Festivals and events intended to bring the Midlands and Lexington County community together are upon us. Here are some local festivals and large events happening over the next three months.

12th Annual Lexington County Chili Cookoff, Feb. 15
This event has been postponed to Feb. 22

From noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 15, at the Icehouse Amphitheater in downtown Lexington, the Old Mill BrewPub, Blowfish Baseball Club and the Town of Lexington are putting on the 12th Annual Lexington County Chili Cookoff.

Advanced tickets you can purchase online through the event website are $15 for adults and $5 for children. Day-of tickets will be $20 for adults.

“The 2026 event promises a diverse culinary experience, featuring more than 25 cook teams competing for bragging rights. Attendees will have the opportunity to sample a wide variety of unique chili recipes ranging from traditional beef to creative specialty blends,” according to a press release. “Beyond the competition, the cookoff serves as a major fundraising engine for the region. Proceeds from the event directly support the Town of Lexington Police Foundation and several other local charitable organizations, helping to fund vital community safety initiatives and outreach programs.”

This is a family-friendly event with live entertainment from the local band, Under The Sun. For more information, visit goblowfishbaseball.com/.

Irmo Cherry Blossom Festival, March 21

The 9th Annual Irmo Cherry Blossom Festival is on Saturday, March 21, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., at Irmo Town Park.

“This year's event promises to be even more vibrant and engaging, continuing the tradition of honoring the beauty, fragility and preciousness of life, as embodied by the delicate and transient cherry blossoms,” according to a press release. “Last year's festival saw beautiful weather and a remarkable turnout, with an estimated 3,000 attendees from across North and South Carolina. Plans for this year include a diverse array of activities including food trucks, a Japanese Import Car Drive-In, a cosplay contest, presentations about kimono and washi paper making, a variety of vendors showcasing Japanese traditional and popular culture, popular and traditional songs, and a special performance of Japanese festival drumming.”

This event also honors Japanese culture, ensuring attendees have plenty of opportunities to learn about Japanese food, history and art.

“The Irmo Cherry Blossom Festival is an annual event celebrating the beauty of cherry blossoms and the rich culture of Japan,” according to the press release. “It features a variety of activities, including car shows, cosplay contests, cultural performances, and educational booths. The festival aims to bring the community together to learn, experience, and appreciate Japanese traditions and the start of spring.”

The Town of Irmo, the South Carolina Commission for Minority Affairs and the Japan-America Association of South Carolina make this event possible.

“Plans for this year include a diverse array of activities including food trucks, a Japanese Import Car Drive-In, a cosplay contest, presentations about kimono and washi paper making, a variety of vendors showcasing Japanese traditional and popular culture, popular and traditional songs, and a special performance of Japanese festival drumming.”

14th Annual Herb Festival at the Lexington County Museum, April 11

A free event on Saturday, April 11, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Lexington County Museum will feature herbs, vegetables, baked goods, educational presentations and local vendors, according to Capital City Lake Murray Country.

This rain-or-shine event is made possible by the Lexington County Herb Bunch, and the proceeds from the event will go towards a local student who plans to further their studies in agriculture and horticulture.

For more information, contact the Lexington County Museum at 803-359-8369. The museum is located at 231 Fox St. in Lexington.