Discover CharlestonSpoleto Festival USA: 5 Overlooked, Must-See Events

Every spring, Charleston is home to an international cultural event that attracts visual artists, performers, and musicians from across the globe. The Holy City was chosen in 1977 as the perfect site for such a gathering due to its walkability, number of churches, theaters, and performance spaces (and its similarities with Old World cities like Spoleto, Italy don’t hurt either!) Each year, Spoleto actually produces its very own operas, which are only performed sparingly outside of Spoleto itself. The event’s 70,000 visitors not only get unbelievable access to some of today’s best, most creative performances, but they also have access to Piccolo Spoleto, an offshoot of the main event that features exclusively local and regional artists.

Here are 5 under-the-radar events that you won’t want to miss at the 2018 Spoleto Festival USA:

Making it look trap-easy:

These Australian trapeze artists know what it takes to wow a crowd! Gravity & Other Myths, an acrobatic troupe from down under will be showcasing their high-flying new show “A Simple Space.” As this is their Spoleto debut, you’ll have ample opportunity to see them (they are scheduled to play 8 shows!), but we recommend waiting to see their finale on the 30th at 8pm!

One for the kids:

Every year, as part of the local Spoleto subsidiary, Piccolo Spoleto, event organizers set up an exhibition of visual art projects made by hundreds of local schoolchildren. This year from May 25th to June 10th, children from 8-14 will have their artwork displayed at the Charleston public library. The exhibition is organized by the “Yo Art” program, an in-school and after-school curriculum that helps children from local Title One schools cultivate job skills, self-esteem, and enthusiasm for education through art workshops, exhibitions, and public art projects.

Get involved:

It’s not an event per se, but we think one of the most appealing and under-the-radar offerings of the festival is the fact that you can volunteer for it! If you’ve got a day or two off and would like to make a positive impact on one of the East Coast’s most important cultural events of the year, then sign up to help set up chairs, usher for events, and work concession stands at this year’s Spoleto USA festival!

Much like the city of Charleston, the Spoleto Festival USA is international, multi-dimensional, and welcoming to locals and tourists alike. And just like the Holy City, your first experience at the festival will make you a life-long fan! Newcomers will find that not only is Charleston a beautiful, historic city, but it also hosts some of the world’s finest 21st century performance art. If you’re looking for an up-and-coming, culturally-rich vacation destination, or a vibrant, family-friendly spot to call home, Charleston, might just be the perfect spot for you! If you’re finally ready to take the next step and move to South Carolina, be sure to team up with Luxury Simplified, and let us help you discover all the real estate options there are in the Lowcountry.