FestivALL returns to Charleston on May 22-31, 2026 with 10 days of events as “a city becomes a work of art” for the 22nd time.
This year’s schedule includes longtime favorites, like the Capitol Street Art Fair and Children’s Art Fair, while welcoming back popular events from years past – including the River Queen sternwheeler from Cincinnati, Ohio. FestivALL will also debut new events sure to become the traditions of tomorrow.
“This is going to be a FestivALL to remember,” said Zack Harold, FestivALL’s executive director. “We’ve been working for months to create a jam-packed schedule representing the full spectrum of art – visual arts, dance, music, theater – that’s also family-friendly with a large number of free events.”
The inaugural FestivALL Family Cookout kicks off at 11 a.m. on Memorial Day, May 25 in City Center at Slack Plaza. This new event features food, live entertainment and a whimsical sideshow with circus performers and unique vendors.
On Tuesday, May 26, Dance FestivALL returns with featured dancers Grace Rookstool and David O’Matz of the Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre, performing alongside local dancers from the Charleston Ballet, River City Youth Ballet Ensemble, and JADCO Contemporary Dance Company.
Beginning Wednesday, the River Queen sternwheeler of Cincinnati, Ohio returns to Charleston after a 6-year hiatus to host a series of FestivALL cruises.
- On Wednesday, May 27, the boat will host an episode of Three Things speaker series.
- On Thursday, May 28, the Charleston Salsa Club will rock the boat with dancing and live music by Cariño.
- On Saturday, May 30, let the good times roll during the Bob Thompson Jazz Cruise presented by AARP West Virginia, featuring the Bob Thompson Unit and featured trumpeter James Moore.
- On Sunday, May 31, FestivALL goes out with a “bang” – the debut of an original immersive theater production “Murder of the River Queen.”
The Capitol Street Art Fair and the Children’s Art Fair close out FestivALL’s schedule on May 30 and 31, taking over the heart of downtown with dozens of artists selling their wares, live entertainment, free activities for kids, and more.
Throughout the schedule, try a new artform or hone your craft with the FestivALL Workshop series presented by Ramsey Eyecare. Workshops include indigo dyeing with Stephanie Woody, block printing from Base Camp Printing Co., creative writing with West Virginia Poet Laureate Marc Harsman, the basics of the ukulele with Tony M Music, musical improvisation with Bob Thompson, and more.
“We take the ‘ALL’ in our name seriously. FestivALL has something for every member of the family, with events representing all kinds of artistic pursuits, many of which are completely free to attend and enjoy,” Harold said. “It’s a great way to kick off summer in Charleston.”
For a full schedule and tickets, visit festivallcharleston.com.
Contact
Kate Daugherty
304-539-2449
kate@festivallcharleston.com
