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Area Guide | Events

Fall Festivals in the Lowcountry

Changing leaves, cooler temperatures and oyster roasts are just a few of our favorite things about the autumn season here at Kiawah River. The onset of fall brings boundless opportunities to get outside with friends and family to enjoy the cool air and seasonal treats. In the Lowcountry, locals welcome this front-porch-friendly weather with several outdoor festivals and celebrations throughout the season.

Here’s our round-up of five can’t-miss fall events:

On Saturday, Oct. 12. take the short, scenic drive downtown for the first-ever Fall Wine Festival at the Charleston Harbor Cruise Terminal. Attendees can enjoy tastings of more than 50 wines and beers while listening to live music with the Charleston waterfront in the background. The event takes place from 1 to 5 p.m., and tickets range from $45 to $60.

This year, Kiawah River is hosting its Fall Field Day + Run Like the Devil 5K & Fun Run with Charleston Collegiate School on Saturday, Oct. 26 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Fall Field Day is free and open to the public and will feature a farmer’s market with local goods and makers, a petting zoo, carnival games, food trucks, live music and a costume contest. Fun Run participation costs $20. 5K participation costs $35 for pre-registered attendees and $45 to register at the event.

 

This year’s annual Charleston County Harvest Festival will take place on Saturday, Nov. 2 just a short walk from Kiawah River’s farmhouse at Johns Island County Park. This event provides plenty of local bluegrass, hayrides, pumpkin decorating, archery and barbecue. The family-friendly event will take place from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. with an entry fee of $8 per person; free admission for kids 12 and under.

Also at Johns Island County Park, the highly anticipated Hot Air Balloon Festival + Victory Cup Polo Match will take place on Friday, Nov. 15 and Saturday, Nov. 16. On Friday, attendees are invited to watch or ride the tethered hot-air balloons from 4 to 9 p.m. On Saturday at 7 a.m., attendees can watch the hot-air balloon launch followed by a day of polo matches accompanied with live music as well as food and wine options. Dozens of vendors, chefs, local musicians, artists, pop-up art galleries and more are expected to attend. The event is pet- and family-friendly with tickets ranging from $5 to $35 and special VIP ticket packages available.

Start your Thanksgiving morning by joining 8,000 runners from 35 states for the 42nd Annual Turkey Day Run + Gobble Wobble 5K in downtown Charleston on Thursday, Nov. 28. The race kicks off from Marion Square at 9 a.m. with a Kids Fun Run at 10:30 a.m. for children ages 10 and under. The event is followed by a Thanksgiving Day celebration with complimentary drinks and snack from local vendors. Race registration begins at $30 and Kids Fun Run registration is $10.