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Mullet Haul n’ Hustle Half Marathon, Marathon Relay, 5K and Kids Dash
Saturday, Oct. 3, 8 a.m.
Johns Island County Park
Lace up and hit the dirt for the Mullet Haul n’ Hustle, a fast, fun, and scenic trail race winding through some of the Lowcountry’s most beautiful natural terrain. This race offers four distances: Half Marathon, Marathon Relay, 5K and Kids Dash. Designed for both seasoned trail runners and first-timers eager to try something new, the Mullet Haul n’ Hustle blends Charleston charm with off-road adventure. Expect rolling terrain, shaded stretches, and the kind of peaceful forest backdrop that reminds you why the Lowcountry is such an amazing place to run. Stick around afterward for refreshments, adult beverages, photo ops, and good vibes with the Charleston running community. Before the race, we invite children under the age of 8 to dash across the finish, too. Kids dash registration is available for $5 and includes a finisher medal. Parent or guardian must be present. The half marathon is open to runners and walkers of all levels, including beginners. All trails are of a natural, unimproved surface. Loop course with water stations. For more information, visit CharlestonCountyParks.com.
Fees vary
Ages: 8 and up
Cast Off Fishing Tournament
Saturday, Oct. 3, 6 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Folly Beach Pier
Join us at the pier for a fun day of fishing during the Cast Off Fishing Tournament. Prize categories include Biggest 3 by Weight, Biggest youth catch (12 & under), and Best 5 Fish Total Weight. No preregistration required. Register on site the morning of each tournament.
Fee: $12 for ages 13 and up; $9 for members of the military; $9 for youth and seniors; $5 for fishing pass holders
Ages: 3 and up (adult chaperone required for ages 15 and under)
https://www.ccprc.com/event/cast-off-fishing-tournament/337
Latin American Festival
Sunday, Oct. 4, 12 – 5 p.m.
Wannamaker County Park
This annual tradition brings people together to celebrate Charleston’s vibrant Latin and Caribbean cultures at one of the Lowcountry’s favorite county parks. Festivities include non-stop music, traditional dance performances, folkloric artwork and crafts, and authentic food and beverages. Visit CharlestonCountyParks.com for an entertainment lineup and for more information.
Fee: $15 per vehicle in advance; $25 per vehicle on site; free for Gold Pass holders
All ages
Palmetto Park Jam
Sunday, Oct. 11, 11 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Palmetto Islands County Park
Come out to Palmetto Islands County Park to enjoy live music from Idlewild Revival! Gates open at 11 a.m. Live music begins at 12 p.m.
Fee: $20 per vehicle in advance; $30 per vehicle on site (if not sold out); free for Gold Pass members
Ages: Any
Starlight Yoga
Thursday, Oct. 15, 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Wannamaker County Park
The moon and stars enhance this flowing yoga class. Participants will receive a special glow in the dark prize. What to expect: This class is open to all levels, including beginners. Accessible parking and restrooms available. Class is on a grassy meadow.
Fee: $12
Ages: 10 and up
Cast Off Fishing Tournament
Saturday, Oct. 17, 7 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Mount Pleasant Pier
Join us at the pier for a fun day of fishing during the Cast Off Fishing Tournament. Prize categories include Biggest 3 by Weight, Biggest youth catch (12 & under), and Best 5 Fish Total Weight. No preregistration required. Register on site the morning of each tournament.
Fee: $12 for ages 13 and up; $9 for members of the military; $9 for youth and seniors; $5 for fishing pass holders
Ages: 3 and up (adult chaperone required for ages 15 and under)
https://www.ccprc.com/event/cast-off-fishing-tournament/341
Fall Family Festival at the West County Aquatic Center
Saturday, Oct. 17, 1 – 4 p.m.
West County Aquatic Center/Hollywood Town Hall
Charleston County Parks is providing a day of fun, food trucks, DJ, jump castles, face painting, and more. This event is free and open to the public.
Fee: Free; no registration required
Ages: Any
Baptist Hill Fall Festival
Thursday, Oct. 29, 5:30 – 7 p.m.
Schroder Recreation Center
Trick or treat! Dress up in your Halloween costume and come join us for a day of family fun, including free candy, kid-friendly games, and music. Don’t miss out on all the fun! Registration not required to attend.
Free event; no registration required
All ages
https://www.ccprc.com/event/baptist-hill-fall-festival/576
McClellanville Fall Festival
Lincoln Recreation Center
Friday, Oct. 30, 5:30 – 8 p.m.
Come join us for a festive fall evening where costumes are encouraged and fun is guaranteed! Enjoy an abundance of candy, delicious food, exciting games, and much more with your family and friends. Registration is not required to attend.
