Events

Free and festive: Your guide to several 2025 Piccolo Spoleto’s complimentary events

From outdoor concerts and art exhibitions to sand sculpting and potlucks, explore some of the best regional and local talent with these can’t-miss Piccolo Spoleto free events running May 23 through June 8.

May 20, 2025 • 
Erika Ross
CHStoday Piccolo Palette

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

Photo by CHStoday team

In addition to Spoleto Festival USA, the City of Charleston’s corresponding Piccolo Spoleto will kick off this Friday, May 23, and will celebrate local and regional talent through Sunday, June 8.

The lineup features a mix of ticketed and free events throughout the city. Here’s a snapshot of several free events:

Sunset Serenade with Charleston Symphony | Friday, May 23 | 8 p.m. | US Customs House | Launch the 2025 festival with this outdoor concert featuring the Charleston Symphony and special guest soloists. Bring a beach chair or blanket to enjoy music under the stars.

45th Annual Piccolo Spoleto Outdoor Art Exhibition | Friday, May 23- Sunday, June 8. | Times vary | Marion Square | Stroll through 50+ artists’ tents showcasing original oils, pastels, watercolors, acrylics, encaustics, and photography.

Piccolo Spoleto Juried Art Exhibition | Friday, May 23–Sunday, June 8 | Times vary | City Gallery | This juried exhibition highlights recent work by SC artists in painting, sculpture, drawing, printmaking, and photography.

City Gallery_CHStoday

Visit City Gallery to see works by SC artists.

Photo via The City of Charleston

Piccolo Fiction | Saturday, May 31 | 5 p.m. | Courtyard beside Blue Bicycle Books | This is the festival’s longest-running event dedicated to fiction. Enjoy brief readings by local and SC authors.

Community Potluck | Sunday, June 1 | 2–5 p.m. | Mulberry Park | Join Charleston Parks Conservancy, Slow Food Charleston, and the City of Charleston’s Cultural Affairs Office for an afternoon of food, music, and community. Slow Food Charleston will provide the main dish, and guests are encouraged to bring a side, an appetizer, a beverage, or dessert.

Contexture Art and Fashion Show | Friday, June 6 | 5–9 p.m. | Circular Congregational Church | Local Charleston artists and fashion designers present pieces made from recycled art supplies and restaurant waste.

Sand Sculpting Competition | Saturday, June 7 | 9 a.m. | Front Beach, Isle of Palms | Watch individuals transform sand and water into sculptures at this family-friendly competition.

Piccolo Spoleto L’Organo Series | Locations, dates, and times vary | Experience organ recitals in Charleston’s historic churches, featuring both renowned and emerging artists.

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