November 2024 Special Events and Festivals with Charleston County Parks
Here are some great upcoming events in November, 2024 with Charleston County Parks:
Harvest Festival
Saturday, Nov. 2, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Johns Island County Park
Celebrate the harvest season at this fun-filled family event. Harvest Festival will feature down-home delights like a crafter market, children’s activities, live foot-stompin’ bluegrass music, great food, and more! No outside food or beverages permitted. Visit our website at ccprc.com or call (843) 795-4386 for more information.
Fee: $10 per person; Gold Pass holders free
Ages: any
https://ccprc.com/138/Harvest-Festival
Chili 5K Run/Walk
Saturday, Nov. 2, 9 a.m. race start
Laurel Hill County Park
Navigate through the majestic moss-draped trails of Laurel Hill County Park during the Chili 5K Run/Walk. Stick around after the race for a hot cup of chili and refreshments. Open to all abilities and fitness levels. A kids dash will also take place after the race for kids ages 3-7. Register in advance to participate.
Fee: $38 per person ($5 kids dash)
Ages: 10 and up
https://ccprc.com/2063/Chili-5K
Starlight Yoga
Monday, Nov. 11, 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.
James Island County Park
Get your holiday spirit flowing at the Holiday Festival of Lights with spectacular lakeside views of the lights. Participants will receive a special glow in the dark prize. This class is open to all levels, including beginners. To register or for more information, visit CharlestonCountyParks.com.
Fee: $10
Ages: 12 and up
https://ccprc.com/2079/Starlight-Yoga
Holiday Festival of Lights Fun Run
Wednesday, Nov. 13, and Thursday, Nov. 14, 6:45 – 8:45 p.m.
James Island County Park
Expected to sell out soon – register today! Join us for this exclusive preview of the Holiday Festival of Lights. Runners and walkers will be the first in Charleston to experience more than 200 magical light displays. After the 2-mile run/walk, participants are invited to enjoy the festival’s amenities. For more information or to register, visit CharlestonCountyParks.com.
Fee: $38 / vehicle
Ages: 12 and up
https://ccprc.com/1184/Holiday-Fun-Run-Walk
Holiday Festival of Lights
Open daily Nov. 15 – Dec. 31, nightly from 5:30 – 10 p.m.
James Island County Park
It’s the most wonderful time of the year at the Holiday Festival of Lights! Open nightly through Dec. 31, this driving tour features three miles of magical twinkling lights. Guests can also park the car and explore the grounds, featuring mouth-watering sweet treats, festival gift shops, visits with Santa and much more. Advance tickets are available at a discounted rate. For details on this year’s festival or to purchase tickets, visit HolidayFestivalofLights.com.
Fees: vary
www.HolidayFestivalofLights.com
Ongoing Programs
Belay Basics
Sunday, Nov. 3 and 17, 10 – 11:30 a.m.
James Island County Park – Outdoor Zone
Learn the ropes with our “Belay Basics” class, a comprehensive guide to the essential skill of top rope belaying in rock climbing. In this hands-on session, our experienced instructors will walk you through the fundamentals of belaying techniques, equipment usage, and safety protocols. Whether you’re a novice or looking to refresh your skills, this class is designed to empower you with the knowledge and confidence to securely manage the rope for your climbing partner. Join us for a practical and engaging session, where you’ll master the art of belaying, enhancing your climbing experience for you and your partner. Gear up and get ready to elevate your climbing skills!
Fee: $25
Ages: 14 and up.
Dragon Boat at the Holiday Festival of Lights
Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays, Nov. 18, 19, 20, 25, 26 and 27, 4:30 – 6 p.m.
James Island County Park – Boat House
We’ve put together a terrific opportunity for you to see the Holiday Festival of Lights from a whole new perspective as the sun goes down and the lights come on for the evening. Team up with a pal – or forge new friendships – when you try your hand at dragon boating! Newbies and curiosity seekers will enjoy an on-the-water introduction to this ancient paddlesport while also getting an up close view of some of our most iconic light displays. With ten paddlers per boat, fun is guaranteed! After you paddle off into the sunset (well, just across the lake), we’ll treat you to a tasty hot chocolate and free admission to the Holiday Festival of Lights!
Fee: $ 30
Ages: 10 and up
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November Programs
Family Archery
Saturday, Nov. 2, 1 – 2:30 p.m.
Lincoln Regional Center – Multipurpose Field
Get your bull’s-eye! Bring the family, get a brief orientation, and fling some arrows at Johns Island County Park’s target archery range. Equipment will be provided. Each family member wishing to participate must pre-register.
