Charleston Events in October 2025

Experience the magic of fall in the Lowcountry. October brings a full calendar of festivals, concerts, and family-friendly celebrations across Charleston, from pumpkin walks and harvest festivals to outdoor concerts and Halloween events. Whether you’re exploring local traditions or catching a show at the Gaillard, there’s something for everyone this month in the Holy City.

 

 

DOWNTOWN CHARLESTON

 

The Fall Tours | October 1–31, Charleston

Step beyond the gates of Charleston’s most storied homes during the Preservation Society’s Fall Tours. This month-long series offers rare access to private historic properties and curated walking tours through iconic neighborhoods like Queen Street, South Battery, and.. for the first time, Mount Pleasant’s Old Village. Photo credit: Preservation Society of Charleston.

 

October 11, 2025

House & Garden Tour: South Battery

October 16, 2025

Insider’s Architecture & History Tour: Wagener Terrace

October 18, 2025

House & Garden Tour: Mount Pleasant’s Old Village

October 24, 2025

Insider’s Architecture & History Tour: Cannonborough / Elliottborough

October 25, 2025

House & Garden Tour: Ansonborough

You can explore full details and purchase tickets at the Preservation Society’s official Fall Tours page.

 

Oktoberfest at St. Matthew’s | October 11, Downtown Charleston

Saints and sinners willkommen! Head to King Street for a full day of Bavarian fun at St. Matthew’s Ninth Annual Oktoberfest. From 11 AM to 6 PM, enjoy traditional German food, a lively biergarten with local craft brews, live music, a German bakery, and a festive Kinderzone. The celebration takes place rain or shine in the courtyard at Marion Square and admission is free. Learn more & grab food and drink tickets. Photo credit : oktoberfestcharleston.org

 

Everclear in Concert | October 14, Charleston Music Hall

Rock fans, get ready. Everclear brings their Sparkle and Fade 30th Anniversary Tour to Charleston Music Hall with special guests Sponge and Local H. Expect a night of nostalgic hits and high-energy performances celebrating three decades of alternative rock. Tickets start at $63.

 

Carnival of the Animals | October 18–19, Charleston

Enter a world of wonder and whimsy as Palmetto City Ballet presents Carnival of the Animals, a magical ballet inspired by vintage circus sideshows. With dancers portraying clowns, mermaids, and tightrope walkers set to the music of Debussy and Saint-Saëns, this family-friendly performance promises an unforgettable afternoon of imagination and artistry. Shows run October 18 (2–4 PM) and October 19 (3–5 PM). Tickets start at $46.

 

An Evening with Reese Witherspoon and Harlan Coben | October 21, Charleston Gaillard Center

Join two masters of storytelling for a special Charleston Literary Festival pre-festival event. Reese Witherspoon and Harlan Coben come together to discuss their new thriller, Gone Before Goodbye, in a conversation moderated by Attica Locke. Expect an engaging evening of creativity, collaboration, and behind-the-scenes insight into crafting a page-turning bestseller. Tickets start at $69.62. Photo credit: gaillardcenter.org

Matisyahu | October 22, Music Farm Charleston

Experience the Ancient Child Tour as Matisyahu returns to Charleston with guitarist Aaron Dugan. Known for his fusion of reggae and hip-hop, Matisyahu’s live shows are an uplifting blend of rhythm and soul. Tickets start at $77.40.

 

Ghosts & Spirits Tour | Fridays in October, Charleston

Step into Charleston’s spooky side with this Friday‑night tour blending haunted tales, historic ghost stories, and curated cocktails at the city’s most atmospheric bars. These evening adventures sell out fast—grab your friends and reserve your spot for a night of chills, charm, and local lore. Tickets & details.

 

The Mousetrap at Queen Street Playhouse | Select Dates, October 3–19

Step into the suspense with Agatha Christie’s The Mousetrap. The world’s longest-running play and a masterclass in mystery. This classic whodunit unfolds at a countryside guesthouse where seven strangers are snowed in…and one is a murderer. Can you solve the crime before the final curtain call? Performances run October 3–19 at the Queen Street Playhouse. Tickets start at $29. Photo credit: ci.ovationtix.com

Nighttime at the Museum: Halloween Edition | October 24, The Charleston Museum

Experience Charleston’s most charmingly spooky night at the museum! Families can trick-or-treat through themed halls, enjoy hands-on crafts, and hear Southern ghost stories by firelight. It’s a playful mix of history and Halloween fun for all ages. Tickets start at $5

Oktoberfest | September 28, The Refinery Charleston

Prost to good times! The second annual Oktoberfest at The Refinery features live German music, authentic bites, and festive contests that capture the spirit of Munich in the Lowcountry. General admission is free, with VIP tickets available for extra perks. Event Details

The Addams Family: A Musical Comedy | October 29, Charleston Gaillard Center

Celebrate spooky season with a night of laughter and charm as The Addams Family takes the stage at the Gaillard Center. This witty musical comedy reimagines the beloved characters in a story filled with family, love, and a touch of the macabre. Tickets start at $38.03

South Carolina Ballet Presents: Dracula – Ballet with a Bite | October 30 & 31, Charleston Music Hall

Step into the gothic allure of Dracula: Ballet with a Bite, a thrilling Halloween performance by South Carolina Ballet. Featuring an original score by Thomas Semanski and choreography by William Starrett, this hauntingly beautiful production combines drama, seduction, and high-energy dance. Tickets start at $54.

