Ten Tips for Spoleto Festival-Goers

Credit: Spoleto Festival USA (Facebook)

It’s almost time for the Spoleto Festival! The 42nd season of the event runs from Friday, May 25th to Sunday, June 10th.

Representatives from the festival have provided this list of 10 tips to help you have the best Spoleto experience possible:

1. Arrive early

Plan to arrive 15 – 20 minutes prior to a performance’s start time. Latecomers are seated at the discretion of house management, and in many cases, no late seating is permitted.

2. Dress the part

There is no official dress code for Festival performances. Outdoor venues can be warm and occasionally buggy and indoor venues are air conditioned, so plan accordingly.

3. Travel smart

Most Festival venues are within walking distance of downtown hotels, attractions, and restaurants. Ride-sharing apps like Uber and Lyft can take the guesswork out of parking and help you get to your performances with ease.

CARTA operates a free trolley route throughout the historic district in addition to its regular bus service. Pedi-cabs and bike rentals provide an affordable and fun way to get around the city.

Parking garages and surface lots are located throughout the city and many are close to Festival venues. Street parking—available at metered spots around town—is monitored Monday through Saturday until 10:00pm.

4. Go green

The program book—available in limited supply at all performances—is also available online.

5. Weather radar

If a performance is affected by weather, ticket buyers will be notified via email and updates will be posted on our Facebook page. The Wells Fargo Festival Finale on June 10 is rain or shine.

6. Become a Will Call expert

In town early? Tickets on hold at Will Call can be picked up at the Charleston Gaillard Center, 95 Calhoun Street, until two hours before a performance. Tickets will then be moved to the specified venue and can be picked up prior to the start of the show. Remember to bring a copy of your emailed ticket confirmation with you—it will help ticket agents locate your order quickly.

7. Stay connected

Follow us on social media for up-to-the minute alerts, insider tips, and ongoing discussions about all things Spoleto. Use the hashtag #sfusa2018!

8. Check your tickets

Please be aware that all patrons, regardless of age, must have a ticket to enter any Festival performance. Specially priced child tickets are available for performances of The Pied Piper (May 25 – 27) and the Wells Fargo Festival Finale (June 10).

9. Take advantage of #SpoletoSips

Delicious specialty cocktails inspired by Festival performances are available at Le Farfalle, The Macintosh, Victor Social Club, The Watch: Rooftop Kitchen and Spirits, and Zero Restaurant + Bar. Don’t forget to snap a pic of your #SpoletoSips on Instagram!

10. Save your stubs

Show your ticket stub to our friends at Vintage Lounge (545 King Street) for a complimentary glass of sparkling wine.