2022 is shaping up to be the year of the festival in Anderson.

In addition to the Soirée coming to downtown Anderson April 29-30, the Anderson International Festival will return to the Electric City in January with GermanFest, a three-month celebration highlighting the arts, history and culture of Germany.

GermanFest kicks off on Tuesday, January 4, at the Anderson Arts Center where guests will enjoy music by The Foothills Oompah Band, a food truck experience, and a pub crawl featuring downtown breweries and craft beer establishments. The event runs from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m.

Following the kickoff event, exhibits and activities focusing on Germany will be held throughout the community. From museum exhibits and fairy tale readings to book studies and German-inspired wine dinners, GermanFest will offer experiences for all ages.

The 2022 Anderson International Festival is presented by Anderson Area Sister Cities. a member of the Sister Cities International. Sister Cities members work to promote peace and understanding through exchanges and initiatives that focus on arts and culture, youth and education, business and trade, and community development.

Seven organizations have signed on as partners for the festival, with activities and events scheduled throughout Anderson County. For up-to-date information on festival events, follow Anderson Area Sister Cities on Facebook, or contact participating organizations for additional details.

Participating organizations are:

Anderson County Museum
AndersonCountyMuseum.sc.gov, (864) 260-4737

Anderson Arts Center
AndersonArts.org, 864-222-2787

Anderson County Library
AndersonLibrary.org, (864) 260-4500

Belton Area Museum Association
beltonmuseum.com, 864 338-7400

The Kitchen Emporium
thekitchenemporium.net, (864) 225-2021

City of Anderson
cityofandersonsc.com, (864) 231-2601

Anderson University
andersonuniversity.edu