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 7th, 2025, and December 6th, 2025.
Every month (except January and July), on the first Friday from 5:00 PM to 8:00 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.
When is First Friday Artwalk?
- Time: 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM
- Which months? The first Friday of each month, except January and July.
- 2025 dates include: June 6, August 1, September 5, October 3, November 7, and December 5.
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
- 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:
- Anglin Smith Fine Art
- Atrium Art Gallery
- Charleston Artist Guild Gallery
- Charleston Crafts Gallery
- Corrigan Gallery
- Dare Gallery
- Drummond Studio Gallery
- Ella W. Richardson Fine Art
- Frederic Payet Gallery
- Gordon Wheeler Gallery
- Grand Bohemian Gallery
- Hagan Fine Art
- Helena Fox Fine Art
- Horton Hayes Fine Art
- Jennifer McGrath Studio
- LePrince Fine Art
- Lowcountry Artists 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
- SEWE
- Simpatico Gallery
- Southern Ruetz
- 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 was located on East Bay and called Low Country Artist Gallery. While every gallery had something special to showcase, the Low Country Artist Gallery specialized in local art only 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.
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
