Color! Music! Flavors! Fireworks! Charleston is alive and there is excitement on the horizon!
In 1977, a 17-day celebration of the arts called Spoleto Festival USA was founded in Charleston. A showcase for opera, dance, theater, classical music, and jazz, Spoleto brought internationally acclaimed artists to the historic district for scores of performances. The annual festival has grown over the past 37 years, and it is one of the most widely-anticipated cultural gatherings in North America. A second arts festival, Piccolo Spoleto, was founded in 1979 with a focus on local and regional artists, and its family-friendly schedule runs concurrent to Spoleto.
We are gearing up for the drama, pageantry, parties, and moments of wonder that await during this year’s Spoleto and Piccolo Spoleto festivals… and it’s not too late to join the fun. Keep reading to learn more!
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Spoleto Festival USA: A 17-day hit parade of live performances that unfold in traditional and unexpected venues across Charleston. From breathtaking acrobatic feats staged at an intimate theatre to a flamboyant jazz songbird seizing control of a basketball arena, the Spoleto’s May 23 – June 8 schedule is a spellbinding array of world-class artistry.
My Cousin Rachel at the Dock Street Theatre
The incomparable Gate Theatre returns to Charleston with Daphne du Maurier’s spellbinding thriller. May 22 – June 8. {read more}
Charenée Wade at Cistern Yard
A finalist in the Thelonious Monk International Vocal Competition, this young singer is a rising star on the American jazz scene. May 23 & 24. {read more}
Danilo Brito at Cistern Yard
A Mandolinist-led ensemble brings to life the rich syncopation and counterpoint of Brazilian choro music. May 25. {read more}
Béla Fleck and Abigail Washburn at TD Arena
The unofficial “first family of the banjo” combines powerful vocals and revolutionary instrumental techniques. June 1. {read more}
Ilona Jäntti at Emmett Robinson Theatre
Finnish aerialist challenges the boundaries of movement in a spellbinding program featuring animated projections, trapeze, and aerial ballet. June 3 – 8. {read more}
Shovels & Rope at Middleton Place
An all-day party including picnicking, a beer garden, fireworks, and a mainstage concert by Charleston’s own Shovels & Rope. June 8. {read more}
To see the entire Spoleto Festival USA schedule, visit spoletousa.org.
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Piccolo Spoleto Festival is often called the “little sister” companion with its many family-friendly, often free, events that primarily features artists of the Southeast region.
Sunset Serenade at the U.S. Customs House
May 23 {read more}
Seed and Feed Marching Abominable Midnight Pajama March
May 26 {read more}
Mepkin Abbey Concerts
May 26 & June 2 {read more}
26th Annual Sand Sculpting Competition on Isle of Palms
June 7 {read more}
Picolo Spoleto Festival Finale at Hampton Park
June 7 {read more}
To see the entire Piccolo Spoleto schedule, visit piccolospoleto.com.
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The Saturday Charleston Farmers Market at Marion Square is in full swing! Enjoy these scenes from last week’s market and make plans to join us there every Saturday this summer!
