Update 5/25: Due to rain in the forecast, this event has been moved to Festival Hall, 56 Beaufain Street. It remains free and open to the public.

At high noon opening day, the Charleston community gathers at the steps of City Hall at Broad and Meeting Streets to welcome the 47th season of Spoleto Festival USA. This beloved tradition opens with the National Anthem, performed in 2023 by Nicole Heaston, who appears in the title role of Vanessa. Following remarks from the Chair of the Board Alicia Gregory, Spoleto General Director & CEO Mena Mark Hanna, and Mayor John Tecklenburg, the ceremony invites the City to join in as Spoleto fills Charleston’s venues for 17 days of world-class performing arts, all showered in confetti.

The ceremony concludes with special performances from the Charleston Jazz Academy Advanced Student Combo performing Abdullah Ibrahim‘s Jabula, and Ingoma Nshya, the Women Drummers of Rwanda, featured in The Book of Life.

Please be mindful of the sun and heat.