Preparations are underway for the 2026 Sumter Iris Festival, and residents and visitors should be aware of a temporary closure at Swan Lake Iris Gardens to allow for event setup. The park will close beginning Monday, May 11, 2026, and will reopen following the festival on Monday, May 18, when regular hours of 7:30 a.m. to sunset resume.
During the closure, the Prisma Health Shot Pouch Greenway will remain open for public use. Visitors who wish to enjoy the area are encouraged to plan accordingly and utilize parking at the Bland Gardens lot on Bland Avenue.
Festival activities will begin on Thursday, May 14, as the Heath Pavilion area opens at 6:00 p.m. for the popular Taste at the Gardens event. This annual kickoff includes the festival’s opening ceremony, the crowning of the King and Queen, and an evening of live music and local food vendors through 9:00 p.m.
Due to ongoing construction at the Swan Lake playground, several adjustments have been made to this year’s festival layout. The children’s activity area will be relocated to the Garden Street side of the park, while the food court will be positioned in the main parking lot. In addition, vendors will begin check-in earlier than in previous years, making the temporary park closure necessary to ensure a safe and efficient setup process.
The Sumter Iris Festival will take place May 15–17, 2026, with hours of 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday. Recognized as one of the premier festivals in the Southeast, the event features a wide range of attractions including arts and crafts vendors, diverse food offerings, a children’s area with rides and games, live entertainment throughout the weekend, and a Saturday morning parade. Admission is free and open to the public.
For additional information regarding the temporary closure or festival details, visit www.irisfestival.org or contact the Sumter Visitors Center at (803) 436-2640.