Over the next few days Charleston SC will be flooded by artists and art lovers from around the world for the annual Spoleto Festival (and it’s companion, the Piccolo Spoleto Festival). In its 42nd year, the 15-day event celebrates performing arts including opera, dance, theater, classical music, and jazz, among others. Spoleto performances are sprinkled throughout the Holy City in a lively display of music and dance. If you’re planning a trip to Charleston SC between May 25 and June 10, be prepared to be amazed.
While Spoleto is known for showcasing international and world-renowned artists, a lesser known companion event to Spoleto Festival in Charleston is Piccolo Spoleto. Piccolo highlights local artists from the southeast region and incorporates performing arts, visual arts, and literary arts. Even if you have already purchased your Spoleto Festival tickets, Piccolo is created for the art aficionado on a budget, and offers several free events each year. To focus your ears and eyes to more local artists, stop by some of Piccolo’s free performances, including:
Sunset Serenade
Fri, May 25, 8:00pm @ US Custom House
Kick off the Piccolo Spoleto festival and enjoy a musical performance by the Charleston Symphony Orchestra.
Midnight Pajama March
Sat, May 26, 11:00pm-midnight @ US Custom House
For late night fun, come dressed in your favorite PJ’s and march alongside The Seed & Feed Marching Abominable, Atlanta’s colorful street band.
Sand Sculpting Competition
Sun, June 9, 9:00am-1:00pm @ Ocean Boulevard, Isle of Palms
Come out and enjoy the 29th annual sand sculpting competition. Sign up to build show off your skills and build your own, or walk the beach check out the sand creations. With 6 categories ranging from… fun for the whole family.
Piccolo Spoleto Festival Finale
Sat, June 9, 5:00pm-10:00pm @ Hampton Park
Local and visiting musicians across a range of genres will perform old school classics that will have you dancing all night long.
Whether you’ve planned your Charleston vacation around the annual Spoleto Festival and are just looking for add-on events to attend, or you’ve been thinking about a last minute getaway, Piccolo Spoleto free events are a perfect day or night activity. Our luxury vacation rentals downtown are within walking distance to most of the festival events, which means Spoleto and Piccolo Spoleto are just a few steps away.
