Coastal Carolina Fair

Flashing lights, whirling rides, the smell of funnel cake, the sound of laughter. It’s time again for the Coastal Carolina Fair, a landmark event that brings with it everything listed above and so much more. The event, in its 56th year, will have more than 60 rides, the fair food we all know and love, 4H contests, an agriculture arena and animal barn, bull riders, a flower show and live entertainment, including nightly concerts from the likes of Jo Dee Messina, Marshall Tucker Band, Village People and “American Idol” alum Lauren Alaina. With so much going on at this family-friendly fair, you’ll likely want to visit more than once.

When: Thursday-Nov. 4. Gate hours are 3-9 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 3-11 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m.-11 p.m. Saturday, noon-9 p.m. Sunday.

Where: Exchange Park, 9850 U.S. Highway 78, Ladson

Price: Gate ticket are $6 for adults, $4 for ages 6-12 in advance; $8 for adults, $5 for ages 6-12 at the gate; kids 5 and under get in free. All entertainment is free with gate tickets. A ride-all-day hand stamp or ride coupon book is $17 in advance, $20 at the gate.

For more info: www.coastalcarolinafair.org

Red Party

This fourth annual event put on by the American College of the Building Arts is headed to Oz. In honor of the visit to the Emerald City, attendees are asked to break out their best attire for the occasion – ruby slippers, black hat, fresh straw and an oiled Tin Man suit, for example. Dance “Under the Rainbow” to music by the V-Tones and DJ C. Nile, and enjoy specialty cocktails and food from Oak Steakhouse, O-Ku, The Cocktail Club and Carter’s Kitchen. An auction will also be part of this fundraising event for ACBA.

When: 7-11 p.m. Thursday

Where: Old City Jail, 21 Magazine St.

Price: $65 in advance, $85 at the door (tickets include two drink tickets); VIP tickets are $150 and include access to a private lounge, early entrance and preview of auction items at 6:30 p.m., an exclusive bar and specialty hors d’oeuvres

For more info: www.showclix.com/event/3705216 or www.buildingartscollege.us

Mac-Off

This third annual event, presented by Charleston Scene, is all about, you guessed it, macaroni and cheese. Local chefs will battling for your taste buds in this cheesy, Southern competition. In addition to all the tasty creations and an assortment of beverages to wash it all down, entertainment will include bull riding, fire hoop dancers, a bull whipper and music from Maybe Antebellum and The Tarlatan Acoustic Duo. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to East Cooper Community Outreach.

When: 6-10 p.m. Friday

Where: Mount Pleasant Memorial Waterfront Park, Harry M. Hallman Jr. Boulevard

Price: $10 for general admission; $30 for the MacBundle, which includes entrance into the event and 25 tasting tickets

For more info: www.asnappyevent.com

Skinful

The Skinful Halloween party is back. By far one of the most popular parties of the year, this 21 and over event will see six music stages, burlesque pole dancing, circus acts, urban wakeboarding, ziplines, hay rides, a hookah tent and more. Live music is on tap from The Dubplates featuring Future Fambo and Zumjay, Ivan Neville’s Dumpstaphunk, Cut Chemist and Chali 2na from Jurassic 5, and DJ Muggs from Cypress Hill. There will be cash bars set up everywhere, so you’re guaranteed not to go thirsty. There is no on-site parking, and outside coolers are not permitted.

When: 8 p.m.-4 a.m. Saturday

Where: Brick House Kitchen, 1575 Folly Road, James Island; shuttles will ferry people to and from the site

Price: $50 general admission; $100 VIP, which gets attendees an open bar 7p.m.-midnight, separate lines to enter, three bars and lounges, and a souvenir cup; super VIP private cabanas start at $2,000 and gets you bottle service for up to 10, 2 bottles, mixers, a 20-by-20 tent, a personal server and lounge furniture.

For more info: www.skinfulhalloween.com

Mary Mary

Grammy-winning duo Mary Mary will be bringing their gospel groove to the Lowcountry. Touring in support of their latest studio album, “Go Get It,” the show will feature new songs as well as some of sisters Erica and Tina Campbell’s greatest hits. The opening act for the tour is Stellar Award-winning recording artist Isaac Carree, who will be supporting his new album “Uncommon Me.”

When: 8 p.m. Saturday

Where: North Charleston Performing Arts Center, 5001 Coliseum Drive

Price: $30-$36

For more info: www.ilovemarymary.com or www.northcharlestoncoliseumpac.com