Free Events During Spoleto Festival 2019

The world renowned Spoleto Festival USA and Piccolo Spoleto Festival are only one week away! Since the '70s these two festivals have filled the Holy City with the highest caliber of both established and young artists, musicians, actors, and writers. Over the 17 days of the festival, there will be daily events for various types of performing and visual arts. To attend all of these events can add up, making it difficult to pick the shows you want to see. Thankfully there are dozens of FREE events going on during Spoleto so you can enjoy the excitment and talent without breaking the bank!

Learn more about Spoleto Festival USA and Piccolo Spoleto Festival.

Music

Sunset Serenade

Friday May, 24 @ 8 pm | US Customs House

The Sunset Serenade is the annual kickoff event to celebrate the arts during Piccolo Spoleto Festival. This event is a free outdoor concert featuring the Charleston Symphony Orchestra. Come enjoy the excitment infront of the historic US Customs House.  

 

Midnight Pajama March (The Seed & Feed Marching Abominable)

May 25, 2019 @ 11 pm | US Customs House

The Seed & Feed Marching Abominable are a wild and electrifying community band from Atlanta. You won't want to miss the dynamic energy and colorful street theater during this downtown performance. 

 

Patriotic Concert (The Seed & Feed Marching Abominable)

May 26, 2019 @ 12 pm | US Customs House

The Seed & Feed Marching Abominable are back for a second explosive performance. During this parade they will play patriotic tunes to honor our country and those who fought for our freedom.

 

Memorial Day Concert

Monday May 27, 2019 @ 3 pm | Marion Square

Come celebrate and salute our armed forces and those who serve our country in a patriotic performance by the combined Charleston and Columbia Community Bands. 

 

Piccolo Spoleto Finale

June 8, 2019 @ 5 pm | Hampton Park, 30 Mary Murray Blvd, Charleston, SC 29403

Bring your friends and family out to the beautiful Hampton Park to dance and sing along to a line-up of local musicians as the incredible Piccolo Spoleto Festival comes to a close. There will be some of the best food trucks at this event as well!

 

Art

40th Annual Piccolo Spoleto Outdoor Art Exhibition

May 24 – June 8 | Marion Square - King and Calhoun Streets

Monday – Thursday Times: 10 am to 5 pm

Friday – Sunday Times: 10 am to 6 pm

Browse through the creative art of over 80 local artists! This colorful open-air market in Marion Square is a perfect way to spend the day and see the wide array of local talent.

 

Piccolo Spoleto Crafts Exhibition

May 24 – May 27; May 31 – June 2

Wragg Square - Meeting Street, between Charlotte Street & Ashmead Place

Some of the region's finest craft artisans will be presenting handmade jewelry, gifts, and other one-of-a-kind items for purchase in Wragg Square.

 

Family Day at Marion Square

May 25, 2019 @ 10 am | Marion Square

No matter your age you will be able to discover your hidden talents, create, and play durinig this fun family event in Marion Square! Watch as the younger Piccolo Spoleto fans get to take the spotlight and showcase their dance, music, and artistic talents to the public.

 

Sand Sculpting Competition

June 1, 2019 @ 9 am | Front Beach at Isle of Palms

Piccolo Spoleto brings the fun out to Isle of Palms for the 31st Annual Sand Sculpting Competion! Walk the beach and watch as competitors transform Front Beach into a work of art.

 

Citywide Visual Art Exhibitions

Varied times and locations

Visit the Piccolo Spoleto website to see the various free art exhibitions occuring throughout the city covering topics such as recovery, history, and more.

 

Dance/Theatre

Coming to Monuments

May 26, 2019 @ 1 pm | Charleston Museum Courtyard - 342 Meeting Street, Charleston, SC 29401

Experience the prowess of the Charleston dance community as professional dance companies present short pieces and excerpts for the audience. 

 

Charleston Dance Showcase

May 26, 2019 @ 3 pm | Charleston Music Hall - 37 John Street, Charleston, SC 29401

Dance Matters present an interactive contemporary piece that explores the history and conflicted legacy of Confederate memorials. Appropriate for all ages. 

 

Munchkin Radio Plays

June 5, 2019 @ 1 pm | Christ Church Parish Hall - 2304 North Hwy 17, Mt. Pleasant, SC 29466

The Munchkin Radio Plays are new plays by local playwrights designed to encourage imagination and creativity in children ages 7 to 12. Meet and greet after performance. 

 

Literacy

Piccolo Fiction

June 1, 2019 @ 5 pm | Blue Bicycle Books - 420 King Street, Charleston, SC 29401

Piccolo Fiction will present local and South Carolina authors reading brief short stories in the courtyard of Blue Bicycle Books. This is the longest running event solely devoted to fiction at the festival. Come enjoy the traditions and talent of the Piccolo Fiction community. 

 

Sundown Poetry Series

Dates, Authors and Times Vary | Dock Street Theatre Courtyard - 135 Church Street, Charleston, SC 29401

Throughout the festival you can enjoy evening poetry recitings by local and award winning poets. Please visit their website to read about the various poets and dates of the events.