Okonite expands Orangeburg County operations – $400M and 105 new jobs

$400 million investment will create 105 new jobs

COLUMBIA, S.C. – The Okonite Company (Okonite), a cable and wire manufacturer, today announced it is expanding its operations in Orangeburg County. The company’s $400 million investment will create 105 new jobs.

Founded in 1878, Okonite is one of the oldest insulators of electrical wire and cable in the U.S., supporting a variety of industries including electric utility, oil and gas, railroad, and chemical. The company operates 34 locations nationwide, including two production facilities in Orangeburg County.

Okonite will build a new, approximately 552,000-square-foot manufacturing plant on its existing property, located at 2276 Rowesville Road in Orangeburg, to meet growing demand for the company’s high-voltage electric cable products.

The beginning phases of construction will start in the fourth quarter of 2026, and the project will take approximately two to three years to complete. Individuals interested in joining the Okonite team should visit the company’s careers page.

The Coordinating Council for Economic Development approved job development credits related to the project. The council also awarded a $1.5 million Rural Infrastructure Fund grant to Orangeburg County to assist with the costs of site preparation and building construction.

QUOTES

“We thank the South Carolina Department of Commerce, the Orangeburg County Development Commission and the city of Orangeburg for their invaluable help and prompt actions in making our expansion possible.” -Okonite CEO and Board Chairman David J. Sokira

“Okonite’s expansion in Orangeburg County is a testament to the economic opportunities and skilled workforce available here in the Palmetto State. We are pleased to see the company continue to invest in South Carolina and create 105 new jobs in Orangeburg County.” -Gov. Henry McMaster

“With an investment of $400 million, Okonite’s expanded manufacturing operations will be an exciting economic advantage for Orangeburg County. We congratulate the company on its decision to deepen its roots in South Carolina and strengthen our state’s industrial capacity.” -Secretary of Commerce Harry M. Lightsey III

“We are truly grateful for Okonite and the commitment they have shown to Orangeburg County over the years. An investment of more than $400 million and 105 new jobs means more opportunities for our citizens and more quality jobs right here at home. We thank them for continuing to invest in our people and for remaining an important part of the fabric of Orangeburg County.” -Orangeburg County Council Chairman Johnnie Wright

FIVE FAST FACTS


  • The Okonite Company (Okonite) is expanding its operations in Orangeburg County.
  • The company’s $400 million investment will create 105 new jobs.
  • Okonite is a cable and wire manufacturer.
  • The company is located at 2276 Rowesville Road in Orangeburg, S.C.
  • Individuals interested in joining the Okonite team should visit the company’s careers page. 

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Emma Abbott Memorial Chapel Demolished: How Charleston’s 1890s Eastside Church Went From Preservation Plan to Demolition

By Mark A Leon

For more than 130 years, a small wood-frame chapel stood at 52 Cooper Street on Charleston’s Eastside.

Known as the Emma Abbott Memorial Chapel and later home to the Mt. Sinai Holiness Church of Deliverance, the building was constructed in 1892 as a mission church serving the Eastside community. Its connection to opera singer Emma Abbott, its distinctive architecture and its long association with Charleston’s African American history made the building more than simply an old structure. 

This week, it was demolished.

What happened in between is now the subject of a City of Charleston review.

The timeline

1890–1892: The chapel is born

In 1890, Citadel Square Baptist Church purchased property at Cooper and America streets for a mission church intended to serve Charleston’s Eastside.

The church later received a $5,000 bequest from the estate of opera singer Emma Abbott, who had attended Citadel Square Baptist Church during visits to Charleston.

Architect S.H. Foulk designed the Romanesque Revival-style building, and construction was completed in December 1892. 

1977: Mt. Sinai Holiness Church takes over

After its years as a Baptist mission church, the building became home to the Mt. Sinai Holiness Church of Deliverance, which occupied the property beginning in 1977. 

For generations, the building became part of the Eastside’s religious and community landscape.

Around 2021: A preservation-minded redevelopment plan

Approximately five years ago, the property came before Charleston’s Board of Architectural Review with a proposal to rehabilitate the historic church.

The plan called for converting the existing structure into six residential units, while preserving the historic exterior. Two additional townhomes were also proposed for the property.

At the time, preservationists viewed the project as an opportunity to give the historic building a new life. 

2021–2026: The building deteriorates

The rehabilitation did not occur as originally envisioned.

