American Theater
One of the first premier movie houses in Charleston, the art-deco American Theater opened in 1942 in honor of America’s servicemen and women. After closing for several years, the theater reopened in 2003 as a state-of-the-art meeting and conference facility. 446 King St., Charleston. 843-853-0246. www.americantheater.com.

Carolina Galleries
As Charleston’s oldest gallery featuring work from the 1850s, Carolina Galleries still displays contemporary paintings to show the region’s continuing evolution. The Galleries specializes on the Charleston Renaissance period, which took place during the first half of the 20th century. Events are often held with food and wine to celebrate new exhibitions at the Galleries. 188 King St., Charleston. 800-328-6256. www.carolinagalleries.com.

Charleston Ballet Theatre
As a member of DanceUSA, the Charleston Ballet Theatre is a not-for-profit organization receiving support from local foundations that presents dance productions with a variety of styles and dance classes for children and young adults. 477 King St., Charleston. 843-723-7334. www.charlestonballet.org.

Charleston Stage
Founded in 1978, Charleston Stage is South Carolina’s largest professional theater company, performing at the historic Dock Street Theatre. A large focus of Charleston Stage is in its education programs for young students. Many of the productions tell stories of Charleston’s rich culture and history. 135 Church St., Charleston. 843-577-7183. www.charlestonstage.com.

Charleston Symphony Orchestra
As the largest year-round performing arts organization in South Carolina, the Charleston Symphony Orchestra presents a full season of masterworks, pops and classics for audiences. 77 Calhoun St., Charleston. 843-723-7528. www.charlestonsymphony.com.

City Gallery at Waterfront Park
The City Gallery at Waterfront Park displays innovative and thought-provoking works of art. 34 Prioleau St., Charleston. 843-958-6484. www.ci.charleston.sc.us.

The Dock Street Theatre
As the home of the Charleston Stage Company, The Dock Street Theatre opened initially in 1736. It was the very first site in America constructed specifically for theatrical productions and is also a performance venue for the annual Spoleto Festival. 135 Church St., Charleston. 843-720-3968.

Flowertown Players
Based in an historic theater in downtown Summerville, the Flowertown Players is a community theater group that puts on more than 90 performances every season, including children’s theater productions and a young adult program. 133 S. Main St., Summerville. 843-875-9251. www.flowertownplayers.org.

Footlight Players Theatre
Performing for Charleston audiences since 1931, the Footlight Players have become a theatrical tradition. The company presents six productions throughout its regular season. 20 Queen St., Charleston. 843-722-4487. www.footlightplayers.net.

French Quarter Gallery Association
Located in the home of Charleston’s Historic French Quarter, this collection of art galleries makes up the center of visual arts in Charleston. Walk on cobbled streets and alleyways to peruse one gallery to the next. Located between South Market and Tradd, Meeting and the waterfront. 843-724-3424.
www.frenchquarterarts.com.

Gibbes Museum of Art
As a member of the Carolina Art Association, the Gibbes Museum is dedicated to the cultivation of arts and art education in the Charleston area. With collections dating back to the 16th century, Gibbes provides an in-depth look at important figures and events from Charleston’s history and society. 135 Meeting St., Charleston. 843-722-2706. www.gibbesmuseum.org.

The Have Nots! Comedy Improv
This improv comedy group puts on shows regularly both at its home location at Theatre 99 and on the road in places like Greenville and Richmond. Theatre 99 serves beer, wine, and soda for the audience. The Have Nots! also offers beginner improv classes for adults. 280 Meeting St., Charleston. 843-853-6687. www.thehavenots.com.

MOJA Arts Festival
As a celebration of African-American and Caribbean Arts, the MOJA festival celebrates its 24th year in the fall of 2007. Nearly half of the events at MOJA are admission-free with a rich variety
of traditional favorites. There are visual arts, various types of music, storytelling, crafts and ethnic food. 843-724-7305. www.mojafestival.com.

North Charleston City Gallery
Located in the Charleston Area Convention Center, the North Charleston City Gallery is free to the public seven days a week. As a part of the Cultural Arts Program created in 1979, the North Charleston City Gallery provides services and programs to assist in the economic development of the city. 5001 Coliseum Drive, North Charleston. 843-745-1087. www.northcharleston.org.

Spoleto Festival USA/Piccolo Spoleto
Every year for two weeks beginning at the end of May, the Spoleto Festival in Charleston showcases the Southeast’s best artists, writers, and performers with an international theme. Located throughout downtown Charleston. 843-724-7305. www.piccolospoleto.com.

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE ACTORS’ THEATRE OF SOUTH CAROLINA

Special Events
Throughout the year, the Lowcountry is hopping with festivals, sporting events and celebrations of all kinds to suit any interest. From home tours to road races to arts festivals, the Lowcountry is packed with activities. Here’s a brief look at some of the perennial favorites:

Lowcountry Oyster Festival
In January, the Annual Lowcounty Oyster Festival takes place at Boone Hall Plantation. The festival includes steamed oysters, barbeque, chili and more. There is an Oyster Recipe Contest and a Best Dressed Oyster Contest for the kids. 843-577-4030. www.charlestonrestaurantassociation.com/oyster_festival.php.

Southeastern Wildlife Exposition
For one weekend each year in February, the Southeast Wildlife Exposition takes place over all of downtown Charleston. With its great hotels, tours and fabulous restaurants, the city welcomes wildlife lovers to come experience the expo’s showcases of paintings, carvings, collectibles and family activities. 843-723-1748. www.sewe.com.

