Simpsonville set to host Spark Fest Block Party this Thursday to Celebrate 125 years
August 10, 2026
Local residents looking to celebrate the end of summer and ring in the new school year have a major community event to add to their calendars. The Simpsonville Police Department and local city officials are reminding the public that Simpsonville’s Spark Fest Block Party will take place this Thursday, August 13.
The free, family-friendly block party is the centerpiece of a week-long Founder’s Day celebration running from August 10 through August 14. This year’s festivities carry extra significance as Simpsonville marks its 125th anniversary as an incorporated municipality.
A Look Back at Simpsonville’s History
Originally established in the 1820s at the intersection of former Cherokee trails and stagecoach routes, the area was first named after Peter Simpson, an early settler and local blacksmith. Simpsonville officially incorporated as a city in 1901, laying the foundation for what would evolve from a small agricultural and railroad hub into one of the fastest-growing cities in Greenville County.
To honor this milestone, the city created Spark Fest as a way to bring community members together, blending local history and heritage with modern community pride. Along with the outdoor block party, the 125th-anniversary Founder’s Day week features historical exhibits and local arts celebrations highlighting the town’s journey over the last century and a quarter.
Event Details & What to Expect
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Date: Thursday, August 13
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Time: 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
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Location: Gracely Park (100 Park Dr, Simpsonville, SC 29681)
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Admission: Free
Attendees can look forward to an evening filled with live music, food trucks and local vendors, art displays, and family activities designed for all ages. In addition to commemorating 125 years of city history, the event serves as a festive send-off for local students heading back to school.
Organizers encourage residents to arrive early to secure parking and take in the festivities. For real-time updates and additional details about Founder’s Day events throughout the week, follow @DISCOVERSimpsonville on social media.
