Mount Pleasant’s Sweetgrass Festival Returns This July To Celebrate Gullah Geechee Culture, Basket Making, Art, And Community
One of the Lowcountry’s most meaningful cultural celebrations is returning to Mount Pleasant this July.
The 22nd Annual Mount Pleasant Sweetgrass Festival will take place on Saturday, July 25, 2026, from 10 AM to 3 PM at Memorial Waterfront Park.
The free festival celebrates the history, culture, traditions, and artistry of the Gullah Geechee people, with a special focus on the sweetgrass basket-making legacy that has helped shape Mount Pleasant and the surrounding Lowcountry for generations.
A Celebration Rooted In Lowcountry History
The Sweetgrass Festival was founded in 2004 to promote and bring attention to the contributions of the Gullah Geechee people, their history, their traditions, and the sweetgrass basket art form that originated in Mount Pleasant and continues in the community today.
For many residents and visitors, sweetgrass baskets are one of the most recognizable symbols of Lowcountry culture. But the festival is about more than admiring the finished work. It is also about honoring the people, families, skills, stories, and cultural traditions behind the craft.
Mount Pleasant has long been connected to this art form, and the festival gives local basket makers, artists, and cultural exhibitors a space to showcase their work while helping the public better understand the importance of preserving this heritage.
What To Expect At The Festival
Festivalgoers can expect a family-friendly day at Memorial Waterfront Park featuring sweetgrass basket makers, handmade art, cultural education, live entertainment, community vendors, and opportunities to engage with Gullah Geechee history and traditions.
The event is designed to create space for learning, shopping, conversation, and cultural appreciation.
Whether you are going to support local basket makers, learn more about Gullah Geechee culture, bring the family out for a free community event, or simply spend a summer day by the water, the Sweetgrass Festival remains one of Mount Pleasant’s signature annual events.
Why This Festival Matters
The Sweetgrass Festival stands out because it is not just another summer event.
It is a reminder that Charleston and Mount Pleasant’s cultural identity did not appear out of nowhere. It was shaped by generations of people whose work, traditions, language, foodways, craftsmanship, and community life continue to influence the Lowcountry today.
Sweetgrass basket making is one of those living traditions.
The festival gives residents and visitors a chance to support the artists who continue the craft, while also recognizing the cultural roots that make this part of South Carolina so distinct.
Parking And Shuttle Information
Parking at Memorial Waterfront Park is expected to be limited.
Free shuttle service is scheduled to run continuously from 9:30 AM to 3:30 PM, with shuttle pickup available from select Mount Pleasant locations. Guests are encouraged to plan ahead, arrive early, and use the shuttle options when possible.
Event Details
Event: 22nd Annual Mount Pleasant Sweetgrass Festival
Date: Saturday, July 25, 2026
Time: 10 AM–3 PM
Location: Memorial Waterfront Park
Address: 99 Harry Hallman Jr. Blvd, Mount Pleasant, SC 29464
Admission: Free
Focus: Gullah Geechee culture, sweetgrass basket makers, handmade art, cultural education, live entertainment, and family-friendly activities
Final Word
The Sweetgrass Festival is one of those Lowcountry events that deserves more than a quick mention.
It is a celebration of culture, craftsmanship, history, and community — and it gives people across the Charleston area a chance to support the basket makers and artists who continue carrying this tradition forward.
Mount Pleasant, mark the calendar. The Sweetgrass Festival returns Saturday, July 25 at Memorial Waterfront Park.
