National, regional, and local creatives are in town this Mother’s Day weekend as Artisphere 2026, presented by Prisma Health, has officially arrived in downtown Greenville.
The 22nd annual event, tailored to showcase 140 emerging and established mixed-media artists, will take place from May 8 to 10. Throughout downtown Main Street, this open-air art festival will feature food trucks, free live music and entertainment, and family activities for all to enjoy.
Over the past two years, Artisphere has been nominated for USA TODAY’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards and is again nominated for the reader-voted list in 2026, as it expects to eclipse the 80,000 visitors mark this year. For a full scope of activities slated for this weekend’s art festival, see our festival preview guide.
People walk down the street Friday, May 8, 2026, during Artisphere in downtown Greenville, South Carolina.
As Greenville’s most grand art weekend takes place, here are the basics to know when planning a trip downtown to Artisphere 2026:
What’s at the festival: How to experience Greenville’s art festival: Artisphere 2026 guide
What are the hours of Artisphere 2026
Friday, May 8 — noon to 8 p.m.
Saturday, May 9 — 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Sunday, May 10 — 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
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A performer performs Friday, May 8, 2026, during Artisphere in downtown Greenville, South Carolina.
Best places for parking near Artisphere 2026 festival grounds
Nearly 800 free street parking spaces are available in Greenville, but those who miss out on non-paid parking can find many public and private lots near Artisphere 2026.
According to the city’s website, Greenville has 18 parking garages within walking or rideshare distance to downtown Greenville, the site of Artisphere 2026.
During this year’s festival, there will be a $10 special event rate at all city-owned garages throughout the entire weekend. For real-time updates on vacancies at each specific garage near downtown, visit: greenvillesc.gov/513/Parking
People walk through booths Friday, May 8, 2026, during Artisphere in downtown Greenville, South Carolina.
Biking to Artisphere 2026 festival grounds
Bikes, scooters, and strollers have designated parking at Artisphere 2026.
Through Bike Walk Greenville, their bike valet service will offer a free, safe way to secure bike parking. Roller skates, skateboards, motor bikes, and personal transportation are prohibited from festival grounds and cannot be stored in this area.
To help avoid traffic and parking, the bike valet service at Artisphere 2026 is stationed on the Swamp Rabbit Trail under the Main Street Bridge and is available only during festival hours.
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People watch performers Friday, May 8, 2026, during Artisphere in downtown Greenville, South Carolina.
Road closures for Artisphere 2026
Road closures for Artisphere 2026 began on May 7 and last through May 10. The following roads will be closed throughout the festival:
Between Main Street from Court to Wardlaw and Broad Street from Laurens to Falls will be closed from 9 a.m. on May 7 to 11 p.m. on May 10.
Augusta Street from Boggs to University will close from 7 p.m. on May 7 to 11 p.m. on May 10.
More: When is Mother’s Day 2026? Take a look at the history of day for mom
Photo taken on Friday, May 8, 2026, during Artisphere in downtown Greenville, South Carolina.
What items are not allowed at Artisphere 2026
Lawn chairs, blankets for stationary seating, and coolers are not allowed on the festival site.
No pets are allowed on festival grounds; only service animals are permitted at Artisphere 2026
No smoking or vaping is allowed on festival grounds
For more information, visit: artisphere.org
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– A.J. Jackson covers business, the food & dining scene, and downtown culture for The Greenville News. Contact him by email at ajackson@usatodayco.com, and follow him on X (formerly Twitter) @ajhappened. This coverage is only possible with support from our readers. Sign up today for a digital subscription.
This article originally appeared on Greenville News: Artisphere 2026 parking, road closures, hours and more
