September is a great time to visit Charleston. The weather is still warm, but temperatures begin to become more comfortable as the month progresses. You can enjoy outdoor activities, festivals, live music, and the city's historic attractions while taking advantage of slightly cooler evenings.
Be sure to check out our master post on Things to Do in Charleston for even more ideas.
If you're planning a trip to Charleston in September, you'll find plenty of things to do, whether you're interested in history, food, music, family-friendly activities, or exploring the city on foot.
My experience as a retired meteorologist, combined with my work as a Charleston tour guide, allows me to help you plan your visit with both the weather and the best things to do in mind.
For more information about the weather, see our guide to Charleston weather in September.
- Top 10 Things to do in September
- Things to Do at Night
- Free Things to Do
- Family Friendly Things to Do
- Charleston Walking Tours
Charleston in September at a Glance
- Weather: Warm, with temperatures gradually becoming more comfortable as the month progresses
- Festivals: Lowcountry Jazz Festival, MOJA Arts Festival, and other seasonal events
- Outdoor activities: Walking tours, beaches, parks, and waterfront activities
- Evenings: Concerts, ghost tours, carriage rides, and live entertainment
- Family-friendly: Beaches, museums, gardens, and special events
- Free activities: Art events, historic neighborhoods, parks, and some festival activities
September also brings a number of annual events to Charleston. Always check the official event website before making plans, since dates, schedules, and ticket information can change.
TOP 10 THINGS TO DO IN CHARLESTON IN SEPTEMBER
September offers a mix of festivals, live music, outdoor activities, sports, and cultural events. Here are some of our favorite things to do during the month.
1. Attend the Lowcountry Jazz Festival
The Lowcountry Jazz Festival returns to Charleston in September, bringing jazz performances and special events to the city.
The 2026 festival begins September 4, including an All White Party, with additional performances and events throughout the weekend.
For tickets and the complete schedule, check the Lowcountry Jazz Festival website.
2.Catch Live Music
September brings plenty of live music to Charleston, from nationally known performers to tribute acts and local favorites. If you're looking for something to do after a day of sightseeing, check out one of these September 2026 concerts:
- Cheekface – September 9 at Music Farm
- Stayin' Alive – One Night of the Bee Gees – September 12 at Charleston Music Hall
- Little Feat – September 14 at Charleston Music Hall
- Little Feat – September 15 at Charleston Music Hall
- Zac Brown Band – September 17 at Credit One Stadium
- Jet – September 18 at Music Farm
- Piano Legends – September 19 at Charleston Music Hall
- James Taylor and His All-Star Band – September 20 at Credit One Stadium
- Travis Tritt – September 26 at North Charleston Coliseum and Performing Arts Center
September is also a good month to look for outdoor performances and evening events while the weather is still warm.
Concert schedules can change, so check the venue's website for the latest information, tickets, and show times before making plans.
3. Explore Charleston's Art Scene During First Friday ArtWalk
If you enjoy art, make time for First Friday ArtWalk on September 4. Participating galleries and businesses throughout Charleston's historic district open their doors for an evening of art, exhibitions, and special events.
The September ArtWalk takes place from 5–8 PM, making it an easy activity to combine with dinner or an evening of exploring downtown Charleston.
For more information and a list of participating galleries and businesses, check the Charleston Gallery Association or the Charleston events calendar
4. Attend Drifter Fest
Spend the day enjoying live music, local vendors, food, and drinks at Drifter Fest on September 12, 2026, at The Refinery in Charleston.
The annual event celebrates the life and legacy of Bert Griggs and brings together musicians, artists, friends, families, and the local community. It's a laid-back Charleston event with live performances and plenty of opportunities to enjoy local food and drinks.
For tickets and more information, visit The Refinery's website
5. Experience The Sound of Charleston
Combine Charleston's history and music with The Sound of Charleston: America 250 Edition.
This live concert experience tells the story of America's and Charleston's history through music, making it a particularly fitting activity in 2026 as the country celebrates its 250th anniversary. Performances are scheduled on Wednesdays throughout September.