Free event; no registration required
All ages
https://www.ccprc.com/event/mcclellanville-fall-festival/579
Trick, Treat and Trail Fun Run and Festival
Wannamaker County Park
Saturday, Oct. 31, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Get ready to be treated during our spooktacular fun run and festival chock full of trick or treating, candy and entertainment including face painting, jump castles, local vendors, and refreshments. What to expect: The fun run is open to runners and walkers of all levels, including beginners. Accessible parking and restrooms are available. The route includes grass meadow and paved trails. Loop course with water stations and short cut option.
Fee: $25
All ages
https://www.ccprc.com/event/trick-treat-and-trail-fun-run-and-festival/481
October 2026 Programs
Dock Discovery
Thursday, Oct. 1, 9:30 – 11 a.m.
James Island County Park
Join one of our naturalists at the fishing dock at James Island County Park. We’ll explore the marsh edges, the organisms that live underwater on the dock itself, and even microscopic plankton that drift their way down the creek. A net especially designed to trap tiny planktonic organisms will be used and microscopes will be set up at an indoor location to allow us to view this seldom seen world. What to expect: Accessible parking, accessible restrooms, and accessible water fountains are available at this park. A portion of this program will take place in the salt marsh on a dock. Periods of walking and observing nature are part of this program. The program’s walking pace will be slow to moderate, and the trails are paved surfaces. Tables for sitting will be available where the second half of program takes place.
Fee: $12
Ages: 12 and up
Beginners Night at the Climbing Wall
Thursday, Oct. 1, 5 – 7 p.m.
Palmetto Peaks Climbing at James Island County Park
New to climbing? This is the perfect place to start. Join us for a relaxed, staff-supported session designed to help you learn the basics, meet other beginners, and enjoy the experience at your own pace. Free gear rental is included, and you’re welcome to stay and climb until close. No experience needed—just show up ready to try something new.
Fee: $15
Ages: 18 and up
A Big Sit: Birding Event
Saturday, Oct. 3, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
James Island County Park
How many birds can we identify while staying within a seventeen-foot diameter circle? Join this accessible and inclusive birding event to help answer this question! Birding enthusiasts will be there to help with species identification and information. Drop in for 20 minutes or stick around for hours, as this is sure to be a fun learning experience about and for birds of many feathers. This program is open to birders of all levels, including beginners. Please feel free to bring food/snacks with you to enjoy at the accessible picnic tables available for you near the count circle. The count circle area includes a packed grassy surface that is mostly flat. Please bring your own seat, from camp chair to wheelchair. Some binoculars and chairs will be available to share among participants.
Free event with park admission fee ($2 per person or free with Gold Pass)
Ages: 12 and up
Early Morning Bird Walks at Caw Caw
Ongoing, Wednesdays and Saturdays, Oct. 3, 7, 10, 14, 17, 21, 24, 28, 31, 8:30 – 10:30 a.m.
Caw Caw Interpretive Center
Join us on one or more of our regular bird walks. Our trek through many distinct habitats will allow us to view and discuss a variety of birds, butterflies, and other organisms. What to expect: Accessible parking, accessible restrooms, accessible water fountains, and accessible picnic tables are available at this location. The program route is a flat, loop and benches are available along the trail route. The trails are unpaved. The program speed is moderately slow and will require periods of standing and gazing upwards.
Fee: $12
Ages: Any
Indigenous History Through Archaeology
Saturday, Oct. 3, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Caw Caw Interpretive Center
Dig deep into the history of Indigenous peoples of the Lowcountry through archaeological evidence and landscape interpretation. Join Cultural History Interpretation Coordinator, Georgette Rivera, to explore the material culture left behind by Indigenous communities thousands of years ago. Participants will examine artifacts such as pottery, learn how settlement patterns are identified through archaeology, and consider how Indigenous peoples shaped and managed coastal landscapes long before written records. Accessible parking, restrooms, water fountains, and picnic tables are available at Caw Caw Interpretive Center. Trails are of paved and unpaved surfaces and benches are available along the trails. Portions of this activity will take place in a climate-controlled classroom.
Fee: Activity Fee: $12 for General Public
Ages: 16 and up
Belay Basics
Sunday, Oct. 4, 10 – 11:30 a.m.
Palmetto Peaks Climbing at James Island County Park
New to belaying? This class will teach you the essential skills to belay safely and confidently on top rope. We’ll cover proper setup, communication, catching falls, and gear handling—all broken down step by step. No experience required, just a willingness to learn. By the end, you’ll be ready to belay a climbing partner outdoors or indoors. Gear is provided; feel free to bring your own.
