Entertainment in Historic Downtown (Charleston)

52.5 Record Store

52.5 Records has long been considered one of the best record stores in the Southeast, and an avid supporter of independent musicians.They stay emphatically involved in the Charleston local music scene, yet that takes a back seat to their refinement process, in selecting only the most interesting music to grace their shelves.Breaking the stereotypes of the "elitist record store owner", their friendly staff is always willing to help expose you to a new artist.in addition they have an excellent selection of unique art books, underground novels, band t-shirts, posters, and rare DVD's.

Dock Street Theatre

This theater is housed on the restored site of the first building designed for theatrical performances in the United States. In reverence to this rich heritage, the city of Charleston purchased the adjacent hotel and set about restoring the theater to its original glory; in 1937 it re-opened to accolades. Today it is home to the Charleston Stage Company, which produces and performs plays and musicals. The theater plays host to hundreds of concerts and events each year as well.

American Cinema and Grill

Located in a renovated historic movie house in downtown Charleston, this dinner theater dishes up not-quite-first-run movies. The comfortable swivel style seats are perfect for watching the show while dining on Ultimate Nachos, cheese fries, pizza, sandwiches, salads, and ice cream sundaes. Each of several levels accommodates three or four tables, allowing everyone a good view of the screen.

Charleston Symphony Orchestra

In 1918, a small group of musicians began what would become the Charleston Symphony Orchestra in 1936. Since then, it has evolved into a professional group made up of 45 full-time musicians lead by Maestro David Stahl, who has been with the orchestra since 1984. Guest artists have included such greats as Itzhak Perlman, Paula Robinson and Marvin Hamlisch. Each year's performance schedule includes five major concert series: Masterworks, Sottile Chamber Orchestra Series, The Charleston Pops, Saturdays in Town and Small Fry.

Southeastern Wildlife Exposition

Charleston teems with wonders of the natural world at the Southeastern Wildlife Exposition. A combination of vibrant art and living creatures, the festival offers animal exhibits and selections of paintings, carvings and sculptures. In February, over 500 exhibitors and fine artists contribute to displays at 13 locations in downtown Charleston. Food and drink are available. Tickets for adults are USD15 per day or USD35 for all three days and are available throughout the downtown area. Children 10 and under are free if accompanied by an adult.

Chapel Theater

Apart form giving students some of the best academic facilities, the college of Charleston also concentrates on the active learning programs of the students. Chapel theater is one of the resources provided by the college for students to showcase their talent. The 106 seater hosts various theatrical performances by some well known artists as well—'Lobby Hero', 'Under the Lights' and 'Desdemona' are some of the plays that have been performed here in the past. Equipped with all the modern facilities, the theater is an ideal place to host small plays and dance performances.

Charleston Ballet Theatre

With an aim to promote the art of dance and make it a part of Charleston's culture, the Ballet theater has been operating since 20 years. This theater has hosted many its own productions like 'The Rocky Horror Picture Show', 'The Great Gatsby' and 'Masterpieces of Dance'. The company also takes Broadway dance projects and summer dance workshops. You can also be a member of this company by volunteering for the different shows it conducts across US. The work of legendary choreographers like David Parsons, Mark Dendy and Jose Limon are performed by the artists of the Charleston Ballet Theatre.

Charleston Library Society

The third oldest library in US, the Charleston Library society was founded in 1748. Today the library treasures collections of rare books, maps, manuscripts and many other preserved articles. The library hosts many literary events like the Southern Literary Festival featuring authors like Mary Alice Monroe, Natalie Dupree, to name a few. Various small events like book releases and regular readings are also hosted by the library. You can also carry out your research work at this library since it provides all the required facilities for the same.

Buxton's East Bay Theatre

This 80 seater exudes old world charm—the wooden stage, velvet carpeting and elegant chandeliers are beautiful in their grandeur and mystique! A number of plays and shows are regularly held at this theater venue. The space is also used for lectures, story telling and musical performances. Please call ahead to check for show timings and reserve in advance.

Stars Lounge at American Theatre

Stars Lounge, is everything what an ideal venue should be. It's chic, comfortable, trendy, intimate and classy. Located in the grand and prestigious The American, this is a preferred venue for plays and performances. This intimate venue can accommodate upto 50 persons. Though it is not as grand and spacious as the other venues, it does has it's own charm.

Center Stage At The Plex

Center Stage At The Plex is a home to national as well as regional music artists performances. Watch your favourite artists performance at a well managed venue at the Center Stage At The Plex. With headbanging performances, this place for sure is a happening destination for all music nerds.