What began as a small party in the parking lot behind Yesterday’s restaurant in 1982 has evolved into one of Columbia’s signature events. With a mix of live music, a parade, and an annual 5K race, St. Pat’s in Five Points has grown into a must-attend celebration, drawing tens of thousands each year. Here’s a look at the festival’s history over the decades:
The annual parade used to take place on Harden Street, but has since moved to Devine Street.
Photo via Richland Library Digital Archives
The timeline
1982: The unofficial start. Yesterday’s Restaurant in Five Points threw a St. Patrick’s Day party that drew a “ridiculously large” crowd, sparking the idea for a larger festival.
1983: The first official festival was held, organized by Yesterday’s owner Duncan MacRae and encouraged by councilman (and future mayor) Patton Adams. Drink Small performed, who is now depicted in the the Five Points postcard mural. The Gamecocks brand new mascot, Cocky, was also in attendance.
1984: The festival began to catch on with 20,000 people expected to attend. “We expect the event to grow real large within the next three to five years” said city information director John David Spade.
The fan-favorite Waiters’ Race challenged servers to navigate an obstacle course while balancing full trays, dodging barrels, tires, and swinging doors.
Photo via Richland Library Digital Archives
1988: The Five Points Merchants raised and donated $40,000 to 10 nonprofit youth organizations.
1991: Local favorite Hootie and the Blowfish performed three years before their breakout album “Cracked Rear View,” continuing the festival’s role in spotlighting local artists.
1993: The beer wasn’t the only thing that was freezing cold. A rare March snowstorm postponed the festival, but crowds returned the next day once the streets cleared.
2000: Hometown heroes Hootie and the Blowfish returned to headline the festival before taking an extended break, which led to the start of Darius Rucker’s solo career.
2003: A split among organizers led to two competing festivals — one in Five Points and one at Capital City Stadium. Heavy rain dampened both events and attendance was in the hundreds.
“I am half Irish. So I would be reluctant to say you can have too many St. Patrick’s Day events.” Mayor Bob Coble told The State newspaper.
2005: Festivalgoers navigated ongoing construction as the district underwent upgrades — kind of like this year. Collective Soul and Athens, GA band Drive By Truckers featuring a young Jason Isbell headlined the festival.
2008: The festival held a Strongman competition where athletes moved boulders and hoisted cars. The Avett Brothers headlined, but never performed as an afternoon thunderstorm cut the festival short.
2016: One of the festival’s largest recorded crowds turns out, with 47,400 attendees. Drive-By Truckers, Charleston band Shovels & Rope, and Old Dominion headlined. The festival also collected 1.24 tons of recycling and 400 pounds of cardboard.
2018: Morgan Wallen performed an afternoon set before later rising to mainstream success.
2020-2021: The festival is canceled for the first time due to COVID-19 just days before it was scheduled to take place. Band of Horses, led by Irmo native Ben Bridwell, was set to headline.
2022: The festival makes its comeback after two years off, headlined by Blues Traveler.
2024: The festival raised its largest-ever single-year donation of $67,100, bringing total contributions to $1.2 million+. Grammy winning duo The War and Treaty performed along with rising country star Zach Top.
What’s in store for 2025? A parade featuring Grand Marshal A’ja Wilson and 24+ acts including headliners Lettuce, Shane Smith and the Saints, and rising star Cameron Whitcomb.
