Upcoming 2025 festivals in the Midlands

As the new year kicks off, here are six festivals happening in the Midlands that you can mark on your calendar and plan to attend.

Tartan Day South Festival in Columbia, SC

Tartan Day celebrates Celtic heritage in the Midlands. | Photo by @gocola

It’s never too early to start planning ahead. Here are six upcoming annual festivals in the Midlands that have shared their 2025 date.

15th Annual Mardi Gras Columbia Festival | Saturday, March 1

  • This family-friendly event will feature a parade, food trucks, local vendors, live music, dancing, singing, and more in the Rosewood District.

Cottontown Art Crawl | Saturday, March 8

  • The annual event in the downtown neighborhood features close to 200 artists.

St. Pat’s Festival | Saturday, March 15

  • Run a road race, enjoy a parade, sip on green beers, and jam to live music all day in Five Points.

Soiree on State | Saturday, March 22

  • Soiree on State includes artists, a free kids area, and local music along State Street in Cayce.

Tartan Day South Festival | Thursday, April 3- Sunday, April 6

  • Tartan Day South celebrates Celtic culture and heritage in the Midlands and supports the River Alliance.

Kinetic Derby Day | Saturday, April 26

  • The day starts with a parade before the soapbox racing down Meeting Street begins.
More from COLAtoday
Leadership Columbia offers a behind-the-scenes look at the people, issues, and decisions shaping the Midlands.
Ice storms in SC have caused widespread damage in the past, and as we brace for winter weather, we spoke to a meteorologist to find out why.
The 59-room Lantern Columbia opens inside the former fire station as the Vista continues evolving.
Black Dog Pizza is expected to open in late January on Main Street underneath The Hendrix.
Get to know the musical lineup that will keep you entertained at this year’s St. Patrick’s Day in Five Points Festival, the largest one-day fest in South Carolina.
Find your next great read when you join Richland Library’s Broader Bookshelf Reading Challenge.
The 16th annual Mardi Gras Columbia Festival features 19 local bands across three stages, plus a parade, food vendors, and craft beer.
Experience Columbia SC introduces its 2026 ambassadors, highlighting locals shaping how visitors experience the Midlands.
Learn about Martin Luther King Jr.'s presence in Columbia and how to commemorate his life and legacy on Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
ColaJazz Foundation and the Koger Center announce seven intimate jazz performances running from February through December.