It was Anderson’s signature event for almost 20 years. After a 13-year hiatus, the Soirée will return to the streets of the Electric City in 2022.
A popular Upstate arts festival that energized the streets of downtown Anderson, the Soirée started in 1985 with Leadership Anderson Class 1 and ran until 1989 as one of the first arts festivals in the region. It was re-established in 1996 with Leadership Anderson Class 11 and continued until 2009. Like the original versions, the 2022 Soirée will focus on the culinary, visual and performing arts, organizers say.
“It was time for Anderson to once again have a signature festival,” said Caroline Gaddis, Business Education and Event Manager for the City of Anderson. “Anderson was known for the Soirée for almost 20 years, and we’re excited to be able to bring it back.”
Hosted by City of Anderson and coordinated by a committee of community volunteers, the Soirée will be a two-day cultural experience held April 29-30, 2022. Visitors will enjoy live performances with multiple stages, visual artists selling original handcrafted works and delicious food prepared by some of Anderson’s finest chefs.
The outdoor festival also will feature games, activities and art projects especially for children and families in the Kids Kingdom, Gaddis said.
Visual, culinary and performing artists wishing to participate in the Soirée can go HERE to apply online.
For companies and organizations interested in receiving sponsorship information, contact Caroline Gaddis at cgaddis@cityofandersonsc.com.
Want to attend?
What: Soirée
When: April 29-30, 2022
Where: Downtown Anderson, South Carolina
Admission is free.
