There’s nothing like relaxing to live music with cold drink in hand at the end of a sunny beach day. We are sharing some of our favorite places to catch the best live music while vacationing on Folly. This list covers all the bases—whether you want a family friendly environment with a great menu or more of an adult’s only dive bar feel, Folly has the perfect place for you to enjoy the many local artists the lowcountry has to offer.
Loggerhead’s is a fun spot for live music and karaoke every day of the week. With a large outdoor patio and great seafood, it’s definitely a spot to add to your list if you’re in the mood for a great meal and live music. There’s a craft beer menu and daily specials that are sure to hit the spot. Be sure to check out the events calendar on the website to see what’s happening.
- Surf Bar
For a grown up, late night crowd, Surf Bar is a fantastic spot. When the live music gets going, it’s 21 and over only and sets begin around 10 pm. Local artists play most nights of the week, especially during the summer (check out the calendar on the website for a calendar and more info). Admission is free and the Surf Bar has a great beachy, laid back feel. Don’t miss the fun drink menu—go for the famous “painkiller” to get things started.
- Sand Dollar Social Club
This cash-only bar is a beloved dive that offers great live music. Regulars love the cheap beer and the fact that smoking is allowed inside. It is a “private” club, but membership is available for a very small fee (also note that there is a 24 wait period). The exclusivity of the bar makes it a haven for locals. Aside from the cheap drinks and live music, there’s also a bunch of games like dart boards, pool tables, and an outdoor “biergarden” for member use.
- BLU
This restaurant is a great family-friendly spot located on Center Street. Each weekend, there’s a fantastic lineup of live artists on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday afternoons and evenings. Additionally, each Wednesday night during the summer, BLU shows movies on a large inflatable screen on the beach. All events are made even more enjoyable thanks to BLU’s great food and drink menus. Try one of the appetizers like the fresh guacamole or Southern style crab cakes while you chill and jam out to the music.
- Pier 101 (Temporarily Closed)
Pier 101 Restaurant & Bar is located on the Edwin S. Taylor Fishing Pier. Offering beachfront dining with panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean, Pier 101 offers live music during the week in season and on the weekends, weather permitting.
We’d like to throw an honorable mention to “The Barrel”. Even though it’s not “on Folly Beach” it’s certainly one of the best places to go for live music, not only on Folly but Charleston. Located on Folly Road, The Barrel is a fun outdoor music venue that attracts great artists from all over the South East. Be sure to check out the online calendar to see who’s coming to town when. The Barrel offers 33 local and regional beers on tap. Most nights, there’s a local food truck at The Barrel offering a variety of eats (food truck schedule can also be found online).
