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Culture & Entertainment in Charleston/Downtown

Charleston's beauty has long inspired artists and beckoned art lovers to come visit. Home to endless galleries, historic theaters and high energy festivals, Charleston has a vibrant arts scene awaiting you.

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Vienna Light Orchestra

Witness the spectacle of world class performers in a historic venue—one of the most unforgettable 2024 residency concerts for an only-in-Charleston fan favorite experience.

Miller Gallery

Affordable, contemporary online and pop-up focuses gallery. Visit the website to schedule a private appointment at the HQ or see the schedule of local events.

The Black Fedora Comedy Mystery Theatre

Live comedy theatre in a cozy setting – clean comic whodunit shows, volunteer audience participation, a la carte appetizers, drinks, & desserts. At downtown City Market.

Charleston Jazz Festival

From April 18-21, 2024, jazz will take over the city as local and internationally renowned artists headline a spectacular lineup of performances. Info: CharlestonJazz.com

The Footlight Players

Charleston’s original theatre company in residence at the historic Queen Street Playhouse, offering a variety of live entertainment all year long.

Charleston Jazz

Explore Charleston's rich jazz history, rooted in African and Gullah traditions. Charleston Jazz sustains this legacy through world-class musical programming and events.

2nd Sunday on King

On the 2nd Sunday of each month from 1-5pm, King Street is closed to all vehicular traffic to celebrate the best shopping, dining & services the region has to offer. Join us!

68th Annual Festival of Houses & Gardens

View American architecture & arts in approx. 150 of Charleston’s grandest, private homes & gardens. Georgian & antebellum periods & into early 20th century.

African American Charleston

Charleston is an important place to learn more about African-American history and culture. Key events have shaped the city's growth and development.

Anglin Smith Fine Art

THE contemporary gallery for realism and color. Featuring works by painter Betty Anglin Smith & her triplets, Jennifer Smith Rogers, Shannon Smith Hughes, Tripp Smith & others

Atrium Art Gallery

A beautiful space featuring contemporary, abstract, realism, Lowcountry landscape and black & white photography from local, national and worldwide artists. A can't miss stop!

Brad and Jennifer Moranz Present

Bringing their Broadway experience to Charleston, Brad and Jennifer Moranz create spectacular musical variety shows for the whole family presented throughout the year.

Charleston Antiques Show

32 exhibitors from US & Europe present for sale antique to mid-century furniture, traditional & contemporary art & ceramics, jewelry, art, antiques & much more.

Charleston Carifest

Caribbean American Heritage Month June 29 - July 1, 2023. Activities include a Symposium, All White Fete, Carifest Street Parade, Cultural Expo and Carnival Celebration.

Charleston Crafts Cooperative Gallery

Fine craft gallery carrying only items made by 30+ South Carolina artisans, including pottery, fused glass, photography, jewelry, wood, fiber & basketry. Established in 1989.

Charleston Gallery Association

Charleston Gallery Association with over 40 art galleries in the greater Charleston area. Visit our website for a printable map and a link to all galleries and art offerings.

Charleston Literary Festival

Boutique literary festival offering stellar programming featuring internationally-acclaimed authors in intimate conversation. Join us at Dock Street Theatre Nov. 1-10, 2024!

Charleston Opera Theater

Charleston Opera Theater brings live professional concerts and opera performances to the Lowcountry with quality, creativity and with a heart honoring the soul of the artform.

Charleston Symphony Orchestra

Charleston's professional, world-class symphony, performing from September-May. With Masterworks, Chamber Music, and Pops Series, there is something for every musical taste!

Charleston Wine + Food

Our mission: To celebrate, educate, enrich, and promote the Lowcountry's diverse culinary + hospitality community through world-class experiences. March 6-10, 2024.

City Gallery at Waterfront Park

A venue for work that is new and innovative with a focus on broadening the art outlook including up and coming local, regional, national & international contemporary artists.

