Frequently Asked Questions

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Ritz Fest is South Carolina's annual music festival benefiting the Jason Foundation. Events at area venues, Ritz Fest Eve at the Newberry Opera House, and Ritz Fest will delight the audience with a wide variety of live music, all performing to help end the silent epidemic of youth suicide. 

Ritz Fest is always held the First Saturday in February. 

Ritz Fest '26 concludes on Saturday, 7 February 2026 from 3:00 PM -  to 9:00 PM. Doors open at 2:00.

During our first event on 4 February 2023 it was decided we were on to something good and declared to make it an annual event. While drinking coffee and reflecting about our initial success that Sunday morning, 5 February 2023, the idea of Ritz Fest Eve was born.

Starting in 2026, we are thrilled about Ritz Fest Eve at the Newberry Opera House! Moving forward, NOH will sponsor and host Ritz Fest Eve. NOH 1201 McKibben Street, Newberry, South Carolina.

Ritz Fest is held at the historic Ritz Theater, 153 Main Street in Newberry, South Carolina. Visit our Performers page to learn about performer times for Ritz Fest as well as  Ritz Fest Teasers planned for the weeks leading up to it!

There is plenty of parking around the Ritz Theater. If you turn on Wilson Street just past the theater you'lll see a lot on the right before Friend Street.

There is a lot adjacent to the Newberry County Clerk of Court's office too. 

Ritz Fest is raising money for the Jason Foundation (JFI). All sales from concessions, merchandise, raffle tickets, and silent auction bids, along with contributions from our vendors and cash donations during our events go directly towards our fundraising goal. Our goal for RF'26 is to raise $15,000 for JFI by the end of February 2026.

We do need funds to run this event! We are a 501c3 under the Newberry Community Players (57-0605450). We would appreciate any donations to our operations fund. Send checks to Ritz Fest, 1513 Main Street, Newberry, SC 29108.  Our Sponsor Request Letter can be downloaded below.

Another way to directly help us is to donate through the Midlands Gives platform. These funds will be put towards our operational funds to make this festival happen. We need funds for performer perks, tee shirts, koozies, and local advertising. We are looking for funds to bring a regional name to our stage for RF '27 (This would be in addition to Ritz Fest Eve at the Newberry Opera House!)  Follow this link to their site!  Thank you for your support!

Follow the QR Code at the bottom of the page and help us get on our way to raise $15K by the end of February 2025!  You can also mail a check to: Ritz Fest, c/o the Jason Foundation, 18 Volunteer Drive, Hendersonville, TN 37075

The first ever Ritz Fest on 4 February 2023 had a goal to raise $3,000. We raised $5,101.18.

The 2nd Annual Ritz Fest tried to raise $5,000. We raised $6,880.

So, we first considered $8k for the RF'25 goal. However, we like round numbers, so set a $10k goal for RF'25. We did not reach it, but raised $7,400 which continues our growth from the preceding year.

Our goal for RF'26 is a $15,000. 

Contact our event coordinator, Stephen Corsini, at theritzfest@gmail.com or by Google voice 803-271-0494 for all inquiries about sponsoring, emceeing, performing, setting up a booth, volunteering at our event, or fire watching. Feel free to reach out with any other ideas for us to grow or improve our efforts to prevent youth suicide!