October ushers in cool, crisp mornings and golden afternoons, showcasing the October events in Charleston SC at their finest. Street musicians fill historic squares with jazz and bluegrass, while warehouse galleries open their doors to colorful art exhibitions. The market stalls are filled with antique apples, sweet potatoes, and artisan products, all infused with the vibrant aromas of fall and local craftsmanship.
A balanced timetable will ensure that you are not running or rushing at the last minute to get ready to attend an event and will eliminate that you may run out of time and miss sold out events.
Each of the events contributes to the history of the city and welcomes tourists to explore its attractions and experience the spirit of festivity and celebrations to their fullest extent. Stay at 257 Rutledge, and walk just a few steps to live jazz, gallery openings, and harvest markets, perfect for an October visit.
Top October Events in Charleston SC
Autumn transforms Charleston into a vibrant blend of history and contemporary culture. Ten-day arts festivals take place alongside sunset runs across coastal bridges and movie nights under the moon in village greens. With careful planning, visitors can enjoy everything from lantern-lit parades and guided garden tours to pumpkin patches, all while exploring the city’s major attractions.
Local traditions merge with fresh ideas at nine standout events. The MOJA Arts Festival celebrates diasporic art and music, plantation grounds become pumpkin-perfect landscapes, courtyard gates open early for architecture enthusiasts, and Latin rhythms fill neighborhood parks. This curated lineup invites discovery from dawn markets to dusk concerts, ensuring fall thrills at every turn. Let’s have a look at the top Charleston events in October.
1. MOJA Arts Festival (September 25 – October 5)
MOJA is a ten-day festival that brings African-American and Caribbean creativity to the streets of Charleston through vibrant culture, music, and food. Festival attendees immerse themselves in art, dance, and flavors at various downtown locations.
- Live jazz bands, gospel choirs and spoken-word performers seek to shake historic theaters.
- Practical drumming circles, basket-weaving classes and dancing workshops.
- Gallery exhibitions feature local artists, photographers and sculptors.
- Lantern-lit parades are strolling along centuries old shop fronts of King Street.
- Food trucks offer spicy jerk chicken, fried plantains and rum-caked desserts.
Spontaneous dancing often breaks out, turning dark alleys and cobblestone streets into impromptu stages where anyone can join in the fun.
2. Boone Hall Pumpkin Patch & Corn Maze (September 26 – October 26)
Boone Hall Plantation transforms into a weekend wonderland where farm fun and fall magic come alive beneath ancient live oaks. Each visit features themed activities that keep the experience fresh, exciting, and full of seasonal charm. It is one of the best Charleston SC events in October.
- Hand-pick pumpkins in shades from pale gold to deep orange
- Navigate an eight-acre corn maze carved through towering stalks
- Race down hay-bale slides or climb the rustic hay mountain
- Feed goats, sheep and miniature ponies in the petting zoo
- Sip fresh-pressed apple cider and sample oven-warmed pumpkin pies
Moreover, the “Flannel & Folk Fest” weekends combine live acoustic music with craft beer tastings, creating a cozy barnyard atmosphere that perfectly celebrates Lowcountry charm.
3. Fall Tours of Architecture, History & Gardens (October 1 – 31)
The Preservation Society opens historic gates for intimate small-group tours that showcase Charleston’s rich past through elegant architecture and lush horticulture. Private estates and hidden courtyards reveal the layered stories behind every brick, inviting visitors to step into the city’s timeless charm.
- Grand wrought-iron entrances leading into secret courtyard gardens
- Period interiors furnished with heirlooms, ornate woodwork and rare tapestries
- Landscapes blending native Lowcountry plants with English-style flower beds
- Sidewalk rambles past pastel townhomes, tucked-away piazzas and historic plaques
- Narratives on colonial families, restoration efforts and garden design
Therefore, every pathway unveils a new chapter in the city’s enduring architectural and botanical legacy.
4. Latin American Festival (October 5)
Wannamaker County Park is alive with vibrant sounds of merengue, reggaeton, salsa bands, and more performing on various stages. Craftsmen showcase colorful folk art and handcrafted jewelry, while chefs serve up delicious empanadas, tostones, and fresh ceviche.
Interactive booths invite visitors to learn basic salsa steps or play percussion instruments, making the experience hands-on and fun. The festival leaves everyone with new rhythms, unforgettable memories, and a deeper connection to Latin culture—not to mention a wonderful sense of community.
5. Charleston Farmers Market (Saturdays, April – November)
As part of the premier Charleston SC events in October, Marion Square transforms into a weekend hub for fresh produce and crafts. Local farmers sell heirloom apples, squash, and raw honey to visitors. Pastry chefs attract crowds with flaky croissants, savory quiches, and cinnamon-dusted doughnuts.
Outdoor bluegrass and folk trios fill the air with joyful melodies, while chefs demonstrate how to prepare new in-season dishes. Enjoy food tastings, educational experiences, and hang out in this picturesque oak-lined plaza.
6. Isle of Palms Connector Run & Post-Race Festival (October 4)
The Isle of Palms Connector Bridge fills with runners tackling both 5K and 10K scenic courses, framed by stunning marsh views. Runners move in sync with the rhythm of tidal lagoons, while walkers enjoy the sunrise reflections at their own pace.
