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👻 Scary attractions
Do you enjoy thrilling fun? | Photo by @bymatthewfortner
October is a time for harvest and fall fun, but we can’t forget about the scary side of the season. With Halloween approaching, the Holy City offers several options for those who are brave enough to enjoy a good scare. Keep reading for some thrilling attractions.
Brace yourself for an evening of terror — if you dare. This year’s three attractions are Ward 8, where you venture into the haunted halls of an abandoned asylum, Phobia Face Your Fears, where you navigate through a dark circus, and The Fall Out, which rides deep in the woods.
Step into the chilling world of the Midnight Butcher at Charleston’s historic Ice Plant and Slaughterhouse. Travel back to the late 1800s, where a mysterious curse haunts the building. Explore the maze-like halls and meet a cast of characters. With immersive storytelling and plenty of thrills, will you make it through?
Pro tip: There is a family-friendly version of Holy City Halloween for children.
Check out Charleston’s premier haunted house experience. This horror attraction features scary encounters. The production uses special effects, lighting, and sound to create a bone-chilling atmosphere for an interactive experience.
Halloween takes a turn in this experience where participants time travel through different periods of history. To progress through each era, you must complete interactive challenges and find hidden doors and passageways to escape back to reality.
Events
Events
Wednesday, Oct. 16
Owlbear October Book Club | 6-8 p.m. | Owlbear Cafe, Mount Pleasant | $38 | Meet with fellow book club members, dine, and discuss “When Women Were Dragons by Kelly Barnhill.”
Cooking with Chef Rebecca | 10 a.m.-2 p.m. | Hanahan Library | Free | Children aged three years and older and their parents will gain basic kitchen skills while making easy recipes using simple ingredients.
Thursday, Oct. 17
Oktoberfest with Bevi Bene | Thursday, Oct. 17-Sunday, Nov. 3 | Times vary | The Charleston Place | Free entry | Embrace the spirit of Oktoberfest with Bevi Bene’s Marzen brew on draft.
Swipe Right Singles Night | 6-9 p.m. | Firefly Distillery, North Charleston | $15 | Meet your potential matches while enjoying a lively night out with live music, cocktails or mocktails, and icebreaker games.
Friday, Oct. 18
Movie Night in the Park | 7-8:30 p.m. | Daniel Island Waterfront Park | Free entry | Come out and bring your lawn chairs and beach blankets for a movie night under the stars, featuring the Disney film, “Lilo & Stitch.”
Saturday, Nov. 9
Holy Smokes BBQ Festival | Saturday, Nov. 9 | 11 a.m.-4 p.m. | Riverfront Park | $95-$250 | Spend the day indulging in all-you-can-eat barbecue from 50+ of the country’s top pitmasters and chefs while enjoying live music at Riverfront Park.*
See what Nicholas Sparks has to say about Asheboro, NC
Presented by Heart of North Carolina Visitors Bureau
“Counting Miracles” is currently a top New York Times bestseller. | Photo provided by Heart of North Carolina Visitors Bureau
There’s a reason famed author Nicholas Sparks chose Asheboro, NC to be the ideal location for his newest book, “Counting Miracles.”
“North Carolina has been my home and a source of inspiration for many years,” said Sparks, whose books are predominantly set in quaint NC towns. “Asheboro is the perfect setting for ‘Counting Miracles.’ I hope readers feel inspired to visit and see all that Asheboro has to offer.”
Blackbird, a New York-based restaurant loyalty app, recently celebrated officially launching in the Holy City. The app rewards diners for visiting local restaurants, bars, and coffee shops. It aims to have 50 Charleston-area restaurants on board by the end of the year, with over 30 already participating. (Charleston City Paper)
Open
Folly Beach unveiled its Rainbow Bridge at the community center near Lost Dog Café. Modeled after the “Rainbow Bridge” poem, the bridge is painted in rainbow colors, allowing visitors to memorialize their pets by attaching collars and tags to the rail.
Cause
The Charleston International Airport is going pink today for Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Employees will wear pink and decorate the airport, with special merch available in Central Hall starting at 11 a.m. Proceeds benefit the Susan G. Komen Foundation, supporting advocacy and resources for breast cancer patients.
Pets
Mount Pleasant is reintroducing “Leash Up, MTP” to promote responsible pet ownership and public safety. Pets must be leashed in all public spaces, and dogs and cats must wear a collar or harness with a rabies vaccination tag issued by a licensed veterinarian. (WCBD)
Festival
Mount Pleasant’s OPIE Drive-Thru Grocery & Café hosts its free Annual Fall Harvest Festival on Saturday, Oct. 19, from 3 to 6 p.m. Enjoy OPIE’s signature Rocket Meal, the giant pumpkin jam castle, games, swag, and Oktoberfest beer at this family-friendly event.
Active
The Chili 5K Run + Walk takes place at Laurel Hill County Park on Saturday, Nov. 2, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Open to all skill levels, participants can enjoy a bowl of chili at the finish line. Registration is $38 and ends Oct. 30.
Sports
Game, set, match.Ticket packages for the 2025 Charleston Open are now available. The tournament, running from Saturday, March 29 to Sunday, April 6, and will feature top-ranked players like Jessica Pegula and Emma Navarro.
Community
Join the third annual Toby’s Spooktacular Beach Sweep at Folly Beach on Sunday, Oct. 27, from 1 to 3 p.m. Help Toby the Turtle, the City of Folly Beach, and SC Aquarium sweep the beach and streets to collect litter. The afterparty at Lowlife Bar follows from 3 to 7 p.m
Cause
Our hearts are heavy for our friends, family, and team members affected by the destruction of Hurricane Helene and its aftermath. If you’re able, please consider donating to BeLoved Asheville, supporting food and water distribution, clothing and supply deliveries, and debris cleanup across Western North Carolina.
Plan Ahead
Best of Broadway’s “Beetlejuice” stops at the North Charleston Performing Arts Center from Tuesday, March 25 through Sunday, March 30. The show, based on Tim Burton’s film, is a musical comedy. Tickets go on sale Monday, Oct. 21 at 10 a.m. (Holy City Sinner)
Imagine sitting in a busy cafe surrounded by chatter and music, yet hearing every word of the conversation crystal clear. With this revolutionary hearing aid, background noise fades, and the voices you care about come through with perfect clarity.*
Number
$125. That’s how much you can save on the HP Smart Tank 6001 printer for a limited time. Bonus: A two-year supply of ink is included with your purchase.*
Holiday
✨All of the lights
Don’t miss this beloved Charleston holiday tradition. | Photo provided by Charleston County Parks
Guests can enjoy a three-mile display featuring over 750 light exhibits, ride the Festival Express train, explore a 50-ton sand sculpture, roast marshmallows, and attend special events on select nights. Santa will make nightly appearances beginning opening night through Monday, Dec. 23.
Pro Tip: Save by purchasing tickets online in advance, and Charleston County Parks recommends booking for green or yellow nights to avoid long wait times.
The Buy
The Buy
An easy Halloween costume — snag these Inside Out t-shirts and have the whole family dress up as Disgust, Anger, Anxiety, and your other favorite emotions for a hilarious and topical group look.
Speaking of scary attractions, have you visited the Old City Jail on Magazine Street since it reopened last year? I have, and it was definitely an unforgettable experience. The jail operated from 1802 until 1939 and housed some of the city’s most infamous criminals, pirates, and prisoners. Take a tour for a seriously memorable experience.
Answered
Answered
Which is the better fall flavor — apple or pumpkin?
