Best Local Festival: St Pat's in Five Points

Going into its 42nd year, St. Pat’s in Five Points remains a Columbia favorite, and the event is something both college students and locals look forward to. The green fountain isn’t the only thing attracting tens of thousands of people, though. The festival has been able to learn and grow over the years, exciting returning fans but also attracting new ones.

Founded in 1983 as a ploy to boost visibility for the city during the holiday, it was a local alternative to Savannah, GA’s, St. Patrick’s Day festival. Today, St. Pat’s in Five Points is the largest one-day festival in South Carolina, offering not only music but also family-friendly entertainment and food vendors.

“We strive to honor Irish heritage with the help of the Ancient Order of Hibernians. We feature bagpipers, Irish dancers and traditional Irish food items,” Dave Britt, St. Pat’s in Five Points festival chair, said. “This year, we've partnered with Lexington’s O’Hara’s Irish Pub for an authentic experience, including a traditional Irish band and the return of green beer.”

When you think about St. Pat’s in Five Points, what comes to mind is most likely the music, but the festival also works to benefit the local area. St. Pat’s contributes over $12 million to the Columbia economy and has raised over a million dollars for local charities.

“One of my favorite aspects is the opportunity the festival provides to give back to local nonprofits,” Heather McDonald, Five Points Merchants Association’s executive director, said. “The support of our volunteers and the organizations they represent is crucial for a successful event, and we couldn't do it without them.”

The festival is deeply rooted in tradition but strives to improve every year. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, St. Pat’s has become more cherished by the community and has significantly increased attendance and engagement. With a growing market comes more of a need to differentiate itself. This year, St. Pat’s is introducing a mocktail lounge that offers premium cocktails, alcohol-free, of course and a new skateboard demo with a halfpipe skate ramp.

From 5Ks to bands to playgrounds, no matter how you enjoy your weekend, St. Pat’s in Five Points certainly has something for everyone. It’s a way for the city to come together, support one another and listen to artists, such as The War and Treaty and Futurebirds, which are two of this year’s headliners. Experience your favorite local festival on March 16 from 7:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Britt said, “We’re looking forward to making this year's St. Pat's in Five Points an unforgettable experience for everyone.”