Festival Traditions
*DUE TO WEATHER IT IS UNSAFE TO PROCEED WITH THIS EVENT*
Join us for Sunset Serenade on the steps of the landmark US Custom House! A free concert to launch the 2024 Piccolo Spoleto Festival featuring the Charleston Symphony under the direction of Artistic Director, Yuriy Bekker and featuring vocalist Kyaunnee Richardson. 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 24 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 25 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 25 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 26 from 11:00am-noon; US Custom House (East Bay side)
This annual patriotic tradition features the combined Charleston Concert Band and Columbia Community 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 27 at 3:00pm at Hampton Park
Come join the Gullah Geechee Connecting Wid Da Diaspora event! Bringing together folks from near and far to celebrate the rich culture, heritage and also share with theirs. Get ready for a day filled with music, poetry, dance, food, storytelling, and more! This family friendly fun filled event will be hosted by Savannah J from Star 99.7 w/good vibes & beautiful energy.
Date: Saturday, May 25 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 20.
- No phone reservations.
- 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 9:30 a.m. performances and MUST register by May 15.
- Call 843-805-6893 for more program details or to register your school group.
Shana Banana Presents: Heartbeat of the Earth
Tuesday, May 28 at 9:30 am
Tuesday, May 28 at 11:30 am
Shana Banana teams up with Didgeridoo Down Under’s Raihan Alam–aka “Rai the Guy”– to present a multi-faceted sensory extravaganza of songs, world percussion and didgeridoo playing, storytelling, puppets, and live animals! Together, Shana, Rai and the audience will travel the world, visiting various ecosystems and the animals and people who make our planet something to celebrate and protect. Complete with imagination, cultural awareness, and appreciation of individual and intercultural (and interspecies) similarities, this show will keep children entertained, moving, dancing, acting and singing.
Porkchop Productions Presents Goldilocks
Thursday, May 30 at 9:30 am
Thursday, May 30 at 11:30 am
Ever wonder what happened to Goldilocks after she left the home of the three bears? We did! Find out in this whimsical tale that teaches important lessons about respecting others as well as yourself!
College of Charleston’s Opera in Jack and the Beanstalk
Tuesday, June 4 at 9:30 am
Tuesday, June 4 at 11:30 am
Based on the familiar tale— Jack sells the family cow in exchange for magic beans which grow into a giant beanstalk in the sky. Jack encounters a Giant who is a bad guy. Based on melodies by Arthur Sullivan and displays full costumes, scenery, and operatic ensembles.
Super Reggae Man
Thursday, June 6 at 9:30 am
Thursday, June 6 at 11:30 am
Super Reggae Man promises to delight young audiences with his “One-Man Reggae Band” performance! While using a looping device and playing one instrument at a time, Children will learn about the building blocks of Roots Reggae Music. Drum and bass grooves combined with guitar and Keyboard rhythms, vocal harmonies, and soothing horn parts all interlock together to create a unique musical experience.
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 ON COMPETING
- Saturday, June 1 at 9:00am; Front Beach, Isle of Palms
45th Annual Piccolo Spoleto Festival Finale
Saturday, June 8, 2024 from 5:00-10:00pm
Hampton Park, 30 Mary Murray Boulevard
West Ashley Art Walk
Wednesday, May 29 from 5:00-6:30pm
Walk Starts at Magnolia Park and Community Garden, 720 Magnolia Road
Join the Charleston Parks Conservancy for the West Ashley Art Walk, a vibrant community event celebrating local art and nature! Start your evening at our office in Magnolia Park and Community Garden, where you can admire the stunning community art project “A Tree of Every Color.” Enjoy light bites, drinks, and live music while taking guided tours of the beautiful garden from 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM.
At 6:00 PM, we’ll take a short walk down the road to the West Ashley Bike Way to unveil the “Pollinator Paradise” art installation. Meet the artist, Tuxedo Kat, and hear about her inspiration and creative process. A representative from the Conservancy will also be present to discuss the exciting future plans for incorporating more art along the Bike Way.
Kids Ice Cream Social in the Park
Friday, June 7 from 3:00-5:00pm
Moultrie Playground, 41 Ashley Avenue
FREE
Please note, this event is geared toward the youth in our community and will have limited supply.
We encourage you to RSVP ahead of time if you plan on coming so we can get an accurate headcount but RSVP does not guarantee ice cream.
RSVP Here!
