Catawba Fest Returns to Tega Cay This Saturday
Fall festival season is here, and Catawba Fest is back in Tega Cay this Saturday, September 26, bringing local vendors, live music, food and family fun to Catawba Park.
Hosted by the City of Tega Cay, Catawba Fest runs from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and is a great opportunity to get a jump-start on holiday shopping while enjoying a day outside with the family.
Shop Local for the Holidays
Catawba Fest kicks off the fall market season with a lineup of local and regional vendors offering everything from candles, clothing and creative arts to handmade jewelry, wood art and home décor.
If you're ready to start checking names off your holiday shopping list, this is a good place to find something a little more unique than what you'll find at the mall.
Kids Get to Be the Entrepreneurs
One of the highlights of Catawba Fest is the return of the Children's Entrepreneur Market for its third year.
The market gives kids from across the Carolinas the opportunity to run their own mini-businesses, with young entrepreneurs selling handmade crafts, food and games in a farmer's-market-style setting.
It's a fun way for kids to experience what it's like to create, market and sell something of their own.
Who's Brave Enough for the Eating Competition?
Catawba Fest is also bringing back the Smokin' Ed's Eating Competition, sponsored by PuckerButt Pepper Company, for its fourth year.
Competitors can test their limits in several categories, including mini pumpkin pie, pumpkin pie and mini cake. And for those looking for an extra challenge, there's the Carolina Reaper Dessert Competition for participants ages 18 and up.
Winners will take home bragging rights and a medal — and presumably a little respect from everyone who watched them do it.
Live Music All Day
The Catawba Stage will feature a full lineup of performances throughout the day.
The Gold Hill Middle School Band kicks things off at 10 a.m., followed by talented students from Tega Cay's Encore Music Studios at 11 a.m.
At 1:15 p.m., Mix Tape Entertainment will host karaoke during the changeover break, and School of Rock Fort Mill takes the stage at 2:15 p.m. School of Rock performers will also have the opportunity to be selected to perform at the 2027 Best Dam Food Festival.
The day's headliner is Diamond Dixie, the sister duo known for their "cool country" sound. The band returns to Tega Cay following a popular performance at the 2025 Uncle Sam Jam.
Catawba Fest Details
When: Saturday, September 26, 10 a.m.–6 p.m.
Where: Catawba Park, 2531 New Grey Rock Road, Tega Cay
Parking: On-site parking will be available at Catawba Park, with additional off-site parking also planned. More details on off-site parking will be announced by the City of Tega Cay.
Grab the family, bring your holiday shopping list and make a day of it at Catawba Fest!
