Charleston Daily Seeking all the beauty that is Charleston, South Carolina

By Mark A Leon

Tucked upstairs at 128 Meeting Street in downtown Charleston, there’s a creative world waiting to be discovered. Look Up Charleston is more than an art gallery or gift shop—it’s a celebration of local makers, artists, designers and the creative spirit that makes Charleston so distinctive.

Here are five things you may not know about this one-of-a-kind downtown destination.

1. It’s Home to 38 Local Creatives

Look Up Charleston brings together 38 local artisans, artists and fashion designers under one roof, creating a constantly changing collection of work that reflects the talent and individuality of the Lowcountry.

Rather than browsing the same products found in traditional retail stores, visitors can discover pieces created by the people who live, work and create right here.

2. Artists Are Creating On-Site

Look Up Charleston is also a working creative space, with three active artist residency studios. That means visitors have the opportunity to see creativity in motion and experience the atmosphere of an evolving artist community.

And when the sun goes down, the creativity continues with an evening acting studio, adding another dimension to the space.

3. There’s a Charm Bar

Yes, a charm bar.

It’s one of the playful experiences that makes Look Up Charleston different from a conventional shopping destination. Whether you’re creating something for yourself or putting together a meaningful gift, the charm bar adds an interactive element to the experience.

4. More Than 700 Handmade Finds Await

With more than 700 unique handmade products, there’s a lot to discover—and no two visits necessarily feel quite the same.

The collection ranges from jewelry, illustrations, greeting cards and photography to oyster-inspired creations, tea towels, coasters, perfume, dresses, shoes and handbags.

You’ll also find 3D-printed animals, art surfboards, fine art, prints, health and wellness products, coffee, handmade chess sets, hand towels, table art, cookbooks, magnets, stickers, vinyl and more.

It’s the kind of place where you can walk in looking for a small Charleston souvenir and walk out carrying an original piece of art.

5. It’s a Journey, Not Just a Store

Perhaps the biggest thing people may not know about Look Up Charleston is that the experience is about discovery.

It’s about meeting local artists through their work. Finding something unexpected. Supporting small creative businesses. Picking up a gift that has a story behind it. Or simply wandering upstairs on Meeting Street and seeing where the journey takes you.

Look Up Charleston is a reflection of Charleston’s creative side—colorful, eclectic, handmade and proudly local.

So the next time you’re downtown, look up.

Stop by today at 128 Meeting Street, upstairs, and start your Look Up Charleston journey.

Follow Look Up on Instagram.

Related: Beyond Retail: How Look Up Charleston Evolved Into a Living Museum of Lowcountry Creativity

By Mark A Leon

There is something wonderfully unpretentious about a good neighborhood tavern.

It doesn’t need velvet ropes, elaborate cocktails with twelve ingredients or a dining room designed for Instagram. It needs a comfortable bar, cold drinks, something good to eat and the feeling that you can walk through the door without having to be anyone other than yourself.

That is the appeal of Reggie’s Tavern, the new bar and grill at 2023 Reynolds Avenue in North Charleston. The tavern opened in 2026 as a collaboration involving the people behind downtown Charleston’s Burns Alley and Legend Deli, bringing a distinctly casual, Chicago-influenced sensibility to the Reynolds Avenue corridor.

And Reggie’s seems to understand something important: a dive bar doesn’t have to mean mediocre food.

In fact, the food may be the biggest surprise here.

The menu takes familiar tavern favorites and gives them enough personality to make you want to come back. The Reuben is an obvious place to start, combining corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese and Ukrainian dressing on rye. For something even more decadent, those same flavors find their way onto tater tots.

The fried pork sandwich is another reason to arrive hungry. A crisp coating, tender pork, curry mayo and pickled red onion give it the kind of salty, tangy and creamy combination that works particularly well with a cold beer.

Then there are the Chicago-inspired choices, including a Chicago dog and Hot Italian, alongside burgers, wings, cheese curds and other bar snacks.

Nothing about the menu feels like it is trying to reinvent tavern food. And that’s precisely why it works.

The room follows the same philosophy.

Reggie’s has a lived-in, slightly rebellious personality. Vintage-inspired elements, artwork, memorabilia and a rock-oriented soundtrack give the space character. A pool table and casual seating reinforce the idea that this is somewhere to hang out rather than simply somewhere to eat.

