Iris Festival GUIDE
Iris Festival Welcome letter
Dear friends and festival guests, Welcome to the 2025 Iris Festival, proudly presented by Prisma Health! We are thrilled to invite you to one of South Carolina’s longest-running and most beloved events. This annual celebration of beauty, community and heritage takes place at the stunning Swan Lake Iris Gardens from May 16 to 18—and admission is free!
Join us in celebrating this year’s festival theme, “Purple Wonder,” by dressing in your best purple attire! Whether it’s shirts, accessories or full outfits, every splash of purple shows pride for Swan Lake Iris Gardens and helps turn Sumter into a vibrant sea of color. Let’s make this year unforgettable by turning Sumter purple!
Throughout the weekend, enjoy the peak bloom of stunning Japanese irises, live entertainment, food vendors, arts and crafts, car shows and family friendly activities. Whether you’re a returning guest or a first-time visitor, the Iris Festival offers something for everyone and showcases the warm hospitality that makes Sumter shine.
The Iris Festival Commission, a dedicated non profit, works year-round to promote community engagement, cultural enrichment and appreciation for gardening and art. In 2024, the festival earned the honor of being named a Signature Event of the Southeast by the Southeast Tourism Society.
We extend our deepest thanks to our volunteers, community partners and generous sponsors. A special thank you goes to Prisma Health, our presenting sponsor, for their continued support of this cherished tradition.
Come celebrate Sumter’s beauty, creativity and spirit. For the full schedule of performances, contests and attractions, visit www.irisfestival.org. We can’t wait to see you there—especially in purple!
Warm regards,
Shelley Kile and Stephanie Smith Co-Chairs, Sumter Iris
Festival Commission Inc.
Iris Festival King and Queens
Where Excellence Meets Elegance The Crownings
Thursday, May 15 • 6 p.m.
Join us in celebrating another tradition of the annual festival, the crowning of the Iris Festival King and Queen. Senior representatives are chosen by each high school in Sumter, public and private, with one overall king and queen chosen from those representatives. The winners are awarded a $500 scholarship for their achievements. The king and queen awards recognize achievements in leadership, character and civic involvement. The student nominees from each school will be recognized at the ribbon cutting at the beginning of The Taste at the Gardens event on Thursday, May 15, at 6 p.m. with
the king and queen crowned immediately after introductions. In addition, the winners are also featured in the annual Iris Festival parade on Saturday, May 17, at 10 a.m.
In addition to the scholarship program, on April 26, we also hosted our annual Iris Festival Beauty Pageant in Downtown Sumter. The winners in each of the nine age categories of the Beauty Pageant will be featured on a float at the annual Iris Festival Parade on Saturday, May 17, at 10 a.m., and each winner will be announced on the Main Stage at noon on Saturday, May 17. Don't miss this special moment!
Taste at the Gardens
Join us for the official kick-off of the 2025 Iris Festival at 6 p.m. on Thursday, May 15, with Taste at the Gardens, sponsored by the University of South Carolina Sumter. Enjoy delicious flavors from local restaurants, food trucks and more, while DJ Howie D spins live beats to keep the energy high. The event also marks the start of free boat rides, offering a scenic experience on the water. It's the perfect way to kick off Sumter’s premier event! Mark your calendar, bring your appetite, and get ready for an unforgettable evening!
Iris Festival Entertainment
THURSDAY, MAY 15, 2025
6 p.m.
• Opening Ceremony and Ribbon CuttingGarden Street Stage
• Crowning the King and Queen of the Iris Festival - Garden Street Stage
• Butterfly ReleaseGarden Street Stage
6:15-9 p.m.
• The Taste at the Gardens StartsGarden Street Stage
• Entertainment by DJ Howie D - Garden Street Stage
• Boat Rides - Garden Street Dock
FRIDAY, MAY 16, 2025
9-11 a.m.
• Tandem Health Screenings - Visitors Center
10 a.m.-5 p.m.
• Children's Art in the Park - Behind Main Stage
10 a.m.-6 p.m.
• All Vendors Open
• Education Day
• Pollination Investigation: Check in at the Visitors Center
• Boat Rides - Garden Street Dock
• Internal Festival Trolley Cart Available, Stops are:
• Visitors Center
• Behind Main Stage
• Garden Street Boat Dock
• RTA Shuttle Buses from Parking Lots Available, Stops are:
• Visitors Center
• Garden Street Gate
• Heath Pavilion
• Sumter County Civic Center
• Children's CarnivalPlayground and Garden Street Areas
• Unleash Your Wild Side - Garden Street Area
• DNR Archery - Garden Street Area
• RFK Racing Show Car & Driving SimulatorGarden Street Area
• DJ Party with ParksGarden Street Stage
11 a.m.-noon
• The Spoon Man - Roaming Entertainment
Noon-2 p.m.
• Line Dancing - Main Stage
Noon-1 p.m.
• Violinist Martina Williams - Dock Stage
1-2 p.m
• Bill Eaker - Garden Street Stage
1-2 p.m
• The Spoon Man - Roaming Entertainment
1-3 p.m.
• Kevin Jarvis - Dock Stage
3-6 p.m.
• Kids In America Concert - Main Stage
4-5 p.m.
• The Spoon Man - Roaming Entertainment
SATURDAY, MAY 17, 2025
9-10 a.m.
• Parade Line Up - USC Sumter, University Drive
9 a.m.-3 p.m.
• 12th-Annual Spring Blast Classic Rides Show by the Head Turnerz Car Club
• Registration 9 a.m.noon - Heath Pavilion Parking Lot
• Viewing & Judging noon-3 p.m. - Heath Pavilion Parking Lot
10 a.m. -11 a.m.
• Iris Festival Parade, Presented by Prisma Health, Hosted by the Evening Optimist ClubUSC Sumter to Sumter Civic Center
10 a.m.-3 p.m.
