Labor Day weekend signals the official end to the peak summer season here at the beach. People generally see it as the last big hurrah of summer. Years ago, in many parts of the country, kids didn’t go back to school until after Labor Day. So it was often considered the last chance to enjoy summer break before hitting the books again.
But in recent years, and especially around the South, students go back to school earlier than that. Some school districts around Charleston are even starting back up the first week of August. So Labor Day’s lost a little bit of its luster as a final summer fling.
A Labor Day Perk…
That being said, Labor Day is still a good time to get away to the beach and to Charleston, especially if you have some time off.
And one cool side perk: once Labor Day has arrived, that marks the beginning of special off-season rates for our Isle of Palms luxury vacation rentals.
Charleston Events Labor Day Weekend
2024’s Labor Day falls on Monday, September 2nd. The fun kicks off on Friday, August 30th, the start of the four-day holiday weekend.
Labor Day around Charleston is somewhat low-key as far as huge special events are concerned. One big exception is the Lowcountry Jazz Festival, which takes over The Gaillard Center downtown.
Historically, Charleston has deep musical roots, and many of the early innovators of jazz came from or played in Charleston. The Jenkins’ Orphanage was a training ground for gifted young musicians; their jazz band wowed crowds wherever they toured, including London, Paris, Berlin and Rome. They even played for two Presidential inaugurations, for Teddy Roosevelt and William Howard Taft.
The Lowcountry Jazz Festival kicks off Friday night with their special VIP White Linen Cocktail Party in the Gaillard’s Grand Ballroom, where attendees wear all white and take in live performances by top jazz musicians Art Sherrod, Lin Rountree and Ragan Whiteside.
Saturday is Day One of the festival, with live music by the Braxton Brothers, Marion Meadows & Alex Bugnon, and Samara Joy. Then Day Two on Sunday features Incognito and Brian Culbertson. You can read more and buy tickets on the official festival website.
Watch the Riverdogs Play & Catch Some Fireworks
Charleston’s beloved baseball team, the RiverDogs, are on a roll. They’ve won the league championship for the past three years.
But frankly, whether they’re playing well or not, going to a RiverDogs’ baseball game is a whole lot of fun. They play at “The Joe,” a beautiful ballpark on the Ashley River that was named after Charleston’s marvelous mayor of several decades, Joe Riley.
The RiverDogs are known for their zany promotions. This comes as no surprise since their official “Director of Fun” and part owner is none other than actor and Saturday Night Live alum, Bill Murray, who has a home here. Keep an eye peeled for Bill around town; he’s been known to photobomb many a tourist’s photo.
The RiverDogs will be in town Labor Day weekend, playing a homestand against the Fayetteville Woodpeckers. Friday night’s game starts at 7:05 pm and will feature a special fireworks show set to music.
They play two more times during Charleston Labor Day weekend. Saturday, the game kicks off at 6:05 pm for Third Party Charlie night presented by Fox 24, 101.7 Chuck FM and 92.5 Kickin’ Country. Then on Sunday they play again at 5:05 pm, for MUSC Health Family Sunday, with all kinds of fun for kids like the chance to run the bases, a special video board, and contests between innings.
Check out the schedule and buy tickets here.
Visit one of America’s Best Farmer’s Markets
A great way to spend Saturday morning of the Charleston Labor Day weekend is to check out the city’s famous farmer’s market. It’s been named one of the ten best in the United States.
The market takes over Marion Square downtown, on the corners of Meeting Street, Calhoun and King. You’ll find a cool mix of local produce, artisanal products, arts and crafts, prepared food, street performers and a generally fun vibe.
The market lasts from 8:00 am till 2:00 pm. Read more about it here, including a link to what’s in season, when.
Take in Live Music at the Windjammer
The Windjammer is an Isle of Palms classic and the hub of Front Beach. It’s known for its concerts and hosting musical talent of all genres. Rock. Country. Yacht Rock. Bluegrass (love those Steep Canyon Rangers!). Soul/R&B. The calendar is eclectic and always entertaining.
Labor Day weekend, they’ve got a few concerts on tap for the Nütrl Beach Stage. Friday, it’s Tucker Wetmore performing live. Then, on Saturday and Sunday nights, 49 Winchester is playing as part of their Leavin This Holler Tour, along with The Weathered Souls and Hannah Aldridge. Learn more and buy tickets here.
Hit the Beach
One of the very best ways to spend Labor Day Charleston SC is at the beach. It’s hard to beat putting your toes in the sand and getting in the water.
And the best beach around the Holy City is right here on the Isle of Palms.
Be sure to check this last blog, an Isle of Palms weather guide, with special links about local tides and water temps.
So head to the Lowcountry for a perfect Charleston Labor Day weekend. There’s plenty to do, and there’s plenty of beach to stretch out on, right here on the IOP. If you're looking to book a trip, be sure to check out our Isle of Palms vacation rentals!
All best,
Lowcountry Lisa
your Isle of Palms vacation blogger