According to preservationists, the building remained exposed to the elements, including water intrusion through portions of the roof.

The Preservation Society of Charleston has argued that basic stabilization and weather protection could have slowed or prevented the deterioration.

That point is now part of the larger debate: Was the building’s eventual condition inevitable, or did years of inadequate stabilization contribute to the crisis?

That is an important distinction to make in the article because the preservationists’ position is an allegation/argument, not an established finding.

August 12, 2026: Engineering report raises alarm

An engineering report dated August 12 found extensive deterioration associated with prolonged water intrusion.

According to the City, portions of the roof, structural beams and columns had deteriorated significantly, with signs of potential failure.

The assessment concluded that stabilization could not safely be undertaken without substantial risk to workers. 

August 21, 2026: Demolition permit issued

The city issued a demolition permit on August 21.

This is where the controversy escalated.

Preservationists say they did not discover the permit through a public notification process. Instead, they found it while reviewing the city’s online permit system.

They argued that the public—and particularly the surrounding Eastside community—should have had an opportunity to understand what was happening before demolition became imminent. 

September 21: Demolition is suddenly put on hold

News of the impending demolition became public.

Community members and preservation advocates raised concerns about the loss of the historic structure.

Charleston officials then paused demolition and sought an independent assessment of the building’s condition.

City Councilmember Aaron Polkey said the community should have a voice because of the church’s importance to the Eastside and Charleston’s African American history. 

September 22: Preservationists make a last-minute appeal

The Preservation Society of Charleston met with representatives connected to the development.

Preservationists urged that, if demolition could not be avoided, historic materials should at least be carefully salvaged rather than simply discarded.

There were discussions about preserving and potentially reincorporating architectural elements into the redevelopment.

The proposed future project was designed to retain elements of the original building’s architectural character. 

September 23: The chapel comes down

Despite the temporary pause and calls for additional review, the historic structure was demolished.

The city subsequently acknowledged the significance of what had happened.

In a statement, Charleston officials called the building’s loss “a loss” and described it as a sacred place connected to generations of Eastside families and Charleston’s African American history. 

September 23: The City acknowledges problems with its process

Perhaps the most significant development came after the demolition.

The City of Charleston said it is conducting a full review of what happened, including whether the conditions attached to the demolition permit were followed.

The city also acknowledged:

“What is already clear is that our own process has gaps, and those are ours to fix.” 

The city says it intends to:

  • Guarantee meaningful public notice before future historic demolitions
  • Conduct a funded survey of downtown historic buildings
  • Add cultural significance to the factors considered in these decisions
  • Review the circumstances surrounding the 52 Cooper Street demolition 

The question Charleston is now left with

The central question isn’t simply “Why was the church demolished?”

The city says there were serious structural concerns and an imminent safety threat.

The more complicated question is:

How did a historic building that had once been the subject of a preservation-oriented redevelopment plan reach a point where demolition became the city’s only safe option?

And perhaps even more importantly:

Could something have been done years earlier to prevent it from reaching that point?

Preservationists say yes.

City officials are now acknowledging that the process itself needs examination.

And the building that prompted those questions is no longer standing.

For 134 years, Emma Abbott Memorial Chapel occupied this corner of Charleston’s Eastside. On September 23, 2026, it disappeared.

What remains is the history—and a much larger conversation about how Charleston protects historic buildings before they reach the point of no return.

The city says it intends to examine what happened at 52 Cooper Street and change the process going forward.

But for the families and community members who considered the chapel part of their history, there is an unavoidable reality:

A process can be changed. A building can be restored. But once a historic structure is gone, it cannot be brought back.

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Photo Credit: Brandon Coffey – https://www.instagram.com/itsbrandoyo

SCDOT opens new travel lanes to traffic on I-26 in both directions in Berkeley County


Columbia, S.C. (September 23, 2026) – The South Carolina Department of Transportation opened new travel lanes on I-26 in both directions in Berkeley County on Wednesday, September 23.
Drivers will now have access to three lanes on I-26 westbound and eastbound between mile markers 187 and 194. 
“The opening of these lanes marks a major milestone in the I-26 corridor widening project,” said SCDOT Secretary Justin Powell. “It also brings us closer to the goal of expanding the entirety of I-26 between Charleston and Columbia.”

