Things to do around Charleston
21 things to do around Charleston in October and November 2026, from Johns Island and the beaches to Mount Pleasant, North Charleston and Summerville. Each has the date, time, place, cost and a link to the official page. It's the same list I send in my monthly newsletter. Last checked October 22, 2026.
By Barry Cunningham, REALTOR®. Updated October 22, 2026.
October 2026
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Boone Hall Pumpkin Patch
The 30th annual fall pumpkin patch at Boone Hall Farms, open weekends through the first day of November.
Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays through Sun, Nov 1, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. · Boone Hall Farms, 2434 N. Hwy. 17, Mount Pleasant · See Boone Hall for admission
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Halloween Night Climb
Halloween night on the climbing wall, ages 5 and up.
Fri, Oct 30, 7 to 9 p.m. · Palmetto Peaks climbing wall, James Island County Park · $20
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Halloween Golf Cart Parade & Carnival
A costumed golf cart parade with prizes for the three best-decorated carts, followed by a drive-through haunted house, inflatables, food vendors and trick-or-treat bags. Carts must be registered to ride in the parade.
Sat, Oct 31, 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. (lineup at 3:30 p.m.) · Isle of Palms Recreation Center, 27th Avenue, Isle of Palms · Free to watch
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James Island Connector Run
An out-and-back 8K run, 5K run and 5K walk over the James Island Connector, with a post-race festival and finisher medal at the finish line.
Sat, Oct 31, 8 a.m. start for all distances · Base of the James Island Connector near Folly Road, James Island · $60 for the 8K, $50 for the 5K run or walk (prices rise after Oct 29)
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Trick, Treat & Trail Fun Run and Festival
A costume fun run with trick-or-treating along the park trails, plus a DJ, jump castles, balloon art, face painting, food vendors and a costume contest at noon.
Sat, Oct 31, 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. · Wannamaker County Park, 8888 University Blvd., North Charleston · $25 per vehicle in advance through Oct 30, $30 at the gate (up to 15 people)
November 2026
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Harvest Festival
Charleston County Parks' fall festival with live bluegrass bands, line dancing, hayrides, giant bubbles, fall crafts, a stilt performer, barbecue and kettle corn, and a crafters' market.
Sat, Nov 7, 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. · Johns Island County Park, 2662 Mullet Hall Road, Johns Island · $10 per person; free for kids 12 and under and Gold Pass holders
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2nd Sunday on King Street
About half a mile of King Street closes to cars so people can stroll, shop and browse sidewalk artists and food vendors.
Sun, Nov 8, noon to 5 p.m. · King Street from Queen Street to Calhoun Street · Free
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Holiday Festival of Lights Fun Run & Walk
A 2-mile run or walk through the Holiday Festival of Lights before it opens to drivers, with more than 200 light displays along the route.
Wed, Nov 11 and Thu, Nov 12; arrive by 6 p.m., gates close to cars at 6:30 p.m. · James Island County Park, 871 Riverland Drive, Charleston · $38 per vehicle (up to 15 people); expected to sell out
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Veterans Day Concert on the USS Yorktown
A Veterans Day program and concert on the flight deck of the USS Yorktown, presented with the Patriots Point Foundation.
Wed, Nov 11, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. · USS Yorktown flight deck, Patriots Point, 40 Patriots Point Road, Mount Pleasant · Free with museum admission; veterans admitted free on Veterans Day
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Holiday Festival of Lights Opens
The Lowcountry's long-running drive-through holiday light show opens for the season, running nightly through New Year's Eve.
Nightly Nov 13 to Dec 31, 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. · James Island County Park · Per-vehicle admission varies by night; advance tickets recommended
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Fall Pickin' in the Corner
Antique, vintage, upcycled and craft vendors line Main Street, with antique tractors on display, a bluegrass band at Unity Park and food trucks.