Fee: $20
Ages 8 and up (chaperone required for ages 15 and under)
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Intro to Archery
Saturday, Nov. 2, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Johns Island County Park – Archery Range
Enhance your archery skills on our six-target archery range and 3D course at Johns Island County Park. Bring the kids, enjoy basic instruction, and we’ll explore both ranges. Equipment will be provided, but feel free to bring your own.
Fee: $30
Ages 10 and up (chaperone required for ages 15 and under)
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Monarch Migration
Saturday, Nov. 2, 1 – 3 p.m.
Beachwalker County Park
Did you know monarch butterflies are the subject of tag and release research? Join a naturalist to search for and potentially tag monarchs while learning about their amazing annual migration. What to expect: Accessible parking is available and accessible restrooms and accessible water fountains are available near the Dunes House where the program begins and ends. An accessible route to a natural sand beach is present and beach wheelchairs are available for checkout on a first come, first served basis. The program will require periods of slow walking and standing.
Fee: $10
Ages: 9 and up
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Climbing Technique Essentials
Sunday, Nov. 3, 12:30 – 2 p.m.
James Island County Park – Outdoor Zone
Step into the vertical realm with our “Climbing Technique Essentials” class designed for beginners. Immerse yourself in the art of climbing technique, honing precise footwork and mastering optimal body positioning. Whether conquering indoor walls or venturing outdoors, our expert instructors will skillfully guide you through efficient movement, empowering you to navigate routes with finesse. Join a supportive community, unlock the secrets of climbing technique, and elevate your skills to new heights in this exhilarating class.
Fee: $25
Ages: 14 and up.
Beginners Night at the Climbing Wall
Thursday, Nov. 7, 5 – 7 p.m.
James Island County Park – Outdoor Zone
Embark on an exhilarating journey at our “Beginners Night” at The Climbing Wall. This event is tailored for those stepping into the climbing world for the first time, promising an evening of excitement and shared experiences. Our friendly and knowledgeable instructors will guide you through the essentials, from harnessing up to conquering your first climbing challenges. The atmosphere will buzz with positive energy as you connect with fellow beginners, creating memories and building confidence together. Join us for a night filled with laughter, encouragement, and the joy of discovering the thrill of climbing. It’s not just an introduction; it’s a vibrant and welcoming kickoff to your climbing journey. Registration includes harness and shoe rental.
Fee: $15
Ages: 18 and up.
Lighthouse Inlet Bird Walk
Friday, Nov. 8, 8:30 – 10:30 a.m.
Lighthouse Inlet Heritage Preserve
This walk focuses on the incredibly diverse northeast end of Folly Island. Once the home of a Coast Guard station, this Heritage Preserve protects maritime forest, beach, dune, and marsh habitats for wildlife. This site boasts one of the largest bird lists in South Carolina. At this time of year, we hope to see a variety of songbirds, seabirds, and shorebirds such as Painted Bunting, Sandwich Tern, Whimbrel, and much more. What to expect: This program is open to birders of all levels, including beginners. No accessible parking is available. No restrooms are available. The park includes a paved surface that leads to a natural, unimproved surface out to a sandy beach. The program route is out and back and is approximately one-mile-long total. The program route is flat leading to moderate elevation when crossing sand dunes and no benches are available along the trail. The program speed is moderately slow and requires periods of standing and gazing upwards.
Fee: $9
Ages 12 and up (chaperone required for ages 15 and under)
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The Super Tour: Laurel Hill, McLeod, and Caw Caw
Saturday, Nov. 9, 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
McLeod Plantation Historic Site
The production of bricks, rice, and cotton left an indelible footprint on the Lowcountry. Three locations provide the stories: Laurel Hill, Caw Caw Interpretive Center, and McLeod Plantation Historic Site. During this Super Tour, Charleston County Park staff will weave the histories and stories of each site. Transportation is provided. The tour begins and ends at McLeod Plantation Historic Site, 325 Country Club Drive, Charleston, SC 29412. What to expect: Participants will travel to three Charleston County Parks on an activity bus. Both McLeod Plantation Historic Site and the Caw Caw Interpretive Center have accessible bathrooms, water fountains, and picnic tables where the tour begins and ends. All destinations have flat trails made of natural surfaces and benches along the trail route. Laurel Hill County Park does not have restrooms or water fountains. The tour will consist of periods of sitting, periods of slow walking, and periods of standing in one place. The bus will leave from McLeod Plantation Historic Site at 8:30 AM.
