Funnel cakes, freshly squeezed lemonade, and fried foods galore — this could only mean one thing: the Coastal Carolina Fair is back. The annual days-long event is in town from Thursday, Oct. 31 until Sunday, Nov. 10. Keep reading for a guide to all things food, entertainment, and fall fun.
Deep fried feast
As always, expect a lot of food — typically fried — throughout the fairgrounds, including elephant ears, corndogs, fried Oreos, and pickle pizza (we’ll come back to this).
But the fair wouldn’t be the fair without a new concoction. This year we’re looking forward to the glazed donut coffee float and the Cinnamon Toast Crunch funnel cake. If you’re feeling brave you could try the Hot Cheetos + nacho cheese funnel cake.
Now, back to the pickles. This zesty treat is taking over. Not only is the pickle pizza returning, but pickle-infused drinks will make their debut along with fried pickle mac n’ cheese, sweet + spicy cheese puff fried pickles, and pickle funnel cake.
Quick facts
- Tickets are available online | Score a deal on 2-fer Tuesday, Senior Citizen Day, Military + First Responders Appreciation Day, and Circle K Bring a Friend Free Day.
- Double-check the hours before you head out
- Parking is available around the fairgrounds, including a designated handicapped parking site.
Note: There is a clear bag policy in effect.
Events + entertainment
From a petting zoo to rides, shows + competitions and everything in between — there is no shortage of things to do. Here are a few highlights:
- Fine Art Show | Oct. 31-Nov. 10 | All day | Exchange Hall | Check out the work of talented local artists from Beaufort, Berkeley, Charleston, Colleton, Dorchester, and Georgetown counties.
- Chili Cook-Off | Nov. 2-Nov. 7, | 3-7 p.m. | Cultural Arts Building | Who will be this year’s winner of the best chili? Head to one of the three preliminary rounds followed by the finals to find out.
- Fiddle Contest | Nov. 8 | 1 p.m. | Parkway Stage | $8 | Register to join the fiddle contest featuring adult, high school, and youth divisions with a cash prize on the line.
- Bull riding | Nov. 4-Nov. 7 | 7 p.m. | Cheer on bull riders from across the country and Canada.
Local talent along with folks from out of town will put on shows at Lakefront Stage.
Concert lineup:
- Elise Testone | Thursday, Oct. 31 | 7:30 p.m.
- Travis Denning | Friday, Nov. 1 | 8 p.m.
- Diamond Rio | Saturday, Nov. 2 | 8 p.m.
- Los EX de la Banda | Sunday, Nov. 3 | 5:30 p.m.
- Southern Soul Night | Monday, Nov. 4 | 7 p.m.
- Twist on Taylor | Tuesday, Nov. 5 | 6 p.m
- The Yacht Club | Wednesday, Nov. 6 | 7:30 p.m.
- The Bacon Brothers | Friday., Nov. 8 | 8 p.m.
- Drew Baldridge | Saturday., Nov. 9 | 8 p.m.
- Parris Island Marine Band | Sunday, Nov. 10 | 5 p.m.
History
The longtime event began as the Charleston County Fair in 1922 at its original location at College Park on Rutledge Avenue.
Between 1924 and 1978, the fair was held at several locations, including the grounds of the Charleston Rifle Club, Marion Square + across from the Johnson Hagood Stadium — where the first Coastal Carolina Fair was held.
In 1979, the Coastal Carolina Fair moved to Ladson where it has grown into an autumn staple — and one of our favorite activities each year.
Giving back
More than $10 million in fair proceeds have been donated to the community since 2003. Check out some of the local initiatives + organizations that the fair supports, including the Dee Norton Child Advocacy Center, the Lowcountry Food Bank, and Dorchester Habitat for Humanity.
