A Celebration of Art & Community
Wander through booths filled with one-of-a-kind paintings, pottery, jewelry, sculpture, fiber arts, and more, all handcrafted with passion and skill. Feel the pulse of the festival as live performances fill the air with contemporary folk, traditional, and bluegrass music at Saluda’s amphitheater. Families can delight in the Children’s Art Activity Tent—a creative space made possible by the generous support of the Saluda Community Fund Polk County Community Foundation Grant.
“For 20 years, Saluda, NC, has welcomed an incredible lineup of talented artists and crafters. We are proud to continue this tradition and look forward to another 20 years of creativity, inspiration, and community!” — Missy Orr, Festival Chair
Parking & Shuttle Service
This year’s festival features new event parking in the field next to Saluda Cemetery, courtesy of Clark, Pam, and Jonathan Thompson. Shuttles will run all day to and from the lot. Parking also is available in the municipal lot on East Main Street, Saluda Elementary School, and anywhere else parking is permitted. (NOTE: Our Police Department, as well as our neighbors, ask everyone not to block private streets, lots, or driveways.) Signs will show the way to parking areas and shuttle stops.
Unforgettable Live Music
The festival wouldn’t be complete without an incredible lineup of local musicians playing throughout the day. Enjoy the toe-tapping rhythms and soulful melodies that make the mountains come alive! All live music will be performed on the Ella Grace Mintz stage in McCreery Park. Thanks to Peter Eisenbrown for coordinating the music at this year’s festival.
Whether you’re an art lover, a music enthusiast, or simply looking for a perfect spring day in the mountains, the 20th Annual Saluda Arts Festival promises a day of beauty, creativity, and community spirit. Join us for this unforgettable celebration and help us make history!
Performing at Ella Grace Mintz Stage and Amphitheater
11am – 12pm ~ Mountain Song Community Chorus
Tap your feet and sing along as Saluda’s own Mountain Song Community Chorus sings Jazz Classics of the Big Band Era. This 45-voice choir presenting free concerts in Saluda, Tryon, Rutherfordton, and Hendersonville each spring and fall season draws singers from across our region. See more info at .MountainSong.info. Our Spring concert repertory includes “New York, New York”, “Unforgettable”, “Autumn Leaves”, Moon River”, “Fly Me to The Moon” and other top favorites. Bring a folding chair, sit back, and enjoy!
1pm – 2pm ~ Presentation of The Future Sullivan Memorial Park: A Celebration of Madame Phoebia Cheek Sullivan and Singer/songwriter Daryle Ryce, a Spartanburg native, began her career in Toledo, Ohio, performing with piano and guitar. Discovered in Charlotte by Loonis McGlohon, she developed a smooth, expressive style influenced by Ella Fitzgerald and Joni Mitchell. Known for her fluid vocals and subtle swing, Ryce shines in slow to mid-tempo ballads.
2pm – 4pm ~ 
The Trophy Husbands is a local band that originated in Polk County almost 25 years ago by a group of (mostly) regional artists who also had an affinity for playing music as their second vocation. Coincidently, the original member configuration found all members from large families which they attribute to the bands’ longevity, ability to have a good time and to get along. With Doug Dacey on Guitar/vocals, Andy Costine on Guitar/vocals, mandolin and mandola, Rich Nelson on Guitar/vocals, Stan Halbkat on Bass/vocals and Jay Wetmore on Drums/vocals, the Trophy Husbands collectively deliver a healthy palette of Americana music along with other popular musical styles of the 50’s, 60’s, 70’s and beyond. Check the band out on their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/trophyhusbandsnc.
Overmountain Old Time String Band ~ Overmountain Old Time String Band is an open acoustic jam and performance group playing traditional music of the southern Appalachians. They love to perform for various community events, churches, and assisted living venues in the Carolina foothills. They will be jamming away at the Saluda Studios across the Hwy 176 bridge and directly across from Green River BBQ.
