The music scene in Charleston, SC is a treasure waiting to be explored. Get ready to dive into the vibrant world of live music with our guide to the top music venues in Charleston, featuring larger venues and intimate spots to catch great live music throughout this beautiful city.
Charleston Pour House
Location: 1977 Maybank Hwy, Charleston, SC 29412
View Events: https://charlestonpourhouse.com
Charleston Pour House is a must-visit for music enthusiasts seeking a diverse range of live performances. Located just 15-20 minutes from Folly Beach, it’s worth the trip. If you are familiar with the Charleston music scene, you know PoHo is the place to be. Known for its laid-back atmosphere and a commitment to showcasing both local and nationally acclaimed artists, this venue offers an unforgettable musical experience.
One of the top highlights making the Pour House so special is that it has both an outdoor (deck stage) and indoor stage. If you are really looking for a serious music fix, you can catch two shows at this magical venue almost every night of the week.
The Pour House also hosts a number of monthly residencies and events. Some of our favorites include:
- Dead on the Deck – Every Wednesday on the Deck Stage
- Motown Throwdown & Farmers Market – Every Sunday on the Deck Stage
- Local Residencies – Most Mondays and Tuesdays host local artist residencies
The Windjammer
Location: 1008 Ocean Blvd, Isle of Palms, SC 29451
View events: https://the-windjammer.com/
The Windjammer, located on Isle of Palms north of Charleston, is a beachside venue that’s been a local favorite for live music since 1972. Enjoy the ocean breeze and feet in the sand while listening to a favorite artist or band in an outdoor, intimate setting. Known for its laid-back vibe, this venue hosts both emerging artists and well-known acts, with a stunning ocean backdrop (the ocean is directly behind the stage).
The Refinery
Location: 1640 Meeting Street Rd unit 108, Charleston, SC 29405
View events: https://www.therefinerychs.com/
The Refinery is a relatively new addition to Charleston’s music scene bringing in some of the biggest acts in music. The outdoor venue combines an industrial aesthetic with an intimate yet vibrant setting for live performances.
Credit One Stadium
Location: 7596, 161 Seven Farms Drive, Charleston, SC 29492
View events: https://creditonestadium.com/
Credit One Stadium, on Daniel Island, is a state-of-the-art facility primarily known for tennis but also serves as a premier concert destination. With a seating capacity of around 10,200, this stadium has hosted some of the biggest names in music, offering fans a top-tier concert experience with excellent acoustics and sightlines. Credit One Stadium is the largest venue in Charleston so you can expect to see concerts that bring in large crowds.
Music Farm
Location: 32 Ann St, Charleston, SC 29403
View events: https://www.musicfarm.com/
Music Farm is a downtown hotspot with a legendary reputation for live shows. This iconic indoor venue, with its high ceilings and exposed brick walls, brings in national touring acts and local favorites across genres, creating a raw and electric atmosphere that music fans love.
Charleston Music Hall
Location: 37 John St, Charleston, SC 29403
View events: https://www.charlestonmusichall.com/
Charleston Music Hall is a historic venue located in the heart of downtown, offering a more refined and acoustically rich experience. With its theater-style seating and elegant architecture, it’s the perfect place to enjoy everything from folk music to symphonies, delivering both comfort and top-notch sound quality.
Bars & Restaurants with Great Live Music
Bounty Bar
Location: 15 Center St, Folly Beach, SC 29439
View events: https://the-windjammer.com/
Bounty Bar is a newer establishment to the Folly Beach and Charleston music scene, but it’s worth checking out. Operated by the same owners as another popular venue in Charleston – The Royal American – Bounty Bar will not disappoint. On top of hosting great local music, Bounty Bar has an awesome food selection and cocktails to go along with its free entertainment.
On any given night you can expect to see some of Charleston’s top local musicians. One of the best ways to experience music at Bounty Bar is to attend their free Sunday Sessions evening gig which features a collaborative jam session between many of Charleston’s favorite musicians. You never know who you might stumble across.
Chico Feo
Location: 122 Ashley Ave, Folly Beach, SC 29439
Website: https://www.chicofeos.com/
Chico Feo, translating to “Ugly Boy” in Spanish, is anything but ugly when it comes to providing a unique outdoor atmosphere and musical experience. This eclectic beach bar offers an outdoor stage surrounded by colorful, quirky decor. On top of great weekly tunes, enjoy the sea breeze, some of the best food on Folly Beach, and their famous Samurai Sling (sake + lemonade) to top things off.
Some of our favorite days for live music at Chico Feo include:
- Friday – Sunday: Local and touring acts commonly play on the weekends often featuring collaborations with some of Folly’s top local musicians
- Monday Soapbox: Open mic night to showcase your own talents or check out some of the up and coming artists in town.