For dates, tickets, and more information, visit The Sound of Charleston
6. Wine Down Wednesday
Looking for a relaxed way to spend a Wednesday evening? Wine Down Wednesday combines wine, live music, and food in the scenic setting of Old Towne Creek County Park.
The 2026 September dates are September 9 and September 23, from 5–7 PM. Tickets include wine and live music, with food available for purchase from a food truck.
For tickets and more information, visit the Charleston County Parks website.
The event takes place beneath live oaks with views of the marsh, making it a nice option for enjoying Charleston's still-warm September evenings.
7. Visit the MOJA Arts Festival
The MOJA Arts Festival is one of Charleston's major cultural events and celebrates African American and Caribbean arts and culture through music, dance, theater, visual arts, poetry, storytelling, and family activities.
The 2026 festival is scheduled for September 24 through October 4.
Because many events take place throughout the festival, check the MOJA Arts Festival website for the current schedule and locations.
8. Explore King Street During 2nd Sunday
On September 13, 2026, King Street becomes a pedestrian-friendly destination during 2nd Sunday on King Street.
From noon to 5 PM, portions of King Street are closed to through traffic, giving visitors the opportunity to stroll, shop, browse galleries, enjoy local restaurants, and see artists and vendors along the street.
It's a fun way to experience one of Charleston's best-known streets without the usual traffic.
For more information, visit the 2nd Sunday on King Street website
9. See a Charleston RiverDogs Game
If you enjoy baseball, September gives you one last chance to catch the Charleston RiverDogs at home before the regular season ends.
The RiverDogs' final home stand of the 2026 regular season is September 1–6, when they take on the Augusta GreenJackets at Joseph P. Riley Jr. Park.
A RiverDogs game is a fun evening activity for visitors and families, and the ballpark is a great way to experience a local Charleston tradition.
You can check RiverDogs tickets and availability here.
10. Visit the Charleston Farmers Market
Spend a Saturday morning at the Charleston Farmers Market in Marion Square, where you'll find local farmers, food vendors, artists, live music, and more. The market is family- and pet-friendly, making it an easy addition to a September itinerary.
The 2026 Charleston Farmers Market runs every Saturday from 8 AM to 2 PM through November 21, so visitors can enjoy the market throughout September.
For more information, visit the Charleston Farmers Market website.
THINGS TO DO AT NIGHT IN CHARLESTON IN SEPTEMBER
September evenings in Charleston are a great time to be outside. Temperatures are generally more comfortable after sunset, and there are plenty of ways to enjoy the city after the daytime heat.
September evenings are a great time to explore Charleston. Temperatures are generally more comfortable after sunset, and the city offers plenty of ways to enjoy the evening, from live music and historic tours to strolling the waterfront.
Take an Evening Carriage Ride
See Charleston's historic streets after dark on a nighttime carriage ride. It's a relaxing way to experience the historic district while learning about Charleston's history and architecture.
Old South Carriage Company and Palmetto Carriage Works offer carriage rides, including daytime options.
For more options, see our complete guide to Charleston carriage tours.
Take a Charleston Ghost Tour
Charleston is known for its history, legends, and ghost stories, making a ghost tour a popular way to explore the city after dark.
If you'd like to hear some of Charleston's darker stories while walking through the historic district at night, consider the Haunting Histories: A Ghostly Walking Tour of Charleston.
The 90-minute tour explores historic sites, graveyards, and landmarks in downtown Charleston, with evening departures at 7 PM and 9 PM.
Listen to Live Music
Charleston has a lively music scene, and September brings concerts and performances to venues throughout the city.
You can find everything from larger concerts to smaller local performances. Check the Charleston events calendar for current performances during your visit.
Explore the Historic District After Dark
You don't need a ticket to enjoy Charleston in the evening. Take a stroll through the historic district, admire the architecture, and enjoy the atmosphere of the city after the day's heat begins to fade.
The Battery and Waterfront Park are also pleasant places to visit around sunset, although park hours and access can vary.
For more nighttime ideas, see our guide to Things to Do at Night in Charleston.
