Downtown Newberry Comes Alive at Fabulous 50’s Festival

NEWBERRY ‒ The spirit of the 1950s came alive in downtown Newberry as the Newberry Main Street Organization (NMSO) hosted its Third Annual Fabulous 50’s Festival on Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025. The event drew thousands to the city’s historic center at 25320 W. Newberry Road, celebrating an era known for its music, cars and community spirit.

NMSO President Chris Mack described the event as “a tribute to the 50s and a time when things just seemed easier.” That nostalgic theme carried throughout the free, family-friendly festival, where attendees were encouraged to don vintage attire and join in a lively costume contest.

This year’s festival was a collaborative effort between NMSO and Gainesville Street Rods, which helped raise money for charity. Nearly $2,000 was collected to support Homes 4 Heroes, while a clothing drive gathered donations for St. Francis House. Organizers said both causes benefitted significantly from the enthusiastic response of festivalgoers.

Entertainment was central to the event, with music from the 1950s and 1960s filling the streets courtesy of Newberry’s Twisted H Productions. A live DJ kept energy high throughout the day, while food trucks and local vendors offered refreshments and merchandise. The highlight for many was the classic car show, billed as “awesome” by organizers, which drew car enthusiasts eager to showcase vintage rides.

While the Fabulous 50’s Festival is one of NMSO’s smaller events, organizers said they were encouraged by the turnout. An estimated 3,000 visitors attended, enjoying not only the festival itself but also the restaurants and shops in historic downtown Newberry.

Mack said the strong community response reaffirmed the festival’s growing role in highlighting downtown as a hub for both residents and visitors. The event not only showcased local businesses but also fostered a sense of pride in Newberry’s historic core.

With live music, classic cars, nostalgic costumes and charitable giving, the Fabulous 50’s Festival once again blended entertainment with community spirit—leaving organizers optimistic about the festival’s future as a fixture on Newberry’s event calendar.

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