Fee: $25
Ages: 14 and up
Shark Tooth Sleuthing
Folly Beach County Park
Tuesday, Oct. 6, 9:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Fall is a great time to explore the beach. Join an experienced naturalist to search for shark teeth and other beach artifacts. We’ll discuss shark adaptations and biology while learning the secrets to searching for shark teeth. 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. This program takes place on a sandy beach and requires periods of slow walking, standing, and gazing upwards or downwards to observe wildlife.
Fee: $12
Ages: 9 and up
Lowcountry Senior Series: Rock Climbing
Tuesday, Oct. 6, 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Palmetto Peaks Climbing at James Island County Park
This program empowers adults 50+ to continue to explore, discover, and grow. Discover the exciting sport of rock climbing in a fun, supportive environment! We’ll introduce the basics of climbing, including equipment, safety, body positioning, and movement techniques. Participants will have the opportunity to climb our walls with the support of our trained staff while building confidence, strength, balance, and problem-solving skills. No prior climbing experience is necessary.
Fee: $20
Ages: 50 and up
Lighthouse Inlet Bird Walk
Friday, Oct. 9, 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 is a leader in number of bird species seen in South Carolina. At this time of year we hope to see seabirds such as Black Skimmers, shorebirds such as Piping Plovers, and migrant songbirds such as American Redstarts, plus much more. This program is open to birders of all levels, including beginners. No accessible parking is available. No restrooms are available. The park includes paved surface that leads to natural, unimproved surface out to a sandy beach. The program route is out and back and is approximately one-mile long total.
Fee: $12
Ages: 12 and up
Homeschool in the Parks: Creepy Crawlies
Friday, Oct. 9, 10 – 11:30 a.m.
Wannamaker County Park
It’s spooky season! Join us to learn all about the creepy crawlies of the Lowcountry. Unmask the mysteries of insects with hands-on activities and discover the beautiful world of bugs! The program will begin and end under an open-air shelter. A portion of the program will involve walking on both paved and unpaved surfaces. Accessible restrooms and accessible water fountains are within a short walk from the shelter. Accessible picnic tables will be available under the shelter.
Fee: $7
Ages: 7-12
Family Archery
Saturday, Oct. 10, 1 – 2:30 p.m.
Johns Island County Park
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 register.
Fee: $20
Ages: 8 and up
Intro to Archery
Saturday, Oct. 10, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Johns Island County Park
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. A registered and paid chaperone is required for participants ages 15 and under.
Fee: $30
Ages: 10 and up
Introduction to the Stono Rebellion Landscape
Saturday, Oct. 10, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Caw Caw Interpretive Center
Join us for three events that explore the landscape of the Stono Rebellion – an uprising of enslaved Africans that occurred around the Caw Caw swamp in 1739. Despite being the largest uprising of enslaved people in the British North American colonies prior to the American Revolution, the Stono Rebellion remains largely unknown to the general public. Across the three events, attendees will learn about the Stono Rebellion through public presentations, interacting with archaeological artifacts, and experiencing the landscape through a walking tour of Caw Caw and a driving tour of the major sites of the rebellion. In this kick-off event, we begin in the Caw Caw classroom with a presentation of the historical events of Stono Rebellion by Joshua Parks and Eric Grant. Jon Marcoux will then discuss how archaeology can help us learn about the events and lives of the people who were involved in the rebellion, inviting attendees to explore archaeological artifacts as a tangible link to the past. We will then visit the nearby Stono Rebellion National Historic Landmark site and discuss the impacts of modern development on the surrounding historic landscape. For more information, visit CharlestonCountyParks.com.
Fee: Free
Ages: Any
Intro to Lead Climbing
Sunday, Oct. 11, 1 – 4 p.m.
Palmetto Peaks Climbing at James Island County Park
Ready to take your climbing to the next level? This class covers the basics of lead climbing in the gym—how to clip safely, manage rope drag, belay a lead climber, and fall safely with confidence. We’ll walk you through key techniques and safety protocols, with plenty of hands-on practice. No prior lead experience needed, but participants should be comfortable top rope belaying and able to climb at a 5.9 level or higher. All gear provided; bring your own if you prefer.
Fee: $40
Ages: 14 and up
Gator Tales
Tuesday, Oct. 13, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Caw Caw Interpretive Center
Join us as we search for alligators and separate fact from fiction to learn why these large reptiles carry the special title of “keystone species.” Alligators captivate us with their ancient features, remarkable survival skills, and dangerous potential. Join us to learn about many of their fascinating behaviors and features while learning how you can keep yourself and alligators safe! What to expect: Accessible parking, accessible restrooms, and accessible water fountains are available at this park. The trails are composed of a natural surface and flat and the program speed is moderate to slow. Benches are located along the program route.
