Thursday, August 20 - Sunday, August 23, 2026

Things to Do This Weekend in Charleston

There’s nothing like having something to look forward to. Whether it’s a scenic stroll, a night out, or a laid-back afternoon, we’ve gathered the best of Charleston’s weekend offerings so all you have to do is choose your favorite and enjoy.

Blues & BBQ (18)

Blues & BBQ Dinner Cruise

When: Thursday, August 20, 2026 | 7:00pm

Where: Charleston Maritime Center | 10 Wharfside Street, Charleston

Enjoy a relaxed evening on the water aboard the Charleston Princess, featuring live music, sweeping views of the Holy City, and a casual BBQ buffet. This fun, social cruise offers a laid-back alternative to a traditional dinner, complete with pulled pork, herb-marinated chicken, classic sides, and banana pudding, plus a full bar with beer, wine, and cocktails available for purchase.

Gibbes Museum of Art

Rodin, Monet, and Rosé with President and CEO Alex Rich

When: Thursday, August 20, 2026 | 4:00-5:30pm

Where: Gibbes Museum of Art | 135 Meeting Street, Charleston

Join Gibbes Museum President and CEO Alex Rich for an exclusive guided tour of Impression, Monet: Loans from the Gregg Turk Foundation and Rodin: All the Truth of Nature. Guests will enjoy a glass of rosé in the Campbell Rotunda before exploring these remarkable exhibitions and learning more about the works of Claude Monet and Auguste Rodin.

Charleston Library Society

What Dreams May Come

When: Thursday, August 20, 2026 | 6:00-7:00PM

Where: Charleston Library Society | 164 King Street, Charleston

Renowned saxophonist Caroline Leigh Halleck and pianist Greg Hankins return for an eclectic performance blending contemporary and classical music with jazz, pop, and folk. The duo will showcase original arrangements alongside works by acclaimed composer Caleb Burhans.

Counter Culture Coffee

Tasting at Ten

When: Friday, August 21, 2026 | 10:00-11:00am

Where: Counter Culture Coffee | 85 1/2 Spring Street, Charleston

Coffee lovers are invited to a complimentary tasting each Friday at 10 a.m. at Counter Culture Coffee Training Centers. This longstanding weekly tradition offers guests the chance to sample beautifully brewed coffees while learning about the company’s high-quality, sustainably sourced selections—from classic blends to the latest micro-lots—and the journey each coffee takes from seed to cup.

windjammer

Live Music at the NÜTRL Beach Stage

When: Friday, August 21, 2026

Where: The Windjammer | 1008 Ocean Boulevard, Isle of Palms

Catch live music with your toes in the sand at The Windjammer! With a rotating lineup of artists every weekend, it’s the ultimate beachside escape for music lovers and weekend adventurers alike.

islander 71

Live Music at Islander 71

When: Friday, August 21, 2026 | 5:00-8:00pm

Where: Islander 71 Fish House and Raw Bar | 80 41st Avenue, Isle of Palms

Kick off the weekend with live music at the waterfront and settle into a laid-back summer evening with great views, coastal breezes, and the perfect soundtrack to start your night.

folly beach pier

Moonlight Mixer

When: Friday, August 21, 2026 | 7:00-10:00PM

Where: Folly Beach Pier | 101 E Arctic Avenue, Folly Beach

Guests are invited to sway to the rhythm of the music and enjoy ocean breezes at the Folly Beach Pier during one of the beloved Moonlight Mixers, an evening of dancing under the stars by the sea.

theatre 99

Take The Funny and Run

When: Friday, August 21, 2026 | 8:00pm

Where: Theatre 99 | 280 Meeting Street, Charleston

Guests can expect a fast-paced mix of short- and long-form improvisation, all fueled by audience suggestions and delivered by Theatre 99’s quick-witted ensemble. A beloved Charleston tradition, these high-energy performances promise plenty of laughter and unforgettable unscripted moments.

Gibbes Museum

Public Tour

When: Friday, August 21, 2026 | 1:00-2:00pm

Where: Gibbes Museum of Art | 135 Meeting Street, Charleston

Guests are invited to explore the Gibbes Museum’s collection and current exhibitions during a weekly public tour from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM. Led by knowledgeable Museum Interpreters, the tour offers engaging insight and opportunities for questions. The tour is free for Members and included with Museum admission for non-Members.

charleston candle co

Candle Making Workshop

When: Saturday, August 22, 2026 | 11:00am-12:30pm

Where: Charleston Candle Co. | 218 Saint Philip Street, Charleston

Join Charleston Candle Co. for a hands-on experience where you’ll learn to mix and create your own custom fragrance, and pour your own soy wax candles! Each ticket includes two 8 oz. candles per person. Perfect for crafting a personalized gift or treating yourself.