SCDOT contractors will still be conducting single-lane closures as they finalize construction on the new lanes. The construction will be done before the end of October. 

SCDOT asks that drivers slow down and pay attention when driving near the work zone.
About SCDOTThe South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) is the state agency with oversight of South Carolina’s network of highways and bridges, including responsibilities such as planning, design, construction, financing, and roadway safety. To ensure the nation’s fourth-largest highway system is prepared to serve the needs of South Carolina’s growing economy and population, SCDOT has developed Strategic 10-Year Plan that addresses improvements to the state’s highway and bridge systems. Learn more at scdot.org. 

Tommy Condon’s Inaugural Guinness & Oyster Fest Coming to Downtown Charleston – October 24, 2026

Saturday, October 24, 2026 | 1–5 p.m.
Tommy Condon’s Irish Pub & Restaurant
160 Church Street, Charleston, SC 29401

Get ready for an afternoon where Guinness, oysters and live music come together in the heart of downtown Charleston.

Tommy Condon’s Irish Pub & Restaurant will host its Inaugural Guinness & Oyster Fest on Saturday, October 24, from 1–5 p.m., inviting guests to settle in for buckets of oysters, perfectly poured Guinness and live music throughout the afternoon.

The event offers two ticket options:

🦪 Click HERE for Oyster Bucket Package — $10
Includes one bucket of oysters.

🦪🍺 Click HERE for Guinness Oyster Package — $15
Includes one bucket of oysters plus one Guinness.

There’s also an added incentive for the first 40 guests who purchase the Guinness Oyster Package: an engraved Guinness glass personalized with their name.

Guests are encouraged to come early, grab their oysters and a Guinness, and stay for the afternoon of live music.

An Afternoon at a Charleston Institution

Tommy Condon’s has been part of Charleston’s downtown dining scene since 1984, when Tommy Condon opened the Irish pub and restaurant. The longtime Church Street destination combines Irish pub traditions with Lowcountry favorites, including shrimp and grits, fish and chips, shepherd’s pie and other comfort-food classics.

The pub is also known for its Irish atmosphere, extensive collection of authentic Irish memorabilia and live entertainment, with Irish music featured Wednesday through Sunday evenings.

The Guinness & Oyster Fest adds a distinctly Lowcountry twist to the pub’s Irish roots — pairing one of Ireland’s most recognizable beers with one of Charleston’s favorite local foods.

Event Details

What: Tommy Condon’s 1st Annual Guinness & Oyster Fest
When: Saturday, October 24, 2026
Time: 1–5 p.m.
Where: Tommy Condon’s Irish Pub & Restaurant
Address: 160 Church Street, Charleston, SC 29401
Tickets: $10 Oyster Bucket Package; $15 Guinness Oyster Package
Entertainment: Live music throughout the afternoon

Tickets are valid for the October 24 event only. Additional food and beverages will be available for purchase. Personalized Guinness glasses are limited to the first 40 qualifying Guinness Oyster Package purchasers.

For tickets and additional information, visit Tommy Condon’s official event page⁠.

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Charleston Race Riot of 1919: The Night Racial Violence Erupted in Downtown Charleston

By Mark A Leon

For Charleston, 1919 was supposed to be a year of transition. World War I had ended, thousands of servicemen were returning home, and the city’s population and economy were changing. Instead, on the night of May 10, Charleston became the scene of one of the most serious episodes of racial violence in its history.

The Charleston riot of 1919 occurred during the period now known as the Red Summer, when racial violence erupted in communities across the United States. In Charleston, the violence was concentrated in the downtown area and involved white U.S. Navy sailors, local white civilians and Black Charlestonians. 

A City Under Pressure

Charleston in 1919 was a deeply segregated city, but it was also a city undergoing significant demographic and economic change. During World War I, the Charleston Navy Yard expanded dramatically, bringing large numbers of sailors and military personnel into the region. At the same time, African Americans throughout the South were increasingly asserting their rights and seeking greater economic and social independence.

The return of Black servicemen from World War I was particularly significant. These men had served their country overseas and returned with expectations of greater dignity and citizenship. Across the nation, however, the postwar period brought heightened racial tensions rather than immediate equality. South Carolina was no exception. 

The Night of May 10

The precise spark for the Charleston violence has never been established with complete certainty. Contemporary accounts offered conflicting explanations, including rumors of a fight at a pool hall and claims that a Black man had shot a white sailor.