Fee: $12
Ages: 12 and up
Lowcountry Senior Series: Archery
Tuesday, Oct. 13, 10 – 11:30 a.m.
Basketball Gymnasium at Lincoln Recreation Center
This program empowers adults 50+ to continue to explore, discover, and grow. Come out and “fling” some arrows! We’ll start with the basics of archery and you’ll soon find that “inner child” as you start hitting those bull’s-eyes.
Fee: $20
Ages: 50 and up
Wee Wild Ones: Web Makers
Friday, Oct. 16, 9:30 – 10:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. – 12 p.m.
James Island County Park
What has 8 legs but is also quite the artist? That’s right, a spider! Come join us to see the more artistic side of our 8-legged friends. We will learn how spiders make their webs and catch their food. Young children will channel their inner explorers as they enjoy nature through hands-on activities, games, music, and art. Let’s explore the “web-ful” world of spiders together! What to Expect: The program will begin and end under an open-air shelter. A portion of the program will involve walking on both paved and unpaved surfaces. Accessible restrooms and an accessible water fountain are within a short walk from the shelter. Accessible picnic tables will be available under the shelter.
Fee: $10
Ages: 1.5 – 6
17701 (9:30 a.m.)
17702 (11 a.m.)
Seashore Exploration
Friday, Oct. 16, 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Beachwalker Park
Fall is a great time to explore the beach. Join an experienced naturalist to familiarize yourself with many species that may be found there. We’ll search for artifacts and living creatures along the beach such as molluscs, sponges, corals, and more. 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 snack bar 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. This program takes place on a sandy beach and requires periods of slow walking, standing, and gazing upwards or downwards to observe wildlife.
Fee: $12
Ages: 9 and up
Rice, Rebellion, and the Transforming Colonial Landscape
Saturday, Oct. 17, 9 – 11 a.m.
Caw Caw Interpretive Center
Join us for three events that explore the landscape of the Stono Rebellion – an uprising of enslaved Africans that occurred around the Caw Caw swamp in 1739. Despite being the largest uprising of enslaved people in the British North American colonies prior to the American Revolution, the Stono Rebellion remains largely unknown to the general public. Across the three events, attendees will learn about the Stono Rebellion through public presentations, interacting with archaeological artifacts, and experiencing the landscape through a walking tour of Caw Caw and a driving tour of the major sites of the rebellion. The Stono Rebellion played out across a landscape transformed by an economic shift from cattle and timber to rice in the early 1700s. Led by historian Erica Veal, this tour of Caw Caw focuses on the ways enslaved people transformed the landscape from grazing savannahs and cypress swamps into rice fields. For details visit CharlestonCountyParks.com.
Fee: Free
Ages: Any
Seashore Exploration
Monday, Oct. 19, 9 – 11 a.m.
Isle of Palms County Park
Fall is a great time to explore the beach. Join an experienced naturalist to familiarize yourself with many species that may be found there. We’ll search for artifacts and living creatures along the beach such as molluscs, sponges, corals, and more. Share in the discovery by learning intriguing stories about adaptations that allow for life near the ocean. Accessible parking, accessible restrooms, and accessible water fountains are available near the Park Center 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. This program takes place on a sandy beach and requires periods of slow walking, standing, and gazing upwards or downwards to observe wildlife.
Fee: $12
Ages: 9 and up
Monarch Migration
Thursday, Oct. 22, 1-3 p.m.
Folly Beach 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. Accessible parking is available, 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: $12
Ages: 9 and up
Better Birding: How to Sharpen Your Skills
Friday, Oct. 23, 9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Caw Caw Interpretive Center
Master Naturalist advanced training opportunities provide exposure and skill development in areas such as natural history, natural resource management, and nature interpretation. In order to keep a Master Naturalist certification current, you must take at least eight hours of advanced training per year. Dive deeper into bird identification, observation, and behavior. Hone your listening skills too, as an emphasis will be placed on birding by ear through several distinct habitat types ranging from blackwater swamp to salt marsh. What to expect: Accessible parking, accessible restrooms, accessible water fountains, and accessible picnic tables are available at the Welcome Center where the program begins and ends. The park includes natural, unpaved trails that are mostly flat. The program route is a loop, and benches are available along the trail route. The program speed is moderately slow and includes periods of standing and gazing upwards.
Fee: $50
Ages: 18 and up
Junior Naturalist: Marvelous Migration
Saturday, Oct. 24, 1 – 3 p.m.
