Columbia Hosts First Ever South Carolina Pimento Cheese Festival

News Summary

Columbia is set to host the inaugural South Carolina Pimento Cheese Festival on March 29, 2025, at Saluda Shoals Park. The free event will feature a variety of pimento cheese dishes from local vendors, live music, and family-friendly activities. With no admission fee and a small parking charge, it’s a perfect opportunity for food lovers to indulge in this Southern delicacy while enjoying a vibrant community atmosphere.

Columbia Welcomes the First Ever South Carolina Pimento Cheese Festival!

Mark your calendars, folks! Columbia is gearing up for a mouth-watering extravaganza with the debut of the first annual South Carolina Pimento Cheese Festival. Happening on March 29, 2025, this exciting event invites food lovers and families alike to indulge in everything centered around that creamy, dreamy Southern delicacy—pimento cheese!

Festival Details You Need to Know

The festivities will take place at the beautiful Saluda Shoals Park, located at 6071 St Andrews Road, Columbia, SC. Festival hours run from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., offering a perfect time to dive into the fun!

Getting into the festival won’t cost you a penny, as admission is free. However, be prepared for a small parking fee of $5 per car at the gate. Once you’re inside, you’ll want to grab your pimento cheese tasting ticket for just $5—this gets you 6 delicious samples to satisfy your cravings!

Delicious Offerings and Live Entertainment

As you stroll through the festival, your taste buds will be treated to an array of mouth-watering food options featuring pimento cheese. Over 10 different restaurants, caterers, and food trucks will be serving up tasty creations, including:

• Pulled pork and pimento sandwiches
• Hot dog topped with pimento cheese
• Pimento cheese loaded fries
• Cochon & pimento cheese grits
• Pimento cheese beignets
• Pimento cheese and bean quesadilla
• Barbecue fries drizzled with pimento cheese
• Pimento cheeseburger
• Grilled pimento cheese sandwiches
• Pimento cheese biscuits
• Pretzel twists with pimento cheese
• Pretzel dogs dipped in pimento cheese

As you chow down, soak up the lively atmosphere with live music courtesy of popular local bands such as Soda City Serenade and Prettier Than Matt. There’s nothing quite like enjoying great food while grooving to fantastic tunes!

Fun for the Whole Family

This festival is designed to be a true feast for the senses, but it’s not just about the tasty treats! Families will find plenty of activities to enjoy, including inflatables, a coloring wall, a bubble area, and yard games for kids of all ages. It’s a wonderful opportunity to create some memorable moments with your loved ones.

Festival organizers are inviting guests to bring along lawn chairs so you can kick back, relax, and take in all the festivities. With so much to see and do, it’s a perfect chance to savor the day in comfort!

The Inspiration Behind the Festival

The enthusiastic couple behind this exciting event, Kristin and Brian Cole, aim to celebrate a beloved Southern staple that has never had its own dedicated festival before. Alongside their experience running Columbia Food Tours and Columbia’s Shrimp & Grits Fest, they have poured their heart into bringing the community together for this special occasion.

As anticipation builds, it’s clear that the South Carolina Pimento Cheese Festival is set to be a delightful celebration of good food, laughter, and togetherness. So grab your family and friends, and get ready for a delicious adventure that you won’t want to miss! See you there!

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Columbia Food & Wine Festival Returns for 2025
Columbia Kicks Off Its First Pimento Cheese Festival

Additional Resources

• WACH: Pimento Cheese Festival Debuts in Columbia
• Cola Daily: SC Pimento Cheese Festival Set for Saturday in Columbia
• ABC Columbia: Local Living Pimento Cheese Festival
• Wikipedia: Pimento Cheese
• Google Search: Pimento Cheese Festival South Carolina

Author: HERE Lexington