• Lucky Paws Pet Adoption - Iris Market
10 a.m.-5 p.m.
• Children's Art in the Park - Behind Main Stage
• Safe Kids - Children's Playground Area
10 a.m.-6 p.m.
• All Vendors Open
• Pollination Investigation: Check in at the Visitors Center
• Boat Rides - Garden Street Dock
• Children's CarnivalPlayground and Garden Street Areas
• Unleash Your Wild Side - Garden Street Area
• DNR Archery - Garden Street Area
• RFK Racing Show Car & Driving SimulatorGarden Street Lawn
• DJ Party with ParksGarden Street Stage
• Famous Faces – Lawn in front of the Visitors Center
Get ready to celebrate local authors in style with signings, readings, and exciting literary activities on Saturday, May 17! As part of our “Famous Faces” event, the festival will shine with appearances by Hollywood stars from the Moonless International Film Festival. Fans can meet local authors, grab signed books, and even get headshots autographed by visiting film stars. It’s a one-day, star-studded celebration you won’t want to miss!
MOONLESS INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL
Sunday, May 18, Downtown Sumter
LOCAL AUTHORS
Check out the online schedule
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Iris Festival Kids Carnival
Giggles and games at our KIDS CARNIVAL
Get ready for a day of nonstop fun at our Kids Carnival! Climb, zip, slide and explore with oversized strawberries, the Jungle Tree House, a 100-foot slide and more. Try your hand at axe throwing, basketball, soccer, football, skee ball and other interactive games. Little ones can enjoy their own toddler play zone while the rest of the family dives into the action. Best of all? Every activity is totally free! With games, laughs and excitement for all ages, this is your go-to spot for family fun and unforgettable memories. Don’t miss the thrill—come join the fun!
Iris Festival Entertainment
Prepare for an unforgettable weekend of live entertainment that will keep you on your feet and craving more — and it’s all FREE! Whether you're a fan of high-energy performances or appreciate a mix of nostalgia and novelty, we’ve got it all!
Event highlights:
• Relive the magic of the ‘80s with an epic tribute band that brings the era’s biggest hits back to life! From rock anthems to synthpop classics, they’ll take you on a nostalgic musical journey.
• Viral sensation and member of the Too Smooth Steppas, 2ExclusiveQ, will be performing and offering exclusive line dancing classes, all FREE of charge!
• Watch in awe as the one-and-only Spoon Guy from America’s Got Talent brings his viral, mind-blowing spoon-playing skills to the gardens. Prepare to be amazed by his unique rhythm and creativity!
• Rock out with Last Chance Band, bringing your favorite classic rock hits to life! With their powerful renditions of iconic songs, you’ll be singing along and reliving the glory days of rock.
• Get ready for unexpected special guests and exclusive performances, adding even more excitement to the weekend, all curated by the renowned Moonless International Film Festival!
This weekend promises an epic lineup of live performances you won’t want to miss! From high-energy dancing to unforgettable musical acts, come and experience it all — for FREE!
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Iris Festival
Unique gifts and delicious bites
Our vendors are the heart and soul of the festival, offering a vibrant mix of handmade treasures that capture creativity and charm. From hand-painted ceramics and artisan jewelry to unique woodworking, textiles and decorative art, there’s something special for everyone. Don’t miss the delicious food offerings, featuring a variety of flavorful dishes to enjoy during
the event. It’s the perfect opportunity to find one-of-a-kind gems, support small businesses and savor delicious food. Plus, the festival is your only chance this year to purchase beautiful Japanese irises from the gardens! The Master Gardeners will be on hand all weekend, ready to share tips on how to grow and care for your new iris.
Parking: Friday-Sunday Iris Festival
As you plan your visit, be sure to check out the available parking options at the festival. Please note that some parking areas at the gardens may have different layouts and availability throughout the weekend. Convenient parking lots A, E-2 and F are open to all visitors, and the best part is that parking is free throughout the festival!
Are you looking to attend with the greatest ease? Then parking lot F typically has little to no wait time. Best yet – Santee-Wateree Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) will be running free shuttle buses to and from the festival, Friday 10 a.m. - 6 p.m., Saturday 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.:
Park at Sumter County Civic Center and ride to the festival!
• Civic Center Address: 700 W. Liberty St.
• Bus stops at:
1. Visitors Center Festival Gate
2. Garden Street Festival Gate
3. Heath Pavilion All RTA shuttles are wheelchair accessible.
Figure 1. Friday-Sunday Parking Guide
Thank you, Sumter County, for allowing me the honor to represent you in the South Carolina House of Representatives. In my role as Chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee and as District 67’s Representative, I promise to continue to be an effective voice on your behalf and on behalf of all the citizens of South Carolina. Thank you for your continued support!
Thank you, Sumter County, for allowing me the honor to represent you in the South Carolina House of Representatives. In my role as Chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee and as District 67’s Representative, I promise to continue to be an effective voice on your behalf and on behalf of all the citizens of South Carolina. Thank you for your continued support!
PLAN A VISIT
Delve into the rich history and culture of Sumter, SC through our curated exhibits. Where Sumter’s Past and Future Meet
Welcome To Freedom Honda Sumter
Iris Festival Discovery
We’re teaming up with Roush Fenway Keselowski (RFK) Racing to bring you a FREE highoctane experience all weekend — Chris Buescher’s No. 17 Fifth Third Bank Ford show car and a thrilling driving simulator! PLUS: Two epic car shows—Saturday & Sunday—packed with stunning rides. You don’t want to miss this!
• RFK Racing Show Car & Simulator, Friday-Sunday
• Head Turnerz Car Show, Saturday, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
• The Blinking Buzzards Car Show, Sunday, 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.
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