Charleston’s Fall Festival Circuit

October is festival season in Charleston, with something for everyone to enjoy. A few not-to-miss events include:

• MOJA Arts Festival (Late September - Early October): This festival celebrates African-American and Caribbean arts and culture. From live music and dance performances to visual art exhibits, the MOJA Arts Festival is a vibrant and diverse showcase of creativity.

• Charleston Beer Week (Early October): Beer lovers will want to mark their calendars for Charleston Beer Week, a celebration of the local craft beer scene. With breweries, bars, and restaurants hosting special events, tap takeovers, and tastings, it's a great way to experience Charleston's burgeoning beer culture.

• Boone Hall Pumpkin Patch & Corn Maze (All of October): Families and fall lovers can explore Boone Hall’s seasonal pumpkin patch and corn maze. Pick the perfect pumpkin, get lost in the maze, or enjoy hayrides and farm tours at this iconic Charleston attraction.

Spooky Ghost Tours

October brings a bit of eerie charm to Charleston’s historic streets. Charleston is known for its rich (and haunted) past, making it a prime spot for ghost tours. Some of the most popular options include:

• Bulldog Tours' Ghost and Graveyard Tour: Wander through Charleston's oldest graveyards by night while hearing spine-chilling tales of ghosts, pirates, and restless spirits.

• Ghost City Tours: Known for their detailed and historically accurate tours, Ghost City Tours offer a spooky exploration of Charleston’s haunted past. They take you through the most haunted spots in the city, from haunted mansions to eerie streets, with plenty of local folklore and ghostly stories to keep you intrigued.

These tours offer a unique, spooky way to experience the city and its history—perfect for those who love a good ghost story!

Oyster Season Begins

October marks the start of oyster season in Charleston, and there's no better place to enjoy fresh, local oysters. Head to some of the city’s favorite spots to get your oyster fix:

• The Ordinary: This upscale seafood restaurant offers a fantastic raw bar with a rotating selection of oysters from the East Coast, including local varieties.

• Charleston Crab House: For a more casual oyster experience, the Charleston Crab House serves up buckets of steamed oysters, best enjoyed on their waterfront patio.

Many Charleston restaurants host oyster roasts throughout October, making it the perfect time to savor this Lowcountry delicacy.

Explore Historic Plantations

October’s cooler weather makes it the perfect time to explore Charleston’s famous plantations and gardens. The fall foliage adds a beautiful touch to these scenic estates:

• Drayton Hall: A National Historic Landmark, Drayton Hall is the oldest unrestored plantation house in America that’s open to the public. Unlike other plantations, Drayton Hall has been preserved in its original state, offering an authentic glimpse into Charleston’s past. The grounds, with their ancient live oaks and serene riverfront views, are particularly stunning in the fall.

• Magnolia Plantation & Gardens: Take a stroll through the oldest public garden in America. In October, the fall colors add extra beauty to the already stunning grounds.

Sip History at Alchemix Cocktail Class

• For those seeking a more intimate and unique experience, Alchemix offers a cocktail-making class that’s perfect for October. The Alchemix Cocktail Class invites you to sip on history as you learn the art of crafting Prohibition-era cocktails.
• This immersive experience combines mixology with storytelling, teaching you about Charleston’s storied past while you shake, stir, and sample your way through some classic concoctions. The secretive location and cozy, dimly lit atmosphere add to the allure of this hidden gem. It’s a must-try for cocktail enthusiasts and history buffs alike. Click Here to book! 

Outdoor Adventures

Charleston's mild October weather makes it ideal for outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful nature walk or something more adventurous, there’s plenty to do:

• Kayaking or Paddleboarding: Explore Charleston's waterways, from the tidal creeks to the serene Wando River. Companies like Coastal Expeditions offer guided tours where you can spot dolphins, birds, and other wildlife.

• Folly Beach: While the summer crowds have dissipated, October is still a fantastic time to visit Folly Beach. Whether you’re surfing, beachcombing, or just relaxing, the cooler temps and fewer visitors make it one of the best months to enjoy Charleston’s coastline.

Charleston Farmer's Market

 

Every Saturday in October, Marion Square hosts the Charleston Farmer’s Market, a lively hub of local food, art, and crafts. Enjoy fresh produce, handmade goods, and delicious eats from local vendors. It’s the perfect way to spend a crisp fall morning, and a great spot to grab picnic supplies before heading to a nearby park.

Attend a Sunset Harbor Cruise

As the days grow shorter and the evenings cool off, there’s no better time to take a sunset harbor cruise around Charleston. Several companies offer relaxing boat tours that showcase the beauty of Charleston’s harbor as the sun dips below the horizon. Sip on cocktails and soak in views of landmarks like Fort Sumter, the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge, and the Battery from the water.

Conclusion

October in Charleston is a time of cooler weather, rich cultural events, and fall festivities. From ghost tours and oyster roasts to outdoor adventures and historic tours, the Holy City offers something for everyone. Whether you're visiting for a weekend or you’re a local looking to embrace autumn in Charleston, there’s no shortage of things to do in this charming Southern city during the fall season!