Sweet Tea Festival - Summerville DREAM

Third Saturday in September

Celebrate the birthplace of sweet tea!

The Sweet Tea Festival is a celebration of the birthplace of sweet tea, right here in Summerville SC. Our Historic Downtown is transformed into a massive open house/street fair with different food trucks, artisanal vendors and entertainment. Of course, there is plenty of sweet tea and you can help select the Tea of the Year by sampling and voting for your favorite!

A child fills a cup at a lemonade stand as crowds browse vendor tents at the Sweet Tea Festival

When

Third Saturday in September

2026 Festival

Saturday September 19th 10am-4pm

Where

Historic Downtown Summerville Hutchinson Square, SC

A “Keep It Sweet, Summerville SC” sidewalk sign at the festival

A family enjoys frozen treats on a downtown sidewalk during the festival

A band performs on the Hutchinson Square stage

Local shop staff greet visitors at their booth

Enjoy the Fest and Stay for the Downtown

Historic Downtown Summerville is everything you imagine a small town to be. It’s filled with quaint shops, historic buildings, creative boutiques and world class restaurants.

Our business owners and their staff represent true Southern hospitality with remarkable customer service and genuine care for all who visit. Everyone feels as if they have been transported to a special place and time. Come find out why … “it’s sweeter here.”

General Safety and Event Housekeeping

Dogs and animals at the Fest

The Sweet Tea Festival hosts thousands of neighbors and community guests. For the health and safety of your pets and participants, we strongly recommend that they do not attend the festival. Please note you are required to follow all laws associated with animal care and are responsible for property damage and personal injury. Police are vigilant throughout the festival. They are there to assist with public safety, please alert Summerville Police of any safety concerns.

Street Closures and Parking

Festival permitted area includes: Doty Street, Hutchenson Square, W. Richardson & Short Central

Street closure schedule

6:00am Little Main scheduled opening 8pm
11:00am Doty from Main Street to mid-block scheduled opening 8pm
11:00am West Richardson from Main to Central

Please note that West Richardson (from Cedar to Central) and Short Central streets are open throughout the event. Pedestrians must use sidewalks.

Parking around the event zone is limited. Please make sure you are prepared to park several blocks away.

Parking Garage available throughout the day

Note: There are multiple outside factors that may disrupt the best of plans. We are requesting grace and understanding with adjustments.

Aerial festival traffic plan showing street closures on Little Main Street, Doty Avenue and West Richardson Avenue — Traffic plan map from the 2025 festival, shown for reference. The closure schedule listed above is the current one.

Handicap Assistance

There are several handicap porta-potties positioned throughout the fest. Handicap parking is in the Town of Summerville garage and scattered throughout the downtown area, however, please make sure you are prepared to park several blocks away.

Sweet Tea Vendor Information

Interested in joining the fest as a vendor? Full details, requirements and deadlines are on the vendor page.

Learn More