Charleston’s Cultural Pulse: Spoleto, Piccolo Spoleto & Saturday Farmers Market
Color! Music! Flavors! Fireworks! Charleston is alive and excitement is on the horizon!
In 1977, Charleston welcomed a 17‑day celebration of the arts: Spoleto Festival USA. This showcase—featuring opera, dance, theater, classical music, and jazz—brought internationally acclaimed artists to the historic district for dozens of performances. Over 37 years, Spoleto has grown into one of North America’s most anticipated cultural gatherings. Two years later, in 1979, Piccolo Spoleto was founded to spotlight local and regional talent. Its family‑friendly lineup runs concurrently with Spoleto.
Get ready for drama, pageantry, parties, and moments of wonder during this year’s Spoleto and Piccolo Spoleto festivals. It’s not too late to join the fun—read on for details!
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Spoleto Festival USA: A 17‑day parade of live performances that unfold in traditional and unexpected venues across Charleston. From breathtaking acrobatics in an intimate theatre to a flamboyant jazz solo in a basketball arena, the May 23–June 8 schedule is a spellbinding array of world‑class artistry.
My Cousin Rachel
The 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 view the full Spoleto Festival USA schedule, visit spoletousa.org.
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Piccolo Spoleto Festival is often called the “little sister” of its larger counterpart, offering many family‑friendly, frequently free, events that highlight Southeast regional artists.
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}
Piccolo Spoleto Festival Finale at Hampton Park
June 7 {read more}
To view the full Piccolo Spoleto schedule, visit piccolospoleto.com.
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The Saturday Charleston Farmers Market at Marion Square is in full swing! Enjoy snapshots from last week’s market and plan to join us every Saturday this summer.
