The Spoleto Festival USA returns to Charleston May 26 – June 11, 2023. Founded in 1977, this 17-day event has become the premier showcase of both established and emerging artists ranging from opera, dance, theater, classical music, jazz, and more. Like every year the Spoleto Festival 2023 performances happen in locations throughout Charleston including the Charleston Gaillard Center, Dock Street Theatre, and Festival Hall.
Annually Spoleto hosts around 150 performances at more than 9 venues throughout Charleston. Here are just a few of the best performances to look out for:
An Iliad
May 25, 27, 28, 30, 31, June 2, 3 at the Dock Street Theatre
One-man performance of Homer’s epic, “An Iliad,” from Tony Award-winning actor Denis O’Hare (“American Horror Story”) and examines our lust for violence, destruction and chaos.
Ayodele Casel: Chasing Magic
May 27–29 at the College of Charleston Sottile Theatre
Ayodele Casel returns to Spoleto with “Chasing Magic.” This works explore the magic of tap dance in a feast for the eyes and soul.
The Book of Life
June 1–4 at Festival Hall
This production by Odile Gakire Katese with Ignoma Nshya is based on letters from survivors of Rwanda’s genocide, and features Rwanda’s first-ever female drumming ensemble.
Scottish Ballet: The Crucible
June 2–4 at the Charleston Gaillard Center
“The Crucible” reimagines Arthur Miller’s play and the Salem Witch Trials through a female point-of-view and choreographed dance.
Kishi Bashi with Strings
June 3 at the College of Charleston Cistern Yard
Kishi Bashi celebrates his Japanese heritage and explores themes of love and self-discovery in his own unique indie-rock style.
The Rite of Spring
June 5 at the Charleston Gaillard Center
John Kennedy will conduct Stravinsky’s “The Rite of Spring,” which will be given life by a South African Black woman choreographer, Dada Masilo.
Alisa Amador
June 7 at the College of Charleston Cistern Yard
2022 NPR Tiny Desk Contest winner Alisa Amador captivates with her soulful voice and rhythms laced with Latin folk and jazz.
Gravity & Other Myths: Out of Chaos
June 7–11 at Festival Hall
Australian physical theater troupe Gravity & Other Myths is set to premiere their newest work, “Out of Chaos.” It’s expected to be a high-flying display of acrobatics!
Symphonie Fantastique
June 9 at the Charleston Gaillard Center
Acclaimed conductor, Jonathon Heyward, returns home to Charleston with Berlioz’s Symphonie Fantastique and Edvard Grieg’s piano concerto.
Wells Fargo Festival Finale featuring Tank and the Bangas
June 11 at the Firefly Distillery
Grammy-nominated band Tank and the Bangas blend funk, rock, jazz, and soul to close the Festival season with music and fireworks.
For a full schedule of 2023 performances, visit the Spoleto Festival USA website.
Whether you’ve already purchased tickets to Spoleto events or are planning a Charleston vacation in May and June, you can start your trip with GCT. Our luxury sedans are the best way to head to special events throughout the Lowcountry. Keep in mind that parking downtown can be limited during Spoleto performances, so a car service in Charleston is the best way to go. Our drivers are experienced and make it easy to get from the airport or venues throughout the city. Get a quote for transportation today.