Charleston's fall runs on three things: the MOJA Arts Festival from 24 September to 1 October, the Preservation Society Fall Tours from 1 to 31 October, and harvest festivals and fairs into November. October has the fullest calendar of the three months.
Fall is when a lot of people who know Charleston choose to visit. The humidity drops, the walking gets comfortable, and the event calendar fills up.
Here is what is on, month by month, and how far ahead to book for each.
What are the main fall events in Charleston?
The MOJA Arts Festival from 24 September to 1 October, the Preservation Society's Fall Tours from 1 to 31 October, the Coastal Carolina Fair from 29 October to 8 November, and the Harvest Festival on 7 November.
Charleston's fall calendar is busier than its winter and less frantic than its spring. Most of it happens across two months.
| Event | 2026 dates | What it is |
|---|---|---|
| MOJA Arts Festival | 24 September to 1 October | A celebration of Black arts, culture and heritage, with music, dance, film, visual art and performances at venues across the city. |
| Preservation Society Fall Tours | 1 to 31 October | Access to the interiors and private gardens of historic downtown homes that are not otherwise open to the public. |
| Coastal Carolina Fair | 29 October to 8 November | A large regional fair at Exchange Park in Ladson, outside the city. |
| Harvest Festival | 7 November, 11am to 5pm | A family festival at Johns Island County Park with music, crafts and food. |
| Charleston Farmers Market | Saturdays, 4 April to 21 November | Marion Square, downtown. Produce, prepared food, crafts and live music. |
| Boone Hall Pumpkin Patch | Fall, 2026 dates to be announced | Pumpkin patch, corn maze and hayrides at Boone Hall Plantation in Mount Pleasant. |
| Boone Hall Fright Nights | 2026 dates to be confirmed | A separate Halloween event at the same site, aimed at older visitors. |
| Charleston Beer Week | Autumn, dates vary | A week of craft beer events across breweries, bars and restaurants. |
What is on in September?
September is the crossover month. The last warm beach days overlap with the MOJA Arts Festival, which runs from 24 September to 1 October in 2026.
It is still hot, particularly early in the month, and it is the statistical peak of Atlantic hurricane season. September can also offer lower demand than October, particularly after Labor Day.
If you want fall events without October's crowds, late September is the window.
What is on in October?
October has the fullest event calendar of the three fall months. MOJA finishes on 1 October, the Preservation Society's Fall Tours run from 1 to 31 October, and the Coastal Carolina Fair opens on 29 October.
October is one of the most comfortable months for walking in Charleston, with milder temperatures than summer.
The trade-off is that everyone else knows this too. Popular properties can book up earlier in October than in September or November.
What is on in November?
November is the quiet end of the season. The Coastal Carolina Fair runs to 8 November, the Harvest Festival is on 7 November, and the farmers market runs its final Saturdays through to 21 November.
November is the most underrated month in the Charleston calendar. It is typically milder and less crowded than October, and comfortable for walking.
If you are choosing between the fall months, our guide on the best time to visit Charleston compares all twelve.
How far ahead should you book for Charleston fall events?
Three to four months for October, and earlier if you are coming for a specific event or need a larger property. September and November are more flexible, at four to six weeks. These are our planning recommendations rather than published figures.
This is the part that decides whether you actually get to go, and it is worth working out before you look at anything else.
| If you are coming for | Book about | Why |
|---|---|---|
| The Preservation Society Fall Tours | As early as tickets allow | Tour capacity is limited and popular tours may sell out, so book early. |
| MOJA, 24 September to 1 October | 3 months ahead | Multi-day festival, and it overlaps a higher-demand period |
| Anything in October | 3 to 4 months ahead | Popular downtown properties may have less availability closer to the event dates. |
| A pumpkin patch weekend | 6 to 8 weeks ahead | Weekend-driven, so weekends fill before weekdays. Boone Hall has not yet published its 2026 dates. |
| September or November generally | 4 to 6 weeks ahead | The two flexible months of the season |
| A larger home for a group | As early as you can | Larger properties can have fewer available options, so groups should book early |
Where should you stay for fall events?
Downtown is a convenient base for MOJA, the Fall Tours and the farmers market. The pumpkin patches and the fair are a drive from the city, so staying downtown and driving out works better than the reverse.
The historic peninsula is compact, so staying downtown means you can reach the downtown events on foot and drive out for the ones that are not.
See our downtown Charleston vacation rentals, or browse by size: one-bedroom rentals for two, rentals that sleep four, or Charleston rentals with 3+ bedrooms for groups.
Driving out to the pumpkin patch or the fair? Our downtown Charleston parking guide covers what parking costs, and our guide on whether you need a car in Charleston covers whether to bring one at all.
Not sure what fits your dates? Contact CHC Vacation Rentals.
Frequently asked questions
The MOJA Arts Festival from 24 September to 1 October, the Preservation Society's Fall Tours from 1 to 31 October, the Coastal Carolina Fair from 29 October to 8 November, and the Harvest Festival on 7 November.
In 2026 it runs from 24 September to 1 October, across multiple days at venues around the city. It is a celebration of Black arts, culture and heritage, with music, dance, film and visual art.
October. The Fall Tours run all month, MOJA finishes on 1 October and the Coastal Carolina Fair opens on 29 October.
Three to four months, and earlier for larger properties or if you are coming for a specific event. Popular properties can book up earlier in October.
Yes. The Boone Hall Pumpkin Patch in Mount Pleasant is one of the better-known pumpkin attractions in the Charleston area, with a corn maze and hayrides. Boone Hall has not yet published its 2026 dates, so check its own site before planning around it. It is a drive from downtown.
Fall is a popular time to visit Charleston, with milder conditions than summer and a full event calendar. October has the fullest calendar of the three fall months.