Sat, Nov 14, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. (rain date Nov 21) · Main Street and Unity Park, Moncks Corner · Free to browse
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Hanahan Red, White & Blue Fall Festival
The 14th annual city festival with live music, carnival rides, jump castles, face painting, a balloon artist, guest speakers, food trucks and craft vendors.
Sat, Nov 14, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. (rain date Nov 21) · Hanahan Amphitheater, 3100 Amphitheater Avenue, Hanahan · Free
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Holy Smokes BBQ Festival
More than 40 pitmasters and chefs serve barbecue across four themed villages, with live music. Proceeds benefit Hogs for the Cause and Ronald McDonald House Charities of Charleston.
Sat, Nov 14, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. · Riverfront Park, 1061 Everglades Ave., North Charleston · $95 general admission (all-you-can-eat), $250 VIP, $25 ages 7 to 13, free 6 and under
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Old Village Harbor 5K
A long-running road race through the Old Village that welcomes runners, walkers, strollers and dogs, followed by music, refreshments and a raffle.
Sat, Nov 14, 8:30 a.m. to noon · Alhambra Hall, 131 Middle Street, Mount Pleasant · Registration required; see organizer
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Summerville Italian Feast
Over 100 vendors and food trucks serve pasta, pizza, cannoli and gelato with Italian wine and beer in downtown Summerville. Proceeds support the Dorchester Two Educational Foundation.
Sun, Nov 15, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. · Hutchinson Square, 102 S. Main St., Summerville · Free to attend; food and drinks sold separately
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Third Thursdays in Downtown Summerville
A monthly evening marketplace with local entertainment, craft vendors and artisans, while downtown shops and restaurants stay open late. Rain or shine, with free downtown parking.
Thu, Nov 19, 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. · Hutchinson Square, 102 S. Main St., Summerville · Free
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Daniel Island Turkey Trot
A casual 3-mile walk or run on the Daniel Island trails that collects food donations for ECCO, with a free T-shirt for the first 50 people who bring items from the most-needed list.
Sat, Nov 21, 10 a.m. · Credit One gravel lot, 161 Seven Farms Drive, Daniel Island · Free
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Lights Up Tree Lighting
A holiday season kickoff with the official tree lighting, live music, Santa's arrival, seasonal treats and kids' activities.
Sat, Nov 21, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. · Mount Pleasant Towne Centre, 1200 Belk Drive, Mount Pleasant · Not listed; see Mount Pleasant Towne Centre
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Thanksgiving Farmers Market West Ashley
A special holiday edition of the West Ashley Farmers Market for Thanksgiving shopping, with extra vendors, activities, live music and free parking.
Sun, Nov 22, noon to 4 p.m. · Ackerman Park, 55 Sycamore Ave., Charleston · Free to attend
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Turkey Day Run & Gobble Wobble 5K
Charleston's Thanksgiving morning 5K run and walk through downtown, with a kids fun run and a post-race celebration in Marion Square. Packet pickup is Nov 25 at Patriots Hall in Mount Pleasant.
Thu, Nov 26, 5K starts 9 a.m.; kids fun run 10:30 a.m. · Marion Square, Calhoun and King Streets, Charleston · Registration required; open until sold out
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Mingo Point Oyster Roast & BBQ: Thanksgiving
Oysters roasted over an open fire plus ribs, pulled pork, smoked chicken, Lowcountry boil, Southern sides and live music on the banks of the Kiawah River.
Fri, Nov 27, seatings 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. or 6:15 p.m. to 8:15 p.m. · Mingo Point on the Kiawah River, Kiawah Island Golf Resort · $65 adults, $32 ages 4 to 12, free ages 3 and under
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These come from my monthly newsletter, along with what homes sold for in each neighborhood and what's opening around town. Sign up at the bottom of this page. For public meetings, rezonings and road projects, see community happenings.
Dates, times and prices are from each organizer's page as of October 22, 2026. Events change and sell out, so check the link before you go. Listing an event isn't an endorsement.