As the weather warms up and the daffodils begin to bloom, the City of Fountain Inn celebrates the spring season with entertainment for the whole family. The fun kicks off on the 2nd Saturday in April with one of the most popular festivals in Fountain Inn. The Mac Arnold Cornbread and Collard Greens Blues Festival returns for its 18th year with legendary Blues and R&B artist Mac Arnold and his Plate Full O’ Blues band. Inducted into the South Carolina Entertainment & Music Hall of Fame in 2023, Mac and his band are sure to make you feel good while chasing away those blues. Make sure to bring a rubber duck or two, so while you are getting your groove on, head over to the annual Jeep Jam and explore the Jeeps lined up and down Main Street. While on Main, grab a taco from Tacos & Bla Bla Bla or a delightfully, juicy cheeseburger and an ice-cold pint from Voodoo Brewing. After lunch, swing by The Chill Factory to grab one of their famous stuffed shakes or maybe a slice of cake. Then, walk over to the Spring Market where you can shop from local vendors including bakers, makers and farmers. The event runs from 12pm – 6pm.
Also in April, the Italian American Club hosts its annual Italian American Festival on Main Street. In addition to Live Music and Specialty Foods, activities during the event include a spaghetti eating contest, food demonstrations, and games. For one day, the City of Fountain Inn becomes a bit of Italy.
We make shopping locally easy in Fountain Inn. In addition to the year-round merchants lined up and down Main Street, find honey, flowers, handmade soap, and pottery at the Fountain Inn Farmers Market running from the end of May until the end of September. On Saturday mornings from 8am - noon, Depot Street becomes your source for local fresh fruits, vegetables, artisan cheeses, and baked goods. Occasionally, there may be a pop-up event such as Yoga, a painting class, or even live music. All the shopping will surely make you hungry, so stick around after the market for lunch at one of the many restaurant options on Main Street. Relax with a Bloody Mary and a chicken biscuit at The Farehouse for their weekend brunch. Ready for lunch instead? Head over for a BBQ Pork Sandwich from Bucky’s. There are plenty of food options to choose from.
In June, in celebration of Emancipation Day, we coordinate with local businesses, churches and non-profits to honor Juneteenth. One of Fountain Inn’s largest festivals, the Juneteenth Soul Food Festival brings people from near and far to celebrate the liberation of enslaved people in the United States. Artists, food trucks, and local vendors participate in the festivities and create a large vendor market. Local soul food merchants offer delicious meals such as fried fish, wings, gumbo and dirty rice. While munching on delicious home cooked food, you will also be entertained by a variety of live performances by musicians, comedians, and dancers.
Nothing says summertime like Live Music. The first Farmers Market of the season will be preceded the evening before by the Sounds of Summer concert series. Each Friday night throughout the summer, you can listen as local musicians take the stage on Depot Street and perform a live set from a variety of genres. Bring the whole family, because there are even games and activities for the kids! The musicians play from 6 – 9 pm but come early for dinner at one of our fabulous restaurant options on Main Street. Have one of Cucina 100’s wood-fired pasta specialties or grab an iced coffee or cold brew from Steam Coffee & Cream on your way to Depot Street.
Celebrating the 4th of July in Fountain Inn is like no other show in the region. Come for the live music and food but stay until dusk for the fireworks. Our Fireworks Spectacular offers a stunning display! This family-friendly event is full of activities and fun for the whole family!
From Farmers Markets to Festivals, when the sun begins to shine more and the days get longer, there is no shortage of events in Fountain Inn. Here is a full list of additional small businesses we have in downtown.