magnolia-gardens-5

Introduction to Indigo Dyeing

When: Saturday, August 22, 2026 | 10:00-11:00am

Where: Magnolia Plantation and Gardens | 3550 Ashley River Road, Charleston

Explore the art and history of indigo dyeing in this hands-on workshop at Magnolia. Guests will learn the science behind indigo’s dramatic color-changing process, discover its significance in the Lowcountry, and create a custom-dyed textile to take home.

restoration rooftop

Rooftop Pilates Pop-Up with DTRT Athletic Club

When: Saturday, August 22, 2026 | 9:00-10:00am

Where: The Restoration Charleston | 75 Wentworth St, Charleston

DTRT Athletic Club hosts a complimentary 60-minute mat Pilates class on The Restoration’s rooftop, offering all experience levels an energizing workout with sweeping Charleston views. Advance registration is required.

deepwater

Weekend Wine-Down

When: Saturday, August 22, 2026 | 10:00am-5:00pm

Where: Deep Water Vineyard | 6775 Bears Bluff Road, Wadmalaw Island

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 thier patio bar, 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.

Nikki Glaser The Stunning Tour

Nikki Glaser: The Stunning Tour

When: Saturday, August 22, 2026 | 7:00pm

Where: North Charleston Performing Arts Center | 3420 West Montague Avenue, North Charleston

Nikki Glaser brings her sharp wit and fearless, unfiltered humor to the North Charleston Performing Arts Center on Saturday, August 22. Part of her Stunning Tour, the evening promises an entertaining night of bold observations, hilarious stories, and plenty of laughs.

farmers market downtown

Charleston Farmers Market

When: Saturday, August 22, 2026 | 8:00AM-2:00PM

Where: Marion Square | 329 Meeting Street, Charleston

Founded in 1989, the Charleston Farmers Market in Marion Square is a beloved community event. You will find a variety of local produce, plants, herbs, and cut flowers as well as breakfast and lunch vendors, live entertainment, and an assortment of juried arts and crafts from local artisans every Saturday at the Market.

beach

Sun, Sand & Sea: Textured Painting

When: Saturday, August 22, 2026 | 1:00-2:00PM

Where: Wando Mount Pleasant Library | 1400 Carolina Park Blvd, Mount Pleasant

Guests can create their own mini canvas beach scene inspired by sun, sand, and ocean waves. This hands-on session combines simple painting techniques with textured elements like baking soda and seashells, offering a relaxing and creative experience. Participants will leave with a unique coastal-inspired masterpiece.

firefly brunch

Saturdays at the Distillery

When: Saturday, August 22, 2026 | 12:00-5:00pm

Where: Firefly Distillery | 4201 Spruill Avenue, North Charleston

Saturdays at the Distillery invites guests to unwind at Firefly with live local music, delicious food from an on-site food truck, and refreshing cocktails in a relaxed open-air setting. The laid-back afternoon experience is the perfect way to kick off the weekend and enjoy the distillery before the evening begins.

sunday brunch farmers market

Sunday Brunch Farmers Market

When: Sunday, August 23, 2026 | 11:00am-3:00pm

Where: The Pour House | 1977 Maybank Highway, Isle of Palms

The Sunday Brunch Farmers Market takes place year-round behind The Charleston Pour House, featuring 40+ local vendors, live music, delicious food, and a full bar. Open Sundays from 11am–3pm, with free live music on the deck stage until 9.

https://charlestonjazz.com/event/lowcountry-rhythms-charleston-jazz-orchestra-lowcountry-voices-5pm/

Lowcountry Rhythms: The Charleston Jazz Orchestra

When: Sunday, AUGUST 23, 2026 | 7:30-9:00PM

Where: West Beach Conference Center | 2 Shipwatch Road, Kiawah Island

The Charleston Jazz Orchestra joins forces with Lowcountry Voices for a special concert celebrating the musical heritage of the Lowcountry. Blending jazz, big band arrangements, and the rich traditions of African and Gullah Geechee culture, the performance showcases the rhythms and stories that have shaped this iconic art form.

shem creek

Share this event Coastal Sculpt & Saltwater Cowboys

When: Sunday, August 23, 2026 | 9:00-9:45am

Where: Saltwater Cowboys | 130 Mill Street, Mount Pleasant

Coastal Sculpt hosts a 45-minute sculpt and mat Pilates class at Saltwater Cowboys, with all equipment provided. Guests can enjoy a complimentary mimosa following the workout.

candle-making-class

K-POP & Candles

When: Sunday, August 23, 2026 | 6:00PM

Where: Candlefish | 270 King Street, Charleston

A lively K-pop-themed candle workshop invites guests to create two 9oz K-pop-inspired candles while enjoying favorite hits, Korean snacks, drinks, and K-pop-inspired shopping. Finished candles can be picked up the following day or shipped.

We hope this list of things to do in Charleston this weekend will get you excited to add some things to your calendar!