Charleston International Antiques Show
In early spring, antique dealers from all over the country come to Charleston to showcase their antiques dating all the way back to the late 17th century. Exhibitions include wide range of furnishings, decorative arts, jewelry and garden accents. 843-723-1623. www.historiccharleston.org.

Charleston Symphony Orchestra Designer Show House
In conjunction with the Historic Charleston Foundation Spring Home Tours, the American Society of Interior Designers restores an entire home to its original beauty. Proceeds benefit the Charleston Symphony Orchestra. The event celebrates 30 years in 2007. 843-723-0020. www.csolinc.org.

Flowertown Festival
Over the past 30 years, the YMCA Flowertown Festival has become a nationally acclaimed arts and crafts festival, attracting over 250,000 people each year. Originally it began as an azalea festival to help raise money for the Young Women’s Christian Organization. The festival takes place every year just as the flowers are beginning to bloom on the last weekend of March. 843-871-9622. www.flowertownfestival.com/flowertown.

Festival of Houses and Gardens
In its 60th year, the Festival of Houses and Gardens features daily tours of nearly 150 interiors and gardens throughout the end of March and beginning of April. The festival begins with the International Antique Show. 843-722-3405. www.historiccharleston.org.

Cooper River Bridge Run
Held each April, the annual 10K run over the new Cooper River Bridge helps to promote continuous physical activity and a healthy lifestyle through education and opportunities. Funds raised through the race go towards public education on the importance of exercise. Before and after the race there is a festival at Marion Square with entertainment and food. This is the 30th year of the event.
www.bridgerun.com.

Charleston Race Week
As the largest regional keelboat regatta the Charleston Race Week, held each April, brings enjoyable onshore events to the town. Local winds and currents bring an exciting challenge to competitors out on the water for spectators to watch. The three-day event includes dinners and awards for all who compete. 843-722-1030. www.charlestonraceweek.com.

Annual Lowcountry Cajun Festival
Celebrating its 16th year, the Lowcountry Cajun Festival brings original Louisiana culture to James Island County Park in April. 843-762-8089. www.ccprc.com.

Family Circle Cup
Showcasing the best in women’s professional tennis, the Family Circle Cup also brings a week of fun to Daniel Island. With tennis fashion being celebrated, there are also fabulous player parties going on throughout the week. The tournament, celebrating its 35th year in April 2007, is considered to be the tournament where stars are born. 800-677-2293. www.familycirclecup.com.

East Coast Canoe and Kayak Festival
At James Island County Park in April, experience the annual East Coast Canoe Kayak Festival, sponsored by the Charleston County Park & Recreation Commission. Exhibits held by over 40 leading manufacturers and retailers allow you to “try before you buy” out on the water. There are also classes held throughout the weekend to help people sharpen their skills and learn new things out on the water. 843-795-4386. www.ccprc.com.

Sculpture in the South
As an event with a purpose of introducing talented sculptors, Sculpture of the South brings in the creators of the sculptures located in Azalea Park in Summerville each May. 843-851-7800. www.sculptureinthesouth.com.

Spoleto Festival USA
For two weeks at the end of May and early June, the Spoleto Festival in Charleston showcases the Southeast’s best artists, writers and performers with an international theme. Located throughout downtown Charleston. 843-724-7305. www.piccolospoleto.com.

Patriots Point Independence Weekend Blast
Watch fireworks launched from a flight deck of a WWII aircraft carrier at the Charleston Harbor, the new Ravenel Bridge and the classic ships of Patriots Point on July 4. Music and events for the whole family are at Patriots Point all evening long. www.patriotspoint.org.

Annual Scottish Games and Highland Gathering
In mid-September, the Scottish Society of Charleston maintains the second-oldest Scottish games in the Southeast. For three days, food, games, demonstrations and dancing take place with a closing ceremony at the end where awards are given out. Proceeds from the events go to help several local charities as well as the Ronald McDonald House. www.charlestonscots.org.

MOJA Arts Festival
Throughout the end of September and beginning of October, the MOJA Arts Festival takes place in downtown Charleston. MOJA celebrates African-American and Caribbean contributions to western and world cultures. The celebration covers all venues of art with music, dance, theater and crafts. 843-724-7305. www.mojafestival.com.

Taste of Charleston
Celebrating its 25th year in 2006, Taste of Charleston showcases 50 restaurants from Charleston and the surrounding Lowcountry. Along with the great food there are competitions such as the famous “Waiters Wine Race.” 843-577-4030. www.charlestonrestaurantassociation.com/taste_of_charleston.php.

Charleston Garden Festival at Middleton Place
The Charleston Horticulture Society and the Middleton Place Foundation hold a Garden Festival in late October. Gardeners come to tour Middleton Place and enjoy tea parties, with events for children as well. 843-723-9293. www.charlestongardenfestival.org.

Christmas in Charleston
Almost all of Charleston participates in its annual Christmas in Charleston. Beginning in November with a Fun Run & Walk, participants get to have the first look at the over two million magical light display in downtown. Throughout December, visitors get to go behind the scenes in the Holiday Culinary Tours of Historic Charleston and learn about local foods. 843-853-8000. www.christmasincharleston.com.

CHARLOTTE OBSERVER FILE PHOTO