St. Pat’s in Five Points donates more than $59,000 to local charities and nonprofits

Annual check presentation celebrates community impact as festival looks ahead to  milestone 45th year 

St. Pat’s in Five Points has officially wrapped its 44th annual  festival season by giving back in a big way. During a special check presentation celebration held at  All Good Books in Columbia on May 20, festival organizers recognized 37 Midlands-area charities,  nonprofit organizations and community groups benefiting from this year’s event proceeds. 

Thanks to the continued support of festival attendees, sponsors, volunteers and community partners,  St. Pat’s in Five Points donated more than $59,000 this year, bringing the festival’s lifetime charitable  giving total to more than $1.3 million. 

“St. Pat’s in Five Points has always been about more than one incredible day of celebration. It is about creating a lasting impact in our community,” says Heather McDonald, executive director of the  Five Points Association. “Every ticket purchased, every volunteer hour and every partnership helps  support organizations doing meaningful work across the Midlands. As we close out our 44th year and  look ahead to celebrating our milestone 45th festival, we are incredibly proud of the legacy this event  continues to build.” 

The annual recognition event highlights the festival’s longstanding commitment to giving back to the  community that has supported St. Pat’s in Five Points for more than four decades. 

This year’s $59,060 donation supports the following organizations: 

• Ancient Order of Hibernians 
• Alpha Chapter 14631 Beta Sigma Phi
• The Arc of the Midlands, Inc 
• Carolina for All Education Foundation 
• Children’s Alliance of North Columbia
• City Year, Inc 
• Columbia Opportunity Resource 
• Connick School of Irish Dance 
• Columbia Police Citizens Academy Alumni
• Columbia Women’s Rugby (Bombshells) 
• Columbia Roller Derby 
• COLUMBIA SC STARLINGS VOLLEYBALL
• Dreher High School Band Booster Club 
• Fact Forward
• Free Mom Hugs — South Carolina Chapter 
• Gamecock Club Swimming 
• Girl Scouts Troop 3375
• Homeless No More 
• Kappa Delta Sorority – Beta Zeta Chapter
• Lady Team Unleashed
• Ly-Ben Dance Alliance 
• MLK Lower Waverly Neighborhood Association 
• Magnolia Drifters Rugby 
• Richland County Regulators Roller Derby
• Columbia Rugby Football Club 
• Richland County First Steps 
• South Carolina Pride Movement Inc
• The Talented Tenth South Carolina 
• Westminster Presbyterian Church 
• Military Vehicle Collectors of South Carolina
• *In partnership: Legion Post 90, Am Vets Post 33, Living Word 
• Wheeler Hill Neighborhood Association 
• Transgender Awareness Alliance
• Wrecking Balls 
• Vital Connections of the Midlands 

The 2026 festival welcomed more than 24,500 attendees to Five Points for a full day of live music,  community traditions, and family-friendly entertainment. Festival highlights included: 

• A record-breaking turnout of more than 2,800 participants in the Get to the Green race • Continued expansion of the Pot O’ Gold Playland to accommodate growing family  attendance 
• Another unforgettable performance by Congress The Band, who were honored with Keys to  the City presented by Mayor Daniel Rickenmann 
• The return of The Saint mocktail lounge for its third year 
• Smooth and efficient guest entry operations throughout the day 

“As we begin planning for next year, there’s an even greater sense of excitement surrounding what’s  ahead,” says McDonald. “The 45th Annual St. Pat’s in Five Points will be a celebration of the people,  partnerships and traditions that have made this festival one of Columbia’s most iconic events for  nearly half a century.” 

The 45th Annual St. Pat’s in Five Points is scheduled for Saturday, March 20, 2027. 

For more information, visit stpatscolumbia.com or follow the festival on Facebook @stpatsinfivepoints and Instagram @stpatsinfivepoints.  

About St. Pat’s in Five Points 

Set in the vibrant Five Points district of Columbia South Carolina,St. Pat’s in Five Points is one of the largest St.  Patrick’s Day festivals in the Southeast, drawing more than 26,500 attendees of all ages from across the region  and beyond. The annual event showcases a diverse lineup of musical acts across multiple stages and features  a variety of food and beverage vendors, artisans, and family-friendly attractions, including the Pot O’ Gold  Playland, the Get to the Green race and the St. Pat’s Parade. St. Pat’s in Five Points is a Columbia tradition  known for its fun atmosphere and focus on giving back to the Midlands community. To date, the Five Points  Association has donated more than $1.3 million to local charities.  

About the Five Points Association 

Founded in 1983, the Five Points Association is a nonprofit organization that is dedicated to the growth and  evolution of Five Points, a one-of-a-kind commercial and residential district that is home to more than 100  businesses. Led by an executive director and governed by a board of directors, the Five Points Association  oversees the efforts to promote, grow and support the Five Points district. The Five Points Association oversees  the district’s events, development, clean and safe team, and beautification projects. Visit  

https://fivepointscolumbia.com to learn more.