The atmosphere also feels particularly appropriate for Reynolds Avenue.

The corridor is undergoing its own evolution, with new businesses and redevelopment bringing additional attention to an area that has long had its own identity. City and regional planners have specifically identified Reynolds Avenue as an important neighborhood center, with preservation and redevelopment both part of the conversation about its future.

Reggie’s fits into that story without feeling overly calculated.

It’s not attempting to turn Reynolds Avenue into another version of downtown Charleston. Instead, it adds another reason to spend an evening there.

And the early customer response has been remarkably enthusiastic. Current business listings show a 4.9-star rating, with customers repeatedly praising the food, bartenders, music and relaxed atmosphere.

That combination is what makes Reggie’s worth watching.

Charleston has plenty of places where the experience begins with a reservation and ends with a carefully composed photograph. Reggie’s belongs to a different tradition. You come in because you want a sandwich, stay because the bartender is friendly, order another drink because nobody is rushing you and eventually realize you’ve been there much longer than planned.

That’s the magic of a neighborhood tavern.

The Charleston Daily verdict: Reggie’s Tavern is an easy recommendation for anyone looking for a casual North Charleston night out. The food has enough ambition to stand on its own, the atmosphere has genuine personality, and the service-first approach gives the place the most important ingredient a neighborhood bar can have: regulars.

What to order: Start with the Reuben or fried pork sandwich. Add the Reuben tots if you’re sharing—or simply if you’re feeling particularly hungry.

Reggie’s isn’t trying to be the fanciest bar in Charleston.

It may be trying to become something better: the place you find yourself returning to because it feels like yours.

Stay connected and subscribe to Charleston Daily.

Photo Credit: Reggie’s Tavern

By Mark A. Leon

A familiar Charleston restaurant space is getting a new life as Babas on Meeting prepares to expand into the former home of Rodney Scott’s BBQ on King Street.

Babas, the European-inspired café known for its coffee, house-made pastries, all-day menu and evening aperitivo service, has announced plans to move into the former Rodney Scott’s location at 1011 King St. The move marks another step in the growth of a Charleston restaurant concept that began with its small Cannon Street café.

The King Street property has some history of its own. Rodney Scott brought his celebrated whole-hog barbecue concept to Charleston in 2017, turning the location into a destination for locals and visitors seeking South Carolina-style barbecue. The Charleston restaurant closed in May 2026.

For Babas, the move represents a significant change in scale from its original 11 Cannon Street location. The restaurant has built a following around a distinctly European café model, with espresso and pastries in the morning, sandwiches and salads during the day, and wine, cocktails and small plates later on. Charleston Magazine recently described the concept as inspired by cafés in Italy, Spain and France.

Babas currently operates multiple Charleston locations, including its original Cannon Street restaurant and its newer Wentworth Street location. The King Street expansion would put the growing local brand in one of the peninsula’s most visible restaurant corridors.

The move also reflects the continuing evolution of Upper King Street, where several longtime restaurant spaces have changed hands as new concepts move into the area.

For a restaurant that started with a compact neighborhood café, taking over the former Rodney Scott’s space could give Babas room to bring its coffee-to-cocktails concept to an even larger audience — while giving one of Charleston’s best-known restaurant addresses a distinctly different next chapter.

Photo Credit: Babas

Stay connected and subscribe to Charleston Daily.

By Mark A Leon

There are bars in Charleston that are restaurants with a liquor license. There are cocktail rooms designed for Instagram. And then there are the places that become something much harder to define—a second living room, a refuge after a long shift, a place where strangers become regulars and regulars become family.

Faculty Lounge was one of those places.

Now, the unassuming bar at 391 Huger Street has closed, bringing the latest chapter of a story that stretched across generations to an end. The closure was reported in early August, although no public announcement explaining the reason for the closing or what might eventually replace the space has been located.

And perhaps that uncertainty makes the goodbye feel even more poignant.

Faculty Lounge was never interested in shouting for attention. There was no grand sign beckoning pedestrians inside. Instead, there was a door, a doorbell and, for those who knew, an invitation into another world.

