Fountain Inn Celebrates 20 Years of the Mac Arnold Cornbread and Collard Greens Blues Festival

The City of Fountain Inn invites the community to celebrate a major milestone as the 20th Annual Mac Arnold Cornbread and Collard Greens Blues Festival returns to Main Street on Saturday, April 11, from 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. This free, rain-or-shine event honors legendary blues musician Dr. Mac Arnold and celebrates two decades of music, culture, and community connection.

The festival began 20 years ago to support “Blues in the Schools,” an educational program through the I Can Do Anything Foundation that introduces young people to blues music and its rich history. Over the years, the festival has grown into a beloved tradition that brings together music lovers from across the region.

For Arnold, the event is deeply personal. A longtime blues musician who grew up just a few miles from Fountain Inn, he has spent his career sharing the music and culture that shaped him. Since the festival’s early days, Arnold has made it a point to bring together musicians from across the blues community, including artists he once played with in Chicago and beyond. “It started out supporting Blues in the Schools,” Arnold said. “We’re still at it. The goal has always been to share the music and keep the blues alive.”

After traveling to different locations during its early years, the festival has found a special home in Fountain Inn. Arnold says the downtown stage setup creates the perfect setting for live blues. “The stage is in the right place,” Arnold said. “When we play toward the buildings, it’s like playing inside a speaker cabinet. It sounds perfect.”

This year’s festival will feature six hours of live performances, including Jaguar 4, King Bees, Song Band, Marvin King Revue, and Mac Arnold & Plate Full O’ Blues—a lineup handpicked by Mac and guaranteed to deliver an unforgettable blues experience.

Complementing the music, festivalgoers can explore a vibrant Spring Market featuring more than 30 artisans and vendors, along with 11 food vendors serving a variety of local favorites, including Young’s BBQ, AP Funnel Cakes, Nard’s BBQ, Boyos Burgers, Rick’s Lemonade, Spears Acres, Mac Attack, Jeremiah’s Italian Ice, The Dial Company, Nonnie’s Pop, and Jake’s Boiled Peanuts. Guests can also enjoy on-site beverages from Voodoo Brewing, The Taproom, and The Wine Fountain, all of which will offer full service inside their businesses.

Downtown Fountain Inn will be filled with energy throughout the day, with local businesses open and welcoming visitors to shop, dine, and explore. Attendees are encouraged to make a day of it by supporting local merchants while enjoying the festival atmosphere. The popular Downtown Duck Hunt will return as a fun, family-friendly activity, with details available at mainstreetfountaininn.com.

Nearly 100 Jeeps are already registered for the crowd-favorite Jeep Jam, which will be showcased along South Main Street, highlighting the City’s new streetscape project and surrounding businesses. Attendees will have the opportunity to vote for their favorite Jeep in the “Best in Show” contest. Jeeps may register until 11:00 a.m. on the day of the event; registration is required to participate.

Families can also enjoy free face painting, balloon animals, and interactive selfie stations throughout downtown—perfect for making memories along the way. The Downtown Splash Pad officially opens that day, so be sure to bring swimsuits and towels for a little extra fun. While you’re exploring, take a step back in time with a visit to the Fountain Inn Museum, which will be open to welcome guests.

City departments—including Community Relations, Main Street Fountain Inn, Public Works, Police, and Fire—will be on-site to support the event and help ensure a safe, welcoming, and enjoyable experience for all.

As the festival celebrates its 20th anniversary, the City of Fountain Inn looks forward to honoring the legacy of Dr. Mac Arnold while continuing a tradition that brings music, food, and community together in the heart of downtown.

Residents and visitors alike are invited to join the celebration for an afternoon of blues music, cornbread and collard greens, shopping, and community spirit in Downtown Fountain Inn.

For more information and updates, visit www.mainstreetfountaininn.com or follow the City and Main Street Fountain Inn on social media.