A later U.S. Navy investigation concluded that the most likely beginning was a confrontation between two white sailors and a Black man near Beaufain and Archdale Streets. The encounter escalated, and rumors quickly spread among sailors that a Black man had attacked or shot a sailor. 

Those rumors proved devastating.

White sailors began moving through the surrounding streets, attacking Black residents. Some raided shooting galleries and took rifles, pistols and ammunition. Armed groups then moved through portions of downtown Charleston, targeting Black people and Black-owned businesses.

The violence spread along King Street and into surrounding neighborhoods. A Black barber shop was destroyed. Black passengers were pulled from streetcars and beaten. Black pedestrians were attacked seemingly at random. In one particularly disturbing episode, a Black man was dragged from a streetcar and shot. 

The Charleston County Public Library’s historical account notes that the disturbance eventually involved a large crowd of sailors, with some civilians participating as well. The attacks were not confined to one location but spread across much of the downtown commercial district. 

Three Deaths and Dozens Injured

The human toll was severe.

Among those killed was Isaiah Doctor, a 22-year-old Black laborer who was shot during the early stages of the violence. James Tolbert, 23, was also fatally wounded. William Brown, 20, was shot while attempting to return home and died several days later. Historical records identify numerous additional Black Charlestonians who suffered gunshot wounds, beatings and other injuries. 

The violence overwhelmed the city’s police force.

As the situation deteriorated, Navy authorities sent additional military police and Marines into downtown Charleston. Armed Marines moved through the streets, ordering sailors and civilians to disperse and returning sailors to the Navy Yard. By the early morning hours of May 11, the violence had largely subsided. 

What Happened Afterward

In the aftermath, the Navy suspended liberty for many sailors and conducted its own investigation. Two sailors, Jacob Cohen and George Holliday, were tried in connection with the shooting of Isaiah Doctor. They were acquitted of manslaughter but convicted of rioting and received one-year sentences in a naval brig. 

The newly established Charleston branch of the NAACP also pressed city and federal authorities to respond. Its demands included protection for Black residents, compensation for damaged businesses, greater accountability for the sailors involved and the hiring of Black police officers. Mayor Tristram Hyde agreed to several requests, although he rejected the proposal to hire Black policemen. 

The events of May 10–11 were more than an isolated night of violence. They reflected the broader racial tensions of postwar America and the collision between an increasingly assertive Black population and a white society determined to preserve the existing racial order.

Today, the Charleston Riot of 1919 remains a difficult but important part of the city’s history. It reminds us that Charleston’s past is not only one of beautiful architecture, commerce and cultural traditions, but also one shaped by segregation, racial violence and the long struggle for equal citizenship.

Remembering May 10, 1919 does not diminish Charleston’s history. It makes that history more complete.

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Folly Beach to Unveil Historical Marker at the Porgy House this Friday, September 25, 2026

FOLLY BEACH, S.C. — The City of Folly Beach, Folly Beach Historical Society, and the Folly Beach TVPC board will unveil a new historical marker at the Porgy House, recognizing the home’s important place in the literary and cultural history of the Lowcountry.

The unveiling will take place this Friday, September 25, at 10:30 a.m. in front of the home at 712 West Ashley Avenue. Speakers will include Folly Beach Mayor Chris Bizzell; James Ward of the College of Building Arts; Mae Holmes of the Exchange Club; Nancy Moore of the Folly Beach TVPC; Anne Hughes of the Folly Beach Historical Society; Cubby Wilder, representing the community; and a member of the Smalls family. Samuel Smalls is the man who inspired the character of Porgy.

Built in 1933, the Porgy House was the summer retreat of author DuBose Heyward and his wife, Dorothy. During the summer of 1934, George Gershwin collaborated with Heyward on the renowned opera Porgy and Bess, based on Heyward’s novel Porgy. During his time on Folly Beach, Gershwin drew inspiration from the Gullah culture and sounds of the Lowcountry.

The two-story home features its original wood interiors, three bedrooms, and a writer’s booth, which was built later and used by the Heywards and Gershwin as a place to work. The home has been carefully preserved and is recognized as a unique cultural landmark. The Folly Beach Historical Society’s exhibit, The Porgy House: A Cottage on an Island in a Culture, can also be viewed at the Folly Beach Community Center/Library.

