Catawba Fest fills Catawba Park in Tega Cay on Saturday, Sept. 26, with eight hours of free live music, food trucks, vendors and a pepper-eating competition.

Admission is free.

The City of Tega Cay hosts the festival from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at 2531 New Grey Rock Road, according to the city's Catawba Fest page.

Opening ceremony

Mayor Carmen Miller and Tega Cay City Council open the day at 10 a.m. Emcee Cynthia LaDue Striegel introduces the Tega Cay Veterans Association Presentation of Colors. Gold Hill Middle School performs the National Anthem under the direction of band director Jennifer Isenhour.

Music lineup

The Catawba Stage runs all day:

  • 10:15 a.m. — Gold Hill Middle School Band
  • 11 a.m. — Encore Music Studios
  • 1:15 p.m. — Mix Tape Entertainment (karaoke)
  • 2:15 p.m. — School of Rock Fort Mill
  • 4:45 p.m. — Diamond Dixie

Country-rock sister duo Diamond Dixie, Gabriela and Bianca LeDuc, close the festival. As we reported Sept. 23, the band returns to Tega Cay after performing at the 2025 Uncle Sam Jam. School of Rock Fort Mill performers may be selected to play at the 2027 Best Dam Food Festival, Fort Mill Now reported.

Kids Market and PuckerButt competition

The Children's Entrepreneur Market returns for its third year. Young business owners from across the Carolinas sell handmade crafts, food and games in a farmers-market-style setup.

The PuckerButt Pepper Company eating competition is back for a fourth year. Registration opens at 11 a.m. at the Event Welcome Tent near the Police and Fire tents. Competitions begin at 2 p.m. with mini pumpkin pie, pumpkin pie and mini cake categories. The Carolina Reaper Dessert Competition is open to participants 18 and older.

Food, drinks and vendors

Vendors sell arts, crafts, jewelry, clothing and home décor. Food trucks line the park, and The Garrison at Tega Cay hosts a beer and wine truck for adults.

Pets, outside coolers, outside food and drinks, skateboards, rollerblades, bicycles, scooters, political signage, outside alcohol and weapons are not allowed.

Getting there

A free Park & Ride shuttle runs from Carolinas Cornerstone Church, 1790 Gardendale Road in Fort Mill, to Catawba Park starting at 10 a.m. Buses depart roughly every 15 minutes. Handicapped-accessible transportation is available at the shuttle pickup.

Coming up

Catawba nuclear plant sirens sound Wednesday, Oct. 7, in an annual test across York and Lancaster counties.