Become a Sponsor
The Sumter Iris Festival is dedicated to celebrating the beauty of Swan Lake Iris Gardens by fostering community engagement and cultural enrichment. We strive to offer educational opportunities and create a vibrant, inclusive event that unites residents and visitors in a shared appreciation for gardening, artistry, and family-friendly activities. Through these efforts, we aim to enhance the local spirit and showcase the natural and artistic splendor of our cherished gardens.
Thank you for your support of the Sumter Iris Festival.
The Sumter Iris Festival, a 501(c)(3) organization, is the state’s oldest continuous 3-day festival and is consistently ranked among the top festivals in the Southeast. The festival appeals to a wide range of interests, including flowers, pageants, classic cars, artists and crafters. The festival takes place annually in May at Swan Lake Iris Gardens, which is a 150-acre gift to the community from the Bland and Heath families. The Certified Level II Arboretum features over 120 varieties of iris that bloom in late spring among many other plants and animals, including all eight species of swan in the world.