Fall is a lively time in Charleston, with cooler weather bringing festivals, outdoor activities and seasonal traditions throughout the Lowcountry. Here are 10 fall events to add to your calendar.
MOJA Arts Festival
September 24–October 4 in Charleston
The MOJA Arts Festival is an annual celebration of Black arts, culture and heritage, with events spanning music, visual arts, dance, theater, poetry, storytelling, food and more. The 2026 festival includes programming at locations throughout Charleston, making it more of a citywide arts celebration than a single-location festival.
Boone Hall Pumpkin Patch
September 25–November 1 in Mount Pleasant
A longtime Lowcountry fall tradition, the Boone Hall Pumpkin Patch returns for its 30th year in 2026. The family-friendly event includes a corn maze, pumpkin patch, Halloween tractor tour, circus performances, a petting zoo, pig races, giant inflatables and other activities.
Bluegrass, BBQ & Brews at Magnolia
September 26 at Magnolia Plantation & Gardens
Spend a fall afternoon beneath Magnolia Plantation’s historic oaks with barbecue, local craft beer and live bluegrass music. The September 26 event runs from 1–4 p.m. and includes barbecue and side samples, beer tastings, dessert and live music.
The Fall Tours
October 1–31 in Charleston
The Preservation Society of Charleston’s annual Fall Tours offer a closer look at the city’s historic architecture, gardens and neighborhoods. The 2026 lineup includes walking tours, house and garden tours, architecture and history tours, and opportunities to explore neighborhoods including South of Broad, North Central, Mount Pleasant and West Ashley.
Riverfront Revival
October 9–10 at Riverfront Park, North Charleston
Curated by Charleston musician Darius Rucker, Riverfront Revival is a two-day music festival celebrating country music and Lowcountry culture. The 2026 festival will feature more than 15 artists along with regional food and vendors at Riverfront Park in North Charleston.
Coastal Carolina Fair
October 29–November 8 at Exchange Park, Ladson
The Coastal Carolina Fair brings classic fall-fair entertainment to the Lowcountry, including carnival rides, games, food, live entertainment, competitions and exhibits. The 2026 fair runs from October 29 through November 8 at Exchange Park in Ladson.
Charleston Literary Festival
November 6–15 in Downtown Charleston
Book lovers can spend 10 days hearing from nationally and internationally recognized authors during the Charleston Literary Festival. The 2026 festival will feature more than 35 sessions covering fiction, history, poetry, theater, politics and more, with programs held at the historic Dock Street Theatre.
Food & Wine Classic in Charleston
November 13–15 in Charleston
The Food & Wine Classic returns for a three-day celebration of Charleston’s culinary scene. The 2026 event includes four Grand Tastings, more than 100 wines and spirits, chef demonstrations, workshops and special experiences focused on Lowcountry food and culture.
Holy Smokes BBQ Festival
November 14 at Riverfront Park, North Charleston
Holy Smokes brings more than 50 pitmasters and chefs together for a day dedicated to barbecue. The sixth annual event will feature four barbecue villages representing different regional styles, live music and an all-you-can-eat barbecue experience, while supporting organizations including Hogs for the Cause and Ronald McDonald House Charities of Charleston.
Autumn on the Island
November 21 at Charleston Tea Garden, Wadmalaw Island
Charleston Tea Garden is introducing Autumn on the Island in 2026. The free, family-friendly festival will feature a community market with local farmers, artists and craftspeople, along with indigo-dyeing activities, a 4-H chicken and rabbit show, food vendors and other seasonal activities.