Charleston is firmly ensconced as a cultural destination, par excellence. Witness the global phenomenon that is Spoleto, which just wrapped up its latest festival and drew performers and spectators from around the world. Spoleto (and its little sister Piccolo Spoleto) have been taking place in Charleston every year for almost five decades now.
And not to brag, but Charleston has more art galleries per capita than anywhere else in the country, as I covered in this blog.
Charleston’s a great place to take in a show…
Charleston is also home to two major performance venues. Both host a huge slate of performances throughout the year - including touring companies of the latest hit Broadway shows, and appearances by top entertainers, celebrities and visionaries.
Seeing a show is a terrific way to spend an evening, and they have options for all ages. Plus - seeing one in Charleston is SO much less stressful than being in New York. Less traffic, fewer crowds, and the people here are famously polite!
If you’re planning to stay in one of our Isle of Palms vacation rentals in the coming year, it’s worth checking their schedules. Tickets go fast, so as soon as you’ve booked your Charleston beach house with EP, you’d be wise to purchase them then.
The Gaillard
The Gaillard Center is a cultural hub of the Holy City, located on Calhoun Street in downtown Charleston, between East Bay and Marion Square.
A few years back it underwent a massive $142 million renovation, and now it’s a shining gem with majestic architecture, stunning acoustics in its world class Martha & John M. Rivers Performance Hall, plus large exhibition spaces and City offices.
The Gaillard hosts recurring events every year, like SEWE (Southeastern Wildlife Exposition) and Spoleto. Each May, they also announce the coming season of special events, shows and performances.
The Gaillard’s 2025-26 season is officially set, with more than 30 programs. This marks their 10th season. Performances span the genres of music, theater, dance, comedy, conversation, film, and even the art of illusion and outdoor installations. There’s a world premiere, a U.S. premiere, a national tour and five new commissions.
Here’s a sampling of some of what’s on tap this coming year:
Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit - July 20th, 2025;
The Lowcountry Jazz Festival - August 29th – 31st, 2025;
An evening with US Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson - September 2, 2025;
One Night of Queen - September 7th;
Lyle Lovett and His Acoustic Group – September 24th, 2025;
Michael Carbonaro: Lies on Stage - September 27th;
Elvis Costello & The Imposters with Charlie Sexton - October 3rd, 2025;
The Concert: A Tribute to ABBA - October 5th, 2025;
An Evening with Reese Witherspoon and Harlan Coben - October 21st, 2025;
Momix: Alice - October 23rd, 2025;
The Addams Family - October 29th, 2025;
Gaillard Gala - November 1st, 2025;
CSO Pops 1: Rick Steves’ Europe: A Symphonic Journey - November 13th, 2025;
Ben Folds and a Piano - November 18th, 2025;
David Foster & Katharine McPhee - December 10th, 2025;
The Princess Bride: An Inconceivable Evening with Cary Elwes - - December 13th, 2025;
CSO Pops 2: Holiday Pops! - December 18th thru 20th 2025;
Celtic Woman - December 22nd, 2025;
The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra with Ray Chen - January 21st, 2026;
Finding Freedom: The Journey of Robert Smalls - January 30th and 31st, 2026;
Matthew Morrison - February 3rd, 2026;
Danish Radio Big Band - February 21st, 2026;
Dr. Neil deGrasse Tyson - February 26th, 2026;
Monuments by Craig Walsh - February 27th, 2026;
Dark Water by Complexions Contemporary Ballet - March 6th and 7th, 2026;
An Evening with Jessica Vosk - March 22nd, 2026;
Dance Me: The Music of Leonard Cohen - April 17th, 2026;
The Lost Things: An All-New Magical Experience from Illusionist Scott Silven - May 2nd through May 3rd, 2026
Numerous CSO Masterworks Concerts throughout the season, including Beethoven & Tchaikovsky, New World Symphony, Scheherazade, Bruch’s Violin Concerto, Tchaikovsky’s 4th Symphony, An Evening with Emanuel Ax, Gershwin’s Piano Concerto, and Beethoven’s Choral Fantasy.
Tickets are officially on sale now. You can see the whole schedule, get all the details and buy tickets on the Gaillard’s website.
The North Charleston Coliseum/PAC
The North Charleston Coliseum and Performing Arts Center has similarly announced its 2025-26 season, and it’s a good one. It’s located near the airport and an easy drive from your Charleston beach house.
Their “Best of Broadway” series is a chance to see some classic shows and new hits, too.
Shows for the 2025-26 season include:
BEAUTY AND THE BEAST - September 16–21, 2025;
THE SOUND OF MUSIC - November 4–9, 2025;
HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS: THE MUSICAL - December 9–14, 2025;
CHICAGO: THE MUSICAL - February 6–8, 2026;
& JULIET, The Hit Broadway Musical - February 17–22, 2025;
… plus Special Add-on Shows:
MJ: THE MUSICAL (Michael Jackson) — March 10–15, 2026;
THE WIZ — April 14-19, 2026.
And be sure to keep an eye peeled - HAMILTON will be here during the 2026-27 season!
The Coliseum/PAC has a full calendar of other performances for 2025-26, too. They include the likes of Phish, Nate Bargatze Big Dumb Eyes World Tour, comedian John Mulaney, Gabby’s Dollhouse Live, Disney on Ice: Mickey’s Search Party, Rock Orchestra by Candlelight, Sarah Brightman: A Winter Symphony, Nutcracker: Magical Christmas Ballet, Michael Sobie’s Rocket Man: The Music of Elton/A Dynamic Orchestral Experience, and many more.
See the whole schedule on their website, where you can also purchase tickets.
So when you’re here staying in one of our Isle of Palms luxury rentals, take in a show while you’re here. It’s like Broadway, but much less stressful.
All best,
Lowcountry Lisa
your Isle of Palms vacation blogger