Mark your calendars for May 17, 2025, and get ready to experience the 20th Annual Saluda Arts Festival—a milestone celebration set against the breathtaking backdrop of springtime in the Blue Ridge Mountains! As the crisp mountain air fills with the scent of blooming wildflowers and fresh greenery, historic Main Street will come alive with the colors, sounds, and energy of this beloved event. From Nostalgia Courtyard to the Bridge, talented artists from across Western NC and the Upstate of SC will transform our charming downtown into a spectacular outdoor gallery from 10 AM to 4 PM.
For two decades, the Saluda Arts Festival has been a vibrant showcase of creativity, drawing thousands of visitors to reconnect with their favorite artists and discover new talent. Many returning artists have been part of this tradition for years, making it the perfect opportunity to celebrate their work while embracing the magic of Saluda’s artistic spirit.
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
Savor the Flavors of Saluda
Take a break and indulge in the delicious flavors of Saluda’s restaurants, where you’ll find everything from Mexican and pizza to gourmet cuisine—all served with warm hospitality.
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.
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!
Mountain Song Community Chorus to Perform at 20th Annual Saluda Arts Festival
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!
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. There have been some personnel changes through the years but the solid foundation of brotherly love remains strong. Check the band out on their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/trophyhusbandsnc.
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.
Delicious Eats
Satisfy your cravings with an incredible selection of mouthwatering meals from Saluda’s best restaurants! Whether you’re in the mood for BBQ, pizza, or a gourmet feast, every eatery in town will be open and ready to serve up something delicious for festival-goers.
Convenient Parking & Shuttle Service
No need to stress about parking! Designated spots are available along Main Street, at Saluda School’s back lot, Saluda Presbyterian Church (Carolina St.), First Baptist Church, Saluda Methodist Church (Greenville St.), the West Main Public Parking Lot, and the Saluda Fire Department (Greenville St.). Need a lift? Shuttle carts will be running throughout the day to help transport visitors to and from parking areas.
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.
Get ready for an unforgettable day of fun, food, and festivities!
Saluda Arts Festival Sponsorships Available-Great Opportunity to Promote Your Business in Saluda!
We sincerely thank our sponsors for their gracious contributions, which continue to support the Art culture and history in Saluda. Without these sponsorships, we would not be able to offer the same top quality, family-oriented cultural event for which we are recognized. We are grateful to all our sponsors who contribute funds to support the Saluda Arts Festival.
Individual sponsorships can be made for any amount. Business sponsorships will be recognized on a 4’ X 5’ "Sponsor Banner" that will be on display one week before the 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.
Be recognized for supporting the Arts.
If you would like to be a sponsor of this year's festival, please contribute by April 15. Sponsorships payments can be made to Saluda Downtown Foundation and mailed to PO Box 601, Saluda, NC 28773.
The event is promoted within a two to four hour driving distance of Saluda. We advertise on two NPR public broadcasting stations, electronic boards, regional trade magazines, circulated marketing literature and appear on local TV spots.
We invite you to visit saluda.com and click on the Saluda Arts Festival under Events to get more information. See what you are missing and expand your business footprint in the surrounding area.
For more information, please contact Beth Carson at
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
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.
