Festival Traditions
Beloved festival traditions at Piccolo Spoleto include Sunset Serenade, the Seed & Feed Marching Abominable, the Pajama March with Seed and Feed Marching Abominable, the Memorial Day Concert at Hampton Park, Gullah Geechee Connecting Wid Da Diaspora, Children’s Programs at the Library, the Sand Sculpting Competition, Pop-Ups and Neighborhood Events, and the Piccolo Spoleto Festival Finale.
Join us for Sunset Serenade on the steps of the landmark U.S. Custom House! This free concert launches the 2025 Piccolo Spoleto Festival featuring the Charleston Symphony and special guest soloists. Led by conductor Ryo Hasegawa (Bloomington Symphony Orchestra, Charleston Symphony Youth Orchestra), the program will feature familiar musical favorites. Guest artist Kyaunnee Richardson will thrill the crowd with works by George Gershwin, Leonard Bernstein, Andrew Lloyd Webber, and more. Grab your beach chair or blanket and head downtown for a lively night of music under the stars. Arrive early and enjoy the festival atmosphere as Charleston gathers to celebrate the arts!
Friday, May 23 at 8:00pm
The Seed & Feed Marching Abominable, Atlanta’s wildest community band, has been thrilling audiences since 1974, performing at home and on the road in festivals, on stages, and in support of community events and fundraisers of all kinds.
Throughout its history, the Band has electrified audiences with its trademark style of explosive sound and colorful street theater. Originally formed as part of a theatre company, the band is well known for its fancifully costumed performers as well as its high-energy music.
- Saturday, May 24 at 11:00am, Marion Square
Photo credit: Paul Zoeller/P&C Staff
The Seed & Feed Marching Abominable, Atlanta’s wildest community band, has been thrilling audiences since 1974, performing at home and on the road in festivals, on stages, and in support of community events and fundraisers of all kinds.
Throughout its history, the Band has electrified audiences with its trademark style of explosive sound and colorful street theater. Originally formed as part of a theatre company, the band is well known for its fancifully costumed performers as well as its high-energy music.
- Saturday, May 24 from 10:30pm-midnight – US Custom House (East Bay side)
The Seed & Feed Marching Abominable, Atlanta’s wildest community band, has been thrilling audiences since 1974, performing at home and on the road in festivals, on stages, and in support of community events and fundraisers of all kinds.
Throughout its history, the Band has electrified audiences with its trademark style of explosive sound and colorful street theater. Originally formed as part of a theatre company, the band is well known for its fancifully costumed performers as well as its high-energy music.
- Sunday, May 25 from 11:00am-noon; US Custom House (East Bay side)
This annual patriotic tradition features the Charleston Concert Band in a concert ranging from rousing marches to Broadway show tunes, and concluding with a stirring musical tribute to each of the armed forces of our great country. Come salute our soldiers, sailors, airmen and marines who gave their lives to protect our freedom. Bring a chair or blanket to this FREE event.
- Monday, May 26 at 3:00pm at Hampton Park
Date: Saturday, May 24 from 12:00-3:00pm
Venue: Cannon Street Arts Center, 134 Cannon Street
Admission: Free
Interested in attending a Piccolo Spoleto event at CCPL
- Tickets are required for entrance to these events and will be available at the Main Library Children’s Desk in person only starting on May 19.
- No phone reservations except for school groups.
- Tickets are limited and will be available while supplies last.
- Limited numbers of tickets are available per household.
- School groups are granted priority access to the 9:30am May 27 performance and MUST register by May 15.
- Call 843-805-6893 for more program details or to register your school group.
Dancing on Air Crew – Join us for this family-friendly free event where kids will learn more about four of the elements that make up the cultural phenomenon known as hip-hop: Graffiti, MCing, DJing and Breakin.
Tuesday, May 27 at 9:30 am
Tuesday, May 27 at 11:30 am
College of Charleston Opera “Goldie B. Locks and the Three Singing Bears” – A Children’s Opera retelling of the classic story with the music of Mozart and Offenbach. Goldie B. Locks doesn’t just like bugs – she loves them. When a beautiful butterfly flutters off into the woods, she chases it, forgetting a promise made to her mom to stay close to home. Goldie learns important lessons about honesty and sharing the truth with a trusted grownup.
Saturday, May 31 at 11:00 am
Anson Quartet “Kids Classical! At the Library” featuring the Anson Quartet. Perfect for kids of all ages, come listen and dance to some of the great classical masterpieces in an informal and inquisitive setting. Performed by local musician-moms, this show will introduce kids to popular classical pieces in a fun, interactive performance. Featuring Anson Quartet members Alison Beskin, flute; Maggie Gould Wilson, violin; Stephanie Silvestri, violin/viola; and Cameron Williams, cello.
Tuesday, June 3 at 9:30 am
Tuesday, June 3 at 11:30 am
Piccolo Spoleto Sand Sculpting Competition
Come out and participate in the sand sculpting competition at the Isle of Palms, Front Beach. Watch artists compete for prizes in different categories as they take raw sand and water, transforming the beach into beautiful works of art. Whether you’re a competitor or a spectator, this family-friendly celebration is fun for everyone. CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION
- Saturday, June 7 at 9:00am; Front Beach, Isle of Palms
Details to be announced.
Piccolo Spoleto Festival Finale
Saturday, June 7, 2025 from 5:00-10:00pm
Hampton Park, 30 Mary Murray Boulevard
Stay tuned!
