St. Pat’s in Five Points returns to Columbia — here’s what’s new this year

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St. Pat’s in Five Points, South Carolina’s largest one-day festival according to a news release, returns on Saturday, March 16, for the 42nd event in Columbia.

The festivities kick off with the Get to the Green race at 7:30 a.m., followed by the St. Pat’s Parade at 10 a.m. and live music performances beginning at 11 a.m., the release stated.

“St. Pat’s in Five Points is a much-anticipated annual event for both Columbia locals and visitors,” said Heather McDonald, executive director of the Five Points Association, in the release. “We’re excited to host a celebration that feels like home, yet constantly evolves to offer new experiences for our guests.”

Here’s what’s new this year

• The Saint alcohol-free mocktail lounge. Showcases an exclusive selection of non-alcoholic beer and other beverages, including rotating mocktail features from Kao Thai, Backstreets Grill of Columbia, Smoked and Indah Coffee.
• Paddy’s Mini-Ramp Jam. Features a “learn to skate” beginner’s clinic, intermediate/advanced ramp jams, best trick contest and cash prizes. The $30 registration fee includes festival entry.
• Logan’s Irish Pub Pop-Up. Features O’Hara’s house band and traditional Irish foods, provided by O’Hara’s Public House.
• Refillable water stations. Guests are encouraged to bring empty reusable water bottles (plastic or aluminum; no glass) to refill at hydration stations, located throughout the festival.
• Free satellite parking and shuttle. Free parking is available at the South Carolina State Fair Grounds with complementary shuttle service provided by The COMET. The lot opens at 6 a.m. on Saturday, March 16, with shuttles running every 30 minutes from 6:30 a.m.-8 p.m. Restrooms and overnight parking are also provided.
• Cashless event. This is a cashless event, excluding independent bars, restaurants and retail vendors.

“This year, we’re continuing beloved traditions like the Get to the Green race, St. Pat’s parade and a diverse music lineup, while introducing new experiences, including The Saint mocktail lounge, Paddy’s Mini-Ramp Jam and Logan’s Irish Pub Pop-Up,” McDonald said. “We’re also providing free satellite parking and shuttle service as well as hydration stations throughout the festival.”

Schedule of events

• 7:30 a.m.: Get to the Green 5K, 10K and 1-Mile Family Fun Run
• 10 a.m.: St. Pat’s Parade. The St. Pat’s Parade, presented by Carolina Gold Construction, covers a one-mile stretch that starts at Devine Street and Sims Avenue, turns right onto Harden Street and ends on College Street. This year’s Grand Marshal will be mascots from local sports teams, universities and children’s organizations.
• 10 a.m.-6 p.m.: Pot O’Gold Playland. The Pot O’Gold Playland, located in the Andy’s Deli parking lot at 2005 Greene St., is free for children 12 and under. Activities include: balloon art, face painting, games, rides and more. Green Street family entrance: Adults/Guardians can receive a one-time re-entry into the festival at the Greene Street Family Gate, located at Andy’s Deli only, and enjoy the rest of the day’s offerings.
• 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m.: Paddy’s Mini-Ramp Jam. The Paddy’s Mini-Ramp Jam, presented by Bluetile, will be held at 818 Harden St. Registration is $30 for contest entry and includes festival admission. Event features include: “Learn to skate” beginner’s clinic, intermediate and advanced ramp jams, best trick contest and cash prizes.
• 11 a.m.-7 p.m.: Live Music Performances
• 7 p.m.: Festival Ends

Click here for more information, including entertainment lineups.