Inside: Learn about First Friday Artwalk in Charleston, SC, and plan your FREE date night or family adventure. The next First Friday events are on November 6, 2026, and December 4, 2026.
Every month (except January and July), on the first Friday from 5 pm to 8 pm, something special happens in Charleston: art galleries open their doors late, and people stroll around looking at art, meeting artists, and enjoying a friendly, creative evening.
This is organized by the Charleston Gallery Association (CGA).
You don’t need a ticket.
It’s FREE, and everyone is welcome — children, families, and people of all ages.
Quick Facts: First Friday Artwalk in Charleston
- What: A self-guided evening stroll through downtown Charleston art galleries that open their doors for the night
- Organized by: The Charleston Gallery Association (CGA)
- When: The first Friday of every month except January and July, 5 pm to 8 pm
- Next dates: November 6, 2026, and December 4, 2026
- Where: Participating galleries in downtown Charleston. Every gallery is a starting point, and maps are available at the galleries and on the CGA website.
- Ages: All ages. The CGA says the Artwalk is designed to be family-friendly.
- Cost: Free; no ticket needed
- Parking: Metered street parking and public parking garages downtown, according to the CGA
- More info: charlestongalleryassociation.com/artwalk
When is First Friday Artwalk?
- Time: 5 pm to 8 pm
- Which months? The first Friday of each month, except January and July.
- 2026 dates: February 6, March 6, April 3, May 1, June 5, August 7, September 4, October 2, November 6, and December 4. The Charleston Gallery Association hasn’t posted 2027 dates yet.
If you check their website or social media, you can find a map and updates for each month.
How does it work? Charleston’s First Friday Artwalks
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- Each gallery is a starting point — you can begin your walk at any gallery you like.
- Maps are available at the galleries and online, so you can plan which ones you want to visit.
- The galleries are within walking distance of each other, so you can stroll from gallery to gallery.
- Some galleries offer refreshments, like light snacks or drinks, though it varies by gallery.
- Many galleries are wheelchair accessible, but if you have specific needs, it’s good to call ahead.
- You can ask the gallery staff or sometimes meet the artist and ask questions about the art.
- You can visit as many or as few galleries as you want. It’s okay to take breaks!
What kind of art will you see?
Because many galleries are part of CGA, you’ll see all sorts of art:
- Jewelry, crafts, and works in different media
- Paintings — landscapes, abstract, realistic, and showing Charleston or Lowcountry scenes
- Sculpture and 3D artworks
- Photography
Because the galleries represent local, regional, and some international artists, you’ll find lots of creativity and surprises.
Which galleries take part?
Here is a list of many of the galleries that are members of the Charleston Gallery Association and often participate in the ArtWalk:
- Alkyon Arts and Antiques
- Anglin Smith Fine Art
- Atrium Art Gallery
- Charleston Artist Guild Gallery
- Charleston Crafts Gallery
- Corrigan Gallery
- Dare Gallery
- Duckworth Gallery
- Drummond Studio Gallery
- Ella W. Richardson Fine Art
- Forma Contemporary Art
- Frederic Payet Gallery
- Gordon Wheeler Gallery
- Grand Bohemian Gallery
- Helena Fox Fine Art
- Horton Hayes Fine Art
- Jennifer McGrath Studio
- LePrince Fine Art
- Lowcountry Artists Gallery
- Mary Martin Fine Art Gallery
- Meyer Vogl Gallery
- The Miller Gallery
- Michael Mitchell
- Perspective Gallery
- Peter Anthony Fine Art
- Principle Gallery
- Reinert Fine Art & Sculpture Garden Gallery
- Revealed
- Robert Lange Studios
- Sandpiper Gallery
- Simpatico Gallery
- Stevenson & Co
- Studio 151 Fine Art Gallery
- The Gallery at Sweetgrass
- The Sportsman’s Gallery, Ltd
- The Vendue
- Wells Gallery
Because there are over 35 galleries in the group, not all galleries always have special events each month. Our favorite gallery is Lowcountry Artists Gallery on East Bay Street. While every gallery had something special to showcase, Lowcountry Artists Gallery features work by local and regional artists and displayed beautiful landscapes and images of Charleston.
Why is this event special?
- It’s free and fun. You don’t have to pay to go into galleries.
- It’s family-friendly: children, teens, grownups — all can enjoy strolling between art displays.
- You get to see local artists and the creative side of Charleston, sometimes even seeing artists working in their studios.
- It’s a chance to explore little hidden galleries in alleyways, upstairs rooms, or behind courtyards — not just the big storefronts.
- You might be inspired — maybe you’ll want to try drawing, painting, or taking pictures next!
Tips for a fun ArtWalk evening
- Wear comfortable walking shoes — your feet will help you explore!
- Bring a flashlight or use your phone light for dim hallways or staircases.
- Grab a gallery map early, or look it up online to pick galleries you don’t want to miss. You can look up your own map at charlestongalleryassociation.com
- Be polite and quiet in galleries — art and people talking softly make it peaceful.
- Ask questions! Gallery staff and sometimes artists love to share stories about the art.
- Allow time for surprises — you may find a smaller gallery you didn’t know.
- If you get tired, pause at a café or bench, then go back in to see more.
Charleston’s First Friday ArtWalk is like a treasure hunt of art every month — you never know exactly what you’ll see, and each walk is a chance to wander, wonder, and enjoy creativity together.
First Friday Artwalk FAQ
When is the next First Friday Artwalk in Charleston?
The next Artwalks are Friday, November 6, 2026, and Friday, December 4, 2026, from 5 pm to 8 pm. The Charleston Gallery Association hasn’t posted its 2027 dates yet.
Is there a First Friday Artwalk in January or July?
No. The CGA doesn’t hold an official Artwalk in January or July because of the holidays, though some galleries still host their own evening receptions.
Is First Friday Artwalk good for kids?
Yes. The CGA says the Artwalk is designed to be family-friendly and encourages visitors of all ages to come explore the art together.
Where should we start the Artwalk?
Anywhere you like. Every gallery is a starting point, and maps are available at participating galleries and on the CGA website. Most galleries are close together, so it’s easy to explore on foot.
Where can we park for First Friday Artwalk?
The CGA points to metered street parking throughout downtown Charleston and several public parking garages near the galleries. Check garages for evening rates, arrive early for better parking, or use a rideshare.
There’s more to love in Downtown Charleston! Check it out!
See what else is going on around town. Here’s our Charleston Event Calendar
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