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
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