News Summary
Columbia, South Carolina, saw over 30,000 participants at the St. Pat’s in Five Points festival, celebrated on March 15. The event featured lively parades, multiple music performances, and a diverse food selection, making it a family-friendly celebration that highlights community spirit.
Columbia Celebrates St. Pat’s in Five Points with a Spectacular Festival
In the heart of Columbia, South Carolina, more than 30,000 eager attendees gathered on Saturday, March 15, to celebrate the much-anticipated St. Pat’s in Five Points festival. This vibrant celebration, known as the largest one-day St. Patrick’s Day festivity in the Southeast, brought together families, college students, and local music lovers for a delightful day of entertainment, delicious food, and community spirit.
A Day Full of Entertainment
The festival kicked off early in the morning with the “Get to the Green” 5K and 10K races, along with a fun-filled 1-mile Family Fun Run that started at 7:30 a.m. Those who laced up their running shoes earned their place in the festivities right from the beginning!
As the day progressed, the excitement ramped up with the official St. Pat’s Parade, which began at 10 a.m. The parade featured an impressive lineup of floats, lively performers, and the Grand Marshall, A’Ja Wilson, a celebrated former Gamecock and WNBA champion. Attendees lined the streets, enjoying the festive atmosphere as the parade made its way through the vibrant Five Points neighborhood.
Music was at the core of the festival, with a staggering 24 bands performing across six stages. From energetic rock to smooth jazz, the lineup kept the crowd entertained from morning until night. Notable performances included the band Caminator, who kicked off the festivities and the popular group Lettuce, who closed the festival with a sensational set at 6 p.m.
A Foodie’s Paradise
No festival would be complete without a variety of delightful bites, and St. Pat’s did not disappoint. Vendors lined the streets, offering a smorgasbord of food options that made mouths water. Festival-goers relished gigantic beef ribs and classic festival treats, ensuring that there was something to please every palate.
For those with little ones, the festival provided a fun space for children to unleash their creativity. Kids could be seen drawing colorful designs with chalk near the iconic Five Points Fountain, making this a family-friendly event where memories could be made.
Music for Everyone
In addition to the live bands, DJs were spinning some incredible mixes of electronic music genres, including dub and grime, adding another layer of excitement to the festival. New Brookland Tavern, which recently relocated to Five Points in 2023, hosted local bands and DJs, ensuring that there was always something happening.
Logistics and Planning
To make things easier for attendees, the festival provided free satellite parking at the SC State Fairgrounds with convenient shuttles running every 30 minutes. Planning ahead was key, especially with tickets priced at $30 in advance and $35 on the day of the event, along with premium packages available for those looking for extra perks.
Attendees were also met with a clear bag policy, allowing only transparent bags of specified sizes, ensuring a smooth entry and keeping everything organized.
Sunny Skies and Good Vibes
With sunny skies and a pleasant high of 73°F, the weather played a perfect supporting role in what turned out to be a phenomenal celebration. The atmosphere was filled with laughter, music, and the spirit of community, as families and friends enjoyed the day together.
In summary, St. Pat’s in Five Points once again delivered an unforgettable celebration that showcased the best of Columbia, South Carolina. With endless entertainment, tasty food options, and a lively crowd, it’s no wonder that this festival continues to attract thousands of attendees year after year!
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Additional Resources
- The State
- WIS TV
- Cola Daily
- WLTX
- Bham Now
- Wikipedia: Saint Patrick’s Day
- Google Search: St. Pat’s in Five Points
- Google Scholar: St. Pat’s in Five Points
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Saint Patrick’s Day
- Google News: St. Pat’s in Five Points
Author: STAFF HERE IRMO
The IRMO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREIrmo.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Irmo, Lexington and Richland Counties, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Irmo Okra Strut Festival, Harbison Community Events, and local sports tournaments at the Palmetto Health Credit Union Foundation Stadium. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Irmo Chapin Recreation Commission and the Lexington Chamber and Visitors Center, plus leading businesses in retail and healthcare that power the local economy such as Village at Sandhill and Lexington Medical Center. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
