April 11, 2025
May 13, 2025
April 11, 2025
From May 22 to June 8, 2025, Charleston will once again host Spoleto Festival USA, one of the most prestigious and imaginative performing arts festivals in the country. With nearly five decades of history, Spoleto transforms the city into a living stage—bringing together artists, musicians, dancers, and performers from around the world for over two weeks of unforgettable programming.
If you’re looking for a reason to visit Charleston in the spring (as if you needed one), this is it.
Spoleto’s lineup this year is both world-class and wonderfully eclectic. Whether you’re into jazz, classical music, bold theater, or genre-defying performances, there’s something here for you. Some standout names include:
Patti Smith – The punk rock icon and poet performs at the iconic Cistern Yard.
Mavis Staples – A gospel and soul legend in a setting as intimate as her voice is powerful.
Branford Marsalis – A saxophone virtuoso presenting music from his new album.
Cécile McLorin Salvant – One of the most thrilling jazz vocalists of her generation, accompanied by the Festival Orchestra.
Alisa Weilerstein – Performing Fragments, a spellbinding solo series blending Bach with contemporary works.
Kronos Quartet – A fearless ensemble celebrating 50 years of pushing musical boundaries.
Patrick Page – The Broadway veteran reimagines Shakespeare’s most notorious villains in All the Devils Are Here.
With dozens of additional performances in music, theater, opera, and dance, Spoleto 2025 offers a rare chance to experience globally recognized artistry in an atmosphere that feels refreshingly personal.
What makes Spoleto truly special—beyond the talent—is the sense of place. Performances are staged across Charleston’s most treasured venues, each bringing its own character to the experience.
Dock Street Theatre, the oldest operating theater in the U.S., is a jewel box for intimate plays and bold new works.
Gaillard Center hosts larger orchestral and operatic productions in a grand, acoustically pristine hall.
Cistern Yard, under the moss-draped oaks of the College of Charleston, offers an open-air setting unlike any other.
St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church provides the perfect reverberant space for Spoleto’s celebrated chamber music series.
This fusion of world-class performance and architectural charm is part of what makes Spoleto so distinctive.
Whether you’re attending one show or immersing yourself in the full two weeks, a little planning goes a long way. Here’s how to navigate Charleston during festival season like a local:
Reserve restaurants early: Spoleto overlaps with peak tourism, and reservations at top restaurants (Husk, FIG, Vern’s) fill up fast. Don’t overlook smaller neighborhood gems and newer spots off King Street.
Build in downtime: Between performances, wander through the Charleston City Market, grab a coffee at Harken Café, or visit the Gibbes Museum to extend the arts experience.
Dress smart: Charleston in late May and early June means warm days, balmy evenings, and the occasional downpour. Think breathable fabrics, comfortable shoes, and a rain layer just in case.
Consider midday performances: Morning and afternoon shows are often easier to book, and they leave time to explore the city without the evening crowds.
Add context to the culture: Sites like the International African American Museum or walking tours of historic neighborhoods can deepen your connection to Charleston’s rich and complex history.
Spoleto isn’t just a festival—it’s a moment. For two weeks every spring, Charleston slows down, tunes in, and fills with conversation about what we’ve seen, heard, and felt. It’s about inspiration, connection, and the kind of creative energy that lingers long after the curtain falls.
Tickets are already moving quickly, and accommodations tend to fill fast during festival season. Whether you’re coming for a single performance or making a week of it, now’s the time to plan.
Visit spoletousa.org for the full schedule and ticket information.
Whether you’re planning your first festival experience or continuing a cherished annual tradition, Spoleto 2025 offers an unparalleled opportunity to immerse yourself in artistic excellence against the backdrop of one of America’s most beautiful cities.
Looking for the perfect place to stay during your Spoleto experience? Our curated selection of Charleston properties offers ideal access to festival venues with the comfort and amenities you deserve. Contact our team today for personalized recommendations.