Folly Beach County Park
Discover why animals choose to move. Learn about monarch butterflies and other creatures that migrate along coastal South Carolina. Join us as we potentially tag some monarchs and learn more about their amazing annual migration. Bring your curiosity and engage all of your senses while exploring natural habitats at your county parks! Led by Charleston County Park’s Education staff, the multi-seasonal Junior Naturalist program series offers a wide variety of fun and educational nature-based activities focused around a central theme. Children who attend 8 classes earn the title of a Certified Junior Naturalist! What to Expect: Accessible parking, restrooms, a water fountain, and picnic tables are all available at this site. This program will begin and end under the Dunes House in a semi-shaded area. An accessible route to a natural sandy beach is present, and beach wheelchairs are available on a first-come, first-served basis. The program route is out and back along a sandy beach. There are no benches along the route. The program will require periods of walking and standing.
Fee: $10
Ages: 8-12
Driving Tour of the Stono Rebellion
Saturday, Oct. 24, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Caw Caw Interpretive Center
Join us for three events that explore the landscape of the Stono Rebellion – an uprising of enslaved Africans that occurred around the Caw Caw swamp in 1739. Across the three events, attendees will learn about the Stono Rebellion through public presentations, interacting with archaeological artifacts, and experiencing the landscape through a walking tour of Caw Caw and a driving tour of the major sites of the rebellion. In this event, we will venture out to visit the key sites of the Stono Rebellion. Guided by Shawn Halifax, a historic preservationist and public historian whose life and career are inextricably tied to the Stono River, its tidal marshes, cypress-tupelo swamps, history, and people. For over twenty years he made the Stono riverscape his home. Attendees will have the unique experience of learning about the events of Stono Rebellion where they happened. The event will also include discussions of efforts to preserve and interpret this landscape, so people can better understand and connect with the story of the Stono Rebellion. For more information, visit CharlestonCountyParks.com.
Fee: Free (registration required)
Ages: Any
Shark Tooth Sleuthing
Saturday, Oct. 24, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Folly Beach County Park
Fall is a great time to explore the beach. Join an experienced naturalist to search for shark teeth and other beach artifacts. We’ll discuss shark adaptations and biology while learning the secrets to searching for shark teeth. 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. This program takes place on a sandy beach and requires periods of slow walking, standing, and gazing upwards or downwards to observe wildlife.
Fee: $12
Ages: 9 and up
Lowcountry Senior Series: Archery
Tuesday, Oct. 27, 10 – 11:30 a.m.
Schroder – Basketball Gymnasium at Schroder Recreation Center
This program empowers adults 50+ to continue to explore, discover, and grow. Come out and “fling” some arrows! We’ll start with the basics of archery and you’ll soon find that “inner child” as you start hitting those bull’s-eyes.
Fee: $20
Ages: 50 and up
Dock Discovery
Thursday, Oct. 29, 9:30 – 11:30 a.m.
James Island County Park
Join one of our naturalists at the fishing dock at James Island County Park. We’ll explore the marsh edges, the organisms that live underwater on the dock itself, and even microscopic plankton that drift their way down the creek. A net especially designed to trap tiny planktonic organisms will be used and microscopes will be set up at an indoor location to allow us to view this seldom seen world. What to expect: Accessible parking, accessible restrooms, and accessible water fountains are available at this park. A portion of this program will take place in the salt marsh on a dock. Periods of walking and observing nature are part of this program. The program’s walking pace will be slow to moderate, and the trails are paved surfaces. Tables for sitting will be available where the second half of program takes place.
Fee: $12
Ages: 12 and up
Halloween Night Climb
Friday, Oct. 30, 7- 9 p.m.
Palmetto Peaks Climbing at James Island County Park
Celebrate Halloween with an evening of climbing, costumes, and spooky fun! Experience our climbing walls under festive lighting while enjoying music, decorations, and other seasonal surprises in a fun and welcoming atmosphere. Costumes are encouraged (provided they can be worn safely with a climbing harness), and all climbing equipment is provided. Whether you’re a first-time climber or an experienced climber, this special event is a great way to celebrate Halloween with family and friends!
Fee: $20
Ages: 5 and up
Kids on the Go: Brushstrokes and Bullseyes (8-10yrs)
Saturday, Oct. 31, 10 – 11:45 a.m.
Outdoor Adventure Center at James Island
Let the kids go! Let’s paint and fling some arrows. This Halloween Edition is all about painting creative designs on pumpkins and using them as our targets! All activity equipment provided.
Fee: $10
Ages: 8-10
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