As soon as Charlestonians feel even the slightest drop in temperature, it’s time to drag out the autumn decorations, pull the sweaters out from the back of the closet and start scouting fall festivities. Here’s a roundup of seasonal outings, outdoor markets and themed festivals promising fun for all ages. Celebrate the harvest season with great food, arts and crafts, music and more at a variety of festivals and markets in the Charleston area.
WHAT: Enjoy live music performances from Southern Blend and Justin Moore, pop-up shops, a variety of beer and food trucks, ax-throwing, plus a pumpkin patch. Pumpkins range from $5-$20, cash only, and guests are welcome to use the decorating station to deck out their purchases. Free kids' activities include face painting, balloon twisting, inflatable activities, pony rides and a petting zoo.
WHEN: 3-7 p.m. Sept.
21 WHERE: Hanahan Amphitheater, 3100 Amphitheater Ave., Hanahan PRICE: Free MORE INFO: tinyurl.com/yvzvc4ka WHAT: Stroll through gorgeous seasonal garden displays while enjoying live music, craft beer and family fun.
The price of admission includes mini pumpkin-painting and face-painting for the kids. Make sure to bring bug spray, sunscreen and water. WHEN: noon-4 p.
m. Sept. 21 WHERE: Magnolia Plantation & Gardens, 3550 Ashley River Road, Charleston PRICE: Ages 5-11 $14, ages 12-17 $18, adults $32 MORE INFO: tinyurl.
com/92f3b7mj Concert Countdown: 16 September shows to kick off fall in Charleston WHAT: Returning for its sixth year, Hoptoberfest is known for its traditional games and music that bring a certain nostalgia to the Oktoberfest experience. Enjoy live polka music, a blindfolded pretzel toss, musical chairs, a costume contest and a stein hoist competition in which participants show their strength. In addition to pay-to-play games with prizes, Fam’s Brewing will feature a special menu and exclusive beer selection.
Register for games ahead of time. WHEN: noon-6 p.m.
Sept. 21 WHERE: Fam’s Brewing, 1291 Folly Road, James Island PRICE: Free MORE INFO: tinyurl.com/42dcjs8n Pumpkin patches and pumpkin decorating are a popular activity at various fall festivals in the Charleston area.
WHAT: Browse an array of artisans and vendors offering crafts, jewelry, beauty products, gourmet foods, florals and more. Enjoy live music from The Moto-Grass Band and a variety of food and beverages for-purchase. WHEN: 11 a.
m.-2 p.m.
Sept. 22 WHERE: The Village Green at Point Hope, 1049 Point Hope Pkwy., Charleston PRICE: Free MORE INFO: tinyurl.
com/mtp272jc Experience the stage in new ways with these 14 performing arts organizations WHAT: This large outdoor market is perfect for hunting for one-of-a-kind treasures, featuring more than 100 leading vintage dealers and artisans offering an eclectic array of housewares, furniture, collectibles, rugs, jewelry, clothing and more. The earliest birds can shop 10-11 a.m.
for $20 in advance or at gate, and early birds can shop 11 a.m.-noon for $10 in advance or at gate.
WHEN: noon-4 p.m. Sept.
22 WHERE: Firefly Distillery, 4201 Spruill Ave., North Charleston PRICE: Free MORE INFO: tinyurl.com/ypnck9ps Ready for Christmas already? Get your tickets now for these Charleston holiday festivities WHAT: The Boone Hall Pumpkin Patch has been an autumn tradition since 1997, promising fun for all ages.
Attractions include a corn maze, honey bee exhibit, petting zoo, circus performers, pig races, giant inflatables, live music and more. Pony rides and face painting are available for purchase. WHEN: 10 a.
m.-5 p.m.
Sept. 27, 29, 30; Oct. 4-6, 11-13, 18-20, 25-27 WHERE: Boone Hall Plantation, 2434 N.
Hwy. 17, Mount Pleasant PRICE: $15 MORE INFO: boonehallplantation.com The Oktoberfest gathering in the courtyard of St.
Matthew's Lutheran Church is a community staple. WHAT: Oktoberfest is well-celebrated in the Charleston area, and St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church is back with a day of revelry in the courtyard on King Street at Marion Square.
This outdoor festival features authentic German cuisine, a biergarten flowing with local craft beer and a kids' zone packed with activities and games. Adult tickets include a Bratwurst, German potato salad and a pretzel. WHEN: 11 a.
m.- 6 p.m.
Oct. 12 WHERE: St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church, 405 King St.
, Charleston PRICE: $16 MORE INFO: oktoberfestcharleston.org WHAT: Dash down a scenic half-mile trail for a fun run, undertake a timed 5K race with about 100 fellow runners or just enjoy the 10th Annual Fall Festival with music, food, beer and wine, vendors and games. Attendees are asked to RSVP online prior to the event.
WHEN: 9 a.m.-2 p.
m. Oct. 19 WHERE: Kiawah River, 3883 Betsy Kerrison Pkwy.
, Johns Island PRICE: Free general admission, $50 5K, $25 fun run MORE INFO: tinyurl.com/2f8rk8kk Expect a little bit of everything at Saturday's North Charleston Harvest Festival in the Olde Village. WHAT: The 11th annual Harvest Festival returns to the streets of the Olde Village with live music from bluegrass fusion band NattyGrass, food and drink specials and plenty of activities for both kids and adults, including a mechanical bull, photos booths, a pop-up petting zoo and costume contests.
Street traffic is closed from Jenkins Avenue to Virginia Avenue for the event. WHEN: 4-7 p.m.
Oct. 19 WHERE: East Montague Avenue near Park Circle PRICE: Free MORE INFO: tinyurl.com/5t4zmyda WHAT: Support women-owned businesses with this diverse retail market featuring more than 80 vendors and food trucks, perfect for finding unique gifts and decorations to get into the seasonal spirit.
Pre-market yoga takes place at 10:15 a.m. at Commonhouse Aleworks.
This is a dog-friendly event. WHEN: 11 a.m-3 p.
m. Sept. 28 WHERE: 4824 Chateau Ave.
, North Charleston PRICE: Free MORE INFO: tinyurl.com/49c6hdzp Sign up for the Charleston Hot Sheet Get a weekly list of tips on pop-ups, last minute tickets and little-known experiences hand-selected by our newsroom in your inbox each Thursday. Email Sign Up!.
