The Music of Folly: Where to Catch Live Performances by the Sea

Published On: October 6, 2025

Salt air, cold drinks, and a soundtrack that rolls from afternoon into late night. That’s Folly. If you’re planning a beach day that turns into a music night, here are the reliable spots to find live tunes on the island, plus a few local traditions worth catching.

Where the music happens

The Washout

Center Street’s big energy hub with weekly lineups, outdoor sets, and seasonal series. The Washout posts its schedule on the Events page and often runs music multiple nights a week. Look for midweek sets, full-band weekends, and themed nights.

Chico Feo

A laid-back yard, tacos, and a steady flow of local artists. Check the Events calendar for nightly music, then swing by on Mondays for the long-running Songwriters’ Soapbox and most Thursdays for the open bluegrass jam, weather permitting.

Planet Follywood

Late-night vibe right on Center. Expect bands and rotating entertainment, plus daily specials. Their site and local listings share what’s playing next.

Pier 101

Oceanfront stage, sea breeze, and regular live music on the pier. Their site and social pages highlight weekly acts and special weekends.

Loggerhead’s Beach Grill

Casual deck shows and beach-bar energy. Check their Events page and socials for singer-songwriters and weekend sets.

Sand Dollar Social Club

A Folly institution with a members-only door and a classic dance-floor feel. They’re known for live music on Friday and Saturday nights. Join up at the door.

The Bounty Bar

A neighborhood bar and music venue from the team behind The Royal American. Look for the late-night Sunday Sessions and rotating bands on their schedule.

Pinky’s on the Beach (at Tides)

Oceanfront hangout with food, drinks, and live music in season. Check the Tides site for current info.

Weekly rituals locals love

Songwriters’ Soapbox at Chico Feo (Mondays)
Original music night that puts local writers in the spotlight. It’s casual and creative, and it’s a Folly staple.
Bluegrass Jam at Chico Feo (most Thursdays, weather permitting)
A friendly porch-style pick that draws players and listeners alike.
Weekend lineups at The Washout
Fridays and Saturdays tend to feature bands, with additional sets during busy weeks and seasons. Watch their weekly posts for exact times.

How to catch the right show

Start with the Visit Folly Entertainment Calendar
It pulls in festivals, special events, and live music highlights so you can see what’s on this week.
Double-check day-of
Coastal weather can nudge outdoor sets earlier, later, or inside. Confirm on the venue’s site or social feed before you head out.
Arrive a little early
Popular deck shows and pier sets fill fast during sunset. Grabbing a table ahead of time makes the night smoother. (See each venue’s page for hours and updates.)

Make a night of it

Build your evening around a lineup you like, then add dinner on Center Street or a stroll by the pier between sets. If you’re here for the weekend, pair a beach morning with an afternoon set and close out with a late show. That’s Folly at its best.

Peaceful & Beautiful

This was my families first time at the ocean and I will never forget the look of joy on my youngest daughter’s face the moment the waves first came up on her feet. The beach was not over crowded, was clean, and was great for relaxing, swimming, and collecting seashells. There is a long pier for fishing off of and it is a beautiful sight at night. The town atmosphere was a nice mix between relaxing and having a good time and can work for the over 21 crowd as well as for families with small kids. There are plenty of great food stops and cute shops.

TripAdvisor Review

Fantastic & Peaceful

This beach is very relaxing and a great place to chill out. We saw several dolphins and enjoyed walking on the fishing pier. I would consider staying on the beach here next time we are in Charleston instead of downtown.

TripAdvisor Review

Cute, Calm & Peaceful

First time visitor to Folly Beach–loved it! Quiet and peaceful with many trees left on island.

TripAdvisor Review

The Music of Folly: Where to Catch Live Performances by the Sea