Spoleto Festival USA: Guide & FAQS

Mark your calendars! Each May and June Spoleto Festival USA transforms the Holy City into a performer’s paradise. Unfamiliar with the festival? Scroll on to see what the hubbub is all about.

• Background

  Spoleto is one of America’s major performing arts festivals. Founded in 1977 as a counterpart to the famous art festival in Spoleto, Italy, Spoleto Festival USA takes place over 17 days within the heart of the Holy City. From dance, theater, opera, music, and more, Charleston is transformed into a performer’s paradise.

• The Main Event

  Opera, theater, music, and dance make up the festival's performances. In 2022 alone, there were over 30 artists with multiple performances throughout the 17 day period. 

• The City As a Stage

  Charleston has plenty of venues that host Spoleto events, but are even architectural works of art themselves. College of Charleston’s Cistern Yard and Sottile Theatre, St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church, Dock Street Theatre, and the Gaillard Center are just a few of the iconic and historic venues.

• Piccolo Spoleto

  Piccolo Spoleto is a series of off-shoot events offering increased accessibility and decreased prices. Many of the events are even admission-free, or feature local artists, craftsmen, and performers. Pro tip: Check out Marion Square for tents featuring artists selling their work.

• Tickets & Information

  For more information and tickets, head to https://spoletousa.org/ and http://www.piccolospoleto.com/about/. In 2023, Spoleto will take place May 26 - June 11.

• Accommodations & Recommendations

  For a weekend guide to the Spoleto Festival USA, check out our itinerary here. LINK

Cistern Yard

Sottile Theatre

Charleston City Market

Shakey Graves at Firefly Distillery

Piccolo Spoleto Art Exhibition

Ballet Encore

Omar

Machine de Cirque