The Historic Charleston City Market

A historic market in the heart of Charleston

The Historic Charleston City Market is one of Charleston's most visited attractions and one of the most prominent historic sites in the southern United States. The venue is organized into several distinct spaces: the Day Market, the Great Hall, the Open Air Sheds, and the Night Market. The daytime market opens daily from 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., while the Great Hall keeps extended hours until 6:00 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. On Sundays, it closes at 5:00 p.m.

The Night Market: art and crafts across three blocks

The Night Market operates on Friday and Saturday evenings, from 6:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m., from March 14 through December. It stretches between Church Street and East Bay Street, covering three blocks of downtown Charleston. According to the market's own information, it is the largest art market in the Southeast and has been voted Charleston's choice for Local Art in 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025. It began in 2013 as an artisan and handcrafted-only market, and today features more than 200 artists represented.

The Night Market offers high-quality, unique, local, and handcrafted items. The organization notes that it serves as a pathway to becoming a Day Market vendor. Applications for the 2026 season are accepted exclusively from January 1 to February 15, 2026, at 1:00 p.m., require a Google account, and walk-in applications are not accepted.

Product categories and exclusions

The market does not accept applications for certain categories. Exclusions include Bath & Body Works products, photography, printed T-shirts, printed mugs, printed baseball caps, charcuterie boards, CBD, essential oils, ice cream, or Italian ice. In jewelry, only fine gold pieces are accepted—no white gold, resin, beads, silver, wood, fabric, or any other type. Visual art is limited and must be one-of-a-kind. Candles and ornaments are also not accepted.

Sweetgrass baskets

The market devotes a prominent space to sweetgrass baskets, a type of basket originally made to winnow rice on local plantations. Today they are considered works of art and highly sought-after souvenirs. The Certified Authentic Handmade in Charleston seal identifies products made 100% locally.

Events and community activities

The market hosts events throughout the year. These include the Christmas tree lighting, Dickens-inspired holiday music performances by the Charleston Caroling Company, the Cobra Chorale of Cane Bay High School, the Charleston Southern University Jazz Combo, and toy drives for Toys for Tots. The Night Market has also held ceremonies with Mayor Cogswell to recognize vendors with 30, 40, or 50 years of activity and welcome new artisans.

More than 300 local businesses

The market states it serves the community with more than 300 unique local businesses, including more than 100 artists and artisans. The offering is complemented by dining options, guided tours, and hotel accommodations overlooking the market. The office address is 188 Meeting Street, Charleston, SC 29401, and the mailing address is 73 North Market Street, Suite A, Charleston SC 29401.

Locations and venues

Main location: 188 Meeting Street, Charleston, SC 29401

Location 2: 73 North Market Street, Suite A, Charleston SC 29401