St. Pat’s in Five Points 2024 is nearly here. 6 new things to expect at the huge Columbia festival

Patrick McCreless
·3 min read

If you expect to be in Columbia this weekend then you’re in luck.

St. Pat’s in Five Points, dubbed South Carolina’s largest one-day festival, returns from 7:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday. The 42nd annual event, located in one of Columbia’s trendiest business districts, will offer an array of activities for all ages, including local and national talent on four stages, performances and amusement at Children’s Carnival, a parade and plenty of food and craft vendors.

All festival tickets are digital and can be purchased online at StPatsColumbia.com. Tickets will also be sold at the gate on the day of the festival.

“St. Pat’s in Five Points is a much-anticipated annual event for both Columbia locals and visitors,” Heather McDonald, executive director of the Five Points Association, said in a recent press release. “We’re excited to host a celebration that feels like home, yet constantly evolves to offer new experiences for our guests.”

And the festival will have several new experiences this year — six new things to expect, in fact. Here’s what to know.

New at St. Pat’s at Five Points

  • The Saint alcohol-free mocktail lounge: Presented in partnership with Cola Love, this activity will showcase an exclusive selection of non-alcoholic beer and other beverages, including rotating mocktails from Kao Thai, Backstreets Grill of Columbia, Smoked and Indah Coffee.

  • Paddy’s mini-ramp jam: Presented by Bluetile, this activity will feature a beginner’s clinic on how to skate, intermediate/advanced ramp jams, a best trick contest and cash prizes. The $30 registration fee includes festival entry.

  • Logan’s Irish pub pop-up: Courtesy of Bushmills Irish Whiskey and Bushmills Black Bush Irish Whiskey, this will feature O’Hara’s house band and traditional Irish foods, provided by O’Hara’s Public House.

  • Refillable water stations: Provided by 32 Dental, guests are encouraged to bring empty, reusable water bottles to refill at hydration stations, located throughout the festival.

  • Free satellite parking and shuttle: Free parking will be available at the South Carolina State Fair Grounds with complementary shuttle service provided by The COMET. The lot opens at 6 a.m. on Saturday, with shuttles running every 30 minutes from 6:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Overnight parking will also be provided.

  • Cashless event: This year’s festival will be a cashless event, excluding independent bars, restaurants and retail vendors.

Schedule of events

  • 7:30 a.m. — The Get to the Green race starts and finishes on Devine Street near the festival entrance. Costumes and good luck charms are welcomed and encouraged. Registration includes festival entry, a shirt, custom finisher’s medal and post-race refreshments and awards.

  • 10 a.m. — Festival gates open

  • 10 a.m. — The St. Pat’s Parade, presented by Carolina Gold Construction, covers a 1-mile stretch that starts at Devine Street and Sims Avenue, turns right onto Harden Street and ends on College Street.

  • 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. — The Pot O’Gold Playland, located in the Andy’s Deli parking lot at 2005 Greene St., is free for children 12 and under. Activities include: balloon art, face painting, games, rides and more.

  • 10 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. — The Paddy’s Mini-Ramp Jam will be held at 818 Harden St.

  • 11 a.m. - 7 p.m. — Live music performances, with more than 40 local, regional and national artists, performing across multiple stages and venues. To view the entire lineup, click here.