South Carolina is alive with music. From small clubs to big arenas, there’s a venue just right for you, no matter what kind of experience you seek.
Storied Live Music Venues
A Lowcountry mainstay, The Windjammer in Isle of Palms offers a beachfront setting and a jam-packed calendar of live music. Take a break from the tunes to play—or watch—some beach volleyball. Fun fact: Hootie & The Blowfish lead Darius Rucker has played here numerous times over the years.
Yes, the Icehouse Amphitheater is aptly named: It’s on the site of a former ice warehouse. The town of Lexington has renovated its downtown area to include this destination outdoor stage, which draws local and regional bands.
With a stage that juts out over the Intracoastal Waterway, plus an on-site brewery and a stacked calendar of live music, the Landing at the Boathouse in Myrtle Beach is a guaranteed good time. Every Friday is “Free Show Friday,” and it’s just what the name says.
If You Want to Sit Back and Enjoy the Show
Visit Circular Congregational Church to experience The Sound of Charleston, a live concert spanning music from throughout Charleston’s history, including gospel, Civil War-era songs, jazz and more.
In addition to a long-running, star-studded variety show, The Carolina Opry Theater in Myrtle Beach hosts popular tribute bands and concerts by a variety of original country, soul and rock acts. In the winter, check out the beloved Carolina Opry Christmas Special.
How about a concert in a historic small-town opera house? Built in the early 20th century to feature touring vaudeville acts, the Abbeville Opera House now offers a full calendar of live original bands, tribute acts, comedy and musical productions.
If You Want to Hit Up a Big Concert
To tennis fans, Credit One Stadium in Charleston is better known as a world-class tennis facility. In the off season, this 10,200-seat concert venue hosts big-name pop, rock, country and jam rock acts.
Greenville’s premier concert hall hosts everything from symphonies to reggae, Broadway to rock. The Peace Center is right on the Reedy River in Greenville’s thriving downtown.
Spartanburg’s nickname is Sparkle City—and the lights sparkle at the Spartanburg Memorial Auditorium, a downtown concert hall that opened in 1951. It hosts a year-round calendar of live music.
Built in 1930 and beautifully renovated in 2010, Columbia’s publicly run Township Auditorium is a midsized concert space that attracts a variety of music, comedy and theater acts. In earlier years, it hosted musicians from Duke Ellington to Elvis Presley.
If You Want to Take in the Latest Cool Band
From reggae to electronic dance music to hip-hop, a diverse array of touring acts finds a home in Columbia at venues such as The Senate and the recently reopened New Brookland Tavern at its new, larger location.
Beloved by South Carolina musicians, Awendaw Green features a historic barn and lovely outdoor space hosting frequent concerts and jam sessions. It’s located in the small fishing town of Awendaw, up the coast from Charleston.
If You Want to Hear Some Laid-Back Outdoor Tunes
Enjoy bluegrass in breathtaking surroundings at the Civilian Conservation Corps-built Gaines Lodge in Pickens County’s Table Rock State Park. You can even bring your own mandolin and join the free monthly jams.
Relax on the lawn of the picture-perfect Mt. Pleasant Town Centre shopping area while you enjoy free outdoor concerts at Live Under the Oaks each spring and fall.
Each fall, Greenville’s Paris Mountain State Park hosts Music in the Woods, a free outdoor afternoon concert series. The stage and audio are solar-powered, and everyone is welcome.
