Celebrating Culture and Craft: The Annual Sweetgrass Festival Returns to Mount Pleasant

Get ready to immerse yourself in rich history and exquisite artistry! The annual Sweetgrass Festival is returning to Mount Pleasant, offering a vibrant celebration of the Gullah Geechee people’s enduring culture and the timeless tradition of sweetgrass basket weaving. This cherished event is scheduled for Saturday, July 26, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM at the beautiful Memorial Waterfront Park.

Founded in 2004, the Sweetgrass Festival serves as a crucial platform to promote and highlight the profound history, unique traditions, and remarkable art form that has flourished in Mount Pleasant and its surrounding communities for generations. It’s a wonderful opportunity for both locals and cultural tourists to engage with, interact with, and gain a deeper appreciation for the Gullah Geechee heritage.

What to Expect at the Festival:

• Free Admission & Entertainment: The festival offers free entry, ensuring accessibility for everyone to enjoy the festivities, which include various forms of entertainment.
• Sweetgrass Basket Makers: A central focus of the event is providing a direct platform for talented local basket makers. You’ll have the chance to see their intricate work firsthand, learn about the craft, and purchase authentic sweetgrass merchandise directly from the artisans.
• Art & Craft Show: Beyond sweetgrass baskets, the festival features a diverse Sweetgrass Basket & Craft Show, showcasing a wide variety of handmade arts, crafts, and jewelry.
• Informative Sessions: Throughout the day, the festival will host educational sessions designed to enlighten and entertain participants of all ages about the Gullah Geechee culture.

“Taste of Sweetgrass Culture Dinner Experience”:

For an even deeper dive into the cultural richness, mark your calendars for the “Taste of Sweetgrass Culture Dinner Experience” held the evening before the main festival. This special dinner, hosted by the African American Settlement Community Historic Commission, will take place on Friday, July 25th, at 6:00 PM at the Cooper River Room within Memorial Waterfront Park.

Getting There:

Parking at Memorial Waterfront Park is limited. To ensure a smooth experience, free shuttle buses will run continuously from 9:30 AM to 3:30 PM from designated offsite locations: Mount Pleasant Town Hall, Cheryll Woods-Flowers Soccer Complex, and Omar Shrine Temple. A wheelchair-accessible bus will also be available on this loop. Alternatively, paid parking is available at the Ferry Wharf garage, which offers a convenient walkway directly to the park.

The Sweetgrass Festival is more than just an event; it’s a living testament to a vibrant cultural legacy. Don’t miss this opportunity to celebrate and connect with the heart of the Lowcountry’s Gullah Geechee traditions!