Iris Festival Guide 2026 by The Sumter Item

Iris Festival GUIDE 2026

Iris Festival Welcome letter

Dear friends and festival guests, Welcome to the 2026 Iris Festival, proudly presented by Prisma Health! We are thrilled to invite you to one of South Carolina’s longestrunning and most beloved events. This annual celebration of beauty, community and heritage takes place at the stunning Swan Lake Iris Gardens from May 15 to 17 — and admission is free!

This year, we celebrate a truly special milestone with our theme, “Red, White, and Bloom.” As our nation and South Carolina commemorate 250 years of history, we invite you to celebrate that enduring legacy right here at Swan Lake Iris Gardens—where natural beauty and community spirit come together to honor the past while inspiring the future. Whether you’re a longtime resident or a first-time visitor, this year’s festival is a chance to celebrate the people, places and traditions that make Sumter unique. Throughout the weekend, enjoy the peak bloom of stunning Japanese irises, live entertainment, food vendors, arts and crafts and family friendly activities. From the opening festivities to the final performances, there’s something for everyone to enjoy as Swan Lake Iris

Gardens comes alive with color, music and community spirit.

The Iris Festival Commission, a dedicated nonprofit, works year-round to promote community engagement, cultural enrichment and appreciation for gardening and art. In 2025, the festival once again 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 its continued support of this cherished tradition.

Come celebrate Sumter’s history, beauty and spirit during this landmark year. For the full schedule of performances, contests and attractions, visit www.irisfestival.org. We can’t wait to see you there!

Shelley Hartley and Stephanie Smith Co-chairs, Sumter Iris

Inc.

Festival Commission

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Iris Festival

Crowning of the king and queen

Join us in celebrating another cherished tradition of the annual festival—the crowning of the Iris Festival King and Queen. Senior representatives are selected from each high school in Sumter, both public and private, with one overall king and queen chosen from among them. The winners are each awarded a $500 scholarship in recognition of their leadership, character

and civic involvement.

Student nominees from each school will be recognized during the ribbon cutting at the start of The Taste at the Gardens on Thursday, May 14, at 6 p.m., with the king and queen crowned immediately following introductions.

Don’t miss these special moments celebrating some of Sumter’s finest young leaders.

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Taste at the Gardens

Join us for the official kick-off of the 2026 Iris Festival at 6 p.m. on Thursday, May 14, with Taste at the Gardens, sponsored by the University of South Carolina Sumter. Held beside the Heath Pavilion at Swan Lake Iris Gardens, this fan-favorite event features delicious flavors from local restaurants, food trucks and more. Get ready to move with entertainment from DJ Howie D, creating the perfect atmosphere to start the weekend’s festivities. 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

IRIS FESTIVAL 2026 STAGE SCHEDULE

Thursday, May 14 Heath Pavilion Stage

6-9 p.m. DJ Howie D Friday, May 15 Main Stage Garden St Stage

10-11 a.m. Bill Eaker Solo Line Dancing with Mary Lee

11-12 p.m.

12-1 p.m. Bill Eaker Karaoke Party General Music / Live Entertainment

1-2 p.m.

2-3 p.m. General Music Kevin Jarvis

3-4 p.m. General Music / Live Entertainment

4-5 p.m. 282D Army Band Brass Band “Heat Cat VI” General Music / Live Entertainment

5-6 p.m. Dreamworks Dance Academy Saturday, May 16 Main Stage Garden St Stage

10-11 a.m. General Music General Music / Live Entertainment

11-12 p.m. Sumter Shag Club Voices of Delta

12-1 p.m. King and Queen Introduction followed by Sumter Tribe of Cheraw Indians performance TruKuntry Line Dancing

1-2 p.m. General Music / Live Entertainment Hallelujah Hour 1:00–2:15 p.m.

2-3 p.m. 282D Army Band Jazz/Pop Ensemble TKS Line Dancers performance 2:30 p.m.

3-4 p.m. General Music / Live Entertainment Kelvin Hastie

4-5 p.m. Gump Fiction Sumter Violinaires

5-6 p.m. Late afternoon: Caribe Latin Sound featuring Juan Sanches, with salsa and bachata instruction to close out the day

Iris Festival

10-11 a.m. Bill Eaker Solo General Music / Live Entertainment 11-12 p.m.

12-1 p.m. General Music / Live Entertainment

1-2 p.m. Last Chance Band Kevin Jarvis

2-3 p.m. Frank Fickling

3-4 p.m. Green Swamp Collective

4-5 p.m.

