Things to Do in Charleston, SC This September

by Karla Leahy

September in Charleston brings the best of both worlds. Sunny days with just a hint of fall in the air. From seaside concerts and surf contests to foodie festivals, art walks, and local markets, there’s something happening in every corner of the Lowcountry. Here’s your guide to the events, music, and community moments worth marking on the calendar.

 

DOWNTOWN CHARLESTON

 

MOJA Arts Festival | September 25 – October 5, 2025

A Celebration of African-American & Caribbean Arts. Schedule of events 

· Thursday, Sept 25:

Opening Day Street Parade starts at 6pm from Marion Square to East Bay/South Market. Then Opening Reception at 7pm will feature visual artist Rochelle Whitney Green at Cannon Street Arts Center.

· Friday, Sept 26:

A Reggae Block Dance with Johnny Osbourne at Brittlebank Park (free admission from 6-11pm). 

· Saturday, Sept 27:

MOJA x Eastside Neighborhood Celebration with artisans, music, drumming & more at Hampstead Square (free from 11-5pm). Gullah Showcase at Cannon Street Arts Center (noon to 3pm). 

· Thursday, Oct 2:

The ripple, the wave that carried me home, Chapel Theatre, College of Charleston (tickets start at $40 for the 7pm show). PURE Theatre presents Covenant—pay-what-you-will preview at Cannon Street Arts Center at 7:30pm. Step Afrika! in The Migration: Reflections on Jacob Lawrence at Gaillard Center also at 7:30pm.

· Friday, Oct 3:

Storytelling with Veronica Gaillard at Cannon Street Arts Center from 6-7pm. Gullah Collective at Dock Street Theatre celebrating Gullah culture through music (tickets start at $40 for the 7pm show).

· Saturday, Oct 4:

Storytelling with Jackie Mickel‑Odom at Carr Richardson Park (West Ashley from 1-3pm) Morehouse College Glee Club performs at Dock Street Theatre (tickets start at $87 for the 7pm show).

 

Charleston's Music in the Parks is back!

Grayson Little at Magnolia Park · September 11 · 5:30–7:30 PM

Head to Magnolia Park & Community Garden for a free outdoor concert featuring local favorite Grayson Little. Food and coffee available from Foxes Fried and Highfalutin Coffee Roasters. Presented by KOP Charleston, just bring a blanket and enjoy the early fall vibes.

Jazz in the Park at Moultrie Playground · September 18· 5:30–7:30 PM

Enjoy a live jazz set by Rochelle Whitney Green at Moultrie Playground, presented by Harleston Village Association. Free to attend, with food and drinks from Petit Merci, The Wandering Taps, and KOP Charleston available on-site. Ideal for an easy weeknight wind-down.

 

MOUNT PLEASANT

 

Megan Molten Warehouse Sale  · September 13 · 10 AM–1 PM

One of Charleston’s favorite design studios is opening its doors for a highly anticipated Warehouse Sale. From 10 AM to 1 PM, browse a curated mix of home decor, furniture, and accessories at special pricing, perfect for adding a fresh touch to your space. More information here. 

Vintage Coffee : Be a GREEN BEAN! · September 21 at 9:30 am at Vintage Coffee on Coleman

Grab a cup of joe and join Green Neighborhoods Work for a thoughtful morning of community, conversation, and sustainability. This casual meet-up kicks off at 9:30 AM at Vintage Coffee Café and offers approachable ways to make a greener impact,through everyday action, local advocacy, and shared ideas. It’s friendly, fun, and open to anyone curious about building a healthier Lowcountry. 

Lowcountry Fall Native Plant Market  · September 27, 9 AM · Noon at Mount Pleasant Farmers Market

Mount Pleasant Farmers Market  · September 16, 23 & 30 · 3:30pm at Moultrie Middle School

Celebrate the season with fresh produce, live music, and local flavor at the Mount Pleasant Farmers Market. Held every Tuesday in September, this open-air event brings together farmers, food artisans, and community spirit.

North Mount Pleasant Farmers Market | First Saturday of Each Month - Next Market is on October 4th.

 

NORTH CHARLESTON

 

Disney’s Beauty and the Beast · September 26–29 at N. Charleston Performing Arts Center

Step into the enchanted world of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast as it takes the stage at the North Charleston Performing Arts Center for four magical performances. This Broadway-style production brings the beloved tale to life in a perfect evening for families and Disney fans. Tickets start at $51.55.

John Mulaney: Mister Whatever Tour · September 19, 2025 at North Charleston Coliseum

Get ready for a night of sharp wit and hilarious storytelling as Emmy Award-winning comedian John Mulaney brings his tour to the North Charleston Coliseum. Known for his stand-up specials and SNL writing, Mulaney delivers the kind of comedy that sticks with you long after the show. Tickets start at $268.50.

