Fall Frenzy: What To See & Do This Fall In Charleston

With Labor Day this weekend comes the unofficial beginning of Fall, considered by many to be the best time of year in the Lowcountry. The temperatures begin to drop, but it’s still warm enough for the beach. The summer tourists have gone home. And special events of all kinds fill the calendar.

In fact, there’s so much to do, every weekend offers a new adventure. To help sort through the options, we’ve compiled this list of “top picks” from now through December. From Daniel Island traditions like Park Day and the new Nationwide Championship golf tournament, to long-time Charleston events like the Fall Tour of Homes and Gardens, there’s something for everyone. Pick a weekend, any weekend…

BBQ & Bluegrass at Boone Hall Plantation
Sept. 6
This annual event takes place on the scenic grounds of one of Charleston’s most popular antebellum plantations. Featuring barbecue from a variety of vendors and some of the fastest rising Bluegrass acts in the country.

MOJA Arts Festival
Sept. 5 – Oct. 25
A celebration of African-American and Caribbean arts, featuring classical music, dance, gospel, jazz, poetry, storytelling, theatre, crafts, ethnic food and more at venues around the city. Perfect for all ages.

33rd Annual Fall Tour of Homes & Gardens
Sept . 24 – Oct. 25
Your opportunity to tour some of the finest private homes and gardens in the city’s Historic District. Put on by the Preservation Society of Charleston, these walking tours are conducted weekly on Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings.

Fishing & Shagging at Folly Beach
Sept. 25 & 26
Head out to Folly Beach for a weekend of Lowcountry fun over the Atlantic. The Folly Beach Pier is the venue for two great events, starting on Friday evening with a “Moonlight Mixer” featuring the hottest oldies and beach music around (bring your dancing shoes and be prepared to do – or learn – some shag dancing!). Food and beverages will be available for purchase. Then come back on Saturday for the last Pier Fishing Tournament of season, where prizes will be awarded.

Museum Mile Weekend
Sept. 26-27
This inaugural event highlights Charleston’s outstanding museum attractions. A single $20 pass ($10 for children 12 and under) allows visitors admission at 12 sites along Meeting Street in downtown Charleston. Participating attractions include the Charleston Museum, the Children’s Museum of the Lowcountry, the Gibbes Museum of Art, several historic homes and more.

French Quarter Art Walk
Oct. 2 & Dec. 4
Stroll cobbled streets and gas-lit alleyways to discover the works of more than 500 artists representing a diverse variety of styles. All galleries of the French Quarter will be open until 8 pm with artists and refreshments on hand.

Park Day on Daniel Island
Oct. 10
Now in it’s ninth year, this annual Fall festival showcases Daniel Island’s community spirit. More than a dozen non-profit organizations benefit from this day of food, family activities, live music and more on the banks of the Wando River.

Komen Charleston Race for the Cure
Oct. 17
This 5K race through Daniel Island’s downtown, trails and neighborhoods supports the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation’s mission of eradicating breast cancer through advancing research, education, screening and treatment. The race includes both a 5K Co-ed Run/Walk and a 1-Mile Family Fun Run/Walk.

Harvest Tour of Homes
Oct. 17
The Harvest Tour of Homes is back for its second annual tour of homes on Daniel Island. The tour will benefit the Friends of the Library and feature four island homes with local florists and decorators adding their own custom accents to the homes. Also, nationally known local authors will be present in each home for a book signing. Tickets are $15 in advance and can be purchased at the Daniel Island Real Estate Sales Center, A Floral Affair, Expressions Art & Framing and Coastal Cupboard.

Nationwide Tour Championship at Daniel Island
Oct. 22-25
The Daniel Island Club’s Ralston Creek course is the site of this season-ending event for the PGA Tour’s Nationwide Tour. The event concludes the season-long competition to identify the 25 players who will earn PGA Tour cards for the following season.

Holiday Festival of Lights
Nov. 13 – Jan. 3
Find holiday magic in the millions of sparkling lights and hundreds of displays at James Island County Park. A family tradition for many in Charleston, the Festival also features “Santa’s Village” and a “Winter Wonderland.”

Kick off the Holiday Season, Lowcountry Style
Dec. 5-7
It’s a weekend full of events guaranteed to get you in the spirit of the holidays. It all starts on Saturday morning at the annual Reindeer Run, a jolly jog or jaunt (5K – 3.1 miles) through the streets of downtown Charleston. Then head out to the Daniel Island Holiday Festival, featuring live entertainment, great food and a diverse selection of crafts and other gifts available for purchase. Stay for the tree lighting ceremony and then head back downtown to the Battery to watch the annual Parade of Boats in Charleston Harbor. On Sunday, Charleston’s popular Christmas Parade takes the streets downtown by storm, offering plenty of free entertainment and good cheer. Finish your weekend off with a shopping excursion on King Street, and you’ll be ready for the holidays!