Members of the media are invited to attend and cover this special unveiling. If you cannot make the unveiling and would like to schedule another time to interview or take pictures, please reply to this email so we can make arrangements.


Location of Home: 712 West Ashley Avenue, Folly Beach, SC

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Charleston Named No. 2 Foodie City in America for 2026 by Yelp and Lyft

By Mark A Leon

Charleston’s culinary reputation has received another national vote of confidence — this time from a data-driven study combining Yelp activity with Lyft dining patterns.

Charleston has been named the No. 2 foodie city in America for 2026, according to a new collaboration between Yelp and Lyft. Only New Orleans ranked higher, while San Diego came in at No. 3. The ranking examined how people discover restaurants online and, importantly, where they actually travel to eat. 

The recognition places Charleston ahead of major culinary destinations including Miami, San Francisco, Nashville, Los Angeles and New York City.

How were the cities selected?

This wasn’t simply a ranking based on restaurant reviews or Michelin stars.

Yelp and Lyft combined several types of consumer data to identify cities where dining plays a particularly significant role. The analysis included Yelp restaurant search volume, page views, ratings, bookmarks and saves, and photo uploads, along with Lyft rideshare destination data showing where people were actually traveling for restaurants. 

That combination makes the list somewhat different from traditional “best restaurants” or “best food cities” rankings. It attempts to measure both interest in restaurants and actual dining behavior.

The report also found that Breakfast & Brunch was the most-searched restaurant category across every Foodie City, while nearly one in five Lyft rides to restaurants took place before noon. 

Why Charleston?

According to the findings reported by Travel + Leisure, seafood and Italian cuisine were among Charleston’s most-searched cuisines on Yelp. The report also specifically noted Charleston’s unusually active community of Yelp Elite users — another indication of how engaged local diners are on the platform. 

Lyft’s data offered another perspective: Charleston’s bar scene stood out, with riders frequently heading to establishments including Blind Tiger and Henry’s on the Market. 

In other words, Charleston’s showing wasn’t based solely on expensive destination restaurants. The data reflects a broader dining ecosystem — restaurants, brunch spots, bars and neighborhood establishments that people are actively searching for, saving, photographing and traveling to.

Which Charleston restaurants stood out?

One important distinction: Yelp and Lyft’s published material does not appear to provide a complete restaurant-by-restaurant ranking for Charleston or assign individual scores to local restaurants. So the No. 2 designation applies to the city, not to a particular Charleston restaurant.

The study’s Charleston-specific restaurant mentions include:

  • Blind Tiger — identified by Lyft data as one of the city’s prominent bar destinations.
  • Henry’s on the Market — another Charleston establishment highlighted in the Lyft dining-ride data. 

Other national coverage surrounding the ranking has highlighted several Charleston restaurants and food businesses, although these should be viewed as editorial recommendations rather than restaurants ranked by the Yelp-Lyft study itself.

EatingWell, for example, singled out Benne’s for its coconut cake, The Obstinate Daughter for dishes including its pasta alla vodka, and Welton’s Tiny Bakeshop for its creative baked goods. 

And Charleston’s broader national culinary momentum continues to include restaurants such as Chubby Fish, Vern’s and Wild Common, which have received significant attention from other national food organizations and publications. Chubby Fish, in particular, has recently received international recognition, while Charleston currently has multiple Michelin-recognized restaurants. 

A Top 20 increasingly dominated by the South

Charleston’s No. 2 position is also notable because the 2026 list demonstrates the continued strength of Southern and Southeastern food cities.

The Top 10 were:

  1. New Orleans, Louisiana
  2. Charleston, South Carolina
  3. San Diego, California
  4. Portland, Maine
  5. Miami, Florida
  6. Washington, D.C.
  7. San Francisco, California
  8. Nashville, Tennessee
  9. Los Angeles, California
  10. New York, New York

The full Top 20 also includes Boston, Las Vegas, Portland, Dallas, Austin, Seattle, Richmond, Tucson, Chicago and Virginia Beach. 

Yelp and Lyft noted that 40% of the cities on the 2026 Foodie Cities list are in the South and Southeast, while two-thirds of the regions experiencing the fastest growth in Lyft rides to restaurants are also in the South and Southeast. 

What the ranking says about Charleston

Perhaps the most interesting aspect of the recognition is that the methodology measures what diners are actually doing, rather than simply asking critics to name their favorite restaurants.

