Kick off the 2026 Festival in true Spoleto spirit at the Opening Gala!

Be among the first to experience Charleston’s stunning new waterfront hotel, The Cooper, as we enjoy cocktails, a seated dinner, captivating performances, and a thrilling live auction - all in support of the Festival’s mission. 

For more information, please visit our website: https://spoletousa.org/gala

Overview

Thursday, May 21, 2026

6:00pm

The Cooper 

176 Concord Street, Charleston, SC 

2026 Opening Gala Co-Chairs

Sarah Beardsley

Lee Bell

Wenda Harris Millard

Andrea Strawn

2026 Opening Gala Host

Carolyn Murray

WCBD-News 2 Anchor

 Auction Rules 

Each person wishing to participate in the live auction must sign in and receive a bid number. Once made, all bids cannot be withdrawn. All auction items must be paid in full before the conclusion of the auction or bidder’s departure from the event. Cashiers will accept cash, personal checks, MasterCard, Visa, Discover, and American Express. All sales are final. There will be no exchanges or refunds. All items are sold “as is” and “where is.” Neither the Gala committee nor the donor guarantee correct representation of the property within the catalog or other related descriptions of physical condition, size, quality, rarity, importance, and historical relevance. No statement anywhere will be deemed such a guarantee or representation. Each purchaser waives any claims for liability against Spoleto Festival USA, members of the auction committee, and/or donors of property or services. None of these will be held responsible for any personal injuries or damage to property that may result from the utilization of property or services sold. Unless otherwise specified, all auction services, restaurant packages, and events must be claimed or used within one year of May 21, 2026. Unless specified, dates and times are to be arranged at the mutual convenience of the donor and purchaser.  

The purchaser will be provided with all pertinent information by Spoleto Festival USA once the item is paid for and within 20 business days after the auction (unless otherwise noted). The purchaser is responsible for claiming such services, restaurant packages, and events through private arrangements with the donor. Reservations for all trips must be mutually arranged with the donor unless otherwise specified. All arrangements for trips must be made at least one month in advance unless otherwise specified. Airfare to and from all travel originations and destinations is NOT included unless otherwise specified.  

Live Auction 

Spoleto Festival USA reserves the right to withdraw any item from sale prior to the call for bids. To enter a bid, the bidder raises their bid number card, which is located on the back of the program catalog. The opening bid is at the auctioneer’s discretion. If he decides any advance thereafter is insufficient, he may reject the advance. The highest bidder acknowledged by the auctioneer will be the purchaser. All sales are final upon the word “sold.” In the event of a dispute between bidders, or in the event of doubt as to the validity of any bid, the auctioneer will have the final discretion to either determine the successful bidder or to resell the article in dispute. Items marked by an asterisk are sold subject to the existence of a bid equal to or exceeding a minimum bid predetermined by the auction committee.

Spoleto Festival USA was founded in 1977 by Pulitzer Prize–winning composer Gian Carlo Menotti, who created it as the American counterpart to the Festival of Two Worlds he launched in Italy in 1958. Nearly five decades later, Spoleto Festival USA has become the country’s premier performing arts festival—and a signature part of spring in Charleston. For 17 days and nights, the Festival transforms the city. World-class opera, theater, dance, and music—from chamber and symphonic to choral and jazz—fill Charleston’s historic theaters, soaring church sanctuaries, and open-air stages. Led by General Director & CEO Mena Mark Hanna, the 2026 Festival runs May 22–June 7, bringing acclaimed artists and bold new work from around the world to Charleston’s stages.

Spoleto Festival USA is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization.

May 22 – June 8, 2026