 

 

 

SUMMERVILLE

The Sweet Tea Festival  · September 20, 2025

Cool off with a glass of sweet tea at the heartwarming Sweet Tea Festival in Summerville’s Hutchinson Square. This free community event features live music, all your favorite southern sips, and vendors serving up classic eats in true Lowcountry style. A must-visit celebration of tradition and taste!  

 

DANIEL ISLAND

 

Credit One Stadium Events! Quite a September line-up

Megan Moroney – “Am I Okay? Tour” Friday, September 12   Feel-good country vibes from this rising star—sing along to hits from her second album under the Charleston stars. Tickets start around $274.

 

Leon Bridges & Charley Crockett – “The Crooner & The Cowboy” Saturday, September 13   Expect smooth soul from Leon Bridges with a dose of outlaw-tinged country from Charley Crockett and a special appearance by Reyna Tropical. Tickets kick off around $40.

Alison Krauss & Union Station featuring Jerry Douglas Wednesday, September 24 Bluegrass royalty is in town: Alison Krauss returns with her legendary band and dobro maestro Jerry Douglas for a rare Arcadia Tour stop. Tickets start at $19.

 

The Lumineers & Chance Peña – The Automatic World Tour Friday, September 26  Indie-folk hearts rejoice. The Lumineers bring their sing-along anthems to Charleston with rising star Chance Peña in tow. Tickets begin around $264.9. 

 

Jason Aldean – Full Throttle Tour Saturday, September 27  Boot-stomp to new country with Jason Aldean and special guests Nate Smith & RaeLynn at the stadium edge. Tickets start at about $98.6.

9/11 Heroes Run | September 13

Honor the heroes of 9/11 and those who serve our country at this community 5K run, walk, or ruck hosted by the Travis Manion Foundation. Open to all ages and fitness levels, including a special GORUCK division for those up for a challenge. Registration starts at $41 and race stars at 9am.

 

 

ISLE OF PALMS & SULLIVAN’S

 

IOP Farmers Market  · September 18 - Isle of Palms 

Celebrate the season with local produce, handmade goods, live music, and coastal community vibes at the Isle of Palms Farmers Market. Held at the IOP Recreation Center, it’s a great midweek stop for fresh finds and family fun from 4 to 7pm.

Happy Steps 5K · September 27 - Sullivan’s Island 

Support Camp Happy Days with this scenic 5K run/walk across Sullivan’s Island, followed by an afterparty at The Island Club. A great way to get active for a cause that supports children battling cancer. Registration open here and race starts at 8am.

Windjammer Concerts on Beach Stage · The Mountain Goats on Sept 19th & Tanner Usrey on Sep 25. Lily Rose performs on October 4th and Peach Pit on October 8th. Tickets vary in price from $20+

FOLLY BEACH

 

Folly Beach Fall Concert Series | Thursdays at Folly River Park

Live music returns to Folly River Park for four laid-back evenings under the autumn sky. Bring your chair or blanket and enjoy this free community concert series featuring local favorites—from island rock to classical quartets. Shows begin at 6 PM. Sept 4 – Righteous Roots (Island Rock Favorites). Sept 11 – Chris Crosby Group (Classic Rock & 80’s Hits). Oct 2 – Lowcountry Piano Quartet (Contemporary Classical) & Oct 9 – Southbound 17 (Alt Country/Folk Duets)

Fundraiser at Bowens Island | September 14 for the Lowcountry Marine Mammal Network

Join the Lowcountry Marine Mammal Network for a FIN-tastic afternoon at the Bowens Island Restaurant Dockhouse on Sunday, September 14 from 1–4 PM. Enjoy a classic Lowcountry boil, live music, raffles, and dockside views, all while supporting dolphin and marine mammal conservation in Charleston. Tickets for 21+ adults start at $65.87.

Log Pile Surf Contest | October 3–5 on Folly Beach Folly’s favorite surf showdown returns! Watch top longboarders compete over three days of waves, talent, and community energy. Bring your beach chair and enjoy the ride. Free and open to the public. 

Mermaids & Mateys Festival | October 4–5th 

Folly Beach turns into a swashbuckling, sea-sparkled celebration during the annual Mermaids & Mateys Festival. Expect pirate parades, mermaid sightings, costume contests, live music, local vendors, and family-friendly fun all weekend long. Don’t forget your best sea-inspired attire!

 


What’s the Weather Like in Charleston, SC in September?

September in Charleston brings a gentle shift from the peak heat of summer into early fall. While it’s still warm and humid, with highs in the mid-80s to low 90s, the evenings start to cool off just enough to make outdoor dinners and sunset strolls feel a little more refreshing. Occasional rain showers are still common, especially early in the month, so pack light layers, a poncho or umbrella, and plenty of sun protection.

 

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