Schedule is subject to changes and/or cancellations. Sunday, May 17

Iris Festival

Story Time at the Iris Festival

Celebrate the talent of local authors with book signings, readings and engaging literary activities on Saturday at the Iris Festival! Writers from across the region will be on site sharing their work, connecting with readers and showcasing the creativity that makes our community so special.

Guests will have the opportunity to meet their favorite local authors, purchase books and have them signed and discover new voices in a welcoming, festival atmosphere. Be sure to check the online schedule for details on participating authors and event times.

Don’t miss this opportunity to support local writers and experience the literary side of the Iris Festival!

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 interactive games that are sure to keep everyone entertained. 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 goto spot for family fun and unforgettable memories. Don’t miss the thrill — come join the fun!

Iris Festival

A soundtrack for every generation

The 2026 Sumter Iris Festival features a powerhouse lineup of exceptional musical talent. Kicking off the weekend on Friday, May 15, are a pair of elite military bands. Heat Cat VI delivers bold, vibrant brass sounds that honor community pride and America’s milestone 250th birthday celebration. On Saturday, the Jazz/Pop Ensemble brings audiences together with a lively mix of contemporary hits and timeless favorites. These exceptional performances showcase high-energy musicianship, also serving as a powerful tribute to Sumter’s role in 250 years of American history.

The music — and the energy — continues all weekend long with a diverse and exciting lineup. Crowd favorite Gump Fiction brings a nostalgic '90s experience on Saturday

from 4 to 6 p.m., getting audiences on their feet. Adding even more rhythm and flair, Latin sensation Caribe Latin Sounds infuses the festival with vibrant, dance-worthy beats that celebrate global culture and community connection, making this year’s soundtrack as dynamic and inclusive as the celebration itself.

While there are many opportunities to listen and enjoy, festival-goers will also get to perform! Singers can take the stage and showcase their own talent in karaoke, while interactive dance classes invite everyone to get moving. From country line dancing to salsa, and even South Carolina’s official state dance, the Shag, there’s something for every rhythm and skill level, setting the stage for a truly immersive musical experience.

Iris Festival

Event

Get ready to rewind to the coolest decade as Gump Fiction takes the stage! This high-energy '90s cover band will have you singing along to all your favorite throwback hits, from grunge and alt-rock to pop classics. Join us Saturday, May 16, from 4 to 6 p.m. for a nostalgic set packed with fun, flavor and feel-good vibes. It’s the perfect way to keep the energy going! Get ready for a weekend packed with excitement, surprises and non-stop fun! From dazzling performances to interactive attractions, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Keep your eyes open, your energy up and your sense of adventure ready — you never know what amazing experiences are just around the corner. This is entertainment you won’t want to miss!

Step into history at our America 250 area! Meet living history interpreters who bring the past to life, sharing stories, demonstrations and hands-on experiences that highlight America’s rich heritage. Explore, learn and engage with history in a fun and interactive way — perfect for all ages and a unique opportunity to connect with the stories that shaped our nation.

Experience a vibrant lineup of live music that spans genres and generations. From the infectious rhythms of salsa to the smooth sounds of soul, the weekend’s musical performances will keep the energy high and the atmosphere alive. Whether you’re dancing along or simply enjoying the sounds, this dynamic mix of music promises something for every taste and a soundtrack you won’t forget.

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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 will be available on Garden Street and at the Sumter County Civic Center.

Santee-Wateree Regional Transportation Authority will be running free shuttle buses to and from the festival, Friday 10 a.m. – 8 p.m., Saturday 11 a.m. – 8 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:

• Visitors Center Festival Gate

• Garden Street Festival Gate

• Heath Pavilion

• Sumter County Civic Center

All RTA shuttles are wheelchair accessible.

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Education Day at the Iris Festival

bites

Step back in time and explore South Carolina’s role in the Revolutionary War during this year’s Education Day at the Iris Festival. Designed to engage students through handson learning, this immersive experience brings history to life in an interactive outdoor setting. Participants will enjoy living history demonstrations, artifact exploration and engaging lessons that highlight the 1776 era, including the role of Native Americans in the Revolution. Through these dynamic activities, students gain a deeper understanding of the people, culture and events that shaped our nation.

Education Day reflects the festival’s ongoing commitment to providing meaningful educational opportunities while celebrating the rich history and heritage of our region.

