Piccolo Spoleto returns for its 45th season

Don’t miss the Piccolo Spoleto which will hold events around Charleston

CHStoday Piccolo Palette

We can only imagine how dreamy the canvas looks with this palette as the color scheme.

Photo by CHStoday team

It’s a big week for the Holy City; Spoleto Festival USA begins, and for 17 days and nights, the city’s spaces will be filled with performances from national + international performers.

The City of Charleston’s corresponding Piccolo Spoleto will kick off this Friday, May 24, and will celebrate local + regional talent through Sunday, June 9.

Keep reading for a snapshot of some of the Piccolo Spoleto events. Pro tip: Most events are free.

Sunset Serenade with the Charleston Symphony | Friday, May 24 | 8 p.m.

A festival tradition, this concert will take place on the steps of the landmark US Custom House (200 E. Bay St.)

Memorial Day Concert at Hampton Park | Monday, May 27 | 3 p.m.

This annual tradition showcases the Charleston Concert Band and the Columbia Community performing marches, Broadway show tunes, and a musical tribute to each of the armed forces.

Sand Sculpting Competition at IOP | Saturday, June 1 | 9 a.m.

You can compete or be a spectator at this sandy event — for those competing, there will be prizes in different categories.

Charleston Gospel Choir | Saturday, June 8 | 6 p.m.

For this year’s festival, the Charleston Gospel Choir will present a “Tribute to the Queen of Soul + Gospel: Aretha Franklin” at Mt. Zion AME (5 Glebe St.) Tickets range from $12-$25.

Marion Square Jam | Saturday, June 8 + Sunday, June 9 | 12-5 p.m.

Don’t miss two days of music. There will be twelve acts over two days.

Outdoor Art Exhibition | Friday, May 24- Saturday, June 8 | Times vary

Stroll through Marion Square, which is transformed into a market featuring 57 creative local and regional artists exhibiting and selling their work.

Events
There’s so much to do in the Holy City — see what we’ve experienced.
Whether you’re planning a wild weekend of wildlife interaction or a quiet evening admiring fine art, The Southeastern Wildlife Exposition has something for everybody.
M. Dumas and Sons will host this event featuring adoptable dogs, a kissing booth, and ways to support local shelters.
The new space for gatherings is just 30 minutes from downtown Charleston.
“Statement Pieces: Contemporary Fashion Design” will feature garments by Alexander McQueen, Dapper Dan, and Gucci, which will be presented with works spanning from 1770 to 2020.
Charleston has a packed list of races to get prepared for throughout the year