Inside, the atmosphere was intimate, shadowy and unmistakably Charleston. There was a long bar, a pool table and music. The drinks could be serious, but the mood never took itself too seriously. Condé Nast Traveler once described it as a Charleston institution, praising its unusual ability to build community through DJ parties while walking the line between cocktail bar and dive.

That ability to create community was always at the heart of Faculty Lounge.

But the story began long before its modern incarnation.

According to Charleston City Paper, the space had roots as a gathering place for African-American teachers in the 1970s and eventually became a nightclub where local musicians got their start. In 2012, owner Joe Major sought to preserve that character, describing the bar as a place where people could listen to music, socialize and have a piece of their own neighborhood.

That history matters.

Because Charleston nightlife isn’t simply measured in years open or cocktails served. It is measured in memories.

It’s the bartender who knew what you wanted before you ordered. The person you met on a Tuesday who somehow became a friend. The musician you discovered. The first date that went better than expected. The night that began with “just one drink” and ended hours later with the lights coming up.

Faculty Lounge was part of those stories for countless people.

It survived changes in ownership, renovations and the transformation of the neighborhood around it. In 2014, neighbors and longtime supporters even helped resurrect the space after a renovation had stripped away much of its character, determined to bring back the intimate neighborhood bar they loved.

That may be the most fitting way to remember Faculty Lounge: a place people cared enough about to save.

Charleston is changing. Some change is inevitable, and some of it is exciting. New restaurants arrive. New bars open. New neighborhoods emerge. But every time a beloved independent gathering place disappears, a small piece of the city’s collective memory disappears with it.

Faculty Lounge wasn’t perfect. It didn’t need to be.

It was wonderfully specific. A little mysterious. A little rough around the edges. And deeply human.

For those who knew it, the door on Huger Street was never just a door.

It was an invitation.

And now, for the last time, the lights have gone out.

Thank you, Faculty Lounge, for the music, the drinks, the late nights, the strange nights, the beautiful nights—and most of all, for giving Charleston another place to belong.

Stay connected and subscribe to Charleston Daily.

Photo Credit: Faculty Lounge – Facebook

By Mark A Leon

Charleston’s downtown dining scene has welcomed a new spot for diners looking for something fast, flavorful and a little different from the usual peninsula fare. Palmetto Pita, located at 141 Calhoun Street, recently opened its doors, bringing Mediterranean and Middle Eastern-inspired cuisine to a convenient location just steps from Marion Square.

The restaurant officially opened April 18 in the former home of Suna’s Place and is the latest concept from the owner of Istanbul in North Charleston. Palmetto Pita is family-owned and built around a simple idea: fast food doesn’t have to mean sacrificing freshness or flavor.

The menu focuses on handcrafted pitas, wraps and bowls filled with savory proteins, fresh vegetables and house-made sauces. It’s the kind of food designed for a quick downtown lunch, an easy dinner or a satisfying meal on the go.

One of the best places to start is the Chicken Shawarma Sandwich, served on pita with tomato, pickles and garlic sauce. The combination hits all the right notes—savory, tangy, creamy and garlicky—and showcases the restaurant’s approach to bold Mediterranean flavors.

For something a little richer, try the Lamb Shawarma, paired with tomato, onions, tahini sauce and parsley. The Lamb Kofta Sandwich is another standout option, combining seasoned lamb with tomato, onion, lettuce and tahini. One customer specifically praised the kofta, calling it “always amazing.”

Vegetarians aren’t left on the sidelines. The Falafel Sandwich comes loaded with pickles, pickled turnips, tomatoes and tahini sauce, while hummus, baba ganoush, tzatziki and grape leaves make for easy additions or shareable starters.

For diners who prefer a fork-and-bowl approach, Palmetto Pita also offers grain or lettuce bowls, served over basmati rice or lettuce. The Jerusalem Salad and Greek Salad provide lighter alternatives, while sides such as fries and rice can round out a meal.

And don’t overlook the sauces. The restaurant offers both garlic sauce and tahini for dipping or drizzling—small additions that can turn a good pita into something considerably more memorable.