Primary Care

Eagerton Family Practice

Robert S. Eagerton, MD* / Carmen Roberts, DO*

Amber P. Newman, NP

200 East Hospital Street, Manning, SC 29102 / 803-433-0439

McLeod Primary Care Clarendon

Lisa E. Heichberger, MD* / Laine Way, MD

Angel Brown, NP / Susan Caulkins, FNP

Susanne Johnson, FNP

50 East Hospital Street, Suite 3, Manning, SC 29102

803-435-8828

Palmetto Adult Medicine Sumter

Kristen Herring, MD / Harry A. Jordan, Jr., MD

Andrew J. Reynolds, MD / Hugh T. Stoddard, Jr., MD

Katherine S. Coffey, PA-C / Emily J. Miller, PA-C

Racheal D. Posey, APRN

1295 Wilson Hall Road, Sumter, SC 29150 / 803-905-6800

McLeod Primary Care Turbeville

Abbie Kirby, PA-C / Shawn Lockamy, NP

Amanda McConnell, PA-C

944 Smith Street, Turbeville, SC 29162 / 843-659-2114

McLeod Family Medicine Kingstree

Troy Gamble, MD / Raina Philhower, PA-C

Megan Patrick, NP

665 Nelson Blvd., Kingstree, SC 29556 / 843-355-5459

Cardiology

McLeod Cardiology Associates

Prabal Guha, MD / John Rozich, MD, PhD

Dennis Lang, DO / Ellen Britt, FNP-C

James R. Britt, Jr., AGAC-NP

540 Physicians Lane, Sumter, SC 29150 / 803-883-5171

Manning Clinic: 21 East Hospital Street, Manning, SC 29102

Obstetrics and Gynecology

McLeod Women’s Care Clarendon

Allison Saran, CNM, WHNP

Shaquinda Dowdle, DNP, APRN, CNM

Emily B. Walden, MSN/ED, CNM, IBCLC

50 East Hospital Street, Suite 2, Manning, SC 29102

803-433-0797

McLeod

Occupational Health

McLeod Occupational Health Sumter

540 Physicians Lane, Sumter, SC 29150 / 803-848-8120

Orthopedics

McLeod Orthopaedics Associates

Rodney K. Alan, MD / Grace W. Couch, FNP-C

Carrie E. Hoshour, FNP-C / Chaz McDonald, NP 540 Physicians Lane, Sumter, SC 29150 / 803-883-5171

50 East Hospital Street, Suite 6, Manning, SC 29102 803-433-3065

Rehabilitation

McLeod Physical Therapy Sumter

A Department of McLeod Health Clarendon 1185 Wilson Hall Rd., Sumter, SC 29150 / 803-469-3213

McLeod Rehabilitation Clarendon

50 East Hospital St., Suite 7, Manning, SC 29102 803-435-3162

Surgery

McLeod Surgery Clarendon

Devonne D. Barrineau, MD

50 East Hospital Street, Suite 4, Manning, SC 29102 803-435-2822

Urology

McLeod Urology Associates Sumter

Michelle B. Miller, NP 540 Physicians Lane, Sumter, SC 29150 / 803-340-5100

Vascular

McLeod Vascular Associates

William C. Jackson, DO 540 Physicians Lane, Sumter, SC 29150 / 843-777-7043

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Iris Festival Parade

Get ready for a morning of fun and community spirit at the 2026 Iris Festival Parade, hosted by the Evening Optimist Club! Join us Saturday, May 16, at 10 a.m. as the parade kicks off at the intersection of Miller Road and Alice Drive then turns left onto Liberty Street, right in front of Swan Lake Iris Gardens, before ending at the Sumter County Civic Center.

Enjoy a vibrant lineup of local schools, civic clubs and businesses, along with special guests and community leaders as we celebrate Sumter’s rich history and bright future during this milestone year.

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Iris Festival

The Sumter Iris Festival is proud to highlight a meaningful cultural partnership with the Sumter Tribe of Cheraw Indians, bringing rich traditions, history, and storytelling to this year’s celebration as part of the broader Sumter and SC 250 initiative. This special collaboration helps illuminate the region’s deep-rooted history and the vital role Native communities played in shaping life during the Revolutionary War era and beyond.

Festivalgoers are invited to experience authentic performances each day, along with powerful cultural moments including a traditional smudging ceremony, a blessing, and a friendship dance that welcomes community participation.

Throughout the weekend, guests can explore artifacts and historical displays that offer insight into the Tribe’s heritage and engage in genealogy discussions with special guest Rob Collins, a Native American genealogist from Washington State. Together, these experiences bring the stories of Sumter’s past to life, connecting our community to the people and traditions that are essential to the Sumter 250 commemoration.