Events

Meet your favorite young adult authors at YALLFest 2023

Dozens of panels, signings, and smackdowns are free and open to the public at YALLFest.

November 7, 2022 • 
Tatum Jacaruso, Jessalin Heins-Nagamoto
unnamfed.jpeg

Explore the Blue Bicycle Books tent during the festival.

Photo provided by YALLFest

Table of Contents
Events
Authors
Get involved

YALLFest, Charleston’s Young Adult Book Festival, is back for its 12th year this Friday, Nov. 10-Saturday, Nov. 11. Look forward to over 70 authors and a packed schedule of panels + signings that will spark your imagination.

Want to learn how Holly Black crafts the perfect thrilling tale? Still crying over Adam Silvera’s latest book? Read on for more fest highlights.

Events

  • YALLCrawl | Friday, Nov. 10 | 2 p.m. | Locations vary | Free | Spend your afternoon crawling up different local businesses. Select authors, including Amélie Wen Zhao + Adam Silvera, will sign their books in shops along King Street.
  • Sweet Sweet Fantasy Baby: So Many Faves in One Panel | Saturday, Nov. 11 | 11 a.m. | Charleston Music Hall, 37 John St. | Free | Fantasy favorites like Kendare Blake, Victoria Aveyard, and Bethany Baptiste will be on this panel.
  • Page Turners: Building Tension and Thrilling Readers | Saturday, Nov. 11 | 12 p.m. | Charleston Music Hall, 37 John St. | Free | Adam Silvera moderates this conversation with Alex Aster, Holly Black, Hafsah Faizal, Maureen Johnson, and Trang Thanh Tran.
  • YA Smackdown 2023 | Saturday, Nov. 11 | 6 p.m. | Charleston Music Hall, 37 John St. | $12 | Come see your favorite authors on stage with host Soman Chainani (“School for Good and Evil”) for games, laughs, and dancing during this YALLFest tradition.

We couldn’t possibly list all the YALL events. See the full schedule.

Authors

  • Zoraida Córdova | The author of “The Inheritance of Orquídea Divina” (and over two dozen other novels) will be signing books and appearing on panels.
  • Leigh Bardugo | Another keynote speaker this year, Bardugo is a New York Times bestselling author of Ninth House. If you’re planning on attending her signing, be sure to read the guidelines.
  • Adam Silvera | You can catch this New York Times bestselling author moderating panel events and signing books.

There are plenty more authors to check out — like Rebekah Weatherspoon, Cassandra Clare, and Chloe Gong. Read the full roster.

Get involved

YALLFest needs dozens of volunteers to make each festival happen. If you’re a local interested in getting involved, visit the volunteer page to apply for possible opportunities and get contact information. You can also make a donation.

Events
A smiling man in a navy blazer and white shirt stands outside in a sunlit area, surrounded by greenery and white columns. He has short curly hair and a neatly groomed beard.
Festivals
Q+A with Mena Mark Hanna, General Director + CEO of Spoleto Festival USA
Mena Mark Hanna shares what’s new, what’s exciting, and why Spoleto Festival USA 2025 is a can’t-miss.
May 28, 2025
 · 
Erika Ross
Woman in denim jacket raising hands in victory and standing up from her bingo table, with people clapping in the background
Sponsored
Gay Bingo is back, just in time for Pride Month
This Palmetto Community Care fundraiser is making its return to Charleston after a three-year hiatus — and this year, tickets are all-inclusive.
Sponsored by
celebration with streamers for spoleto festival
Festivals
Spoleto Festival USA returns with 100+ performances across Charleston
From jazz and opera to dance and physical theater, here’s one can’t-miss Spoleto Festival USA event from each genre to help you plan your festival lineup.
May 20, 2025
 · 
Erika Ross
CHStoday Piccolo Palette
Events
Free and festive: Your guide to several 2025 Piccolo Spoleto’s complimentary events
From outdoor concerts and art exhibitions to sand sculpting and potlucks, explore some of the best regional and local talent with these can’t-miss Piccolo Spoleto free events running May 23 through June 8.
May 20, 2025
 · 
Erika Ross
A guest holds an open cocktail passport, showcasing stops on the Moonlight Martini Trail. In the background, a vibrant pickle martini garnished with dill and pickles rests on a polished bar. The scene blends elegance and creativity, highlighting a unique cocktail experience with curated drinks from local establishments.
Food
Visit six of Charleston’s top martini spots with The Loutrel’s Moonlight Martini Trail
The Moonlight Martini Trail highlights six downtown restaurants + bars that feature signature martinis — if you try them all, you can earn deals + a chance to win a stay at The Loutrel.
May 9, 2025
 · 
Callie Putnam
Two women smile brightly at a social gathering. One, wearing a name tag labeled "Amanda," holds a Mahjong tile rack, suggesting they’re playing the game. Both wear pink-themed outfits and accessories. Behind them, a table with snacks and drinks, colorful artwork, and headbands creates a cheerful, creative atmosphere.
Business
11 Charleston small businesses to help you get the party started
Life has so many moments worth celebrating, so naturally, there are so many reasons to plan parties and get-togethers — consider using a few Charleston small businesses for your next event.
May 7, 2025
 · 
Callie Putnam
Load More