In the heart of South Carolina’s Lowcountry, where flowers bloom by the acre and Southern hospitality is a way of life, Summerville is preparing to host one of its most anticipated events of the year — the 2025 Sweet Tea Festival.
This annual celebration of the town’s claim as the
Birthplace of Sweet Tea will take place on Saturday, September 20, 2025, from 2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. in historic downtown Summerville.
A Festival Steeped in Southern Tradition
The Sweet Tea Festival, presented by
Summerville Dream, brings together residents and visitors for a day of food, music, shopping, and, of course, plenty of sweet tea. Downtown Summerville transforms into a hub of activity, with vendor booths, local artisans, family-friendly attractions, and live performances from regional musicians. Guests are encouraged to stroll through the streets, explore the town’s unique boutiques, and sample Southern cuisine at the many participating restaurants.
Admission to the festival is free, making it a popular family outing that showcases both Summerville’s historic charm and its vibrant community spirit.
A Week of Sweet Celebrations
While the festival itself is the highlight, a series of lead-up events ensures there is something for everyone throughout the week.
- Sweetest Sidewalk Sale – Saturday, September 13, 2025 | 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Downtown shops offer special deals and extended hours for an all-day shopping event.
- Hold My Tea Bar Crawl & Sweet Tea Cocktail Contest – September 15–21, 2025
- Summerville’s top bars and restaurants compete to create the best sweet tea-inspired cocktails. Participants can pick up a Bingo card, sample drinks throughout the week, and redeem a completed card for a free shirt (while supplies last). Guests can also vote online for the People’s Choice Award, while a panel of judges selects the Critic’s Choice Award based on taste, presentation, and originality.
- Sweetest Third Thursday EVER – Thursday, September 18, 2025 | 5:30 – 8:30 p.m.
A special edition of Summerville’s monthly Third Thursday event, featuring live music, food, and downtown entertainment.
- Sweetest Farmers Market – Saturday, September 20, 2025 | 8:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Fresh produce, local goods, and handmade items will be available ahead of the main festival.
- Sweet Tea Festival – Saturday, September 20, 2025 | 2:00 – 7:00 p.m.
The centerpiece event with live music, food trucks, sweet tea vendors, and entertainment throughout downtown.
View Full Event Schedule
The World’s Largest Sweet Tea
No visit to Summerville is complete without a stop at
Mason, the World’s Largest Sweet Tea, which stands proudly at over 15 feet tall beside Town Hall at 200 South Main Street. Mason holds an astonishing 2,524 gallons of tea — a record-setting feat that earned Summerville a Guinness World Record in 2016. The massive brew required 210 pounds of tea from the Charleston Tea Plantation, 1,700 pounds of Dixie Crystals sugar, and a lot
of community spirit. Today, Mason is one of Summerville’s most iconic landmarks, drawing both locals and tourists for photos year-round.
Capture the Moment
Festival goers are also encouraged to stop by the #BirthplaceofSweetTea mural at the Summerville Visitor Center. The colorful backdrop makes the perfect photo spot, and visitors are invited to share their pictures on social media using the hashtag for a chance to be featured.
Plan Your Visit
The Sweet Tea Festival is more than just an event — it’s a celebration of Summerville’s history, culture, and community. With free admission, live entertainment, and plenty of opportunities to enjoy Summerville’s historic downtown, the 2025 festival promises to be one of the most memorable yet. So, bring your friends, family, and your love for the “Champagne of the South” to Summerville this September and experience why the town continues to live up to its sweet reputation.
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