Charleston, South Carolina, is renowned for its rich tapestry of arts and culture, offering residents and visitors a plethora of events and venues that celebrate the city’s diverse heritage. From annual festivals to esteemed galleries, Charleston’s cultural landscape is both vibrant and enduring.
Annual Festivals
MOJA Arts Festival
The MOJA Arts Festival is an annual celebration of African-American and Caribbean arts and culture. Produced by the City of Charleston Office of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the MOJA Planning Committee, this multi-disciplinary festival features visual arts, classical music, dance, gospel, jazz, poetry, R&B music, storytelling, theatre, children’s activities, traditional crafts, and local cuisine. The festival is scheduled for September 24 – October 4, 2026. Learn more.
Piccolo Spoleto Festival
Running concurrently with the internationally acclaimed Spoleto Festival USA, the Piccolo Spoleto Festival focuses on accessibility and community participation in the arts. Annually presenting over 500 performing, literary, and visual arts events, this 17-day festival transforms Charleston into an exhilarating celebration of the cultural vitality and diversity of the South Carolina Lowcountry. The 2026 festival is scheduled for May 22 – June 7. More information.
Charleston Jazz Festival
The Charleston Jazz Festival brings together world-class artists and iconic Charleston venues for a true celebration of jazz in the cultural heart of the city. The 2026 festival is scheduled for April 13 – 21, featuring nine days of spectacular jazz experiences. Details here.
Art Galleries and Museums
Gibbes Museum of Art
The Gibbes Museum of Art hosts a collection of mostly American fine art, some with a connection to Charleston and the Lowcountry, displayed within a historic Beaux-Arts style building. Besides its permanent collection, the museum hosts a selection of rotating exhibitions. The museum is open Tuesday through Sunday, with varying hours. Admission to the first floor is free, while access to exhibitions on the second and third floors requires a ticket. Visit their website.
City Gallery at Waterfront Park
Located on the harbor, the City Gallery at Waterfront Park showcases contemporary art from local, regional, national, and international artists. The gallery hosts rotating exhibitions and is a key venue during the Piccolo Spoleto Festival. Admission is free, making it an accessible option for art enthusiasts. More info.
Ongoing Cultural Events
First Friday ArtWalk
On the first Friday of every month (except January and July), the Charleston Gallery Association provides the opportunity to stroll through some of the most lively downtown neighborhoods and tour multiple galleries, meet artists, and experience the vibrant local art scene. This event is free and open to the public. Learn more.
Charleston Mural Festival
Celebrating the vibrant culture of street art and the city’s rich heritage, the Charleston Mural Festival features live painting, local vendors, food trucks, and more. This free event offers a unique opportunity to engage with the city’s growing street art scene. Event details.
Charleston’s arts and culture scene is a dynamic and integral part of the city’s identity. With a calendar brimming with festivals, galleries, and events, there is always an opportunity to immerse oneself in the rich cultural fabric that defines this historic city.