Download PDF
For a regularly updated calendar of South Carolina events and expected dates for the events below, please visitDiscover South Carolina.
South Carolina offers countless opportunities to experience its wonderful natural environment at any of the year’s family-friendly outdoor events.
January
Charleston Boat Show — Charleston
Now in its 32nd year, the Charleston Boat Show is the place to find the latest and best in marine equipment, supplies and accessories. Demonstrations, kids’ activities, coastal cuisine and entertainment make this a maritime event for the entire family. Visit www.thecharlestonboatshow.com for more information.
Lowcountry Oyster Festival — Charleston
Oyster Fest activities include the oyster shucking contest, oyster eating contest, oyster recipe contest and local live entertainment. Aside from plenty of oysters, there’s a food court offering taste-tempting selections from some of the Lowcountry’s most popular restaurants. Visit www.charlestonrestaurantassociation.com for more information.
February
Hilton Head Island Gullah Celebration — Hilton Head Island
Events at this celebration showcase the arts, crafts, foods and history of the native island Gullah people and include a month-long art exhibit, a gospel extravaganza, a National Freedom Day Celebration, a Taste of Gullah, De Gullah Playhouse, and an Arts, Crafts and Food Expo. For more information visit www.gullahcelebration.com.
Hilton Head Marathon/Half Marathon & 5K — Hilton Head Island
This scenic marathon and half-marathon course takes runners through two parks and over the Broad Creek. For more information visit www.bearfootsports.com.
Southeastern Wildlife Exposition — Charleston
The largest wildlife and nature event of its kind, SEWE features artwork by 120 wildlife painters, sculptors and carvers, plus educational wildlife shows, falconry demonstrations, retriever demonstrations, lectures, outdoor outfitters and guides, fun children’s activities and much more. For more information visit www.sewe.com.
Myrtle Beach Marathon — Myrtle Beach
Thousands of runners from across the country converge in Myrtle Beach for this annual winter marathon. The weekend event includes a health and fitness expo, the RBC Bank 5K, Ripley’s Family Fun Run, Ripley’s Post Race Party, BI-LO Marathon, Dasani Half Marathon and House of Blues Post Race Party. For more information visitwww.mbmarathon.com.
March
Shamrock 5K Run — Hilton Head Island
Get your Irish on at this annual 5K running of the green. For more information visit www.bearfootsports.com.
Palmetto Sportsmen’s Classic — Columbia
The largest family-oriented wildlife show in the Carolinas, this outdoor show features presentations on archery, animal displays, fishing, hunting and conservation. Activities are held for adults and children throughout the show. For more information visit www.psclassic.com.
April
Come-See-Me Festival — Rock Hill
The City of Rock Hill invites you to this spring celebration with more than 60 different events, including a downtown beach dance, jazz night, gourmet gardens, concerts, sports events, events for children, music in the park, tailgating and a fireworks display. For more information visit www.comeseeme.org.
Art in the Park — Myrtle Beach
Since 1973, this event has been showcasing original Southeastern art such as paintings, woodworking, photography, jewelry, fabric, glass, metal, pottery and stone. For more information visit www.artsyparksy.com.
Midlands Plant & Flower Festival — Columbia
Plants, flowers, shrubs, trees, hanging baskets, yard furniture, concrete statues, fruits and vegetables, bird houses, and a variety of yard and garden equipment are all for sale at this garden-themed event. For more information visitwww.agriculture.sc.gov.
The Garden Club of Charleston’s House & Garden Tours — Charleston
The Garden Club of Charleston’s annual Walking Tour of Private Homes and Gardens includes some of Charleston’s finest homes and gardens in the Historic District. Refreshments will be served in a lovely Charleston garden. For more information visit www.thegardenclubofcharleston.org.
Earth Day Music Fest & Expo — Conway
Earth Day Music Fest & Expo features local and regional bands, a kids’ zone, a health and wellness expo, food and a beer garden. There will also be a “Hard 2 Recycle” collection area where you can bring electronics, clothing, metal, Styrofoam and more. For more information visit www.conwayscchamber.com.
Pee Dee Plant & Flower Festival — Florence
Hundreds of exhibitors combine the best in horticulture and agriculture products for the home and garden. Arts and crafts, plants, flowers, and lawn and garden décor and equipment are among the items you will find. For more information visit www.pdfarmersmarket.sc.gov.
May
Orangeburg Festival of Roses — Orangeburg
The Orangeburg Festival of Roses celebrates the beginning of the rose-blooming season. The activities are centered in Orangeburg’s Edisto Memorial Gardens, where thousands of roses bloom near the banks of the Edisto River. For more information visit www.festivalofroses.com.
