Flowertown Festival 2026: The Ultimate Visitor's Guide
Flowertown Festival weekend is basically Summerville at peak spring: azaleas showing off, downtown buzzing, and a lot of people coming to eat, shop, and soak up the vibes.
Now in its 53rd year, the Flowertown Festival attracts over 200,000 visitors annually and has been recognized as one of the "Top 20 Events in the Southeast" by the Southeast Tourism Society. That's a whole lot of people descending on our charming little downtown, and trust us, it's worth every bit of the crowd.
If you're visiting from out of town (or you're a local who hasn't braved the crowds in a while), this guide is for you. Here are 10 visitor-friendly tips to help you park smarter, walk happier, eat better, and actually enjoy the day.
1. Know the Dates (And Build a Loose Plan)
The 2026 Flowertown Festival runs Friday, March 27 through Sunday, March 29, 2026.
Here are the hours you need to know:
- Friday & Saturday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Sunday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Sunday wraps up earlier, so if you're planning a full day of browsing, Friday or Saturday gives you more time to explore. That said, Sunday mornings can feel a little less hectic if you prefer a calmer vibe.
Pro tip: Build a loose plan. Check out the vendor map when it's released, note a few must-see booths, and leave room to wander. Some of the best finds happen when you're not looking for anything specific.
2. Park Like a Pro (And Expect to Walk)
Here's the good news: admission and parking are completely free at Flowertown Festival. Here's the reality check: you probably won't park right next to the action.
Downtown Summerville transforms during the festival, with S. Main Street and the areas around Azalea Park closed off for vendors and foot traffic. That means street parking near the festival grounds? Not happening.
Here's what to expect:
- Satellite parking lots are set up around town with shuttle services running throughout the day.
- Arrive early (before 9:30 AM) for the closest parking spots.
- Handicapped parking options are available throughout downtown, both free and paid.
- Wear walking shoes, you'll be on your feet for a while, and the walk from parking to the festival is part of the adventure.
If you're a local, consider biking or having someone drop you off. Less parking stress = more funnel cake enjoyment.
3. The Best Times to Go
General rule of thumb: Early mornings are best.
The gates open at 9:00 AM, and the first hour or two is when you'll find the shortest lines, the coolest temperatures, and the freshest vendor displays. By noon, the crowds really pick up, especially on Saturday, which is historically the busiest day.
Our recommendations:
- Friday morning: Great for a relaxed start; many locals are still at work.
- Saturday morning: Arrive right at 9 AM to beat the rush.
- Sunday morning: Quieter overall, plus vendors sometimes offer deals to clear inventory before closing.
Late afternoons can also work if you don't mind crowds and want to catch the golden hour lighting through Azalea Park. Just know that popular food vendors may run low on certain items by then.
4. Dress for the Occasion (Comfort Over Cute)
Look, we get it, spring vibes make you want to break out the sundresses and sandals. But hear us out: comfort is king at Flowertown.
You'll be walking on grass, gravel, pavement, and possibly some uneven terrain through Azalea Park's 16 acres. Cute sandals might leave you limping by lunchtime.
What to wear:
- Comfortable walking shoes or sneakers (broken in, not brand new)
- Light layers, mornings can be cool, but it warms up fast
- A hat or sunglasses for sun protection
- Sunscreen (yes, even in March)
Save the fancy outfit for dinner afterward. Your feet will thank you.
5. Bring a Hands-Free Bag
You're going to want your hands available for food, drinks, shopping bags, and taking approximately 47 photos of the azaleas. A small crossbody bag or backpack is your best friend here.
What to pack:
- Cash (some vendors are cash-only)
- Phone and portable charger
- Sunscreen and lip balm
- A reusable water bottle
- Hand sanitizer or wipes
- A light jacket or layer
Leave the oversized tote at home, crowded vendor aisles and big bags don't mix well.
6. Bring Cash (Seriously)
While many vendors accept cards these days, a surprising number are still cash-only. ATMs at the festival can have long lines (and fees), so hit your bank beforehand.
We recommend bringing:
- $50–$100 in smaller bills for food and crafts
- Some singles for tips and quick purchases
Nothing's worse than finding the perfect handmade earrings or the best-smelling kettle corn and realizing you can't buy it.
7. Pace Your Eating (It's a Marathon, Not a Sprint)
With over 200 jury-selected vendors spread across Main Street and Azalea Park, you're going to encounter a lot of food options. Festival classics like funnel cakes, turkey legs, fresh-squeezed lemonade, and local favorites are everywhere. Plus, there's a special Farmer's Market running on Saturday and Sunday!
Here's the strategy: Snack throughout the day rather than eating one huge meal.
- Grab something small when you arrive
- Share plates with your group so you can try more things
- Stay hydrated between snacks (dehydration sneaks up on you)
- Save room for dessert, there's always room for dessert
Check out our local businesses directory for nearby restaurants if you want a sit-down meal after the festival.
8. Set a Meetup Spot for Your Group
Cell service can get spotty when 200,000+ people descend on a small downtown area. Before you split up to explore, designate a meetup spot and time.
Good meetup spots to consider:
- The main entrance to Azalea Park
- A specific landmark or large vendor booth
- Near the information tent
- The respite tent near W 5th Street and Main Street
This old-school tactic saves a lot of "Where are you?!" texts that never go through.
9. Explore Beyond the Main Drag
Yes, S. Main Street is where the action is concentrated. But don't skip Azalea Park itself: it's the natural heart of the festival and absolutely stunning in late March.
The park features pink azaleas, white dogwoods, and purple wisteria in full spring bloom during festival weekend. It's the perfect backdrop for photos and a nice break from the bustling vendor rows.
Don't miss:
- The Farmer's Market section (Saturday & Sunday)
- Live music and community performances throughout the grounds
- Kids Fest and Children's Jubilee with fair rides, games, and activities for the little ones
Take your time. Wander. That's what spring in Summerville is all about.
10. Know Before You Go
A few important details to keep in mind:
- No alcohol is permitted at the festival
- No pets allowed: leave your furry friends at home
- Accessibility: Festival grounds, restrooms, and key amenities meet ADA guidelines
- A respite tent is available near W 5th Street and Main Street if you need a break
For questions, contact the Summerville Family YMCA at (843) 871-YMCA (9622).
Support the Cause
Here's something many visitors don't realize: the Flowertown Festival was founded in 1973 as the Summerville Family YMCA's premiere fundraiser. All these years later, it still supports health and wellness programs in our community.
So when you buy that overpriced (but totally worth it) craft or snack, you're also supporting a good cause. Feel free to indulge guilt-free.
Ready to Go?
The Flowertown Festival is one of those events that makes you remember why you love living in (or visiting) the Lowcountry. Great weather, beautiful blooms, local artisans, delicious food, and that unmistakable small-town-big-event energy.
Mark your calendars for March 27-29, 2026, and we'll see you there.
For more local events happening around Summerville, check out our events page to stay in the loop all year long. 🌸