The 51st annual Sum Nelly Festival, a cornerstone of Summerville’s cultural calendar, officially set a new attendance record last weekend, underscoring the event’s continued and growing popularity within the community.

Adam Wilson, Director of Summerville Parks and Recreation, confirmed the monumental success, noting the unprecedented crowds that converged upon Dowdy Park to enjoy the two-day event.

“This year’s Sum Nelly was truly special,” Wilson stated. “The energy was incredible, and we are absolutely thrilled to report that we hosted a record crowd for the 51st anniversary of this beloved tradition. It’s clear that Sum Nelly continues to resonate deeply with our residents and visitors.”

Data Confirms Record-Breaking Turnout

The record attendance was quantified using advanced location analytics. According to data provided by Placer.ai, a leading location intelligence platform, the 2025 Sum Nelly Festival saw approximately 6,600 visitors over the weekend.

This total represents an impressive surge of 1,800 attendees compared to the 2024 festival, which recorded 4,800 visitors.

The massive turnout reached its high point on Saturday morning. The event hit its peak attendance right around 11:00 a.m., when more than 3,700 festivalgoers were concurrently on-site enjoying the wide array of activities.

Throughout the weekend, guests explored hundreds of arts and craft vendors, sampled delicious food from local businesses, and engaged in various family-friendly activities spread across Dowdy Park.

The data highlights not only the success of the 2025 celebration but also the accelerating growth of the festival, cementing its status as one of Summerville’s most important annual events.

“Seeing the community come out in these numbers speaks volumes about the volunteers, vendors, and staff who make Sum Nelly happen every year,” Wilson added. “We are already looking ahead to next year to continue this momentum and provide an even better experience for everyone.”

The Sum Nelly Festival is an annual community celebration hosted by Summerville Parks and Recreation, featuring arts, crafts, food, and family entertainment, celebrating the heritage and community spirit of Summerville.