People are searching for Charleston restaurants. They’re looking at restaurant pages, saving them, uploading photographs, engaging with Yelp and then physically getting in a Lyft and going out to eat.

For a city where food has long been intertwined with tourism, hospitality and Lowcountry culture, that combination is significant.

Charleston may be famous for shrimp and grits, oysters, barbecue, she-crab soup and traditional Southern cooking — but the Yelp-Lyft data suggests today’s dining identity is considerably broader, with seafood, Italian food, brunch, creative bakeries, neighborhood restaurants and a strong bar culture all contributing to the city’s national appeal. 

New Orleans may have taken the top spot, but Charleston’s No. 2 showing puts the Holy City firmly among America’s most active and sought-after food destinations in 2026.

Click HERE for official Yelp results

Note: The Yelp-Lyft study ranks cities rather than individual restaurants. Restaurant names above are identified either directly in coverage of the study or, where noted, by separate national food coverage.

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Photo credit: Yelp and Charleston Daily

Hurricane Hugo – 37 Years Later (Reflections in Pictures and Video)

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“I’ll wait for you, should I fall behind, wait for me” – Bruce Springsteen

On or about midnight on September 21/22 marked the 37th anniversary of Hurricane Hugo sending a destructive path through Charleston and its neighboring beaches and towns.  For many, this was the most difficult period of their lives, overcoming life-threatening conditions, losing homes and trying to find ways to start again.  Over the next several months, the area had to find a way to begin again and bring back the Southern warmth and beauty it had known for hundreds of years.

After all, was said and done, there were 27 fatalities in South Carolina from the effects of Hurricane Hugo.

Locals and citizens from neighboring towns and districts reached deep within their hearts and helped their fellow friends.  Bringing sand to the beaches, laying a foundation where a home once stood, providing shelter to strangers now without homes, and giving food and warmth when needed.

We were and continue to be a resilient and proud area, that has overcome much adversity so the sun may shine each day and we can continue to say how proud we are of our home.

Hugo was an event we should never forget.  It was tragic, but in the end, we found a way to rebuild and become stronger than ever before.

We would like to take you back to those days, weeks, and months and provide a pictorial remembrance of Hurricane Hugo.

hugo9
Folly Beach, SC

Remember our past and find strength in our ability to remain stable.

One of the most symbolic remembrance markers of this event is the Folly Boat.  This boat that remained after the path of destruction is today used to show our sense of community, one message at a time.

The next time you are at White Point Gardens at The Battery, walk through the gates of the Battery Park Carriage House.  Just on the left you will see the waterline damage from Hurricane Hugo and know just how powerful a hit we took and more importantly how we persevered and grew as one single community.

Related: James Island Outreach born the day after Hugo hit Charleston.

Brookgreen Gardens’ Nights of a Thousand Candles Returns for the 2026 Holiday Season

Tickets are now on sale for one of the Lowcountry’s most anticipated holiday traditions

The holiday season will once again glow across the Lowcountry as Brookgreen Gardens’ Nights of a Thousand Candles returns in 2026, transforming the historic gardens into a spectacular nighttime celebration illuminated by thousands of candles and millions of lights.

Tickets are now available for this year’s event, giving visitors an opportunity to begin planning one of the region’s most memorable holiday outings.

Located in Murrells Inlet, Brookgreen Gardens is a longtime Lowcountry destination known for its sculpture gardens, historic significance, wildlife and expansive grounds. During Nights of a Thousand Candles, the gardens take on an entirely different atmosphere as pathways and landscapes are illuminated after dark.

Brookgreen describes the event as its largest seasonal affair and one of the most popular holiday events in the Lowcountry. The preparation begins months in advance, with Brookgreen’s teams working throughout the year on the lighting installations and event experience.

2026 Dates

Nights of a Thousand Candles will be presented on select evenings from November 27, 2026, through January 3, 2027.

The 2026 schedule includes:

  • November 27–29
  • December 3–6
  • December 10–13
  • December 17–20
  • December 29–31
  • January 1–3

The event runs from 4 to 9 p.m. on scheduled evenings.

The extended holiday run also gives visitors the opportunity to experience the gardens after Christmas and into the New Year.

What to Expect

The centerpiece of the evening is the illuminated landscape, where thousands of hand-lit candles and millions of lights create a completely different experience from a daytime visit to Brookgreen.

