The Midlands celebrates cultures from all over the world. Here's where to find them, from Greek food on Sumter Street to Celtic games in Cayce.
The two big all-in-one international festivals near Columbia, SC are the Columbia International Festival (April 17–18, 2027, SC State Fairgrounds, ticketed) and the Sharpvue Irmo International Festival (Sunday, May 2, 2027, Moore Park, free). The Midlands also has festivals for single cultures: Tartan Day South (Celtic), the Irmo Cherry Blossom Festival (Japanese), the South Carolina Caribbean Festival, the Main Street Latin Festival, Columbia's Greek Festival and Newberry Oktoberfest (German).
Both celebrate the many cultures of the Midlands, two weeks apart in spring 2027. Here's how they compare:
| Columbia International Festival | Sharpvue Irmo International Festival | |
|---|---|---|
| 2027 date | April 17–18, 2027 (two days) | Sunday, May 2, 2027 (one day) |
| Where | South Carolina State Fairgrounds, Columbia | Moore Park, Irmo (outdoors) |
| Admission | $10 adults, $7 teens (13–19) | Free |
| Parking | Free | Free |
| Highlights | Food, songs, dances and clothing of the cultures of the Midlands | International food trucks, world music and dance on the amphitheater stage, cultural booths, free Kid Zone, car show, helicopter display |
| Website | cifonline.org | Festival details |
Going to both? They're a great pair: the Columbia International Festival is a big two-day event at the Fairgrounds, and ours is a free day outdoors in the park with the kids.
How to read the dates: “Confirmed” means the festival has announced its 2027 date. Otherwise we show when it usually happens and when it happened last time, until the new date is announced. Plans can change, so check the festival's own website before you go.
A celebration of Japanese culture and history, with art and everyday Japanese items shown by the Japan America Association of South Carolina.
Newberry's international festival, with live music such as jazz fusion and mariachi, demonstrations and family activities.
A multi-day celebration of Scottish and Celtic heritage.
A two-day festival of the foods, songs, dances, clothing and traditions of the many cultures that call the Midlands home.
One day of international food trucks, music and dance from around the world on the Prisma Health Amphitheater stage, cultural booths, international vendors, a free Kid Zone, a car show and a helicopter display.
Four days of Caribbean culture, music, food and community events.
Latin American culture, music, dance and food on Columbia's Main Street.
Greek food, music and culture hosted by Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral.
German brews and bites, an artisan marketplace and live music.
Benedict College's annual community festival, held in the Midlands for more than three decades.
Columbia's Juneteenth celebration in Finlay Park.
Historic Columbia's celebration of Black history and culture, with storytelling and family activities.
April 17–18, 2027 at the South Carolina State Fairgrounds. Admission is $10 for adults and $7 for teens (13–19), and parking is free, according to the festival's website.
Yes. The Sharpvue Irmo International Festival in Irmo is free to attend, with free parking: Sunday, May 2, 2027, 11 AM – 7 PM, at Moore Park.
Yes. Columbia's Greek Festival is held in mid-September at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 1931 Sumter Street, and admission is free.
Yes. The Main Street Latin Festival takes over Main Street in downtown Columbia in late August, with Latin American music, dance and food. In 2026 it was held Saturday, August 22.
Yes. Tartan Day South celebrates Scottish and Celtic heritage in Cayce and the Columbia area, April 1–4, 2027.
