Summerville Sweet Tea Festival

One of our favorite Summerville events is upon us: the annual Sweet Tea Festival! The birthplace of Sweet Tea, Summerville celebrates our favorite southern, sugary treat every fall with an event chock full of hometown goodness – live music by the region’s favorite artists, spectacular arts and crafts, enviable antiques, delicious spirits, and of course, sweet tea! Below, how to make the most of this signature event, taking place 4 pm to 9 pm.

The tea

Your first stop is the Summerville Dream booth to get your event wristband (just $5), tea mugs and kids cups, all of which are important for the next step: sampling the town’s finest sweet tea! As you peruse the shops of Summerville’s main street, you’ll be invited to taste test vendors’ tea and vote for the one that most exemplifies this Summerville favorite. Tea vendors include Lit’l Red Barn, Trolly Dolly Treats, Holy City Italian Ice, Toast of Summerville, Miracle’s Tasty Express, Sticky Fingers, Big Daddy’s Pork Skins, Snobar Southeast, and Cindy’s Twisted-sicles. Drop your ballot back off with Summerville Dream by Town Hall to make sure your vote is counted for the People’s Choice Aware! Winners will be announced prior to 9 pm.

The tunes

There’s something for music lovers of all tastes this year, as stages will be set up all over downtown Summerville – from Little Main to West Richardson to Short Central. Tap your toes to traditional bluegrass from Charleston’s Southrail Bluegrass Band, grab your sweetie and dance to the Americana of Jeep White, and sway to the tunes of Summerville duo Local Honey. And the unique skiffle jazz, blues, and ragtime sounds of Charleston Hot Shots are sure to be a crowd-pleaser!

For something completely different, head to Short Central between 6 pm to 10 pm for a Silent Disco lead by DJ Earl Newell as the Dance Doctors.

The vendors

Summerville is bursting with talented artisans, crafters, and makers that never disappoint, so come ready to stock up on local goodies like Miss Katie’s Sweets, One Way Creations, Nina Belle’s Boutique, and Palmetto Sun Kettle Corn. Downtown storefronts like Maggie Rose (which is having a 25% off store-wide sale!), Guerin’s Pharmacy, and Four Green Fields will be open, too. If art has your heart, check out the art display by the talented kiddos from Rollings Middle School of the Arts, and don’t miss the open house at Art Central with featured artist Faith Cuda.

See you there!