What Makes It Guide-Worthy: It’s the 50th season of Spoleto Festival USA, the nation’s preeminent performing arts festival, spanning 17 days and nights each spring. Founded in 1977 by Pulitzer Prize–winning composer Gian Carlo Menotti, the festival was envisioned as an American counterpart to the Festival dei Due Mondi (Festival of Two Worlds) in Spoleto, Italy. Since then, it has grown into one of the nation's most popular annual attractions and transforming Charleston into a bustling, global arts hub. More than 300 artists from around the world draw over 60,000 attendees. No matter the show, if it’s at Spoleto Festival USA, it promises a unique experience.
When to Book: Tickets typically go on sale closer to the season and can be purchased via the Spoleto Festival USA website. The festival’s popular Front Row Concerts can sell out quickly, depending on the headlining acts. Last year, Patti Smith and Mozart No. 29 were among the hottest tickets. If you arrive without a ticket, you might still score a seat by lining up at the box office two hours before showtime. Book hotel accommodations at least six months in advance, as Charleston fills up quickly during the festival.
Must-See & Do: Spoleto Festival USA offers remarkable performing arts programming amidst Charleston’s charming cultural backdrop. Here are the top things to experience at the festival.
Front Row Concerts at Cistern Yard: A signature staple of Spoleto, the Front Row Concerts at Cistern Yard provide a majestic setting for many of the festival’s top headliners, with attendees seated under moss-draped live oaks in front of the College of Charleston’s Randolph Hall, which dates back to 1828. Ticketed and free events span folk, jazz and electronic-classical genres, with recent performers including Patti Smith, Mavis Staples and Lucinda Williams. Note: Charleston in late May and early June can be hot and humid, so dress in breathable fabrics for these outdoor shows.
The Best of the Fest: A large part of the festival’s appeal is discovering world-class talent. Opera singers from Europe, jazz artists from Africa and contemporary dance companies from as far as South Korea fill the days and nights, creating a global celebration of arts and culture.
Charleston’s Legendary Comfort Food: Charleston’s vibrant and acclaimed food scene pairs perfectly with Spoleto’s bold programming. Hot spots like The Darling Oyster Bar, Vern's and Hyman's Seafood make for a great pre-show meal. Charleston’s buzzing craft cocktail scene, best experienced at Doar Bros., The Bar at The Spectator and Citrus Club, makes for the perfect setting to raise a glass and relive the evening’s performance.
Where to Stay: It’s easy to get around Charleston, as a majority of the city is located within a walkable downtown core. Here are two top options in the downtown district, along with one value offering near the airport.
Premier: The Charleston Place, Independent: Situated in the heart of Charleston, The Charleston Place has you steps away from many Spoleto venues. The hotel is renowned for its Southern grandeur, featuring a dramatic, double sweeping staircase and oversized crystal chandelier in the main lobby. Spoleto’s leading artists and VIPs return annually, captivated by the hotel’s enduring elegance.
Mid-Range: Emeline, Independent: Just around the corner from The Charleston Place, Emeline is a boutique luxury hotel in a prime location for festival-goers. The hotel incorporates many flourishes of Charleston’s historic character with modern amenities, including marble bathrooms, a rooftop saltwater pool and the open-air hopping scene at Frannie & The Fox, the hotel’s excellent onsite restaurant.
Budget-Friendly: DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel & Suites Charleston Airport, Hilton: For the best value stay, opt for the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel & Suites Charleston Airport. This comfortable and convenient hotel features spacious rooms, a seasonal outdoor pool and a complimentary shuttle to Charleston International Airport. This property is a quick 20-minute drive from downtown Charleston, the hub of most of the festival activity.
SideQuest: Fill your downtime between shows by exploring Charleston’s Museum Mile. Stroll along Meeting Street for some of the city’s most notable attractions, including The Charleston Museum, America’s first museum; the Joseph Manigault House, a Federal-style mansion; and the Gibbes Museum of Art, which showcases Southern art.
