Artisphere in Greenville: May 7-9, 2027, hours, parking, closures

Last checked Oct. 16, 2026. This page is updated each year at the same address. Facts come from the festival’s own site, artisphere.org, and its FAQ and impact page. Where 2027 details are not out, we give the 2026 ones and say so.

Artisphere is Greenville’s fine arts festival, a free weekend of art, music and local food on Main Street every May. The next one is Friday through Sunday, May 7-9, 2027, the festival says. It ends on Mother’s Day, Sunday, May 9.

Know before you go

• When: May 7-9, 2027; 2027 hours not yet posted
• Where: Main Street from Court Street to Wardlaw Street, across Liberty Bridge to the Grand Bohemian Lodge lawn
• Cost: free; no tickets or reservations
• Parking: $10 special event rate in city garages
• Festival headquarters: City Hall lobby, 206 S. Main St.
• Official site: artisphere.org

How big it is

The festival started in 2003 and has run every May since 2005. Its own count for the 2026 festival:

• 85,000 patrons, a third of them visitors from out of town
• $17 million in local economic impact
• 1,063 artists applied for Artist Row; 140 were picked by a jury
• 130 performances and 38 demonstrations and exhibits
• 400 volunteers

The 2026 festival also put a record $100,000 back into local artists, arts groups and nonprofits, the organizers say.

When it is open

The 2027 daily hours have not been posted. The 2026 hours, May 8-10, were:

The festival goes on rain or shine.

Where it is and what is there

The site runs along Main Street from Court Street to Wardlaw Street and crosses Liberty Bridge to take in the lawn at the Grand Bohemian Lodge. Artist Row is the juried show and sale of the selected artists’ work; there are also performing arts stages, demonstrations and exhibits, and local restaurants with wine, beer and soft drinks, according to the festival. Ask before you photograph an artist’s work. The festival store sells posters, tote bags and T-shirts.

Artists who want a 2027 booth apply through the festival’s applications page.

Road closures and parking

• Closures: Main Street at River and Markley streets and other access streets close from 4 a.m. on the Thursday before the festival, according to its FAQ.
• Garages: all city-owned garages charge a $10 special event rate; private lots vary. Accessible parking is in every city garage. The city lists its decks on its garages and lots page.
• Bike Valet: free, run by Bike Walk Greenville on the Swamp Rabbit Trail under the Main Street Bridge. It takes bikes, scooters and strollers.

What to know

• Pets: no; service animals only.
• Not allowed: lawn chairs, blankets, coolers, roller skates, skateboards, bikes and other personal transportation on the festival site. Smoking and vaping are banned on site.
• Strollers and wheelchairs are welcome but not for rent.
• Restrooms: portable toilets, including accessible ones, on Oneal Street and Wardlaw Street.
• Lost children and lost items: festival headquarters in the City Hall lobby, 206 S. Main St., or any Greenville police officer on site.

What this means for you

• Mark May 7-9, 2027; it overlaps Mother’s Day weekend.
• Expect Main Street closures from early Thursday, May 6.
• Leave the dog and the lawn chairs at home.

More guides: Mother’s Day in Greenville, Falls Park on the Reedy, getting around Greenville and things to do in Greenville.

Frequently asked questions

When is Artisphere 2027?

Artisphere 2027 is Friday through Sunday, May 7-9, 2027, in downtown Greenville, according to the festival. Daily hours for 2027 are not out yet; in 2026 they were noon to 8 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday.

Is Artisphere free?

Yes. Admission is free and no tickets or reservations are needed. Food, drinks and art are for sale.

Where do I park for Artisphere?

City-owned parking garages charge a $10 special event rate during the festival, and private lots set their own prices. Bike Walk Greenville runs a free bike valet on the Swamp Rabbit Trail under the Main Street Bridge.

Can I bring my dog to Artisphere?

No. Only service animals are allowed on the festival site.

What streets close for Artisphere?

Main Street at River and Markley streets and other access streets close from 4 a.m. on the Thursday before the festival, the organizers say.