Lipton’s “Be More Tea” Festival – October 24

Lipton is celebrating their 125^th anniversary in Charleston with a HUGE, yet casually publicized festival. Get ready for a day of delicious sweet tea, music, and other fun happenings that have yet to be announced. Lipton has announced a musical line up to die for, including The Roots, Passion Pit, Walk the Moon, and St. Lucia. This event, happening at Riverfront Park in North Charleston, will be something unlike our city has ever seen before.

Big Name Acts Downtown

Get ready to dance, because this fall we have a great line up of some big, touring musical acts coming through Charleston. Bands like the elusive Death Grips, South Carolina’s own Toro y Moi, and indie legend Sufjan Stevens will be gracing our city with their melodic sounds. Check the schedules at Music Farm, Charleston Music Hall, and the North Charleston Performing Arts Center for more information about these shows and others.

Election of a New Mayor

After a productive, incredible, and legendary 40 years in office, Charleston Mayor Joe Riley will be retiring this fall. After being re-elected nine times, Mayor Riley changed the aesthetic of our beloved downtown, marched against racism, won the National Medal of Arts, and is one the most beloved politicians in our nation. That being said, this fall will bring many a few political winds through our city. Between the 2016 presidential election and the election of a new mayor in November, there will be plenty of opportunities to be engaged in change in Charleston!

Charleston Italian Festival – September 19

What is being a happy resident of Charleston if not enjoying the delicious dining in our town? Luckily for us, the King Street Marketing Group and the Italy America Chamber of Commerce have created the Charleston Italian Festival. The deliciously compelling event is advertised as a celebration of Italian culture, arts, food, wine, and automobiles. I don’t know about you all, but I’m already preparing to shove my face.

Charleston Shrimp and Grits Festival – September 19

Can you think of anything more typical of the South Carolina experience than shrimp and grits? This Charleston institution is sure to be a crowd-pleaser, as once again, there is an opportunity to enjoy the world-star quality of cuisine the Holy City has to offer. This festival gives attendees an opportunity to enjoy and judge 20 different takes on the classic dish from 20 of Charleston’s top chefs! There will also be live music and drinks—what more could you ask for? These decadent dishes will surely have you dancing The Charleston.

Murder Mystery Cruises – every Wednesday

Hop on the infamous Carolina Queen and get ready a night of mystery and flappers. Cruising every Wednesday, this boat takes you back to the 1920s, to a prohibition-era speakeasy called Old Hickory. The website encourages attendees to wear their best 1920s attire, and they will need a password to get in like a real speakeasy. For under $30 a person, this murder mystery cruise could easily become a unique night for anyone looking to celebrate on a budget.

Charleston International Film Festival – November 4-8

For cinephiles and movie-lovers alike, this is an event for you! Returning to Charleston for their eighth year, this festival serves as a celebration of all films for people of walks of life. The four-day event provides a showcase for all aspects of film, including filmmaking, directors, actors, and the latest films to grace the international community. This festival is entertaining for people with any level of interest in film, as the mission of the event is to facilitate discussion and education between all attendees. Even if you can’t make it to the main festival (or don’t want to pay for a pass), the festival brings some very interesting people and fringe events to the city.

#YALLFest (Charleston Young Adult Book Festival) – November 13-14

Get excited, bookworms! #YALLFest is a weekend full of invigorating book signings, readings, and events featuring world-renowned authors hosted by various venues on Upper King Street. There are quite a few free events open to the public, making this festival both academic and accessible.

Coastal Carolina Fair – October 29-November 8

Fried food, big rides, and bright lights—that’s right, South Carolina, it’s almost fair season! Who doesn’t love a good trip full of rollercoasters and turkey legs? Since 1957, the Coastal Carolina Fair has brought feelings of jubilee to the people of the Charleston area. If you purchase a pass before October 28, tickets are only $8 for adults. Take a break from your studies with a coaster-fueled adrenaline rush or feed your soul some fair fare.

NBC News Democratic Primary Debate (January 17, 2016)

As mentioned earlier, the next academic year will bring plenty of political attention to Charleston. As a liberal-leaning city in a conservative-leaning state, Charleston represents a political enigma that is appealing to all of the candidates racing toward for the White House in 2016. While this event is not an event happening this fall, the excitement and anticipation over this Democratic Primary Debate is already building in our city, as candidates have already begun rallying for support in the Charleston area. Be sure to register to vote wherever you are able, and stay tune into the politics of our region!