20th Annual Sweetgrass Festival
Event Details
The annual Sweetgrass Festival in Mount Pleasant is designed to promote and bring attention to the contributions of the Gullah Geechee people’s history, culture, traditions and their sweetgrass basket art form that originated in Mount Pleasant and continues to exist in our town and surrounding communities today.
Additionally, the Sweetgrass Festival provides an opportunity for engagement, interaction and exposure to the Gullah Geechee people’s culture. Informative and interesting educational sessions will enlighten and entertain participants of all ages.
Offering free admission, entertainment and activities, the Sweetgrass Festival also provides an opportunity for local basket makers to showcase, promote and market their sweetgrass merchandise to locals as well as cultural tourists from around the country.
Parking & Shuttles
Parking is limited at Memorial Waterfront Park due to current construction. Free wheelchair-accessible shuttle buses will run continually from 9:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. from Mount Pleasant Town Hall located at 100 Ann Edwards Lane, Mount Pleasant, SC 29464. Parking at Town Hall is free.
The bus will stop in front of Town Hall near the CARTA Route 40 stop…ride CARTA & skip driving entirely! Riders are welcome to bring chairs and festival gear on the buses! The last buses leave the park at 3:00 p.m.
Paid Parking is available at the Ferry Wharf garage located next to the park. There is a walkway from the garage to the park.
Sweetgrass History and Mount Pleasant
In 2006, Governor Jim Hodges designated the Sweetgrass Basket making art form as the SC Official Art Craft. With the largest percentage of the original sweetgrass basket makers living within Mount Pleasant and surrounding communities, Mount Pleasant is also known as the home of the Original Sweetgrass Basket Makers. A significant portion of Mount Pleasant Highway 17 has been designated by SCDOT as the Sweetgrass Basket Makers Highway. These are all bona fide claims that can be made nowhere else in our country.
Sweetgrass Basket & Craft Show
Stroll through the Sweetgrass Basket & Craft Show, where you will find an amazing assortment of incredible basketry along with a wide variety of hand-made arts, crafts and jewelry. You’re sure to find plenty of unique Lowcountry creations that make great gifts for yourself and your loved ones!
Applications for 2023 artisan show have closed. Business sponsor inquiries are still being accepted. Email events@tompsc.com for details.
A Taste of Sweetgrass Culture Dinner Experience
Returning once again the night before the festival, the Taste of Sweetgrass Culture dinner event will be hosted by the African American Settlement Community Historic Commission in the Cooper River Room at Memorial Waterfront Park on July 21 at 6:00 p.m.!
Dr. Tonya Matthews, President and CEO of the International African American Museum, will be in attendance as a guest speaker.
Come join! All-inclusive tickets are just $100! More information and tickets available here.
