With the upcoming chilly weather you may be inclined to stay at home with your snuggie and a cup of tea (believe us, we feel the same), but don’t succumb to your laziness just yet, we’ve rounded up loads of free events. Fall festivals continue throughout John’s Island and Kiawah, and there are visual art openings galore. Not to mention our favorite time of the year, YALLFest, will take place this weekend with over 60 Young Adult authors swarming the city to sign books and spend time with their fans, so get off your couch and go have some fun, free of charge.
Monday
The Main Library will provide all materials for Hack the Holidays: DIY Holiday Cards at 6 p.m.
As a part of the College of Charleston’s Boundless Words & Voices event, Bruce Watson will be at the Sottile Theatre at 7 p.m. to discuss his book Freedom Summer.
Break out your best flannel and check out Faculty Lounge’s ’90s on the 9th party at 10 p.m.
Tuesday
The Charleston Library Society welcomes Richard “Duke” Hagerty from 6-7 p.m. to speak about his work with surrealism and his new book American Surrealist.
Check out Cutty’s Comedy Night at 8 p.m. for some uncensored stand-up and improv by local comedians.
Wednesday
There will be a Summerville Veteran’s Day Ceremony at the Dorchester County Council Chambers at 10 p.m. with Captain Scott Heller as the guest speaker.
Calling all Veterans, Texas Roadhouse will be offering a free meal to all vets with military ID from 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
Learn how to cook sustainable meals at the Charleston Harbor Fish House from 6:30-8:30 p.m. with a cooking lecture by Good Catch Program Manager Shelley Dearhart and fishery experts from St. Jude Farms.
Thursday
The Wells Gallery on Kiawah Island will open a new art exhibit from 5-8 p.m. called I, Human by artist E.B. Lewis.
The Vendue will host an opening reception for their new exhibit Silver Versus Gold featuring over 40 international artists. The reception will include cocktails and h’orderves.
Friday
It’s the most wonderful time of the year, YALLFest. Events will be taking place throughout Friday and Saturday, but the festival will kick-off from 3-5 p.m. on Upper King Street with book signings and a chance to meet your favorite authors.
Come enjoy live music, drinks, and the art of tattoos at St. Timothy’s Church from 7-9 p.m. with the opening reception of their new visual art exhibit Hear Me Too featuring images and stories behind local residents’ tattoos.
As part of the YALLFest, the Main Library will host the So You Want to Be a YA Author: Pathway to Publication panel at 1 p.m. to help aspiring writers achieve their dreams.
The Charleston Academy Faculty will perform a brief Rush Hour Concert from 6-7 p.m. at the Murray Center.
The Michael Mitchell Gallery will host an opening reception from 6-8:30 p.m. for Gypsy Soul featuring Elizabeth Foster and Stephen St. Claire.
Saturday
The YALLFest continues with a day chock full of panels and discussions. Although most ticketed events are sold out, make sure to check out the Big Day of Panels and Signings on Upper King Street from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. where all the authors with sign book and greet guests.
Wonderworks in Mt. Pleasant will hold their 2015 Holiday Elfstravaganza featuring live entertainment and free prizes. Come celebrate the beginning of the holiday season from 9 a.m.-2 p.m.—proceeds will benefit local children charities.
Park Day on Daniel Island will take place from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. at the Children’s Park and Community Pier. This year’s event will feature a food rodeo, live entertainment, activities, and a BMX bike show.
If you’re on John’s Island this weekend, head to the Whitney Lake Fall Festival at Whitney Lake from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. with hay rides, music, face painting, and food trucks.
The Barbeque Joint in North Charleston will host their 3rd Annual Rockabillaque from noon-2 a.m. If you’re a car buff, this is the perfect event for you—there will be a classic car and vintage motorcycle show along with live music, activities, a fashion show, loads of barbeque, and the Miss Rockabillaque Pin-Up and Mr. Rockabillaque contest.
Jean Claude Roy Painting Exhibition: Places that Speak to Me will open at the Grand Bohemian Gallery from 5-8 p.m.
Sunday
Although YALLFest has come and gone, the Main Library will continue the celebration of Young Adult authors with a panel at 2:30 p.m. called Girl Power: Strong Women in YA Literature.
Mingle with a number of YA lit authors at the YA Series Insiders Book Party with games, snacks, and prizes at the Main Library beginning at 3:30 p.m.
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