Palmetto Pita describes its philosophy as fresh, flavorful food made with quality ingredients and served quickly, and that positioning fits its Calhoun Street location particularly well. It is close enough to Marion Square, the College of Charleston and the medical district to make it an appealing stop for downtown workers, students, residents and visitors alike.

The restaurant is casual and relatively small, so those looking for a leisurely, traditional dining-room experience may want to think of Palmetto Pita more as a neighborhood fast-casual destination. But for a warm pita packed with shawarma, a bowl of hummus and a cold drink, it could become one of downtown’s more welcome additions.

Palmetto Pita is located at 141 Calhoun Street in downtown Charleston. With chicken and lamb shawarma, kofta, falafel, fresh salads, house-made sauces and Mediterranean favorites, it gives Charleston another reason to take a break from the ordinary sandwich—and follow the aroma of warm pita instead.

Stay connected and subscribe to Charleston Daily.

Related: Luma Cafe and Bakery coming to downtown Charleston

By Mark A Leon

There are coffee shops, and then there are places that seem designed to make you slow down.

Bloom & Bean Flower Cafe is firmly in the second category.

The new floral-inspired café opened April 10 at 1421 Shucker Circle, Suite 1122, in Mount Pleasant’s Oyster Park, creating a space where specialty coffee, fresh flowers, food and a strong sense of community come together under one roof.

At the heart of the concept is owner Karolina, whose vision was to create something that felt alive — literally. The café’s design team, Studio Miles, describes her original vision as one centered around living plants and fresh florals, with the greenery becoming an integral part of the space rather than simply decoration.

That philosophy gives Bloom & Bean a personality that is difficult to replicate. The café feels less like a place to grab coffee and leave and more like a neighborhood gathering spot where people are encouraged to stay awhile.

A Café That Blooms

The interior was designed around a warm Mediterranean-inspired aesthetic, using white oak, muted sage green, aged brass, natural textures and hand-applied plaster. Scalloped rattan lighting and arched architectural details add to the relaxed, sophisticated feel.

But the real star of the room is nature.

Flowers and plants are woven throughout the café, changing with the seasons and giving the space a sense of movement. The result is a setting that feels intentionally calm and welcoming — somewhere equally suited to meeting a friend, working remotely, celebrating a small occasion or simply enjoying a quiet cup of coffee.

Bloom & Bean has also become known for its flower bar, giving customers the opportunity to create their own bouquet while enjoying their coffee. That combination of café and floral experience is part of what makes the concept stand out in the increasingly crowded Charleston-area coffee scene.

What’s on the Menu?

The menu goes well beyond a standard cup of coffee.

Bloom & Bean offers espresso drinks, specialty lattes, matcha and seasonal beverages, with options designed for both traditional coffee drinkers and those looking for something a little more adventurous. The café’s social presence describes its offerings as “coffee, flowers & nourishing food,” while local coverage highlights its specialty lattes, matcha drinks and seasonal food selections.

For matcha lovers, ceremonial-grade matcha is among the options, while coffee drinkers can choose classics such as espresso and vanilla lattes. The café also offers creative seasonal drinks that give regular customers a reason to keep coming back.

The food side is intentionally light but substantial enough to turn a coffee run into breakfast or lunch. Smoked salmon toast is among the savory choices, complemented by pastries and other café-style bites.

It is a menu designed for the way people increasingly use cafés: morning coffee, a quick bite, a casual meeting, a work session or an afternoon reset.

Building a Culture, Not Just a Coffee Shop

Perhaps the most interesting thing about Bloom & Bean is that the owners appear to be selling an experience as much as a product.

The café’s identity revolves around freshness, creativity, wellness, beauty and connection. Music, flowers, plants and carefully designed surroundings create an atmosphere that encourages people to linger rather than simply pick up a drink.

That community-oriented approach fits naturally into Oyster Park, a walkable Mount Pleasant neighborhood built around a mix of residential living, dining, shopping and wellness. Bloom & Bean has joined a collection of businesses designed to make the development feel less like a shopping center and more like a neighborhood.

And perhaps that’s the secret to its early appeal.

In a region filled with coffee shops competing for the morning caffeine crowd, Bloom & Bean offers something different: a reason to stop and stay.

You can come for the latte. You can stay for the flowers. You can meet a friend, open your laptop, grab something nourishing or build a bouquet to take home.

