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. 30, until Sunday, Nov. 9. 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, and fried Oreos.
But the fair wouldn’t be the fair without a new concoction. This year, we’re looking forward to the Cheerwine Dream — a creamy, cherry-flavored dessert drink topped with whipped cream — find it at the Moose Joose Slush Trailer.
We also have our fingers crossed that the pickle pizza will return.
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. 30 - Nov. 9 | All day | Exchange Hall | Check out the work of talented local artists from Beaufort, Berkeley, Charleston, Colleton, Dorchester, and Georgetown counties.
- Chili Cook-Off | Oct. 32 - Nov. 6 | Times vary | 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. 9 | 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. 3-Nov. 6 | Times vary | 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:
- Colt Ford | Thursday, Oct. 30 | 7:30 p.m.
- The Yacht Club | Friday, Oct. 31 | 8 p.m.
- George Birge| Saturday, Nov. 1 | 8 p.m.
- La Alianza Nortena | Sunday, Nov. 2 | 5:30 p.m.
- Southern Soul Night | Monday, Nov. 3 | 7 p.m.
- Bluffett | Tuesday, Nov. 4 | 7:30 p.m
- Craig Campbell | Wednesday, Nov. 6 | 7:30 p.m.
- Queen Nation | Friday, Nov. 7 | 8 p.m.
- Preston Cooper | Saturday, Nov. 8 | 8 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 1957, the Exchange Club assumed ownership of the fair, and 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
Did you know? All the profits from the fair go to community organizations. This year, the Exchange Club of Charleston presented awards that totaled ~$950,000 to 73 local non-profits at its community service luncheon. The Coastal Carolina Fair is the club’s primary fundraiser.
More than $11 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.
