Spoleto Festival Opening Ceremony Performance

The Spoleto Festival USA Opening Ceremony will take place on Friday, May 22, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. in front of Charleston City Hall and is free and open to the public.

The Burke High School Band will perform during the ceremony, marking the first time in more than a decade that the Bulldogs Band has received the honor of participating in the internationally recognized festival’s opening celebration. The band will perform a series of musical selections while leading a ceremonial procession into the park adjacent to City Hall, helping open one of Charleston’s most celebrated cultural events.

Under the direction of Linard McCloud, Burke’s participation highlights the school’s rich cultural legacy, tradition of excellence, and continued impact on the Charleston community. Festival organizers selected Burke High School as part of a broader effort to strengthen community partnerships and connect local students and families with Charleston’s major cultural institutions. The collaboration…