And somewhere along the way, the coffee shop becomes something more.

Bloom & Bean Flower Cafe is not simply about coffee and flowers. It’s about creating a little beauty in the middle of an ordinary day — one cup, one bouquet and one conversation at a time.

Photo Credit: Bloom & Bean Flower Cafe

Stay connected and subscribe to Charleston Daily.

Related: Interior Designer – Studio Miles Design

West Ashley is about to get a new gathering place for cold beer, big games, communal tables and plenty of Southern-meets-German flavor.

A second Bay Street Biergarten is coming to West Ashley, expanding the Charleston restaurant and entertainment concept beyond its longtime home on East Bay Street.

The new location is planned for West Ashley Circle, at the 3955–3961 West Ashley Circle development. City of Charleston records show the property has been moving through the development and design-review process, with The Middleton Group involved in the project.

And while an official grand-opening date has not yet been announced, the project is generating plenty of anticipation as the Biergarten prepares to bring its distinctive atmosphere to the other side of the Ashley River.

A biergarten with a Charleston personality

The original Bay Street Biergarten at 549 East Bay Street has carved out a niche by combining the communal spirit of a traditional German beer hall with Southern hospitality.

The 7,500-square-foot downtown location features high ceilings, communal tables, a dog-friendly patio, games and 15 giant flat-screen TVs. The restaurant describes its food as German-influenced, high-end bar fare, while its overall mission centers on community, festivities and bringing people together.

That combination has made Bay Street Biergarten particularly popular for sports, live music, brunch, group gatherings and special events.

The restaurant’s current events calendar illustrates just how much of the concept revolves around entertainment, with football parties, trivia, live music and its annual Oktoberfest celebration among the programming planned for the existing location.

What West Ashley can expect

The new location is expected to carry the recognizable Biergarten aesthetic while giving the concept a fresh setting.

The design work associated with the project has highlighted elements including exposed trusses, string lights and courtyard-style dining, suggesting that the West Ashley restaurant will retain the open, festive character that defines the original while developing its own look.

For West Ashley, the arrival could add another large-scale option for the kind of casual socializing that has become increasingly popular in the area: grab a beer, watch a game, meet friends for dinner, listen to live music or settle in for an afternoon that turns into an evening.

And perhaps most importantly, customers won’t have to cross the Ashley River to do it.

More than just a restaurant

Bay Street Biergarten has always positioned itself as something larger than a place to eat.

Its tagline — “Steins, screens, and Southern charm” — captures the formula: beer, sports, food and a lively social atmosphere.

The downtown restaurant’s current schedule includes everything from weekly trivia to football events and Oktoberfest, reinforcing its role as an entertainment venue as much as a restaurant.

That could prove to be a particularly strong fit for West Ashley, where residents have increasingly more choices for dining and entertainment but continue to embrace businesses that function as neighborhood gathering places.

When will it open?

That’s the question everyone wants answered.

Bay Street Biergarten has not yet announced a firm grand-opening date for the West Ashley location. The project is moving forward, but readers should be wary of unofficial dates circulating online until the restaurant confirms one.

For now, the message is simple:

West Ashley, get ready. The steins are coming.

And when the doors finally open, Bay Street Biergarten will be bringing a little bit of Munich, a lot of Charleston and an entirely new reason to raise a glass on the west side of the river.

Charleston Daily will continue to follow the project and update readers as more details — including the official opening date, hours and menu — are announced.

Stay connected and subscribe to Charleston Daily.

Concept Photos by The Middleton Group

By Mark A Leon

There is something wonderfully Charleston about the idea of a neighborhood café becoming a place where people return not because they have to, but because they want to.

That is the vision behind Luma, a new all-day café and bakery preparing to open at 128 Columbus Street in downtown Charleston later this year.

Led by owner Owen Bernstein, Luma is positioning itself as more than another coffee shop. The concept is built around house-made breads and baked goods, sandwiches, coffee and an all-day brunch menu—with an emphasis on creating the kind of welcoming neighborhood gathering place where familiar faces become part of the scenery.

The name Luma comes with a simple philosophy: “Let Us Meet Again.” That sentiment is also reflected in the café’s branding, which describes Luma as a place where people can return again and again and feel at home.

