We know it’s still September, but Oktoberfest has officially kicked off in Charleston. Keep reading to discover festive events featuring specialty beer and live music happening now through October.
Meeting at Market | Now-Sunday, Oct. 6 | Times vary | Charleston Place | Price of purchase | Savor traditional German beers and dishes like bratwurst and soft pretzels, available for a limited time, all made to celebrate the spirit of the world’s largest beer festival
Sharktoberfest | Sat., Sept. 28 | 12 p.m. | Indigo Reef Brewing Co. | Free | Wear your best Oktoberfest attire and enjoy beer releases like Sharktoberfest and Bella’s Helles and join the Steinholding competition for a chance to win an IRBC gift card.
Enjoy tunes from the Hans Schmidt German Band.
|
Photo by Chris Ackerman
Oktoberfest at Hotel Bennett | Friday, Oct. 4- Sunday, Oct. 6 | Times vary | Hotel Bennett (Gabrielle Plaza) | Free entry | Festivities include German-inspired dishes, craft beers, daily Stein Hoisting competitions, and live music from the Hans Schmidt German Band.
New Realm Oktoberfest | Sat., Oct. 5 | 3-11:30 p.m. | New Realm Brewing Co. | Free | Experience Bavarian culture with authentic German beers, Bavarian fare, live music, and fun activities like a yodeling contest, Dachshund pageant, and an all-day Kid’s Zone.
Bay Street Biergarten Oktoberfest | Sat., Oct. 5 | 11 a.m.- 6 p.m. | Bay Street Biergarten | $20 | After its opening Oktoberfest ceremony last week, the closing ceremony will be next weekend with live music, games, and the annual Stein Hoisting Competition.
Rusty Bull Brewing Oktoberfest | Sat., Oct. 5 | 4-7 p.m. | Rusty Bull Brewing Co. | Free | Join the Oktoberfest Olympics — teams of four will compete in games like axe throwing and the “Floor is Lava” for a $300 prize.
Share House and Bodega’s Oktoberfest | Saturday, Oct. 19 | 1-8 p.m. | Free entry| This street fest features food vendors, all-day beer from Samuel Adams, and live music.
Mystery & Mayhem: Penny Goetjen Appearance & Book Signing | Thursday, Sept. 26 | 5-8 p.m. | Firefly Distillery, North Charleston | Free entry | This award-winning mystery author will be celebrating the release of her new novel “Deadly Ripples.”
Pint Night with Gift of Adoption | Thursday, Sept. 26 | 5-9 p.m. | Two Blokes Brewing, Mount Pleasant | Price of purchase | Help make a difference one pint at a time with $1 from every pint sold donated to the Gift of Adoption nonprofit.
Friday, Sept. 27
Mixology Class with Traveling Spirits Bar Service | Friday, Sept. 27 | 5-6:30 p.m. | Striped Pig Distillery, North Charleston | $50 | Learn how to craft tequila cocktails using premium spirits from Striped Pig Distillery.
Holy City Halloween | Friday, Sept. 27-Saturday, Nov. 2 | Times vary | Holy City Halloween | $25+ | Celebrate all things spooky and fun as the old Woolfe Street Play House transforms into a realm of terror.
Paint Party | Friday, Sept. 27 | 7-9 p.m. | Musical Theatre Center, Mount Pleasant | $30 | Get ready to unleash your inner artist with a night of creativity, music, and colorful masterpieces.
CofC’s “Home” | Friday, Sept. 27-Saturday, Oct. 5 | Times vary | Simons Center for the Arts | $15+ | This story follows a young farmhand who is content working on his family’s land until a series of unfortunate events sets him off track.
Saturday, Sept. 28
HYLO x SHARE HOUSE | Saturday, Sept. 28 | 9-10:30 a.m. | Share House | $15 | Grab a buddy and get ready for a fun and sweaty HIIT to YOGA class — Every ticket comes with a drink voucher.
A Cup of History at Drayton Hall: The Way of Tea | Saturday, Sept. 28 | 1-3:30 p.m. | Drayton Hall | $100+ | Learn about the history of tea, taste prized teas produced in China using centuries-old traditional methods, and experience Cha Dao, The Way of Tea.
Saturday, Oct. 26
Trick Treat and Trail Family Fun Run/Walk and Stroll | Saturday, Oct. 26 | 10 a.m.-2 p.m. | Wannamaker County Park, North Charleston | $20+ | Gather your crew for a spooktacular 5K fun run/walk featuring trick-or-treating, ghoulish entertainment, face painting, and carnival-style drinks + refreshments.*
📖 The Charleston Literary Festival is a real page-turner
This year’s festival boasts 37 events and will take place at the historic Dock Street Theatre. | Photos provided by Charleston Literary Festival, Inc.
