City of Charleston announces final week of Piccolo Spoleto 2026, concert film, and children’s festival

Mayor William Cogswell and Director of Cultural Affairs Rochelle Riley announce the final week of the 2026 Piccolo Spoleto Festival, running through June 7. The annual celebration features music, theater, dance, jazz, comedy, visual art, literary events, and family programming, with many events free and open to audiences of all ages.

Live at the Angel Oak — Available to Stream

The Office of Cultural Affairs’ first-ever live concert film is now available to stream for free. Filmed beneath the sweeping branches of Charleston’s iconic Angel Oak, Live at the Angel Oak captures Da Gullah Rootz in a powerful performance rooted in Gullah Geechee heritage, blending rhythmic drums, rich vocals, and storytelling that honors the traditions and resilience of the Lowcountry. Stream it free at: https://tinyurl.com/4wccadjb

Festival Highlights

• The first Ellen Dressler Moryl Cello Concert at City Gallery, honoring the founder of the Office of Cultural Affairs and creator of the Piccolo Spoleto Festival.
• The Piccolo Spoleto Festival Finale at Hampton Park on Saturday, June 6, featuring Elise Testone headlining a Tribute to the Women of Rock & Roll. This year’s Finale held open auditions for an opening act—winner Victoria Purdy will perform before thousands of festivalgoers, receive a $500 commission, and earn an opportunity to play in future concerts.

Children’s Piccolo Spoleto Festival

A special series of events welcomes families and younger audiences to the festival throughout the final week.

• “ReCreation,” a Student Art Exhibition at Cannon Street Arts Center, curated with the Charleston County School District’s Visual and Performing Arts Department. Students reimagine vintage Piccolo Spoleto posters through original upcycled works. Open Tuesday, June 2 through Friday, June 6.
• Kids Karaoke at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, June 2 at Cannon Street Arts Center. Young performers can take the stage in a supportive, judgment-free atmosphere.
• Kids Day at the West Ashley Farmer’s Market, June 3 from 3–5 p.m., featuring family-friendly performances by the V-Tones of Charleston.
• Kids Piccolo Porch Concert at Carr-Richardson Park, June 3 from 5–7 p.m. Ward Buckheister of Sol Driven Train performs an interactive show with singing, dancing, balloons, and hands-on crafts.
• Kids Piccolo Spoleto Finale, June 6 from 4–6 p.m. at Hampton Park. The Rose Pavilion transforms into a colorful playground with giant bubbles, plate spinning, hula-hooping, spin art, and crafts with Redux.

“Piccolo Spoleto exists to show off Charleston’s artistic excellence, but it also is for Charleston families to enjoy each other and how wonderful a place Charleston is for families to live,” said Rochelle Riley, City of Charleston’s Director of Cultural Affairs.

The City of Charleston and the Piccolo Spoleto Festival gratefully acknowledge the generous support of the Gaylord and Dorothy Donnelley Foundation and Novant Health. Their commitment to arts, culture and community engagement helps make Piccolo Spoleto and the Children’s Festival possible, creating meaningful and accessible cultural experiences for Charleston’s residents and visitors.

For the full schedule, event details, and ticket information, visit piccolospoleto.com or follow piccolospoletofestival on Facebook.