Pet Policy
We love our furry friends, but for their comfort and safety, we recommend leaving them at home. Leashed pets are welcome at the festival if you choose to bring them along.
Family Fun & Children’s Tent
Get ready for a day packed with excitement for the whole family! This year’s festival brings even more fun for kids with mind-blowing magic acts, balloon artistry, thrilling juggling performances, and colorful face painting—all happening from 10 AM to 4 PM at the McCreery Park Pavilion. Thanks to the generosity of the Saluda Community Fund of the Polk County Community Foundation, all this entertainment is made possible to the Saluda community and visitors.
Experience the Charm of Saluda
Make the most of your visit to the Saluda Arts Festival by exploring the beauty and hospitality of Saluda. Whether you’re seeking a cozy bed-and-breakfast, a scenic mountain retreat, or a charming inn, you’ll find a variety of places to stay, all offering the perfect base for a relaxing getaway. After a day of art and festivities, savor a delicious meal at one of the town’s unique restaurants, where you can indulge in everything from Southern BBQ to gourmet fare. Don’t forget to explore the local shops along Main Street, where you’ll find handmade crafts, antiques, and unique treasures to take home. For more information on accommodations, dining options, and shopping, visit Places to Stay, Places to Eat, and Shop Saluda to plan your perfect festival weekend.
Sponsorships
2025 Saluda Arts Festival Sponsors
Thank you to this year’s sponsors of the 20th anniversary of the Saluda Arts Festival. Business Sponsorship categories are: Silver-$100.00, Gold-$250.00, Platinum-$500.00, and Underwriters-$1000.00 and up. Sponsors are also recognized in our media releases and announcements.
Underwriters: Allen Tate/Beverly Hanks Realty, John Case, Looking Glass Realty (Official sponsor of golf carts), RiverStreet Networks
Platinum: Autumn Care of Saluda, Back Alley Boutique and Bud Bar, Fishtop Properties, In Honor of Barbara and Robert Seiler by Martha Seiler Wynn
Gold: Barbara & Scott Cardais, Jim Carson Studio/Gallery, Kelly & Brett Brannon, Rush Dixon Architects, LLC, Gaile & Jerry Greenhoot, Green River BBQ, Mary Jane & David LaFave, Don Mintz Builders, LLC, Purple Onion, Spring Creek Interiors, Pam, Clark, and Jonathan Thompson
Silver: Lynn & Mike Cass, Charles Street Garden, Edward Jones-Stephanie Winterrowd, Hendersonville Board of Realtors, Preserving A Picturesque America, River Dog Run, Roger O’Connell Insurance Agency, Saluda Depot, Saluda Outfitters, Saluda Studio, LLC, The Saluda Inn, VisitSaludaNC.com, Wakey Monkey Saluda
For more information, please contact Beth Carson at bethcarson151@gmail.com
Volunteers
Call for Volunteers-Shifts Being Assigned-Sign Up Now!
The festival would not happen without its wonderful, dedicated volunteers. The Saluda Arts Festival needs volunteers to work one of four three-shifts the day of the event. Shifts are assigned and volunteer orientation occur prior to the event. Tasks include section leaders, section assistants, SAF information tent, parking supervisors at three lots, golf cart drivers and clean up. If you are interested in being part of the Saluda Arts Festival, please click on the link below to register or contact Linda Bailey at boblindabailey@hotmail.com with any questions you may have.
The Saluda Arts Festival is organized and sponsored by the Saluda Downtown Foundation and funded through this organization and its sponsors. Because of the love and support from many individual donors and business sponsors, the Saluda Downtown Foundation is able to keep this popular festival running year after year. Organization and execution of the event is done entirely by Saluda volunteers who graciously and lovingly provide the workforce to make this happen each year.
More detailed information with maps will be updated on saluda.com and click on the Saluda Arts Festival link. Check Facebook for updates about the festival.
For questions, please contact saludancartsfestival@gmail.com
