Charleston Live Music
Many visitors from across the country would unknowingly underestimate the live music scene of many southeastern cities, but live music culture thrives in Charleston amped by an active local community that favors local artists and performers. From high-end jazz clubs to time-worn music halls and beachfront surf bars, Charleston's wide variety of live music venues is impressive for so small a city. When you come for a visit, do what the locals do: dive into the live music scene, and let the Holy City surprise you.
Want to see if your favorite group's on tour in Charleston? Check out the lineups at the Music Farm on Upper King or Charleston Music Hall on John Street–your best bets for catching more popular acts on the road.
Looking for something a little more low-key? Take your daily jazz with a side of fine dining at the Charleston grill or step into the swing dance crowd at King Street's Prohibition bar. Both spots offer live jazz performances nearly every day of the week!
When in doubt, go local at The Royal American in the North Morrison drive area, or watch afternoon turn to evening from the beachfront deck at The Windjammer on Isle of Palms. Too many options leaving you undecided? Come as you are to The Pour House on James Island after a day at the beach–a roadside tavern with cheap beers, fun company, and no cover on the back deck stage.
North Charleston Coliseum - North Charleston
For more than 20 years, the North Charleston Coliseum has been bringing sporting events and musical acts to the lowcountry This massive venue has 14,000 seats and showcases world-famous acts on the big stage. The South Carolina Stingrays ice hockey team call it home, but when they aren't playing, it has hosted the American Idol tour, America's Got Talent, jazz festivals and a slew of performers. At any time, you can expect a selection of musical acts like Cyndi Lauper and comedians like Lewis Black. Their "best of Broadway" offers incredible shows like the Jersey Boys - without the Broadway prices.
Recommended for Live Music because: The North Charleston PAC is your best bet for catching national and internationally-touring acts in the Charleston area. Check their website for listings.
Charleston Grill - Downtown
This fine dining restaurant and lounge showcases a level of luxury dining and in-room entertainment that one expects from its grand Charleston Place Hotel setting. Easily Charleston's best hotel restaurant, the Charleston Grill has become a destination in its own right, as patrons become regulars for the live jazz performances that resound so well acoustically within the wood-paneled walls of the restaurant and lounge. The Charleston Grill menu somehow perfectly matches the style and elegance of the decor and the live musicians, boasting such dishes as the Octopus Salad, Braised Pork Shank and even a personalized 6-course tasting menu from Chef Michelle Weaver. Recommended for Live Music because: The Charleston Grill epitomizes the classic charm and high-style decorum of the Charleston fine dining and jazz scenes.
The Windjammer - Isle of Palms
This lively and sometimes rowdy beachfront bar and grill is home to one of the Charleston area's best live music venues, with many popular local and nationally touring acts appearing here several times each week. Located less than a half hour's drive from downtown Charleston, The Windjammer resides at Front Beach on Isle of Palms, arguably the most pristine of the city's beaches and a very popular family vacation destination. A night out at The Windjammer guarantees a good time, with its large and varied food menu, cold beers bottled and on tap, and a killer selection of live musicians. The Windjammer also hosts 1/2 price burger nights, trivia nights, and the locally-famous bikini bash, a weekly contest that continues throughout the summer. The Windjammer is also a hotspot for local volleyball lovers, hosting beach volleyball tournaments each year.
Recommended for Live Music because: The Windjammer, with its nightly live music and events, is your beachfront party bar whenever you're in the proximity of IOP or Sullivan's Island!
Annual Top Events in Charleston
JANUARY
Restaurant Week South Carolina Lowcountry Oyster Festival
FEBRUARY
Southeastern Wildlife Expo (SEWE)
MARCH
Charleston Wine + Food Festival
APRIL
Cooper River Bridge Run Volvo Car Open
MAY
Spoleto Festival USA Charleston Beer Garden
JUNE
Spoleto Festival USA, Sweetgrass Cultural Arts Festival
JULY
4th of July Festivities
AUGUST
Lowcountry Jazz Festival
SEPTEMBER
Charleston Restaurant Week MOJA Arts Festival
OCTOBER
Preservation’s Society Fall Tour of Homes
NOVEMBER
Holiday Festival of Lights
DECEMBER
Yorktown Countdown NYE