Charleston County Parks is throwing open the gates at Johns Island County Park on Nov. 7 for its annual Harvest Festival, a day packed with live bluegrass, hayrides and fall activities for the whole family. The event runs from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with admission set at $10 per person. Kids 12 and under and Gold Pass holders get in free.
According to Charleston County Parks, advance ticket sales are not available, so attendees will need to pay at the gate. As WCBD News 2 reports, the festival showcases Charleston-area bluegrass talent throughout the day, turning the park into a stage for several local acts.
A Full Lineup of Bluegrass and Dancing
Palmetto Line Dancers kick things off right at the start, dancing from 11 to 11:30 a.m., per the park’s announcement. Yeehaw Junction takes the stage at 11:30 a.m., based on the performance schedule, followed by the Southern Flavor Bluegrass Band at 1:15 p.m. Willie Wells & The Blue Ridge Mountain Grass closes out the music lineup at 3 p.m., rounding out an afternoon built around live, local sound.
The festival has been a Johns Island fall tradition for years, with the park having hosted a similar event on Nov. 2, 2024, according to a listing from mix959.com that described local bluegrass bands, pumpkin decorating, kids’ crafts and hayrides as staples of the day.
Hayrides, Crafts and a Market for Shoppers
Beyond the music, organizers are offering hayrides, children’s fall arts and crafts, giant bubbles and a scarecrow stilt performer to keep younger festivalgoers entertained, per Charleston County Parks. The festival will also include a market featuring handmade items from local craft and merchandise vendors, giving shoppers a chance to browse alongside the day’s entertainment.
Food vendors will be on hand selling barbecue, kettle corn, festival treats and cold beverages, the parks department says. Attendees are encouraged to bring chairs, blankets or tables to settle in for the afternoon.
Sensory-Friendly Accommodations and Park Rules
Charleston County Parks has partnered with Kulture City to provide sensory-inclusive accommodations at the event, including sensory bags and a quiet area behind the park’s barn, according to WCBD News 2. The move is designed to make the festival more accessible for attendees who may need a calmer space away from the crowds and music.
Dogs are welcome at the festival but must remain on a leash at all times, Charleston County Parks notes, and outside alcohol and coolers are prohibited. Johns Island County Park is located at 2662 Mullet Haul Road, and organizers are inviting the community to come out for the full day of fall festivities.
