Annual check presentation celebrates community impact as festival looks ahead to milestone 45th year
St. Pat’s in Five Points has officially wrapped its 44th annual festival season by giving back in a big way. During a special check presentation celebration held at All Good Books in Columbia on May 20, festival organizers recognized 37 Midlands-area charities, nonprofit organizations, and community groups benefiting from this year’s event proceeds.
Thanks to the continued support of festival attendees, sponsors, volunteers, and community partners, St. Pat’s in Five Points donated more than $59,000 this year, bringing the festival’s lifetime charitable giving total to more than $1.3 million.
“St. Pat’s in Five Points has always been about more than one incredible day of celebration. It is about creating a lasting impact in our community,” says Heather McDonald, executive director of the Five Points Association. “Every ticket purchased, every volunteer hour, and every partnership helps support organizations doing meaningful work across the Midlands. As we close out our 44th year and look ahead to celebrating our milestone 45th festival, we are incredibly proud of the legacy this event continues to build.”
The annual recognition event highlights the festival’s longstanding commitment to giving back to the community that has supported St. Pat’s in Five Points for more than four decades.
This year’s $59,060 donation supports the following organizations:
- Ancient Order of Hibernians
- Alpha Chapter 14631 Beta Sigma Phi
- The Arc of the Midlands, Inc
- Carolina for All Education Foundation
- Children’s Alliance of North Columbia
- City Year, Inc
- Columbia Opportunity Resource
- Connick School of Irish Dance
- Columbia Police Citizens Academy Alumni
- Columbia Women’s Rugby (Bombshells)
- Columbia Roller Derby
- COLUMBIA SC STARLINGS VOLLEYBALL
- Dreher High School Band Booster Club
- Fact Forward
- Free Mom Hugs — South Carolina Chapter
- Gamecock Club Swimming
- Girl Scouts Troop 3375
- Homeless No More
- Kappa Delta Sorority – Beta Zeta Chapter
- Lady Team Unleashed
- Ly-Ben Dance Alliance
- MLK Lower Waverly Neighborhood Association
- Magnolia Drifters Rugby
- Richland County Regulators Roller Derby
- Columbia Rugby Football Club
- Richland County First Steps
- South Carolina Pride Movement Inc
- The Talented Tenth South Carolina
- Westminster Presbyterian Church
- Military Vehicle Collectors of South Carolina
- *In partnership: Legion Post 90, Am Vets Post 33, Living Word
- Wheeler Hill Neighborhood Association
- Transgender Awareness Alliance
- Wrecking Balls
- Vital Connections of the Midlands
The 2026 festival welcomed more than 24,500 attendees to Five Points for a full day of live music, community traditions, and family-friendly entertainment. Festival highlights included:
- A record-breaking turnout of more than 2,800 participants in the Get to the Green race • Continued expansion of the Pot O’ Gold Playland to accommodate growing family attendance
- Another unforgettable performance by Congress The Band, who were honored with Keys to the City presented by Mayor Daniel Rickenmann
- The return of The Saint mocktail lounge for its third year
- Smooth and efficient guest entry operations throughout the day
“As we begin planning for next year, there’s an even greater sense of excitement surrounding what’s ahead,” says McDonald. “The 45th Annual St. Pat’s in Five Points will be a celebration of the people, partnerships and traditions that have made this festival one of Columbia’s most iconic events for nearly half a century.”
The 45th Annual St. Pat’s in Five Points is scheduled for Saturday, March 20, 2027.
For more information, visit stpatscolumbia.com or follow the festival on Facebook @stpatsinfivepoints and Instagram @stpatsinfivepoints.
