Charleston, South Carolina has always been a vibrant hub for music lovers, from calmer jazz evenings to sold out arena shows. Over the years, major tours and local festivals have brought in thousands of fans, turning Charleston into a must stop destination for performers of all genres. Whether it’s classic rock legends, jam band favorites, or jazz festivals that pack the house, the Holy City has seen some unforgettable crowds.
At the heart of Charleston’s concert scene for decades has been the North Charleston Coliseum & Performing Arts Center, a venue that has hosted some of the biggest names in music since it opened in 1993. With a seating capacity of around 13,000, the Coliseum quickly became the top destination for touring acts and drew crowds that rival any in South Carolina outside of major cities.
Among the single show standouts, singer Billy Joel topped the attendance chart in the early years, selling 12,697 tickets to his 1994 concert, one of the highest single night attendance figures ever recorded at that venue. Close behind him were performances by Phish, Elton John, and The Eagles, each drawing crowds well above 12,000 fans for their individual shows.
But those numbers pale in comparison to the multishow runs that spanned multiple years. Not far behind them is the band Phish with 96,060 total tickets sold from their stops in the Holy City Another big seller includes Garth Brooks, whose seven shows at the Coliseum brought in over 80,000 attendees.
However, it’s not just rock and country that have drawn crowds. The annual Charleston Jazz Festival, while comprised of multiple smaller than arena shows, has become one of the city’s most beloved music events. The 2023 festival featured headlining artists like Samara Joy and drew over 4,000 attendees, marking a record breaking turnout for the city’s jazz celebrations. This record would be broken the following year, when the 2024 Charleston Jazz festival brought in over 8,000 attendees and had over 180 musicians perform.
Beyond concerts, Charleston’s music culture also thrives in other forms. The internationally known Spoleto Festival USA regularly attracts large audiences, and in 2016 a finale concert at Middleton Place drew around 6,200 fans, showcasing how Charleston’s love for performances extends far beyond typical rock tours.
Over its history, the North Charleston Coliseum alone has welcomed nearly 11 million visitors to concerts, sports, and other events. The Coliseum stands as a testament to Charleston’s enduring appeal as a live entertainment destination, and a hub for performing musicians.
