This is your chance to see world-class talent right here in Charleston. | Photo by @lindsfleege
Spoleto Festival USA kicks off this Friday, May 23, in various Charleston historic theaters, churches, and outdoor spaces, and runs through Sunday, June 8, with more than 100 performances across music, dance, and theater.
With so many events to choose from, narrowing down your must-sees can feel like a challenge. If you’re short on time — or just don’t want to overthink it — start with this curated guide featuring one standout event from each genre.
Traditions
Opening Ceremony | Kick off the 49th season at this public celebration at City Hall.
Wednesday, May 21 Butterflies & Moths of SC | 10 a.m.-12 p.m. | Goose Creek Library | Free | Discover the diverse species of butterflies and moths native to our region.
West Ashley Farmer’s Market | 3-7 p.m. | Ackerman Park | Free entry | Support the local ecosystem and community by shopping seasonal produce, handmade goods, and more from local vendors.
Kultura Sama-Sama Series with Yia Vang | 5:30 p.m. | Kultura | $110 | Join Chef Yia Vang and Chef Nikko for an evening of soulful storytelling through food, celebrating heritage, migration, and the rich flavors that connect us.
Thursday, May 22 Porcelain and Petals: Bouquet Making & Tea Party | 5:30 p.m. | Clerks | $30 | Design your own floral arrangement from a curated selection of fresh blooms and elegant vases while enjoying Garden Lullaby tea and a Petite Pastry Tower.
Aperol Launch Party X Ritual | 6-8 p.m. | Ritual Rooftop | Free entry | Celebrate the season with Aperol drink specials, exclusive offers, giveaways, and rooftop vibes.
Friday, May 23 Maybee Fest | Through May 26 | Times vary | Charleston Woodlands | $36+ | An immersive 21+ art and camping festival with live music, visual and performance art, and themed camps.
Parks & Rec Trivia Night | 7-9 p.m. | Snafu Brewing Company, North Charleston | Free | Test your knowledge of “Parks and Recreation” for a chance to win prizes and claim trivia glory with your team.
Sean Kenney’s Nature POP!® | Through Aug. 15 | Times vary | Magnolia Plantation | $17+ | Experience this outdoor exhibition from acclaimed artist Sean Kenney featuring over 40 larger-than-life sculptures made entirely from over 800,000 LEGO pieces.
After 10 years of lululemon’s iconic yoga pant, meet the new version
Presented by The Buy
Graphic by 6AM City
Fun fact: It’s been 10 years since the Align™ pant was released — lululemon’s buttery-soft, functional yoga pant that’s amassed many a devoted fan.
Extra fun fact: In honor of the anniversary, lululemon just dropped lululemon Align No Line™, which has everything great about the original, just no front-rise seam.
Just in time for the summer heat, NYC-based frozen yogurt shop 16 Handles is opening its first Charleston location in the Point Hope community on Saturday, May 31. The grand opening party runs from 12 to 10 p.m. and will include free fro-yo for the first 100 guests, exclusive discounts, and interactive family-friendly activities.
Edu
Charleston County School District approved a $1.7 billion budget for the 2026 fiscal year, calling it “unprecedented.” Highlights include a $4,000 salary increase for teachers (plus step increases), $36 million for student equity, and increased charter school funding. (WCSC)
Community
Red Top Park in Charleston County is now permanently protected, preserving its cultural and historical significance to the Red Top community. The park will remain publicly accessible while also conserving nearby habitats. (WCSC)
Opening
It’s comeback season. Following a bankruptcy filing, Big Lots has reopened over 100 stores under new management. Three Lowcountry locations — Goose Creek, Moncks Corner, and Summerville — are planning to reopen. (WCBD)
Eat
Here’s a midday treat to try: SNOB’s Piccolo Menu, served daily from 2:30 to 5 p.m., features fan favorites like steamed local clams and shrimp & grits, available at outdoor tables and the bar only. With a full cocktail list, it’s perfect for a pre-evening indulgence before Piccolo Spoleto events.
Active
Global Running Day is Wednesday, June 4. Celebrate with Fleet Feet Charleston at a free community fun run at 6:30 p.m. at Commonhouse Aleworks in Park Circle. All paces welcome — bring a friend or your pup. Expect shoe demos, swag, giveaways, and a post-run hangout at the brewery.
Coming Soon
OVME (pronounced “of me”), a premier aesthetics studio, is opening in Mount Pleasant on Tuesday, June 2. Join the grand opening celebration on Saturday, May 31, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., with studio tours, live demos, a live DJ, curated cocktails, and light bites.
Try This
For the dad and dad figures:Father Fest is a Father’s Day celebration on Sunday, June 15, at 5 p.m. at LO-Fi Brewing. Enjoy live music, food from JMB Provision, and a mustache competition. Tickets are $23.
Giveaway
We’re partnering with euphoria Food, Wine & Music Festival to give away two tickets to Aged to Perfection, Party in the Park, and Feast by the Field + a three-night stay at Residence Inn/SpringHill Suites in Greenville, SC. Enter to winnow through Tuesday, May 27.*
Cause
Charleston Gay Bingo is back — and this year, tickets are all-inclusive. Happening Friday, June 13, this marquee fundraiser for Palmetto Community Care offers attendees a night full of fun, from delicious catering and lively performances to exciting prizes and an open bar. Snag your seats.*
Real Estate
What if building a house could be as simple as building a car? Inspired by Ford and Tesla’s manufacturing process, BOXABL’s mission is to makeupscale, low-cost housing available globally by bringing assembly line automation to the housing industry. Learn more.†‡*
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 free 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, photography, and more.
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.
A teeth whitening pen that can eliminate surface stains to provide results within just 10 minutes. With continued use, it may even help your teeth become up to 10 shades brighter.
ICYMI, Spoleto’s tradition of unveiling its festival poster took place earlier this week — check out how it went at The Charleston Place.
‡This is a paid advertisement for BOXABL’s Regulation A offering. Please read the offering circular at invest.boxabl.com. Reserving a Nasdaq ticker does not guarantee a future listing on Nasdaq or indicate that BOXABL meets any of Nasdaq’s listing criteria to do so.
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