22 Things to Do in Charleston This Week · September 3–6, 2026

Festivals & Special Events

Haunted City Night

An evening ghost and history experience at Joseph P. Riley Jr. Park for those who want to explore Charleston's darker side.

Thursday, September 3, 2026 · Joseph P. Riley Jr. Park

Lowcountry Jazz Festival

South Carolina's premier jazz event kicks off on Labor Day weekend with performances from world-class jazz musicians at the Charleston Gaillard Center.

Friday, September 4, 2026 · Charleston Gaillard Center

2nd Annual Taco & Margarita Festival

Margaritas, tacos, local food trucks, vendors, live DJs, games and performances fill Riverfront Park for this second annual outdoor festival.

Saturday, September 5, 2026 11:00 AM · Riverfront Park, North Charleston

Retroland Market

A vintage and retro-themed pop-up market at Music Farm offering unique finds from local and regional vendors.

Saturday, September 12, 2026 · Music Farm

R&B Picnic and Cooler Festival 2026

An outdoor R&B-themed picnic and cooler festival at Jenkins on the Ashley, bringing music and good vibes to a waterfront setting.

Saturday, September 12, 2026 4:00 PM · Jenkins on the Ashley

Music & Nightlife

NEEDTOBREATHE – The Long Surrender Tour

Charleston-born NEEDTOBREATHE headlines Firefly Distillery's 5-acre outdoor field for a marquee Labor Day weekend show with Drew & Ellie Holcomb.

Sunday, September 6, 2026 · Firefly Distillery, North Charleston

Labor Day Weekend with Highwater Honky | AC Scar Trio

Spend Labor Day Sunday evening at Paradiso Charleston with Highwater Honky and AC Scar Trio for a lively holiday-weekend send-off.

Sunday, September 6, 2026 5:00 PM · Paradiso Charleston

Cheekface w/ Catbite

Indie art-punk band Cheekface brings their wit and energy to Music Farm with ska-punk special guest Catbite.

Wednesday, September 9, 2026 8:00 PM · Music Farm

The Mars Volta

The acclaimed art-rock band performs with special guest Kianí Medina at the intimate Charleston Music Hall.

Wednesday, September 16, 2026 8:00 PM · Charleston Music Hall

Arts & Culture

Grease

Footlights Theatre presents the iconic musical following Sandy and Danny's romance, running select weekends this September.

Friday, September 4, 2026 · Charleston

Nurse John: Against Medical Advice Tour

Social media sensation and comedian Nurse John (12M+ followers) brings his national trauma-bonding tour to North Charleston for one night.

Thursday, September 10, 2026 7:30 PM · North Charleston Performing Arts Center

Sweetgrass Basket Weaving Workshop

Join local artisan Sarah Edwards-Hammond for an in-depth hands-on workshop on the Gullah Geechee tradition of sweetgrass basketry at the Charleston Museum.

Saturday, September 12, 2026 9:30 AM · The Charleston Museum

Date Night

Candlelight: Tribute to Taylor Swift

The Listeso String Quartet brings Taylor Swift's greatest hits to life in a stunning candlelit orchestral performance in a historic Charleston setting.

Friday, September 11, 2026 · Charleston (historic setting)

Stayin' Alive: One Night of the Bee Gees

The Stayin' Alive tribute band electrifies the Charleston Music Hall stage with the Bee Gees' multi-decade disco and pop catalog.

Saturday, September 12, 2026 7:30 PM · Charleston Music Hall

Sunset on the Stono: A Special Event at the Dill Sanctuary

Watch the sunset over the Stono River during this special evening event at the Charleston Museum's Dill Sanctuary on James Island.

Thursday, September 17, 2026 5:30 PM · Dill Sanctuary, James Island

Food & Drink

Motown Throwdown Sunday Brunch

Enjoy Motown live music alongside a farmers market and POHO Yoga session during this free Labor Day Sunday brunch event at Charleston Pour House.

Sunday, September 6, 2026 1:30 PM · Charleston Pour House

The Creators Room: Brunch Experience at the Charleston Fire Museum

S³ presents an elevated brunch experience at the Charleston Fire Museum featuring celebrity stylist Say Nikko, Chef Kendric, signature cocktails, and conversations around style and business.

Sunday, September 13, 2026 · Charleston Fire Museum

Free Events

Movies in the Park

An outdoor movie screening at American Gardens in Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Park — bring a blanket and enjoy cinema under the Charleston sky.

Thursday, September 3, 2026 · American Gardens, Joseph P. Riley Jr. Park

First Friday Art Walk

Stroll the King Street art galleries for free during downtown Charleston's monthly First Friday Art Walk featuring local and regional artists.

Friday, September 4, 2026 5:00 PM · King Street galleries, downtown Charleston

Outdoors & Active

Otter Flow: Morning Yoga at Charles Towne Landing

Start your morning with an outdoor yoga flow inside the scenic Charles Towne Landing State Historic Site.

Saturday, September 5, 2026 8:00 AM · Charles Towne Landing State Historic Site

Laurel Hill Walk and Ruby's Bagels

A community morning walk organized by Charleston Walk and Socialize, followed by bagels at Ruby's — a great way to explore local neighborhoods.

Saturday, September 5, 2026 8:30 AM · Laurel Hill

Family-Friendly

Discovery Day: Bugging Out at Dill Sanctuary

Kids and families head to the Dill Sanctuary to hunt for bugs, learn about creepy crawlies, and create critter catchers during this interactive Charleston Museum program.

Tuesday, September 8, 2026 10:00 AM · Dill Sanctuary, James Island