Thursday, May 21, 2026 6:00 pm

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Opening Gala Invitation

We invite you to celebrate the start of another extraordinary Spoleto Festival USA at the Opening Gala! Raise a glass to the season ahead with cocktails, a seated dinner, and a thrilling live auction – all in support of Spoleto’s mission.

Be among the first to experience Charleston’s stunning new hotel, The Cooper at Waterfront Park, where the evening will come alive with captivating performances from some of this season’s artists including the inimitable acrobats of Circa and other surprise guests.

Together, we’ll kick off the Festival in true Spoleto spirit and celebrate an unforgettable evening of artistry and splendor.

2026 CO-CHAIRS

Sarah Beardsley
Lee Bell
Wenda Harris Millard
Andrea Strawn

2026 Opening Gala Host
Carolyn Murray
WCBD-News 2 Anchor

Event Tickets

Buy Tickets

Click here for ticket, table, and sponsorship details.

For additional questions, or to purchase tickets directly with a team member, please contact Special Events at [email protected] or call the events team at 843-724-1188.  

Event Supporters 

Contribute

For more information about individual and corporate event contributions and sponsorship opportunities for 2026, please contact the Special Events Team at (843) 724-1188 or email [email protected]. 

Opening Gala Sponsors 

SUPPORTERS:
As of March 18, 2026

LEGEND
Sarah Beardsley and Dr. Chris Randolph
Lee Bell and Fotios Pantazis
Jay Millard and Wenda Harris Millard
Steven and Andrea Strawn

VISIONARY
Nicole and Amir Dan Rubin

SAGA
Grace Atwood
Anderson and Julie Caperton
Rebecca Darwin, Garden & Gun
East West Partners
Carlos and Lisa Evans
ExploreCharleston.com
SouthState Bank
United Bank

SPLENDOR
Harry and Susan Frampton
Good Neighbour Fund
Mrs. Roger P. Hanahan
Jay & Melissa Wilkinson

IDOL
Steven Caras
Sam Easley
Russell Holliday and Hal Cottingham
Sue and Neel Keenan
Tricia and Ted Legasey
Julie Bell Lindsay
Martha and Charley McLendon
Dr. Alex Pappas & Dr. Ann Maners
Tim Rogers
Mr. and Mrs. Phillip D. Smith
Ann and Michael Tarwater

STAR
Anonymous
David Abrams
Richard and Jill Almeida
Mary and Richard Bodzy
Chris Clark & Maggie Winterfeldt Clark
Priestley and Cynthia Coker
Harvey Danner and Anda Olsen
Marie J. Delcioppo
Gary and Susan DiCamillo
Allan Duncan
Michelle Edwards and Bob Crutchfield
Ms. Michel V. Faliero
Betsy Fleming and Ed Weisiger, Jr.
Michael Furlong and Eric Larsen
Mr. John B. Hagerty and Ms. Susan W. Simons
Brandon Huff
Marvin Jenkins
Matt and Teresa MacGillivray
Liz and Jim MacLeod
Heather McFarlin
Kyra Hollowell Morris & Robert S. Morris
The Drs. Vincent and Melinda Paul
Ms. Kathleen Parramore
The Peninsula of Charleston
Dr. and Mrs. Eddie Robinson
Dr. and Mrs. Robert H. Sandel
Luke and Susan Simons
Mr. and Mrs. David Thompson
Bettie and Mark Tullis
Victoria & Jeff Vinzani
Betsy & Ridley Wills
Mindelle and Loren Ziff