Chattooga River Festival — Long Creek
The festival promises a day packed with fun-filled events in celebration of the wild and scenic Chattooga River. Activities include a mud run at Chattooga Belle Farm and an afternoon of education about our river, live music and barbecue at Chattooga Sounds Camp. For more information visit www.chattoogariverfestival.com.
Red Rose Festival — Lancaster
The City of Lancaster celebrates the arrival of spring with the annual Red Rose Festival in historic downtown Lancaster. Featured events include two music stages with local and nationally acclaimed artists, an arts and crafts open market, Rosie’s Fun Fest kids’ area, a Festival of Foods concessions area, roaming entertainment, a triathlon and more! For more information visit www.lancastercitysc.com.
Iris Festival — Sumter
Thousands of Japanese irises in full bloom provide a picturesque backdrop for this festival. Events include arts & crafts vendors, a health fair, beauty pageants, “Gateway to Gardening,” flower shows, music and fun for the entire family! For more information visit www.irisfestival.org.
June
South Carolina Festival of Flowers — Greenwood
The George W. Park Seed Company’s famous Trail Gardens features more than 1,500 varieties of annuals, perennials and vegetables. Tour the private gardens of local residents or visit the craft, art and photo shows. For more information visit www.scfestivalofflowers.org.
July
South Carolina Festival of Discovery — Greenwood
Discover what rural America is all about during the award-winning South Carolina Festival of Discovery in beautiful uptown Greenwood. The Barbecue & Hash Cook-off showcases the traditional art of black kettle hash and the popular tradition of Carolina barbecue. For more information visit www.festivalofdiscovery.com.
South Carolina Peach Festival — Gaffney
This 10-day event salutes the peach industry with concerts, sporting events, a parade, truck and tractor pulls and delicious peach desserts. For more information visit www.scpeachfestival.org.
August
Williamston Spring Water Festival — Williamston
This arts and crafts festival is located in the town park where generations have gathered for the healing abilities of the spring water. Enjoy live entertainment and food. For more information visit www.springwaterfestival.com.
September
South Carolina Apple Festival — Westminster
Beginning the week following Labor Day and running through the next weekend, the South Carolina Apple Festival celebrates the beginning of apple harvest season in Oconee County, the largest apple-producing area in the state. For more information visit www.scapplefestival.com/events.html.
South Carolina Campground Cookoff — Laurens
The South Carolina Campground Cookoff, held at Calhoun Falls State Park on Lake Russell, offers a chance for campground cooks to show off their skills. Three celebrity judges will crown the King of the Campground.
October
Fall Tours of Homes and Gardens — Charleston
Enjoy evening walking tours of charming homes, gardens and churches of historic Charleston. Guides provide information on the architecture, antiques and history of each site. Tours feature 8 – 10 properties. Call for a brochure or visit us online. For more information visit www.preservationsociety.org.
Pee Dee Plant and Flower Festival — Columbia
Hundreds of exhibitors combine the best in horticulture and agriculture products for the home and garden. Arts and crafts, plants, flowers and lawn and garden décor and equipment are among the items you will find. For more information visit www.pdfarmersmarket.sc.gov.
Pumpkin Festival — Pickens
Spend the day browsing the arts and crafts booths, listening to the music and enjoying the day. Bring a chair or blanket and rest among the beauty of fall colors and cool mountain air.
For more information visit www.visitpickenscounty.com.
Upper SC State Fair — Greenville
The Upper SC State Fair has something for everyone, including great food, spectacular entertainment, quality exhibits, agricultural shows and a spectacular midway featuring more than 50 amusement rides and events that appeal to the whole family. For more information visit www.upperscstatefair.com.
Fall Festival of Houses & Gardens — Beaufort
This three-day event features tours of private, historic homes and plantations. Explore three centuries of architecture in the Beaufort National Historic Landmark District and surrounding Lowcountry. For more information visitwww.historicbeaufort.org.
November
Art in the Park, Market Common — Myrtle Beach
Art in the Park has been a favorite of the public since 1973. This event showcases original Southeastern art such as paintings, woodworking, photography, (semi-precious and precious) jewelry, fabric, glass, metal, pottery and stone. For more information visit www.artsyparksy.com.
For additional information regarding South Carolina's vast array of unique opportunities for enrichment, excitement and escape, as well as a free copy of our special downloadable/printable South Carolina Barbecue Trail Map, featuring more than 200 barbecue restaurants, please visit DiscoverSouthCarolina.com.
###