# Things to Do in Charleston with Friends This Weekend

Things to do in Charleston with friends this weekend, Oct 16–18: 5 dated events, buzzy bars, group-friendly restaurants and plans. Updated Oct 17.

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This weekend in Charleston: Fri, Oct 16 – Sun, Oct 18, 2026 · 5 dated events

Updated: Oct 17, 2026

What's on in Charleston, SC this week — the spots locals are packing, buzzy restaurants, and weekend plans worth texting the group chat about.

## Happening Today

Events and things to do tonight

### The Red Clay Strays at Credit One Stadium
The Mobile, Alabama breakout outfit brings roots-rock swagger and gritty soul vocals to Daniel Island under mild 60-degree October skies.
- Venue: Credit One Stadium
- Location: Daniel Island, Charleston
- Date: 2026-10-17 6:30 PM
- Cost: $$$
- Best for: Music lovers and friends
- Link: https://creditonestadium.com/event/the-red-clay-strays/

### Ax and the Hatchetmen at The Windjammer
Catch Chicago indie-rock favorites right on the dunes of Isle of Palms, complete with salty Atlantic air and beachfront tap beers.
- Venue: The Windjammer
- Location: Isle of Palms, SC
- Date: 2026-10-17 6:00 PM
- Cost: $$
- Best for: Indie fans and weekend crews
- Link: https://the-windjammer.com/event/ax-and-the-hatchetmen-w-the-hails-on-the-nutrl-beach-stage/

### South Carolina Stingrays vs. Greenville Swamp Rabbits
Opening-month ECHL rivalry hockey on the ice in North Charleston—fast-paced checking, mascot high-fives, and cold local craft pours on tap.
- Venue: North Charleston Coliseum
- Location: North Charleston, SC
- Date: 2026-10-17 6:05 PM
- Cost: $$
- Best for: Families and hockey fans
- Link: https://www.ticketmaster.com/south-carolina-stingrays-vs-greenville-swamp-north-charleston-south-carolina-10-17-2026/event/2D0064FBA4F6B6BE

## This Weekend in Charleston, SC

Picks for a crisp fall weekend in the Lowcountry

### The Living Tombstone at Charleston Music Hall
The electronic-rock project brings 'The Multiplayer Tour' to the historic Music Hall on John Street for high-energy Sunday night visuals and anthems.
- Venue: The Charleston Music Hall
- Location: Upper King, Charleston
- Address: 37 John St.
- Date: 2026-10-18 8:00 PM
- Cost: $$
- Best for: Alternative music enthusiasts
- Rating: 4.8
- Link: https://charlestonmusichall.com/event/the-living-tombstone/

### Autumn Stroll Through America's Oldest Landscaped Gardens
October temperatures in the mid-70s mean clear walking weather along the Ashley River; explore terraced lawns, heritage camellias, and the stableyards.
- Location: Ashley River Road, Charleston
- Cost: $$
- Best for: History buffs and weekend strollers
- Link: https://www.google.com/search?q=Autumn%20Stroll%20Through%20America%27s%20Oldest%20Landscaped%20Gardens%20Ashley%20River%20Road%2C%20Charleston

### Sunset Steamed Clusters at Bowen's Island Restaurant
Fall oyster season is officially underway. Grab a paper-lined tray of local steamed marsh oysters and hushpuppies while watching herons stalk the tidal creek at dusk.
- Location: James Island, SC
- Cost: $$
- Best for: Casual food lovers and couples
- Link: https://www.google.com/search?q=Sunset%20Steamed%20Clusters%20at%20Bowen%27s%20Island%20Restaurant%20James%20Island%2C%20SC

## Eat & Drink

Where to grab seasonal tables right now

### Waterfront Smash Burgers at CurrentBurger
Tucked right by Waterfront Park, this retro soda-shop newcomer pairs double-patty smash burgers with hand-spun shakes and salty fall harbor breezes.
- Location: French Quarter, Charleston
- Cost: $
- Best for: Quick bites and families
- Link: https://www.google.com/search?q=Waterfront%20Smash%20Burgers%20at%20CurrentBurger%20French%20Quarter%2C%20Charleston

