While the month of October is largely dominated by Oktoberfest celebrations, Gamecock football and Halloween, there are plenty of other signature fall events taking place in between. Check out our handful of suggestions to help you fill all the crisp days and cool nights ahead.
Cayce Fall Fest | October 1
Kick off fall in Granby Gardens Park with a full afternoon of live music, food and drinks, vendors and a free kid’s area.
Jam Room Music Festival | October 1
The biggest free music festival in the state is back for the first time in two years! Headliners like Say Yeahs and Clap Your Hands will be joined by other bands like Dear Blanca, Mourning [A] BLKstar and Shiner across two stages on Main Street.
JerryFest | October 2
If you fancy yourself a Deadhead, you won’t want to miss the return of JerryFest in Five Points, with several bands performing songs by Jerry Garcia and the Grateful Dead.
10th Annual Great American Whiskey Fair | October 7
Enjoy whiskey tastings from a selection of more than 300 options with your special keepsake glass, fill up on a barbecue dinner from Griffin Chophouse, The Royal Butcher and Honey River Catering and see who will take home the top prize in the cocktail competition.
15th Annual Palmetto Peanut Boil | October 8
Sample unique flavors and recipes of the official state snack of South Carolina alongside live music and family fun on Devine Street.
South Carolina State Fair | October 12-23
For 12 days, the city will smell like funnel cakes and the bright lights of games and rides will fill the night sky. That can only mean one thing – the South Carolina State Fair is back, bringing with it concerts, circus performances, animals, art and all the things you know and love. Save a corn dog for us!
Famously Hot SC Pride | October 14-15
The state’s largest pride celebration returns with a Friday night parade and concert followed by a full festival day on Saturday including free performances by Natasha Bedingfield, Sheila E., Crystal Waters and CupcakKe, as well as an afterparty to wrap it all up.
Best of SC Craft Beer Festival | October 15
The SC Brewers Guild is throwing their inaugural festival supporting craft beer from breweries across the state. Gather at Junction 800 for unlimited tastings, live music and local food options.
Diwali Kickoff Party | October 20
Celebrate the Indian festival of lights with Bollywood and bhangra music, henna tattoos, Indian cuisine, a guided tour through the Columbia Museum of Art’s collection and more.
Paint the Town Garnet & Black | October 28
Calling all Gamecock fans and returning alumni! Head to Five Points for a Homecoming Block Party and Pep Rally featuring live music, VIP appearances, games and sidewalk sales.
Plan ahead:
While this year’s Gervais Street Bridge Dinner is already sold out, let that be your motivation to keep track of ticket sales for next year’s feast over the waters of the Congaree River.