Colour of Music Festival

Diverse classical repertoire of baroque, classical and 20th-century music including compositions by composers of the African diaspora presented at the highest of standards.

Corrigan Gallery, LLC

Corrigan Gallery - local, contemporary museum quality fine art in beautiful historic district. All budgets for discerning collectors. Charleston Renaissance works available.

Dare Gallery

A Broad Street Destination for Fine Art & Fine Craft. Find coastal life, crashing waves & lush marshes here & for 20 yrs at sister shop Sandpiper Gallery on Sullivan’s Island.

Forte Jazz Lounge

This New York-style jazz venue boasts a big city sound paired with southern hospitality. Enjoy cozy candlelit tables, eclectic bar menu, stellar talent and the grand mural!

Grand Bohemian Gallery

The Grand Bohemian Gallery, located within the luxury hotels of The Kessler Collection, is one of the most eclectic and visually stimulating art galleries in the nation.

Gullah Tours

Explore the sites relevant to the culture & traditions of the African-Americans history in Charleston. Given by a Gullah speaking Charlestonian whose ancestors were slaves.

Hagan Fine Art

Offering luxury By Appointment shopping for a private fine art buying experience. Representing over 25 national and international artists in a beautiful historic gallery.

Halsey Institute of Contemporary Art

On the campus of the College of Charleston, the Halsey Institute presents innovative and adventurous art from all over the world in an accessible and engaging setting.

Jonathan Green Studios, LLC

The studio represents or features other artists whose work reflects the themes of work, love, belonging, and one's relationship to the environment. By appointment only.

Lowcountry Artists Gallery

Unique collections from artist-owners who have passionately pursued creating & curating since 1982. Come experience the lowcountry & take a piece of its heART with you.

Meyer Vogl Gallery

Contemporary fine art gallery in Charleston’s French Quarter. Featuring paintings by Laurie Meyer & Marissa Vogl, we also exhibit works by nationally recognized guest artists.

Mitchell Hill

A contemporary gallery & interior design firm, featuring original artworks by 30+ artists as well as high-end furniture & accessories. Located on upper King Street.

Piccolo Spoleto Festival

700 events in 17 days transforming Charleston into an exhilarating celebration of performing, literary and visual arts. Exhibits, music, dance, theatre, crafts, film and more.

Preservation Society of Charleston Fall Tours of Homes, History & Architecture

Enjoy the rare opportunity to visit private houses and historic neighborhoods throughout the city. Learn about and experience Charleston's architecture, history, and gardens.

Revealed Art Gallery

Contemporary art gallery located in the French Quarter, with a vibrant compilation of 30+ artists that vary in style and medium, offering a wide range for all to discover.

Southeastern Wildlife Exposition

Feb 17-19, 2023. The largest wildlife art & sporting life event of its kind. A 3-day celebration showcasing 500 artists & exhibitors, wildlife experts, guides and more.

Spoleto Festival USA

Spoleto Festival USA fills Charleston's theaters, churches and outdoor spaces with opera, theater, dance, and chamber, symphonic, choral, and jazz music.

The City Hall Gallery

Located in the Council Chamber of Charleston City Hall (1801), the gallery contains portraits of many important leaders, including one of George Washington by John Trumbull.

The Fall Tours of Homes, History & Architecture

Enjoy the rare opportunity to visit private houses and historic neighborhoods throughout the city. Learn about and experience Charleston's architecture, history, and gardens.

The Have Nots!

Charleston’s home for improv comedy! No scripts! SC’s only professional improv theatre is guaranteed to make you laugh. High energy show is based on audience suggestion.

The Riviera Theater at The Charleston Place

The Riviera is an intimate 600- seat music, arts, and comedy performance venue located in the heart of downtown Charleston at the corner of King and Market Streets.

Theatre 99

No scripts! All improv! Charleston's home for improv comedy is guaranteed to make you laugh. Each high energy show is based on audience suggestion. In-house bar. W, F, Sa.

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