The Winterville Marigold Festival Board announced on Apr. 16 that the annual festival will take place on Saturday, May 9, 2026, at Pittard Park. The event will feature a variety of activities including live music performances, arts and crafts vendors, food options, and entertainment for children.
The festival is known for its family-friendly atmosphere and aims to bring together residents from Winterville and surrounding areas. Organizers said the day will begin at 7:30 am with the Marigold 10K run hosted by Athens Road Runners. The parade through town will follow at 10 am led by the Marigold Express II train.
Throughout the day, visitors can explore more than eighty arts and crafts booths as well as specialty and non-profit vendors. Demonstrations are scheduled from Canopy Studios, Athens Skatepark Project, several artists, and food vendors offering various cuisines. Children’s entertainment includes a puppet show on the Kid’s Stage at Front Porch Bookstore along with bouncy houses and face painting in a dedicated area behind the bookstore.
Musical highlights include an afternoon performance by Nashville folk-punk singer-songwriter Sunny War. Local band Me’an Mills featuring Winterville Mayor Dodd is also set to perform before headliners Andy & Mandy—a brother-sister country duo from Savannah—take the stage in the evening.
Elise Geruntino has been named as this year’s featured artist for her digital illustrations inspired by art history and nature. Geruntino is a Winterville resident who received her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design from UGA.
Festival organizers expressed gratitude toward sponsors such as Athens Ford, LeafFilter Gutter Protection, Sporting Arms, The Commercial Bank among others for their support of this community event. They noted that all contributions supporting the festival are tax deductible since Winterville Marigold Festival Inc. operates as a nonprofit organization under section 501(c)(3).
More information about schedules or participation can be found on www.marigoldfestival.com or via social media @MarigoldFestival.
