miles from Summerville to Mount Pleasant. Teams will wind through historic Charleston, barrier islands, and marshland before finishing with a scenic view of the Cooper River. Teams of 3-6 runners complete 12 relay legs, spanning 3–9 miles each, with a celebration at the finish line, complete with live music, food, and drinks. Sign up at coastal.villetovillerelay.com

Children's Day Festival: October 18

Families can enjoy carnival rides, inflatable slides, live entertainment, pony rides, games, and many other activities at the 38th Annual Town of Mount Pleasant Children’s Day Festival! Admission and all activities are free. Noon-5 p.m. at the Park West Recreation Center.

Bravo Fan Fest: October 24

Bravo Fan Fest 2026 event takes place in Charleston on October 24, with WWHL tapings on October 22 and 23 at the North Charleston Performing Arts Center. Attending talent will feature stars from major Bravo shows, including multiple Real Housewives franchises, Below Deck, Southern Charm, and more. (bravotv.com/the-daily-dish/bravo-fan-fest-2026-date-location-details)

Charleston Beer Fest: October 24

Charleston Beerfest is South Carolina’s largest and longest-running craft beer festival, bringing together thousands of attendees for a day of great drinks, live music, and community impact. Sample craft beers, cocktails, ciders, ready-to-drink beverages, mead, CBD seltzers, and non-alcoholic options. Food vendors, entertainment, and immersive sponsor activations round out the experience.. Takes place at Riverfront Park. (chsbeerfest.org)