Construction is currently underway at the Columbus Street location, and Luma is expected to open in fall 2026, although an exact opening date has not yet been announced.

More than coffee and pastries

While coffee and freshly baked goods will be central to the experience, Luma appears to be aiming squarely at Charleston’s increasingly sophisticated daytime dining scene.

Early menu previews include a gluten-free savory waffle made with a cauliflower base, miso, shiitake mushrooms, a poached egg, basil chili and cucumber slaw. There is also a breakfast sandwich featuring Japanese milk bread, chipotle mayo, egg soufflé and bacon.

And then there is the indulgent option: tiramisu French toast, made with brioche, mascarpone whip, espresso sauce and shaved chocolate.

The menu suggests a café that is comfortable moving between morning coffee, breakfast, brunch and a leisurely midday meal rather than serving as simply a grab-and-go bakery.

Luma is already introducing itself to Charleston

Even before opening its permanent home, Luma has been making appearances around the city through a series of pop-ups and collaborations.

The team has partnered with Charleston businesses including The Archer, Daps Breakfast & Imbibe and Prophet Coffee, giving diners an early taste of what the new concept has in store.

That approach also fits the personality Luma is trying to establish: less of a splashy restaurant opening and more of a gradual introduction to the community.

A new reason to wander Columbus Street

The arrival of Luma adds another layer to the evolving downtown Charleston food scene. Columbus Street, tucked just north of the traditional heart of the peninsula, has increasingly become part of the city’s broader dining and hospitality landscape.

For Charleston, where the best neighborhood establishments often become woven into daily routines, Luma’s stated goal may be its most interesting feature.

It isn’t simply promising a beautiful cup of coffee or an elaborate brunch plate.

It is promising a place to come back to.

And perhaps that is the most Charleston idea of all.

Luma, 128 Columbus Street, Charleston, is expected to open later in 2026. An official opening date has not yet been announced. Follow Luma’s updates through its website and social media. (Instagram⁠)

Luma Charleston official website⁠

Stay connected and subscribe to Charleston Daily

SUMMERVILLE, S.C. – RYP Unlimited L.L.C. is excited to announce the return and official rebrand of the former Summerville Artisan & Flea Market, now newly named the Summerville Destination Market (SDM). Redefined as a Curated Outdoor Boutique Experience, the market returns to Nexton Elementary School on Saturday, September 12, 2026, bringing together families, local entrepreneurs, and community partners for a premier autumn tradition.

Designed to go beyond a traditional vendor market, the Summerville Destination Market connects local small businesses with the community through curated shopping, interactive family experiences, and meaningful local partnerships.

Event Details:

• Date: Saturday, September 12, 2026
• Time: 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
• Vendor Setup: 8:00 a.m. | Breakdown: 2:00 p.m.
• Location: Nexton Elementary School, 200 Scholar Way, Summerville, SC 29483
• Admission: Free and open to all visitors
• Official Website:

The Summerville Destination Market offers a unique, immersive experience organized into distinct Boutique Boulevards. Visitors can explore curated shopping zones throughout the market, including fashion and accessories in the Style District, gourmet treats in Culinary Corner, handcrafted goods in Home & Haven, and community services in the Lifestyle Pavilion. To encourage exploration, guests can participate in the Passport Adventure™, an interactive journey where families collect stamps from vendors across each boulevard, driving meaningful connections and discovery.

Family-friendly entertainment is front and center with the Kids Creation Station™, where young explorers can participate in hands-on activities like tote decorating, seasonal crafts, and art projects. Kids can also meet Captain Sky™, the official Chief Adventure Officer of SDM, who leads the fun and inspires young imaginations.

Beyond shopping and activities, the market directly impacts the local community through its Community Silent Auction, which benefits host venue Nexton Elementary School and builds strong ties between local education and regional businesses. Every interaction and purchase made at the market directly supports local entrepreneurs, driving economic growth and helping small businesses gain lasting recognition across the Lowcountry.

“We didn’t create another market—we created a place where discovery becomes the destination,” says Earnest Glover, Founder of the Summerville Destination Market and President of RYP Unlimited LLC. By pairing curated shopping with family-friendly activities and school partnerships, SDM helps drive local economic growth while creating lasting memories for Lowcountry families.