Fee: $25
Ages: 12 and up
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Seashore Exploration
Saturday, Nov. 9, 10 a.m. – noon
Folly Beach County Park – Dunes House
Fall is a great time to explore the beach, and a trained naturalist will help familiarize you with several species. Share in the discovery by learning intriguing stories about adaptations that allow for life near the ocean.What to expect: Accessible parking, accessible restrooms, and accessible water fountains are available near the Dunes House where the program begins and ends. An accessible route to a natural sand beach is present and beach wheelchairs are available for checkout on a first come, first served basis. For more information about wheelchairs at Folly Beach County Park, click here. This program takes place on a sandy beach and requires periods of slow walking, standing, and gazing upwards or downwards to observe wildlife.
Fee: $10
Ages: 9 and up
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Basic Climbing Rescues
Sunday, Nov. 10, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
James Island County Park – Outdoor Zone
Learn basic self-rescue techniques for your next outdoor trip. When things don’t go according to plan, have the skills and confidence to get you and your partner out of trouble.
Fee: $40
Ages: 16 and up.
Lead Climbing Essentials
Sunday, Nov. 10, 1 – 4 p.m.
James Island County Park – Outdoor Zone
Embark on the next level of climbing mastery with our “Lead Climbing Essentials” class, tailored for those ready to elevate their skills and conquer new heights. This dynamic course delves into the intricacies of lead climbing, focusing on advanced techniques, risk management, and mental resilience. Our expert instructors will guide you through the fundamentals of clipping, rope management, and route reading, preparing you to take the lead on both indoor and outdoor climbs. Join a community of aspiring lead climbers, push your boundaries, and experience the exhilaration of ascending vertical challenges with confidence. Gear up for a transformative journey into the world of lead climbing where each ascent becomes a personal triumph! In order to gain the most knowledge from this class, you should be able to climb a 5.9 route.
Fee: $40
Ages: 14 and up.
Seashore Exploration
Thursday, Nov. 14, 1 – 3 p.m.
Folly Beach County Park – Dunes House
Fall is a great time to explore the beach, and a trained naturalist will help familiarize you with several species. Share in the discovery by learning intriguing stories about adaptations that allow for life near the ocean.What to expect: Accessible parking, accessible restrooms, and accessible water fountains are available near the Dunes House where the program begins and ends. An accessible route to a natural sand beach is present and beach wheelchairs are available for checkout on a first come, first served basis. For more information about wheelchairs at Folly Beach County Park, click here. This program takes place on a sandy beach and requires periods of slow walking, standing, and gazing upwards or downwards to observe wildlife.
Fee: $10
Ages: 9 and up
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Native American Wild Rice and Grits
Friday, Nov. 15, 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
McLeod Plantation Historic Site
Join food historian and documentarian Julian Gooding as he shares the history of the Lowcountry through the culinary arts. This program honors the Indigenous People that lived on James Island centuries before colonization, participants will learn about fresh water wild rice cultivation and the origins of grits and cornbread. Guests will learn to prepare a Native American dish of wild rice and berries.What to expect: This program will take place at the McLeod Plantation Historic Site Pavilion where seating is available for all participants. The program location is outside in a shaded area. A small, tasting portion of food will be provided to each participant. A list of ingredients will be available during the program. McLeod Plantation Historic Site has accessible parking, restrooms, water fountains, and picnic tables. Trails throughout the property are of a natural, unpaved surface. Thanks to the generous support of the Charleston County Parks Foundation, this program is free. Registration is strongly recommended to guarantee you have a spot.
Fee: FREE
Ages: 16 and up
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Tea Farm Creek Canoe Trip
Saturday Nov. 16, 7:30 – 10:30 a.m.
Caw Caw Interpretive Center
Paddle into Tea Farm Creek alongside a trained naturalist to witness firsthand how human history has impacted the landscapes around us. View one of the only naturalized understories of tea plants in the country as you travel through abandoned rice fields and forests that have been reclaimed by salt marsh. What to expect: Accessible parking is available. Accessible restrooms, accessible water fountains, and accessible picnic tables are all available near the Welcome Center where the program begins and ends. While taking part in this activity, participants are required to sit for extended periods of time, bend knees, reach and pull with torso, and climb in and out of boats.
Fee: $35
Ages: 12 and up
Homeschool in the Parks: Think like a Naturalist
Friday, Nov. 22, 10 – 11:30 a.m.
Caw Caw Interpretive Center
Naturalist study plants and animals to understand and protect the world around them. Learn how to identify species through the use of a scientific key, understand the stories behind tracks, and gain insight as to why we use nomenclature. Through these activities, children learn how to think like a naturalist and understand the dynamic ecosystems of the Caw Caw Interpretive Center. What to expect: Accessible parking, accessible restrooms, accessible water fountains, and accessible picnic tables are available at this location. The program route is a loop, and benches are available along the trail route. The trails are unpaved. The program speed is moderately slow to medium. A portion of this program will be spent in an air-conditioned classroom.
Fee: $ 7
Ages: 7 – 12 years
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