Get ready to cross things off your Charleston fall bucket list

There’s nothing quite like fall in Charleston. We’ve got you covered with all the best festivals, events, and other activities happening throughout the Holy City.

Boone Hall Pumpkin Patch in Charleston, SC

We’re looking forward to all the fall and Halloween festivities at Boone Hall.

Photo by @theashleysadventures

Table of Contents

Feel that cooler air? It’s almost fall — and to help you take full advantage of the festive, cozy season, we’ve compiled our fall bucket list, complete with all sorts of events and activities to try around Charleston.

Activities

Attend an outdoor movie
Enjoy a Halloween movie under the stars. On Friday, Oct. 3 from 7 to 9 p.m., head to Waterfront Park on Daniel Island for a free screening of “Hotel Transylvania.” Or head down to HWY 21 DRIVE-IN THEATER in Beaufort for a classic drive-in movie experience.

Carve a pumpkin
Nothing says fall like decorating pumpkins. While several places around town host pumpkin carving and painting events, we recommend trying out the Pumpkin Carving with Goats experience at Flowertown Charm in Summerville. The pumpkin carving will last through Halloween.

Celebrate Oktoberfest
You can join one of the world’s biggest festivals right here in the Lowcountry. Several breweries, restaurants, and hotels will host events. On Saturday, Sept. 20 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. we recommend checking out Bay Street Biergarten’s opening ceremony.

A smiling person poses with their face through a painted scarecrow cutout at a lively fall festival. People stroll nearby, tents and pumpkins decorate the background, and a crow perches playfully.

Visiting the Boone Hall Pumpkin Patch brings out Newsletter Editor Callie’s inner child.

Photo by CHStoday

Farms

As we get closer to Halloween, pumpkin patches will start to pop up. There is something nostalgic about traipsing through the dirt + vines and picking out the perfect pumpkin to carve into a jack-o-lantern. Check out five of our favorite patches from last fall, and stay tuned as more spots release details.

Starting Wednesday, Oct. 1, you can make plans to visit West Farm Corn Maze. You’ll have a blast getting lost with your friends and family. While you’re there, enjoy some fall treats, pick out a pumpkin, and enjoy the animals.

Food + drinks

Need a taste of fall? Head to Vintage Coffee Cafe to try the house-made apple cider donut syrup in your coffee. While you’re at it, pick up a homemade apple cider donut, too.

Haunted houses + ghost tours

Are you brave enough? If so, head to Mount Pleasant for Boone Hall Fright Nights, South Carolina’s largest haunted event featuring several themed haunted houses and a haunted hayride.

History meets Halloween. The USS Yorktown Ghost Tour lets you climb aboard the aircraft carrier at night to hear the stories of those who lived and are still rumored to be aboard today.

Halloween parties

Mark your calendar: on Saturday, Oct. 25, Skinful Halloween, a costume party, will return to Building 64 in North Charleston. Look forward to performances from Waka Flocka Flame + DJ Whoo Kid, dancing, circus acts, and art installations.

Stay tuned, we’ll update this article with family-friendly community trick-or-treating (and fun alternatives) as soon as those details are made avaible.

More from CHStoday
Join the annual event, Charleston by Design, to explore history through the lens of art and design.
CHStoday had the chance to chat with Oscar from One Beautiful Question about what inspires him and his work.
From award-wining country artists to chart-topping bands, there’s no shortage of concerts to enjoy live music in the Holy City this year — use this guide to find your next concert.
Spicewalla, an Asheville-based spice brand, is helping you add the flavors you love (from Chef Shuai Wang’s North Charleston restaurants) to your pantry.
The new rooftop restaurant will overlook the Cooper River and offer coastal Italian dishes.
The waterfront home in Riverland Terrace was owned by the Halsey family of WB Halsey Lumber Company.
The land and building set to house a new Mount Pleasant restaurant and event space, Frank & Jack’s, have been listed.
This downtown bookshop, Philosophers & Fools, is inviting the Charleston community to celebrate two years of drinks, snacks, and books.
Carolopolis Awards honor both private and public projects that preserve that history.
V Modern Italian aims to “feed your senses,” from the bites to the DJ-curated soundtrack, every detail comes together for a fully immersive experience.