### Sourdough Sourdough Pici & Natural Wine at Vern's
Snag a cozy wooden two-top in Elliottborough for Dano Heinze's rotating autumnal pasta plates, escabeche vegetables, and an eclectic natural wine list.
- Location: Elliottborough, Charleston
- Cost: $$$
- Best for: Date nights and discerning food lovers
- Link: https://www.google.com/search?q=Sourdough%20Sourdough%20Pici%20%26%20Natural%20Wine%20at%20Vern%27s%20Elliottborough%2C%20Charleston

### Breezy Mid-Century Sips at Little Palm
The open-air cabana bar inside The Ryder Hotel lets you lean into crisp 70-degree afternoons with highballs, mezcal cocktails, and citrus-cured crudo.
- Location: Historic Downtown, Charleston
- Cost: $$
- Best for: Afternoon drinks and small groups
- Link: https://www.google.com/search?q=Breezy%20Mid-Century%20Sips%20at%20Little%20Palm%20Historic%20Downtown%2C%20Charleston

## New & Notable

Fresh exhibits, seasonal tours, and limited-time runs

### 50th Annual Fall Tours of Architecture & Gardens
Celebrating its golden anniversary through October 31, this annual tradition unlocks hidden private courtyards, wrought-iron gates, and piazza gardens south of Broad.
- Venue: Preservation Society of Charleston
- Location: South of Broad, Charleston
- Date: 2026-10-17 2:00 PM
- Cost: $$
- Best for: Architecture buffs and curious walkers
- Link: https://www.preservationsociety.org/events/south-of-broad-classics-tradd-street-and-surrounding-streets/

### Danny McBride + Beeple at Charleston Music Hall
Tickets just dropped for this rare public dialogue between the Hollywood comedy icon and the digital artist titan, hosted by the Gibbes Museum of Art.
- Venue: The Charleston Music Hall
- Location: Upper King, Charleston
- Address: 37 John St.
- Date: 2026-10-21 6:00 PM
- Cost: $$
- Best for: Art and pop culture lovers
- Rating: 4.8
- Link: https://charlestonmusichall.com/event/gibbes-distinguished-lecture-series-presents-danny-mcbride-beeple/

## Quick Escape

Weekend road trips within 2 to 3 hours

### Beaufort & Hunting Island State Park
Drive an hour and a half south to stroll historic waterfront bluff mansions on bay street, then climb Hunting Island's 1859 lighthouse for panoramic views of salt marsh and barrier island maritime forest.
- Location: Beaufort County, SC \(1.5 hours away\)
- Cost: $$
- Best for: Couples and nature lovers
- Link: https://www.google.com/search?q=Beaufort%20%26%20Hunting%20Island%20State%20Park%20Beaufort%20County%2C%20SC%20(1.5%20hours%20away)

### Historic Squares & Forsyth Park in Savannah
Just two hours down Highway 17, Savannah's moss-draped oak canopies are at their peak comfort in late October. Wander 22 garden squares, grab warm biscuits, and sample riverfront microbreweries.
- Location: Savannah, GA \(2 hours away\)
- Cost: $$$
- Best for: Weekend road-trippers and food lovers
- Link: https://www.google.com/search?q=Historic%20Squares%20%26%20Forsyth%20Park%20in%20Savannah%20Savannah%2C%20GA%20(2%20hours%20away)

## Ready-made Charleston, SC itineraries

- [A 5-day Charleston plan for families \(kids \~6 & 9\)](https://wonderkit.app/itineraries/charleston-sc/5-day-with-kids)
- [3-Day Charleston Weekend for Couples](https://wonderkit.app/itineraries/charleston-sc/3-day-weekend-for-couples)
- [All Charleston, SC itineraries](https://wonderkit.app/itineraries/charleston-sc)

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