Guests can stroll through the gardens after sunset while taking in the elaborate lighting displays, decorated trees and illuminated sculptures.

The event has become an annual tradition for families, couples, friends and visitors looking to experience the holiday season in a distinctly Lowcountry setting.

2026 Ticket Prices

Tickets are currently available through Brookgreen Gardens.

For Brookgreen members, admission is:

Adults: $35
Children ages 4–12: $15

For non-members:

Adults: $40
Children ages 4–12: $20

Children age 3 and younger are not listed among the paid ticket categories.

Brookgreen also offers special pricing information for groups of 20 or more adults.

Plan Ahead

Because Nights of a Thousand Candles is one of the Lowcountry’s most popular holiday events, visitors planning to attend a particular evening should purchase tickets in advance.

Brookgreen also cautions visitors to purchase tickets only through its official website or authorized ticketing company. The gardens specifically warn that tickets purchased elsewhere may not be valid.

Parking is complimentary, including accessible parking in the main lot. Visitors should also be aware that the Lowcountry Zoo and Floyd Family Farm are closed during Nights of a Thousand Candles.

A Lowcountry Holiday Tradition

For generations of Lowcountry visitors, Brookgreen Gardens has been a place to experience art, nature and history. During the holiday season, Nights of a Thousand Candles adds another dimension to the gardens — one filled with candlelight, glowing trees and the unmistakable feeling of Christmas in the South.

With tickets now on sale, the countdown to the 2026 holiday season has officially begun.

Nights of a Thousand Candles
📍 Brookgreen Gardens
1931 Brookgreen Drive, Murrells Inlet, SC
📅 November 27, 2026 – January 3, 2027, select evenings
⏰ 4–9 p.m.
🎟️ Tickets: $35–$40 for adults; $15–$20 for children ages 4–12

Purchase tickets and see the complete 2026 schedule at Brookgreen Gardens⁠

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Cannons Bringing “The Everything Glows Tour” to Charleston Music Hall October 12, 2026

CHARLESTON, S.C. — Los Angeles indie-pop trio Cannons will bring their “The Everything Glows Tour” to Charleston Music Hall on Monday, October 12, 2026, with special guest Caroline Kingsbury.

The concert is scheduled for 8 p.m., with doors opening at 7 p.m. The show is all ages. 

Tickets and event information — Charleston Music Hall⁠

A new chapter for Cannons

Cannons — Michelle Joy, Ryan Clapham and Paul Davis — have built a following around their atmospheric blend of indie pop, electronic production, hypnotic synths and Joy’s distinctive vocals.

The Charleston appearance comes as the band tours behind its fifth studio album, Everything Glows, released March 27, 2026. The 11-track album represents a new creative chapter for the group, exploring themes including heartbreak, codependence, personal struggles and liberation. 

The band has described the period surrounding the album as an opportunity to rethink the way it works, writes and records. The result is a record centered on the group’s connection and its experience navigating difficult personal and professional periods.

From “Fire for You” to

Everything Glows

Cannons’ rise has included international touring, festival appearances, television performances and billions of global streams. The band’s 2019 song “Fire for You” became a major streaming success and remains one of its best-known tracks.

According to the Charleston Music Hall, Cannons have accumulated more than 1.4 billion global streams and have performed on Jimmy Kimmel Live! as well as major festival stages. 

The band’s current set is expected to draw from Everything Glows while incorporating songs from its earlier catalog.

Caroline Kingsbury opens

Joining Cannons in Charleston is Caroline Kingsbury, whose synth-driven pop incorporates elements of 1980s maximalism and New Romantic influences. 

Event Details

Cannons: The Everything Glows Tour
📅 Monday, October 12, 2026
📍 Charleston Music Hall
37 John Street, Charleston, SC 29403
🕖 Doors: 7 p.m.
🎵 Show: 8 p.m.
🎤 With: Caroline Kingsbury
👥 All ages

Official Event Page and Ticket Sales

The Charleston Music Hall is a cashless venue, and bags larger than 12” × 6” × 12” are not permitted. The venue also notes that it does not have an elevator, which is important for guests considering balcony seating. 

Listen to Cannons — Everything Glows⁠

Cannons official website⁠

For Charleston fans of dreamy synth-pop, atmospheric indie music and live electronic-infused performances, October 12 brings Cannons to the Charleston Music Hall for an evening built around the band’s latest musical chapter.

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