CHARLESTON, S.C. — Charleston’s sister festival to Spoleto Festival USA, Piccolo Spoleto, is in full swing through June 7, offering approximately 250 events and installations across the city. This year, the festival emphasizes local talent and community engagement, with 125 events available for free.
Festival Launch and Digital Resources
Piccolo Spoleto launched a refreshed website featuring new poster artwork, a scrolling showcase of highlighted events, and tools to filter events by category. Due to technical difficulties at launch, the Office of Cultural Affairs recommends following the festival’s Facebook page at facebook.com/piccolospoletofestival. A digital zine guide is also available for browsing the schedule.
Rochelle Riley, director of the Office of Cultural Affairs, described this year’s theme, “From Here,” as a celebration of local identity and roots. Charleston Mayor William Cogswell praised the festival for highlighting jazz, theater, poetry, dance, and other art forms from talented local artists.
Upcoming Must-See Performances
Piccolo Porch Concerts
These intimate, street-level performances transform ordinary streets into spaces of creativity. The ZD Experience, featuring local icon Zandrina Dunning, will perform at 2602 Mona Ave. from 7–8 p.m. on May 31. Admission is free—bring a chair.
Classical Pride Charleston
In celebration of Pride Month, the Classical Pride Chamber Orchestra, the Unitarian Church Chancel Choir, Palmetto Vocal Collective, and newly formed Vox Insolita will perform George Gershwin’s Piano Concerto in F.
The concert is on May 31 at 4 p.m. at the Unitarian Church, 4 Archdale St. Tickets are $20 for students and $30 general admission.
Live from the Angel Oak: Concert Film
Da Gullah Rootz’s live performance beneath the Angel Oak will premiere as a concert film on June 1 at 7 p.m. at the Cannon Street Art Centers, 134 Cannon St. Admission is free and the performance will also be livestreamed.
Under the Lights
Original 10-minute plays by College of Charleston students will be presented by Michael Smallwood at the Simons Center Blackbox Theatre, 54 St. Philip St., on June 1 at 7 p.m. and June 2 at 5 p.m. Tickets are $14.
Second Life Supply Presents Fervor
This sustainable art exhibit showcases 13 visual artists using reclaimed materials in a White Elephant swap. The free show opens at 5 p.m. on June 3 at the Gibbes Museum, 135 Meeting St.
Sip & Stroll with Small Opera
This Gardens and Galleries Art Walk will feature pop-up performances, including opera, musical theater, and poetry by Small Opera, Abby Duran, and Charleston’s poet laureate AsiahMae. The walk begins at 5:30 p.m. on June 3 from Reinert Fine Art, 179 King St.
The Mahoganee Xperience: Indigenous Soul Music
Mahoganee and Mr. Bounce Back will perform a “Carolina Gold” show that merges Gullah Geechee heritage, Afro-futurism, and music as a healing experience. The performance is on June 5 at 6 p.m. at Drummond Studio Gallery, 12 Line St. Tickets are $39.19.
