International African American Museum
Visit the newest African American Museum
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.
The Charleston Gaillard Center is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization dedicated to developing and operating a state-of-the-art performing arts center in downtown Charleston.
Join an historian for a half-hour program and conversation focusing on the institution of slavery and the enslaved people whose labor built and maintained Middleton Place.
Live at Firefly concerts feature national and regional musical acts from a sprawling four acre field, while you enjoy local food trucks and Firefly cocktails under the stars.
The International African American Museum explores the history, culture, and impact of the African American journey on Charleston, South Carolina, the nation, and the world.
With a premier collection of over 10,000 American works, the Gibbes Museum of Art promotes and protects Charleston's rich cultural heritage through a vibrant artistic lens.
Celebrate Charleston's Rich Jazz Heritage!
Peruse nationally and internationally acclaimed representational art including Southern Master, West Fraser, wildlife bronze sculptor, Kent Ullberg and goldsmith Sarah Amos.
Hear Charleston's musical history from gospel to Gershwin, jazz, Civil War songs, and light classics. See website for show information and full schedule of performances.
Original theater in the heart of Charleston! Enjoy comedies and musicals as you laugh with friends. Fun drinks and bites available. “Completely enchanting” - NYtheatre.com
1 Pass 1 Price Includes 40+ Attractions
Critically-acclaimed plays produced by one of the Southeast’s leading professional theatre companies. “This is where theatre gets real in Charleston.” The Washington Post
South Carolina’s largest professional theatre company in residence at the Historic Dock Street Theatre, “America’s First Theatre”. Explore a full season of plays and musicals.
Where theatre gets real in Charleston
Experience High Art in the Lowcountry! From large scale productions to intimate conversations, HALO engages the community through quality performances all year long.
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.
Live comedy theatre in a cozy setting – clean comic whodunit shows, volunteer audience participation, a la carte appetizers, drinks, & desserts. At downtown City Market.
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.
Explore Charleston's rich jazz history, rooted in African and Gullah traditions. Charleston Jazz sustains this legacy through world-class musical programming and events.
Charleston’s original theatre company in residence at the historic Queen Street Playhouse, offering a variety of live entertainment all year long.
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
Charleston best city bus and plantation tours
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!
View American architecture & arts in approx. 150 of Charleston’s grandest, private homes & gardens. Georgian & antebellum periods & into early 20th century.
By appointment only. Featuring hand-thrown and handbuilt clay works, each one of a kind piece reflects her love for the sand & sea. Enjoyed by visitors from all over.
Charleston is an important place to learn more about African-American history and culture. Key events have shaped the city's growth and development.
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
A beautiful space featuring contemporary, abstract, realism, Lowcountry landscape and black & white photography from local, national and worldwide artists. A can't miss stop!
Bringing their Broadway experience to Charleston, Brad and Jennifer Moranz create spectacular musical variety shows for the whole family presented throughout the year.
32 exhibitors from US & Europe present for sale antique to mid-century furniture, traditional & contemporary art & ceramics, jewelry, art, antiques & much more.
Caribbean American Heritage Month June 29 - July 1, 2023. Activities include a Symposium, All White Fete, Carifest Street Parade, Cultural Expo and Carnival Celebration.
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 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.
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 brings live professional concerts and opera performances to the Lowcountry with quality, creativity and with a heart honoring the soul of the artform.
Charleston's professional, world-class symphony, performing from September-May. With Masterworks, Chamber Music, and Pops Series, there is something for every musical taste!
Our mission: To celebrate, educate, enrich, and promote the Lowcountry's diverse culinary + hospitality community through world-class experiences. March 6-10, 2024.
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.
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 - local, contemporary museum quality fine art in beautiful historic district. All budgets for discerning collectors. Charleston Renaissance works available.
Premier entertainment venue dedicated to delivering unforgettable experiences. The stadium hosts the Credit One Charleston Open, Summer Concert Series & holiday festivities.
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.
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!
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.
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.
Offering luxury By Appointment shopping for a private fine art buying experience. Representing over 25 national and international artists in a beautiful historic gallery.
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.
HS Shows presents Charleston’s only comedy hypnosis shows, “The Imagination Destination” and TVs favorites with “Game Show Mania Events”. Enjoy unique and memorable fun times.
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.
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.
Lowcountry Local First advances economic prosperity and local ownership through innovative and inclusive initiatives that build our community’s wealth and wellbeing.
Experience Magnolia through discussions of rice planting and slavery along with a guided tour of four restored African-American cabins included with admission.
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.
Meyer Vogl Gallery, the first contemporary fine art gallery on Daniel Island, exhibits work by more than 20 local and internationally recognized artists, diverse in styles.
A contemporary gallery & interior design firm, featuring original artworks by 30+ artists as well as high-end furniture & accessories. Located on upper King Street.
5 days of events highlighting over 100 national, regional and local artists and performers. Dance, Music, Theatre, Visual Arts, Crafts, Photography, Media Arts and Literature.
Located within the Charleston Area Convention Center. Monthly shows feature a wide range of fine art and photography. Admission is free. Gallery hours are Mon-Sat 9am-5pm.
The 2,300 seat North Charleston Performing Arts Center features a state-of-the-art performance venue for events ranging from conference speakers to Broadway-style productions.
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.
Enjoy the rare opportunity to visit private houses and historic neighborhoods throughout the city. Learn about and experience Charleston's architecture, history, and gardens.
Rebecca’s watercolor renderings have led to top-shelf collaborations like Martha Stewart, Cosmo, NYMag, etc. Custom artwork is her specialty, the sky is the limit!
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.
In it’s 20th year on charming Sullivan’s Island. Renowned for the wide range of paintings, jewelry & fine craft by over 75 artists. Experience a gallery like no other.
Sculpture in the South promotes the appreciation of sculpture through education and the creation of an accessible public sculpture collection enhancing our community.
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 fills Charleston's theaters, churches and outdoor spaces with opera, theater, dance, and chamber, symphonic, choral, and jazz music.
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.
Enjoy the rare opportunity to visit private houses and historic neighborhoods throughout the city. Learn about and experience Charleston's architecture, history, and gardens.
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 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.
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.
Kiawah Island's premiere gallery at The Sanctuary Resort dedicated to providing contemporary art works focused on the Lowcountry and Southern experience. Open daily.
As seen in NYC, award-winning vocal and dance duo Gracie & Lacy, headline every 2nd Saturday at Forte Jazz Lounge. Enjoy hits of Sinatra, Streisand, Ella and more!
Access Your Favorites from any Device and Get Suggestions for Upcoming Events
Published annually, the official Charleston Visitors Guide is full of gorgeous photography, insider tips, maps, and resources to help you plan your Charleston vacation.
No, thanks. Yes, please!