by 
By Mark A Leon
A full day of music, local makers, food, family activities and plenty of sweet tea is coming to historic downtown Summerville.
Summerville is getting ready to celebrate one of its sweetest traditions.
The 15th Annual Sweet Tea Festival takes over historic downtown Summerville on Saturday, September 19, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., with Hutchinson Square serving as the center of a free community celebration honoring the town’s claim as the birthplace of sweet tea.
This year’s theme is “Born to Be Sweet,” tying the celebration to America’s 250th anniversary. Visitors can expect live music, local artisans and vendors, downtown shopping, food, sweet tea experiences and activities for the entire family.
A Sweet Day Downtown
The festival will spread throughout the historic downtown district, giving visitors plenty of reasons to wander beyond Hutchinson Square.
The Sweetest Kids Zone will run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Hutchinson Square, featuring inflatables, games and family activities. The Food Lion Hospitality Zone on Doty Avenue will offer yard games, prizes, shade and — naturally — sweet tea.
The Sweetest Farmers Market will also operate from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., while local shops, artisans and vendors add to the street-fair atmosphere. The annual Sweet Tea Contest will give festivalgoers an opportunity to sample competing teas and vote for the Tea of the Year.
Live music will be featured on stages around downtown, including Hutchinson Square and Short Central.
The Sweet Tea Celebration Continues All Week
The festival is the centerpiece of an entire week of sweet-tea-themed activities.
The Hold My Tea Bar Crawl & Sweet Tea Cocktail Contest runs September 14–20, with 12 Summerville bars and restaurants creating their own sweet-tea-inspired cocktails. Participants can complete a bingo card while exploring the participating establishments and vote for their favorite cocktail.
Thursday’s Sweetest Third Thursday helped kick off the festival weekend with live music, shopping, outdoor dining, vendors and activities throughout downtown.
Plan Ahead
Admission to the Sweet Tea Festival is free, although food, beverages and shopping are available for purchase.
Visitors should plan for crowds and allow extra time for parking. Downtown street closures begin before the festival opens, including portions of Little Main Street, Doty Avenue and West Richardson Avenue. The downtown parking garage will be available, but festivalgoers should expect to walk several blocks.
Organizers also recommend leaving pets at home because of the crowds, traffic, heat and overall festival environment.
For one Saturday, downtown Summerville becomes a celebration of a drink that has become synonymous with the South — and a community that proudly calls itself its birthplace.
Sweet tea, local music, small businesses, makers, food and a whole lot of Summerville charm — the 15th Annual Sweet Tea Festival is ready to pour.
📍 Hutchinson Square & Historic Downtown Summerville
📅 Saturday, September 19, 2026
⏰ 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
🎟️ Free admission
Full Sweet Tea Festival Guide & Schedule
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