The Festival at the Friars' Gate

08/25/2026

Did you love Holler & Crow at the festival? They've got an album out!

08/21/2026

Ravenmoore (Moore Park) is quieter this time of year. And hotter! So very, very hot. But festival preparation is a year-round job.

While taking measurements today, I paused to sit on a shady bench. Two squirrels immediately bounded over, sat up on their haunches and looked at me expectantly, sitting just a few feet away.
I told them out loud, I have no snacks.
They watched me for a few moments more, then scampered off in opposite directions.
Until I reached into my bag and accidentally crumpled a receipt inside.
This guy stopped in his tracks, whipped around and stared me down.
"I HEAR snacks!"
There were, in fact, no snacks. Not this visit, anyway. I showed him the receipt but he was not convinced. He watched me until I walked away.
Then he checked under the bench just to make sure I hadn't left something behind.

06/22/2026

If you want one of the Limited Edition first-year Festival at the Friar's Gate coins, get to Woodrow Market (or contact them for shipping) .
$30 each, pure pewter, minted for us right here in Irmo!

Only 44 coins remain! The Festival at the Friars' Gate

Come get yours!

7500 Woodrow St in Irmo SC

Open Monday through Saturday from 10a to 6p and Sunday 12-5p

06/13/2026

The Festival at the Friars' Gate ONLY communicates via the friarsgatefestival.com email address.
Not random gmail accounts.
Payments are ONLY made via the Festival site.
Not Venmo. Not Paypal. Not CashApp.
Do not fall for scams!
https://www.friarsgatefestival.com

06/11/2026

2027 Will Be Happening!

May 22-23, 2027

Are you interested in participating in the 2027 Festival at the Friars' Gate?
Future vendors, food vendors, performers and volunteers will be notified by email when applications go online.
To make sure you get a notification, go to:
https://www.friarsgatefestival.com/notifications

05/27/2026

For one weekend in May, the beautiful Moore Park became the magical village of Ravenmoore, offering entertainment, shopping, food and fun to all.

This year’s festival brought thousands of people together but operational costs, staffing shortages, and lower-than-expected concession sales left the festival operating at a significant loss.

We made the decision to have free admission because we believe families should be able to experience wonder, music, stories, costumes, knights and magic without a financial barrier. We still believe that. We built the festival for the community and we want everyone to be able to attend.

Our long-term goal is to secure strong corporate sponsorships so the festival can grow sustainably without placing the burden on attendees. Until then, we are trying to bridge the gap and keep the gates open for another year.

If you would like to see this festival continue in Irmo and become an annual event, we would deeply appreciate your support.

Even small contributions help more than you know.

Donate to the Festival- https://square.link/u/vlFIBAzm

05/19/2026

Looking for the first annual Festival at the Friars' Gate coin?
They are now being sold at the Woodrow Marketplace.

Solid pewter, they feature the Friars' Gate on one side and our own Sea Serpent from the pond on the back. This first year coin features the Serpentine Society, one of our five factions.

Each year, we'll feature a different faction.

They are $30, made of solid pewter and minted right here in Irmo by https://headsortailsmint.com/

There are only 70 of the original coins left, so reach out or head over to Woodrow Marketplace to get yours! They are conveniently located near the park on Woodrow St.

Discover rare gems from our 50+ local artisans and upscale resale vendors at Woodrow Marketplace in Irmo, SC. Explore unique items, handmade crafts, and support small businesses in our vibrant location at 7500 Woodrow St.

05/17/2026

If you are coming to the Festival today, there is no onsite parking available until after 12:00. Only people who have prepaid for parking are able to park onsite before noon.
After noon, parking is $20 and you need to come down Moseley Rd off Carlisle St (the gravel road) to access parking.

No traffic should be coming into the park via Church St- Church St is exit only.

Remote parking is open at Irmo Wellness Center and Green Charter School. Please drop off your riders by coming to the park via College St-Eastview Dr entrance and letting your riders out near the stage.
Then proceed to remote parking. This helps us to fit more drivers into the shuttles while letting your riders start enjoying the festival.

Thank you and we'll see you at the Gate!

Send a message to learn more