About RYP Unlimited LLC: RYP Unlimited L.L.C. is dedicated to creating events that empower local vendors, foster community spirit, and drive economic opportunity across the Lowcountry.

Stay connected and subscribe to Charleston Daily.

Related: Look Up Charleston Indoor Downtown Art Collective: Where Local Art, Heart, and Community Converge

Related: Home Depot Purchases $11 Million Site in Nexton, Signaling Continued Growth Along Summerville Corridor

CHARLESTON, SC — August 18, 2026 — What was the first Spoleto performance you ever saw? Do you still have the ticket? A photograph? A program tucked away in a drawer? Maybe a VHS recording, a Festival T-shirt, or a story about an artist you met decades ago? As Spoleto Festival USA prepares to celebrate its 50th Anniversary Festival in 2027, the Festival is asking the people who have lived its history to help tell it. 

Today, Spoleto launches Spoleto Stories, a community-wide campaign inviting audiences, artists, volunteers, staff, donors, and the broader Charleston community to share the photographs, recordings, programs, memorabilia, and personal memories that capture five decades of Spoleto in Charleston. 

Every ticket, photograph, program, costume, and memory is part of the Festival’s history. Spoleto Stories gives our community an opportunity to help preserve those personal connections and share the stories that have made this Festival such a meaningful part of Charleston. 

The Festival is looking for both the expected and the unexpected. Community members do not need to have a rare or historically significant artifact to participate. A ticket stub from a first performance, a family photograph, a treasured program, or a story about an unforgettable artist can be just as meaningful as a poster, costume, or other historic item. 

Spoleto is seeking: 

• Printed materials: Programs, posters, brochures, ticket stubs, maps, invitations, membership materials, and other Festival ephemera 

• Photographs: Audience experiences, family traditions, street scenes, volunteers, artists, and behind-the-scenes moments 

• Video & audio: Home movies, VHS recordings, interviews, cassette recordings, and Festival broadcasts 

• Memorabilia: T-shirts, pins, buttons, staff badges, artist gifts, and other Festival keepsakes 

• Unique items: Costumes, set pieces, artwork, correspondence, scrapbooks, and press clippings 

• Memories: Stories about performances, artists, traditions, volunteering, and the moments that made Spoleto meaningful 

Spoleto is inviting community members to share memories of the performance they have never forgotten, the artist they met, the Festival tradition their family continues, or the unexpected experience that became a lifelong memory. Share a memory by emailing stories@spoletousa.org. 

Digital materials, including photographs, videos, recordings, documents, and scanned memorabilia, can also be emailed to stories@spoletousa.org. Contributors are asked to include their name, a brief description of the material, and the approximate date or Festival season. 

For physical materials, Spoleto will host ongoing community archive drop-off hours at its offices at 14 George Street on the first and last Thursday of each month, from 12:00–4:00 p.m., beginning Thursday, August 27, 2026. Festival staff will be available to receive materials, answer questions, and document submissions. Drop-off hours will not be held on Thursday, November 26, or Thursday, December 31, 2026. 

For more information, visit https://spoletousa.org/stories/. 

SPOLETO FESTIVAL USA  
Spoleto Festival USA was founded in 1977 by Pulitzer Prize-winning composer Gian Carlo Menotti, who sought to create an American counterpart to the annual Festival of Two Worlds in Spoleto, Italy, which he had founded in 1958. Spoleto Festival USA is internationally recognized as America’s premier performing arts festival. For 17 days and nights each spring, Spoleto Festival USA fills Charleston’s historic theaters, churches, and outdoor spaces with performances in opera; theater; dance; andcontemporary, chamber, symphonic, choral, and jazz music. With General Director & CEO Mena Mark Hanna at its helm, the 2027 season takes place from May 28 to June 13 in various locations throughout Charleston. Spoleto Festival USA is a 501 (c)(3) charitable organization. 

Stay connected and subscribe to Charleston Daily.

Related: 15 Things You Won’t Find in Charleston, South Carolina

Related: 50 Things a Southern Gentleman Should Know How to Do

Related : Look Up Charleston Indoor Downtown Art Collective: Where Local Art, Heart, and Community Converge