Iris Festival Taste of the Gardens

Each year, more than 1,000 hungry festival-goers come out for one of the most popular events of the Iris Festival – “Taste at the Gardens.” The Taste, as most Sumterites refer to this fun event, kicks off the annual festival. This year, it will be held at the Garden Street Stage on May 25 from 6-8:30 p.m. The theme for 2023 is “A Night in Rio,” and attendees are encouraged to dress for Carnivale!

The Taste offers a wide variety of foods from local restaurants, caterers and individuals. Admission is FREE, and vendors will be accepting cash.

Come out to dance with the music from DJ Howie D and join the community at this year’s “Taste at the Gardens.” When else can you eat some great food, talk with friends, dance a little and even take an evening boat ride on Swan Lake?

Make plans to join us!

Taste at the Gardens

A Night in Rio Garden Street Stage

Thursday, May 25 from 6 – 8:30 p.m.

Listening. It’s where all progress begins. Committed people putting their ears in the right places to learn what our region needs most. Then comes the leveraging of data, networks and alliances for maximum philanthropic impact. This is Sumter Community Foundation.

This is investing for impact.

Since 1999, Sumter Community Foundation has awarded more than $220,000 in grants to Sumter nonprofits helping to improve the quality of life of Sumter County residents.