Gaillard Gala | November 1, Charleston Gaillard Center

An evening of elegance awaits at the annual Gaillard Gala, featuring cocktails, dinner, a live auction, and an unforgettable performance to support arts and education initiatives. The night begins with cocktails at 5 p.m., followed by dinner and auction at 6 p.m., and a concert at 8:30 p.m. Tickets start at $500

 

 

 

MOUNT PLEASANT

 

Boone Hall Pumpkin Patch | October 2025

Since 1997, the Boone Hall Pumpkin Patch has been a fall favorite for Charleston families, and this year’s 29th annual celebration promises even more farm-style fun. Enjoy a full lineup of activities included with admission—like the corn maze, pig races, tractor tours, petting zoo, inflatables, and a brand-new Circus Incredible show. With pumpkins, pony rides, and autumn sunshine, it’s a Lowcountry tradition not to miss. Tickets start at $15.

Cast Off Fishing Tournament | October 11, Mount Pleasant Pier

Grab your tackle box and head to the Mount Pleasant Pier for a day of friendly competition on the water. Anglers of all ages can compete for prizes including Biggest 3 by Weight, Biggest Youth Catch (12 & under), and Best 5 Fish Total Weight. Tournaments are held rain or shine, and an adult chaperone is required for participants 15 and under. Entry is $12.

Children’s Day Festival | October 19, Park West

A local favorite returns to the Park West Recreation Complex! This free family festival features carnival rides, inflatables, games, live entertainment, pony rides, and plenty of treats. It’s the perfect way to celebrate fall in Mount Pleasant. Event Details

Chili 10K & 5K | November 1, Laurel Hill County Park

Run for fun (and chili!) at the annual Chili Trail Run featuring 10K, 5K, and Kids Dash races through the scenic trails of Laurel Hill County Park. After crossing the finish line, enjoy a warm cup of chili and refreshments under the mossy oaks. Event Details

 

 

NORTH CHARLESTON

Gabby’s Dollhouse Live | October 15, North Charleston Performing Arts Center

Get ready for a purr-fectly fun evening as Gabby’s Dollhouse Live! brings the hit DreamWorks series to the stage. Presented by Walmart, this colorful, music-filled show invites kids to sing, dance, and play along with Gabby and her adorable kitty friends. Tickets start at $40

Disney On Ice Presents Mickey’s Search Party | October 23–26, North Charleston Coliseum

Join Mickey and friends on a magical adventure filled with world-class skating, acrobatics, and unforgettable Disney moments. Help search for Tinker Bell through immersive worlds inspired by Coco, Moana, Frozen, and more in this family-favorite ice spectacular. Tickets start at $23.

 

Charleston Beerfest | October 25, Riverfront Park

Raise a glass at the Lowcountry’s biggest craft beer celebration! Charleston Beerfest returns to Riverfront Park with more breweries, live

 music, food trucks, and games than ever before—all supporting local HIV/AIDS services. Enjoy an afternoon of good brews for a great cause. Tickets start at $29

 

Riverfront Revival | October 10–11, Riverfront Park, North Charleston

Curated by Darius Rucker, Riverfront Revival returns with a two-day country music celebration honoring South Carolina’s Lowcountry roots. This year’s lineup features Darius Rucker, Riley Green, Red Clay Strays, Whiskey Myers, and a special appearance by Bill Murray. Enjoy live music, local food, and Lowcountry charm all weekend long. Tickets & Info

 

WEST ASHLEY

 

Kids Are Cool Family Festival + Campout | October 11, Woodlands Nature Reserve

Unplug for a day (or night) of nature, creativity, and family fun at the Kids Are Cool Festival, where the kids are in charge! Young entrepreneurs run the market, performers light up the stage, and hands-on nature games keep everyone moving. Stay for the optional overnight campout under the stars—food trucks, fresh air, and memories await. Tickets start at $7.53.

 

DANIEL ISLAND

Zach Top | Friday, October 24 at the Credit One Stadium

Rising country sensation Zach Top brings his smooth vocals and modern honky-tonk sound to Charleston for one unforgettable night under the lights. Expect heartfelt lyrics, guitar-driven energy, and plenty of twang. Tickets start at $75

Pumpkin Walk & Halloween Bash | October 26 5:30pm to 7:30pm

A fall favorite returns to the Smythe Lake lawn! Join the Daniel Island School PTA for an afternoon pumpkin carving (1–3 PM), then come back in costume for an evening of music, food, and spooky fun from 5:30–7:30 PM. It’s a family-friendly celebration you won’t want to miss. Event Details

 

 

ISLE OF PALMS & SULLIVAN’S

Halloween Carnival | October 31, Isle of Palms

Celebrate Halloween island-style at the annual Isle of Palms Halloween Carnival! Enjoy a festive golf cart parade, drive-through haunted house, inflatables, food vendors, and trick-or-treat bags for the kids. It’s a fun and family-friendly way to wrap up October. Event Details

JOHNS ISLAND

 

Harvest Festival | November 1, Johns Island County Park

Kick off November with a full day of fall fun at the annual Harvest Festival. Enjoy live bluegrass, pumpkin decorating, kids’ crafts, hayrides, Southern barbecue, and a local crafters market. It’s a family-friendly Lowcountry tradition filled with music, food, and seasonal cheer. Event Details

 

FOLLY BEACH

 

Cast Off Fishing Tournament | October 25, Folly Beach Pier

Reel in the fun at Folly Beach Pier’s Cast Off Fishing Tournament! Compete for top prizes in multiple categories, from Biggest 3 by Weight to Best 5 Fish Total Weight. Youth anglers (12 & under) can join too—with an adult chaperone required for those under 15. Entry is $12, and the tournament runs from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m., rain or shine.

 

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What’s the Weather Like in Charleston in October?

October is one of Charleston’s most beautiful months, with mild temperatures and crisp, sunny days perfect for outdoor events. Highs typically range from the mid-70s to low 80s, with cooler evenings in the 60s. Pack light layers, comfortable walking shoes, and a jacket for evening festivities. Fall in the Lowcountry is all about savoring the season outdoors.