Charleston

What’s on in Charleston

Festivals, markets, live music and community events in Charleston and the surrounding area, with dates, venues and admission. Kept current.

Sat, Sep 5 · 1:00 PM

Charleston Farmers Market

Marion Square

Every Saturday, 8am to 2pm, through November 21. A holiday market follows on December 5, 6, 12, 13 and 19.

Market · Free

Sun, Sep 13 · 12:00 PM

Second Sunday on King

King Street

King Street closes to cars from Queen to Calhoun.

Community · Free

Fri, Sep 18

Pickle Palooza III

Cannon Distillery

Festival · From $26.25, under 12 free with an adult

Thu, Sep 24

MOJA Arts Festival

Multiple venues

The 2026 edition spotlights Barbados, Gullah Geechee, Jamaica and Sierra Leone, across Marion Square, the Charleston Music Hall, the Dock Street Theatre and Greater St. Luke AME Church.

Festival · Many events free, ticketed events vary

Thu, Oct 1

The Fall Tours

Private homes and gardens

The Preservation Society of Charleston's 50th year of house and garden tours.

Community · $40 to $150 depending on the tour

Fri, Oct 2 · 5:00 PM

First Friday Artwalk

Downtown galleries

More than 30 downtown galleries open late.

Community · Free

Sat, Oct 3

Mullet Haul n' Hustle

Johns Island County Park

A new Charleston County Parks race weekend: marathon relay, half marathon, 5K and a kids dash.

Community · Register at ccprc.com

Sat, Oct 3 · 10:00 AM

Mermaids and Mateys Festival

Center Street

More than 80 art and craft vendors.

Festival · Free with ticket registration

Sun, Oct 11 · 12:00 PM

Second Sunday on King

King Street

King Street closes to cars from Queen to Calhoun.

Community · Free

Fri, Nov 6

Charleston Literary Festival

Dock Street Theatre and other venues

Community · Ticketed per session

Fri, Nov 6 · 5:00 PM

First Friday Artwalk

Downtown galleries

More than 30 downtown galleries open late.

Community · Free

Sat, Nov 7 · 11:00 AM

Harvest Festival at Johns Island County Park

Johns Island County Park

Bluegrass, hayrides and a crafters market.

Festival · Tickets at ccprc.com

Sun, Nov 8 · 12:00 PM

Second Sunday on King

King Street

King Street closes to cars from Queen to Calhoun.

Community · Free

Fri, Nov 13

Holiday Festival of Lights

James Island County Park

The 38th year. Nightly through December 31, with more than 750 displays across a three-mile drive, and fireworks on December 31.

Family · Per vehicle, 2026 pricing not yet posted

Fri, Nov 13

Food and Wine Classic in Charleston

Multiple venues

More than 40 chef demonstrations and four Grand Tastings. The 2026 lineup includes Tyler Florence, Nancy Silverton, Maneet Chauhan, Katie Button and Mike Lata.

Food and drink · Ticketed passes

Thu, Nov 26 · 9:00 AM

Turkey Day Run and Gobble Wobble 5K

Marion Square

The 49th running, and the third-largest Thanksgiving 5K in the country. The expo is November 25, 9am to 6pm, and there is no race-day packet pickup.

Community · Register via RunSignup. No race-day registration.

Fri, Dec 4

Southern Living Illumination Charleston

Charleston Visitor Center

Food and drink · Saturday holiday market $125, Friday gingerbread class $225

Sat, Dec 12 · 12:00 PM

Folly Beach Christmas Parade

Center Street

Community · Free to watch