November Events in Charleston

One of Charleston’s best traditions, First Friday Artwalks are a way of debuting the city’s vibrant art scene. This special occasion occurs on the first Friday of every month (excluding January and July) and highlights dozens of art galleries and studios across the entire city. This is your chance to check out local art studios and mingle with local artists.

Head to Johns Island County Park for a day of live bluegrass, pumpkin decorating, kids’ crafts, hayrides, and more! Savor Southern delights like Carolina barbecue and kettle corn, and browse the crafters market for holiday gifts. Gates open at 11 am, with music starting at 12 pm. Bring chairs or blankets, but leave coolers and outside alcohol at home. Dogs on leashes are welcome, and smoking or vaping is prohibited. Purchase your tickets now!

Enjoy 50+ celebrity chef demos and beverage seminars, 4 grand tastings with 100+ brands and restaurants, and access to exclusive events!

Every second Sunday of the month from noon until 5 pm, the City of Charleston shuts down King Street from Queen to Calhoun to through traffic. In addition, no cars are allowed to park, giving pedestrians the ability to stroll through the street and visit businesses they might not have known about. There are also artists displaying their work on the street and unique food vendors tempting guests with their fare.

Join Deep Water Vineyard for their Weekend Wine-Downs every Saturday, rain or shine! Enjoy $15 wine tastings (hourly, includes a souvenir glass), sip fun drinks from their patio bar—like wine slushies, mead, and mimosas—and relax with live music and rotating food trucks. Bring the whole crew: kids are welcome, and well-behaved, leashed dogs can roam the grounds with you. Lawn games, friendly animals, and good vibes await!

The Charleston Literary Festival is a boutique literary festival that highlights and celebrates unique authors in unique settings. Venues this year include the Dock Street Theatre and the new International African American Museum. Against the backdrop of Charleston’s charming streets and rich history, guests have the chance to learn more about the history of the Holy City as they enjoy their love for literature.

Head to Park Circle for action-packed fun! Enjoy a Car & Bike Show, national and international music acts, and Pinup, Tattoo, and Beard & Mustache Contests.

Holy Smokes BBQ Fest returns to Riverfront Park on November 8, bringing together 50+ top pitmasters and chefs for a celebration of American barbecue. Set on the Cooper River, the festival features four barbecue villages—Texas, Traditional, New School, and Coastal—alongside live music, great food, and riverside views.

The Steeplechase of Charleston offers a thrilling day of horse racing, live entertainment, local food trucks, and holiday shopping at the Merchant Market. With tailgating, VIP access, and family-friendly fun—including the beloved Corgi Cup—it’s a Sunday not to miss.

Now in its 11th year, The Nosh invites the Charleston community to celebrate Jewish food, music, and culture along pedestrian-only Hasell Street. Enjoy classic favorites like corned beef and pastrami sandwiches, knishes, stuffed cabbage, bagels with lox, matzo ball soup, challah, and more—plus Dr. Brown’s sodas and homemade baked goods.

All proceeds benefit KKBE’s historic synagogue. Enjoy live Klezmer music from The Kleztonians, tours of the sanctuary, and family-friendly fun in the Kid Zone. Come hungry and feed your soul!

Colonial Lake transforms into a festive wonderland as more than 500 luminaries light up the pathways with a warm holiday glow. Families can enjoy children’s activities, craft stations, and delicious bites from local food trucks before gathering at 6:00 p.m. for the highlight of the evening—Mayor William Cogswell leading the holiday tree lighting at the center of the lake.

Embrace the magic of the holiday season at the Charleston Holiday Festival of Lights, a cherished annual event held at James Island County Park in Charleston, South Carolina. This enchanting festival transforms the park into a winter wonderland, bedecked with millions of dazzling lights. Visitors can stroll or drive through a three-mile tour featuring the city’s finest light displays. They also feature a sculpture made from 50 tons of sand, a holiday train, an enchanted walking trail, a Victorian carousel, Santa Claus, Santa’s sweet shop, gift shops, marshmallow roasting, and more! Get your tickets today for this heartwarming, family-friendly experience that captures the true spirit of the season!

Check out the South Carolina Aquarium from a whole new perspective with Aquarium Aglow. This one-of-a-kind event has quickly become a Charleston holiday tradition. Aquarium Aglow is an intricate light show that stretches throughout the aquarium. Using thousands of lights and an array of colors, the aquarium transforms its space into something truly magical. This memorable event is ticketed, with prices varying depending on the day you plan to attend.