FREE THINGS TO DO IN CHARLESTON IN SEPTEMBER
Charleston has plenty of ways to enjoy the city without spending much money. You can explore historic neighborhoods, visit parks and waterfront areas, and find free events and activities throughout September.
Take a Walking Tour
One of the best ways to experience Charleston is on foot. Our Charleston walking tours let you choose how you want to pay: pay what you wish after the tour or prepay when you reserve your spot.
Check our Charleston tour schedule to see available tours and times during your visit.
Explore the Battery and White Point Garden
Walking along the Battery is one of the classic free things to do in Charleston.
Enjoy views of Charleston Harbor, see historic homes along the waterfront, and walk through White Point Garden, where you'll find historic cannons, live oak trees, and plenty of places to sit and enjoy the scenery.
Walk Through the Historic District
You don't need a ticket to enjoy one of Charleston's biggest attractions: its historic streets.
Take a walk through the historic district to see colorful homes, historic churches, gardens, and beautiful architecture. It's particularly enjoyable in September when temperatures begin to become more comfortable.
Visit Waterfront Park
Waterfront Park is another easy addition to a free Charleston itinerary.
Walk along the waterfront, relax beneath the trees, and enjoy views of Charleston Harbor. The park is also home to the famous Pineapple Fountain.
Look for Free September Events
Charleston has free concerts, art events, festivals, and community activities throughout the year. Some September events may be free to attend, although individual activities within an event may require tickets.
Check the Charleston events calendar for current information and dates.
For even more ideas, see our guide to Free Things to Do in Charleston.
FAMILY-FRIENDLY THINGS TO DO IN CHARLESTON IN SEPTEMBER
September is a good month for families to visit Charleston. The weather is still warm enough for beach days and outdoor activities, while the gradually cooler temperatures make it easier to spend time exploring the city.
Here are some family-friendly activities to consider.
Spend the Day on Sullivan's Island
Sullivan's Island is a great choice for a family beach day. Spend time on the beach, explore the island, and visit Fort Moultrie, one of the historic forts that helped protect Charleston Harbor.
The island is also home to the Sullivan's Island Lighthouse, which is easy to spot while exploring the area.
Visit the South Carolina Aquarium
The South Carolina Aquarium is a good option when you want a break from the heat or rain. Families can see marine life from South Carolina and beyond, including sea turtles, sharks, and other coastal animals.
It's also home to the Sea Turtle Care Center, which rehabilitates injured sea turtles.
Explore the Citadel
Take the family to see The Citadel and explore the grounds of this historic military college.
If your visit coincides with a Friday parade, you may be able to watch the cadets' military traditions in action. Check the current schedule before planning your visit.
Explore Cypress Gardens
For a change of scenery, head outside downtown Charleston to Cypress Gardens.
The gardens feature walking trails through a swamp, a butterfly house, and opportunities to see local wildlife. It's a good choice for families who want to spend part of the day outdoors.
Attend a Family-Friendly Festival or Event
September's event calendar often includes festivals, concerts, art events, and activities suitable for families.
The MOJA Arts Festival, for example, includes family-oriented programming along with music, dance, visual arts, and other cultural events. The 2026 festival runs September 24 through October 4.
Check the MOJA Arts Festival website for the current schedule and family-friendly events.
Take a Charleston Walking Tour
Families who enjoy history can also explore Charleston with one of our walking tours.
You can choose to pay what you wish after the tour or prepay when you reserve your spot, making it easy to choose the option that works best for your family.
Check our Charleston tour schedule for available dates and times.
Is September a Good Time to Visit Charleston?
September is a great time to visit Charleston if you want to enjoy the city's historic sights, outdoor activities, and events without the peak summer heat.
The beginning of the month can still be hot and humid, but temperatures gradually become more comfortable as September progresses. You can enjoy the beach, explore the historic district, attend festivals and concerts, or simply spend time experiencing Charleston at a more relaxed pace.
If you're planning your trip, be sure to check our Charleston weather in September guide so you know what to expect, and see our complete guide to Things to Do in Charleston for ideas throughout the year.
