The best arts & culture spots in Charleston

“Built in the 1920s and meticulously restored in 2019, Sottile Theatre keeps the calendar stacked with operas, plays, musicals, ballets and concerts, plus community events, all with that classic Charleston charm. Peek the schedule, pick a show this week, make it a night that feels a little fancier than Tuesday.”

From the Charleston newsletter, August 3, 2026

“Established in 1938 and housed in a surviving piece of Charleston’s last major slave market, Old Slave Mart Museum digs into the domestic slave trade with unflinching, locally rooted exhibits. It is a sober, essential stop this week for anyone who calls Charleston home.”

“Caliente Ballroom right here in Mount Pleasant has you covered with upbeat group classes, patient private lessons, and lively socials that make it easy to swap couch time for actual salsa. From waltz to bachata, their skilled instructors keep things welcoming, so you can laugh, learn, and feel smoother by the weekend.”

From the Mount Pleasant newsletter, August 3, 2026

“Built in 1803, this antebellum structure is furnished with period American, French & British pieces.”

“Hands-on exhibits for under-10 kids plus parties, programs, camps & classes such as yoga & dance.”

“Portraits & landscapes dating back to the 1700s, housed in a century-old beaux arts-style building.”

“Long-tenured community theater staging dramas, comedies & musicals in a converted warehouse space.”

“Sleek museum presenting the story of African Americans from the transatlantic slave trade to the civil rights era.”

“Sprawling Ashley River rice plantation dating to the 1730s, with gardens and refined lodging.”

“Compact museum showcasing fossils, dinosaurs and other ancient creatures.”

“Self-guided tours offered in a historic building, formerly a Revolutionary prison & City Hall.”

“Greek Revival landmark built in 1841 offering Civil War history & tours by women's-group docents.”

“Visitors can explore a retired Naval aircraft carrier, destroyer & submarine docked here year-round.”

“Bakery and cafe along with several shops in a charming neighborhood with ice cream parlors.”

“Brick-walled art gallery featuring work from visual artists in a modern-industrial interior.”

“America's first museum, founded in 1773, exhibits relics from South Carolina & Confederate history.”