LADSON — The 69th annual Coastal Carolina Fair has officially opened at the Exchange Park fairgrounds, located on U.S. Highway 78 in Ladson. The event features a range of attractions, including amusement rides, live entertainment, games, and diverse food options. For its 2026 run, the fair is scheduled to operate daily through November 8, typically from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Organized by the Exchange Club of Charleston, the fair is more than just entertainment; it also serves as a significant fundraising platform. Each year, the organization donates hundreds of thousands of dollars from the fair’s proceeds to various local charities. Beneficiaries include Barrier Island Free Medical Clinic, Dorchester Habitat for Humanity and ReStore, Lowcountry Orphan Relief, Berkeley Seniors, Lowcountry Food Bank, Metanoia, and Dee Norton Child Advocacy Center. In 2022, nearly $950,000 was raised for these organizations.
The Coastal Carolina Fair, which began in 1957, this year has a notable theme celebrating America’s 250th birthday. As part of the festivities, the Americana 250 Band Organ, a mechanical instrument that plays traditional carnival and carousel music, will perform daily throughout the event.
Admission tickets are priced at $16.50 for adults and teens, while children aged 6 to 12 can enter for $7.75. Those under six years old can attend for free. Additionally, wristbands for unlimited rides are available for $37.25, in addition to the gate admission price.
