Best of Charleston contemporary art events

Art events in Charleston are an entertaining way to spend an evening out in the city.
Art events in Charleston are an entertaining way to spend an evening out in the city.
Photo credit: 
H Doty

Searching for the best contemporary art events and festivals in Charleston? Look no further for a listing of some of the top things to do when you want to see what is new and exciting in the realm of all things creative.

In addition to the numerous galleries you can peruse throughout the city, events that take place throughout the year are a great opportunity to see the best of what local galleries and artists have to offer.


Many of these special occasions include music, food, drink and entertainment - making the art come alive. With most goings-on having little or no charge, that would leave anyone’s pocket book thanking them.


Here are some highlights to get you started.

Kulture Klash is for the young and emerging artist and art fan. This event should not be missed to see the best in what’s new and also features music, dance and many other forms of innovative entertainment. Taking place every Spring and Fall, the most recent event included over 50 artists, spoken word, a bicycle-themed “circus” and several interesting food, music and dance related activities.

Piccolo Spoleto takes place from late May to early June and celebrates the arts in Charleston. Focusing primarily on artists of the Southeastern region, the event includes an outdoor juried art exhibition, invitational exhibitions and links up with local museums and galleries. Complimenting the annual Spoleto Festival, the event also includes music, dance, theatre, and film.


First Friday Art Walks on Gallery Row are a fun way to see the galleries on Broad Street open their doors a little later with great art exhibitions, entertainment and refreshments. Often coinciding with new exhibitions and thematic events, the majority of the galleries remain open from 5 – 8 pm.

The French Quarter Art Walk is a rarer occasion, held seasonally on the first Friday of March, May, October and December from 5 – 8 pm. The galleries stay open later with wine, food and a great crowd with the opportunity to meet featured artists.


Aside from the sampling of these bigger events, exciting small contemporary art events are plentiful in and around the city throughout the year. Be sure to get out and see as many as you can to support the arts in Charleston.

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, Charleston Contemporary Arts Examiner

Haley Doty, hcdoty@gmail.com, is an Independent Museum and Gallery Consultant, who has worked with the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, the Long Beach Museum of Art, the Australian Museum and the Historic Houses Trust of New South Wales, amongst others. She has an MA in Museum Studies and is...

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