The staff can help residents find housing within various price ranges and distances from campus, or with specialized features such as handicapped access. The Arts Charleston is home to symphony concerts, ballet, art galleries and festivals. Its most famous cultural event is Spoleto USA, held for 17 days each spring. This internationally renowned extravaganza offers the finest in theater, opera, dance, jazz, chamber music and art. Streets, parks, churches, beaches and other locations throughout the city are transformed into stages for actors, musicians, comedians, mimes, jugglers and artists.
Many events are free, and ticketed events are reasonably priced.
Together, Piccolo Spoleto and Spoleto Festival USA comprise the world's largest and most comprehensive arts festival. Other annual events held in the tri-county area include the Southeastern Wildlife Exposition, Charleston Blues Festival, Lowcountry Oyster Festival, Festival of Houses and Gardens, Cajun Festival, Charleston Jazz Festival, Blessing of the Fleet, Festival on the Fourth, Charleston Maritime Festival, Holiday Festival of Lights, Taste of Charleston and the Moja Arts Festival. Theatrical and musical productions are performed at the 250 year old Dock Street Theater, Gaillard Municipal Auditorium, North Charleston Coliseum and other, small theaters in the area. The Charleston Symphony Orchestra offers a full season of classical and pops concerts, including traditional holiday performances in December. The Charleston Opera Company and area ballet companies round out a full, year-round program in the performing arts.