Coastal Carolina Fair

Fall means it’s time once again for the Coastal Carolina Fair, which brings all kinds of fun to the Lowcountry for 11 days each October and November.  It’s a long-running tradition, going all the way back to 1957.

The Coastal Carolina Fair is kind of like a cross between a state fair and a county fair.  It’s wholesome family entertainment for all ages  -  babies, preschoolers, elementary age kids, tweens, special needs… for everyone, on up through centenarians.

Here are some classic offerings of the Coastal Carolina Fair: 

• Over 20 major Midway rides, including ones like Free fall, Wave Swinger, Scrambler, Century Wheel, and Tomb of Doom; recent rides included The Beast (which loops and swings you 360 degrees), and the Dutch Wheel which is 126 feet tall;
• an “Extreme Zone” complete with the daredevil ride Speed, Kid Bungee and a rock climbing wall;
• Kiddieland, with giant Carousel, Tea Cups, Wacky Worm, Frog Hopper and a bunch of other options for the little ones;
• Loads of live musical entertainment including some big-name acts;
• Pageants;
• Petting zoo;
• A slew of local performing acts;
• Agricultural events, plus photography, fine arts and flower shows galore;
• New in 2022  -  four days of sanctioned rodeo events, including barrel racing, bronco riding and bull riding; winners earn points toward Nationals in Las Vegas;
• Biergarten for your beer-drinking pleasure;
• And of course, plenty of that fried fair food!  New last year: a cookie-dipped turkey leg.  I kid you not.

Check out the website for the complete schedule, tickets and available discounts.   Tickets are $15 per adult, $7 for kids 6-12, and free for those under six.  You can purchase tickets on the official website, in person at the Fair, or at area Circle K convenience stores.

Sponsored by the kind volunteers of the Exchange Club of Charleston, it's actually a fundraiser.  Over the years, they've raised over $11 million for local nonprofits.

Exact dates and details for 2024 haven't been announced yet, so stay tuned.  This was the schedule for 2023:

• Thursday Oct. 26, from 3:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
• Friday Oct. 27, from 3:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
• Saturday Oct. 28, from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
• Sunday Oct. 29, from 12:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
• Monday Oct. 30, from from 3:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
• Tuesday Oct. 31, from 3:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
• Wednesday Nov. 1, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. *Seniors only*
• Wednesday Nov. 1, from 3:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
• Thursday Nov. 2, from 3:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
• Friday Nov. 3, from 3:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
• Saturday Nov. 4, from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
• Sunday Nov. 5, from 12:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

The fun happens at the Exchange Park at 9850 Highway 78 in Ladson, SC.  

The Coastal Carolina Fair really is a load of fun for all ages, and it's well worth a visit.  Who knows  -   perhaps, like Noah and Allie in the movie The Notebook, you might have a life-changing moment at the fair.  After all, many scenes in The Notebook were filmed right here in the Lowcountry.

NOTE: New in 2023, they have instituted a clear bag policy, as many current events are doing.  Bags must be no larger than 12" by 12" and 6" deep.  Ziploc bags are allowed.