Bookmark your calendars for the 2024 Charleston Literary Festival, happening Friday Nov. 1-Sunday, Nov. 10. Head to Dock Street Theatre to hear from world-class authors, including:
Nikki Giovanni | Internationally-renowned poet and activist
Claire Messud | Wrote “This Strange Eventful History” + was nominated for the 2024 Booker Prize
Rachel Kushner | Wrote “Creation Lake” + was nominated for the 2024 Booker Prize
Colm Tóibín | Wrote “Long Island,” an Oprah’s Book Club Pick
Governor McMaster declared a State of Emergency for SC due to Hurricane Helene. The storm is expected to bring strong winds, significant rainfall, flash flooding, and an increased risk of isolated tornadoes. Stay informed by monitoring local forecasts and checking our hurricane guide.
Development
West Ashley’s Sumar Street development received final approval from the city council. The plans include green space, bike + pedestrian paths, and affordable housing. Construction is set to begin next year. (WCBD)
Real Estate
Fenland, a future build-to-rent community of marsh-front townhomes on Daniel Island, has broken ground. The development will feature 50 three-and four-bedroom townhomes with amenities like a private pool and community grill + fire pit. Leasing begins early next year, with move-ins expected by spring 2025.
Edu
The US Department of Education named two Charleston County District schools (CCSD) — Academic Magnet High School and Buist Academy — National Blue Ribbon Schools. The award recognizes overall academic performance or progress in closing achievement gaps among student groups. CCSD now has 13 National Blue Ribbon Schools. (WCSC)
Active
Get ready to lace up. Mex 1 Coastal Cantina has launched the new Sullivan’s Island Run Club. Every Monday at 6 p.m., runners of all paces can enjoy a one-to three-mile route, followed by post-run camaraderie at Mex 1 — plus, we heard there will be drink specials.
Development
St. Andrews Public Service District announced a new firehouse facility will break ground next Thursday, Oct. 3. It will be located on Old Parsonage Road and will replace Firehouse Engine Company 3. (WCSC)
Community
Join runners and walkers of all levels for the Holiday Festival of Lights Fun Run and Walk on Wednesday, Nov. 13, and Thursday, Nov. 14. Participants will get an exclusive preview of the Holiday Festival of Lights before it opens to the public. This non-competitive two-mile event is $38 per car.
Plan ahead
Big Bounce America’s tour stops in Charleston from Friday, Oct. 18 to Sunday, Oct. 20 at the Woodlands Nature Reserve. Tickets include access to seven inflatable attractions, including a 24,000-sqft bounce house. (WCIV)
Cause
Did you know? When you donate blood, you can save lives andget rewarded (think: gift cards). The Blood Connection hosts blood drives across the Lowcountry seven days a week, making it convenient to find a location + give back. Make an appointment.*
Wellness
Looking for a way to recharge and refresh? Enter: IV infusion therapy at interveneMD. From immune-boosting blends to migraine relief and more, interveneMD offers a variety of wellness-centered infusions. See the options.*
Finance
Experts say thousands of folks with credit card debt are flocking to this leading card, which now offers 0% interest on balance transfers and purchases until nearly 2026. Pay down debts + avoid fees? Sounds like a fall must-do.*
Beauty
You don’t have to break the bank to attain strong, silky-soft hair. Pantene’s Keratin Leave-In Conditioner can repair split ends + protect against future damage for less than $20.*
Closing
Saying goodbye to a local gem
Cru Café announces its last day of operation
Cru Café opened its doors in 2002. | Photo provided by Andrew Cebulka
It’s the end of an era for a Lowcountry staple on Pinckney Street. Cru Café has announced it is closing after 23 years. The news was shared by owner and Executive Chef John Zucker via an open letter to guests.
Zucker explained that the decision to close was due to staffing challenges. “Right now, the industry is in the middle of a storm that we just can’t fight anymore.”
Zucker also confirmed that its sister business, Cru Catering, will remain open saying “it’s a hard thing to close the doors of a place that’s been part of your life for 23 years. But it’s also the right thing. Cru Catering, our sister business, is flourishing – and it’s time for me to focus my energy on that, on my family, and on the future.”
Visitors can still stop by Cru Café before it closes its doors for good. The last day of service is Saturday, Sept. 28.
A set of glass cups with bamboo lids and straws. These fan-favorite drinking cups are great for ciders, mocktails, and cocktails, plus they’re perfect for year-round iced coffee fans (we know you’re out there).
Heads up to all my foodies + book lovers. Tomorrow, Sept. 27, pop-up restaurant The Little will be at Philosophers and Fools from 4 to 8 p.m. or until sold out. Enjoy a selection of à la carte, in-season small plates, along with wine pairings and book recommendations.
Content marked with an * is paid advertising. Content marked with an ^ is created by our content studio. The company may also generate commission from affiliate links in the newsletter.