South Carolina events › Festivals and fairs › Sumter Iris Festival
Sumter Iris Festival in Sumter, South Carolina is usually held thursday-evening kickoff, then Friday-Sunday in mid-to-late May at Swan Lake Iris Gardens. Next dates not confirmed: the organizer had not posted them when we checked on October 26, 2026. Live concerts, arts and crafts, plants and flowers, food and kids activities at Swan Lake Iris Gardens; kickoff the night before with Crowning of the King & Queen and Taste at the Gardens.
At A Glance
| Next dates | Not posted yet (not confirmed) |
|---|---|
| Usually | thursday-evening kickoff, then Friday-Sunday in mid-to-late May at Swan Lake Iris Gardens |
| Where | Sumter, Sumter County |
| Admission | Free general admission and free parking (as published) |
| Since | Festival began in 1940 |
| Official site | sumtersc.gov/tourism/things-do/festivals-events/iris-festival |
When It Usually Happens
Usual timing from past editions: thursday-evening kickoff, then Friday-Sunday in mid-to-late May at Swan Lake Iris Gardens. Source: past edition (“The full-day festival will start Friday, May 15, 2026, and run through Sunday, May 17, 2026.”).
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Sumter Iris Festival?
The next dates are not posted yet. Usual timing from past editions: thursday-evening kickoff, then Friday-Sunday in mid-to-late May at Swan Lake Iris Gardens.
Where is Sumter Iris Festival held?
In Sumter, Sumter County, in the Pee Dee region of South Carolina.
How much does it cost?
Free general admission and free parking (as published)
Keep Planning
Read on October 26, 2026. Festival dates change; confirm on the organizer’s page before you go.
Cite this page: It's South Carolina, “Sumter Iris Festival”, itssouthcarolina.com/sumter-iris-festival-sumter/ (updated ). By the It's South Carolina editorial team. Free to quote with attribution and a link to this page; data and tables are licensed CC BY 4.0.