News Summary
Columbia, SC is set for the annual St. Pat’s in Five Points, the largest one-day outdoor festival in South Carolina on March 15. With over 32,000 attendees expected, the festival features a 5K run, a parade led by A’Ja Wilson, and five stages of live music. Parking options and other local events will also be available throughout the weekend, ensuring a fun-filled experience for all participants.
Columbia Gears Up for a Weekend of Fun
Get ready, folks! Columbia, SC is buzzing with excitement as this weekend marks the St. Pat’s in Five Points, the largest one-day outdoor festival in South Carolina. Scheduled for Saturday, March 15, this crowd-pleaser is celebrating its 43rd year and is expected to welcome over 32,000 attendees to enjoy the festivities!
Kick Off the Day with Some Running
What better way to start off a day of celebration than with a bit of fitness? Join the early risers at the Get to the Green 5K/10K and 1-mile Family Fun Run taking place at 7:30 a.m. on March 15. This is the perfect opportunity for families and runners of all levels to get involved! If you haven’t registered yet, make sure to do so before Friday, March 14, because that’s when registration closes.
Parade Time!
After the race, grab your friends and family and find a spot to watch the official parade starting at 10 a.m. The best viewing spots are along Devine Street, Sims Avenue, and Harden Street. This year’s Grand Marshal is none other than the remarkable A’Ja Wilson, a former Gamecock legend, Olympic gold medalist, and WNBA champion. Talk about a star-studded event!
Festival Features Galore
When the parade wraps up, the festival kicks into high gear with multiple attractions! The main event features five stages of live music performing from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Get ready to dance, sing along, and enjoy a variety of artists and genres. Tickets are available for $30 in advance or $35 on the day of the event, and for those looking for something a little extra, premium packages are also on sale.
Parking and Transportation
Don’t let parking woes dampen your plans! Free satellite parking is available at the SC State Fairgrounds RV lot located at 824 Andrews Rd. Just remember, Parking Gate 22 opens at 6 a.m. and closes at 10 p.m. on Saturday, with overnight vehicle pick-up available after 10 a.m. on Sunday. If you prefer not to drive, The COMET is providing free shuttles to and from the festival every 30 minutes from 6:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Keep in mind that Uber and Lyft will be dropping off and picking up at Greene and Blossom streets. And a friendly reminder: parking is prohibited in designated nearby neighborhoods.
Be Prepared for Security
As you prepare for the festivities, note that there is a clear bag policy in place, so make sure your bags comply with the size and type regulations, which will be subject to security checks at the entry. ADA accessible parking is also available at specified locations along Blossom Street for those who need it.
Other Exciting Events in Columbia!
But wait, the fun doesn’t stop there! The weekend is packed with other activities in Columbia too. Check out the Carolina Classic Home & Garden Show at the Fairgrounds on March 14 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and continuing on March 15-16 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. If you fancy a walk, join the Columbia City Manager’s Go Red Heart Walk on March 15 at 10:30 a.m. right at City Hall.
Later that same evening, swing by the Newberry Irish Fling at 5 p.m. in downtown Newberry or enjoy some smooth jazz at the Koger Center featuring Jane Monheit at 7:30 p.m. And don’t forget about the ever-popular Soda City Market on March 16 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Main Street.
Wrap Up Your Weekend with More Fun
As the weekend continues, check out other attractions like the C.A. Johnson High School Gospelfest at 6:30 p.m. on March 16, the LifeChance Gala of the Stars at the Koger Center at 7:30 p.m., and the A Wee Bit Celtic Artisan Market at Flora & Fauna Marketplace from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on March 16.
If all of that wasn’t enough, don’t miss out on Free Sundays at the Robert Mills House from 1-4 p.m. on March 16. The weekend is sure to be a memorable one, packed with joy, culture, and plenty of community spirit!
So, gather your friends and family, and get ready to soak in all that Columbia has to offer this St. Patrick’s Day weekend!
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Columbia Gears Up for an Unforgettable St. Patrick’s Day Festival
Columbia’s Concert Scene Gears Up for Spring and Summer 2025
Upcoming Music Festivals and Celebrations in Columbia, SC
St. Pat’s in Five Points Festival Unveils 2025 Lineup
Additional Resources
- WLTX: St. Pat’s in Five Points Event Details
- ABC Columbia: Midlands Pup Shots
- Columbia Tribune: March Events for Families
- Augusta Chronicle: March 2025 Calendar of Events
- Post and Courier: Cultural Events in Columbia