After the race, Isle of Palms County Park hosts lively music, mobile gourmet food trucks, and bounce houses for the kids. Best of all, proceeds support child abuse prevention efforts, so every step helps strengthen families across the Lowcountry.
7. Riverfront Revival Country Music Festival (October 10 – 11)
Riverfront Revival, organized by a renowned artist, features country, Americana, and bluegrass music along the Cooper River waterfront. Food vendors serve Carolina pulled pork, sweet tea slushies, and local ales from craft breweries. Visitors can enjoy pony rides, face painting, and join lively line-dancing lessons.
As the sun sets, the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge lights up in colorful displays, creating a stunning backdrop that highlights the energy of the performances against the shimmering river.
8. Nighttime at the Museum: Halloween Edition (October 24)
This popular annual Charleston event in October transforms the Charleston Museum into a playful spookfest. Children walk through trick-or-treat corridors set up in themed rooms, where costumed characters hand out candy by lantern light. Craft tables invite kids to create masks, paper lanterns, and silhouette art.
Ghost-themed games lead visitors through natural history displays that reveal hidden local legends. A fake cemetery provides a spooky backdrop for photos, while storytellers gather around fire pits to share chilling Southern ghost stories.
9. Movie on the Green at Freshfields Village (October 17)
A lawn transforms into an open-air movie theater beneath ancient oaks for a special screening of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone. Snacks include butterbeer-flavored popcorn, hot cocoa, and caramel treats, filling the air with delicious aromas. Kids can create wands at the craft station using paper, feathers, and ribbon.
Characters in robes surprise guests by posing for photos, adding to the magic. As the movie plays, lanterns float into the night sky, enhancing the fall ambiance and nostalgic charm of this enchanted village.
Table Showing the October Events in Charleston SC
Event | Date(s) | Location | Highlights | Admission |
|---|---|---|---|---|
MOJA Arts Festival | Sept 25 – Oct 5 | Charleston, SC | Celebration of African-American & Caribbean arts with music, dance, food & more. | Many free events; some ticketed. |
Boone Hall Pumpkin Patch & Corn Maze | Sept 26 – Oct 26 | Mt. Pleasant, SC | Corn maze, pumpkin patch, hayrides, farm animals, food & games. | Around $12; some free days. |
Fall Tours of Architecture, History & Gardens | Oct 1 – 31 | Charleston, SC | Guided tours of historic homes, gardens & neighborhoods. | $75–$150 depending on the tour. |
Latin American Festival | Oct 5 | North Charleston, SC | Latin music, food, dance & crafts in a family-friendly setting. | $20–$25 per vehicle. |
Charleston Farmers Market | Saturdays, Apr – Nov | Marion Square, Charleston | Local produce, crafts, food vendors & live music. | Free to attend. |
Riverfront Revival Music Festival | Oct 10 – 11 | North Charleston, SC | Two-day country music event with food, drinks & local culture. | Ticketed; prices vary. |
Movie on the Green | Oct 17 | Freshfields Village | Outdoor movie night featuring a family film. | Free admission. |
Isle of Palms Connector Run | Oct 4 | Isle of Palms, SC | Road race followed by a community festival. | Entry fee for runners; festival likely free. |
Nighttime at the Museum: Halloween Edition | Oct 24 | Charleston, SC | Evening museum event with Halloween-themed activities. | Regular + event admission. |
Tips for Navigating October Events in Charleston SC
- Buy tickets in advance online to have discounts and avoid overcrowded events.
- Parking problems avoided by use of DASH shuttles, bike-share or rideshares.
- Wear layers so as to change the temperatures during the day.
- Bring a refillable water bottle, travel-size sunscreen, and portable phone charger
- Have a general timetable to reduce turning back and favor amusement.
Discover Fall Splendor from 257 Rutledge
Balance festival excitement with refined comfort at 257 Rutledge, just steps from Marion Square and winding cobblestone alleys. Spacious suites offer restful retreats after sun-filled days exploring Charleston’s October events. Unwind at the rooftop lounge with panoramic views of festival lights, while friendly hosts share insider tips on art shows, market finds, and hidden gardens. Secure a stay at 257 Rutledge to weave every moment of autumn in Charleston into lasting memories.
FAQs
What weather can visitors expect in October?
Daytime highs average in the mid-70s while nights fall into the low 60s. Humidity drops, creating pleasant conditions for outdoor concerts and markets.
Which October events offer free admission?
- Charleston Farmers Market in Marion Square each Saturday
- First-Friday ArtWalk gallery strolls through historic districts
- Movie on the Green at Freshfields Village under moonlit oaks
- Self-guided garden tours by the Preservation Society
Which ghost tours operate after dark?
Here are some of the top options you should consider.
- Bulldog Tours’ Ghost & Graveyard Walking Tour
- USS Yorktown Ghost Tour at Patriots Point Naval Museum
- Charleston Ghost & Dungeon Tour through underground passages
- Haunted Jail Tour inside the Old City Jail
How to pair events for a single-day itinerary?
Consider combining:
- Morning stroll through Marion Square’s Farmers Market
- Midday maze challenge at Boone Hall Pumpkin Patch
- Evening screening at Freshfields Village’s Movie on the Green