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What’s New In South Carolina: 2025
South Carolina will welcome the new year with exciting renovations and openings. Across the state, 2025 is shaping up to be another year of thrilling progress. Find the latest and greatest happenings in South Carolina below.
New South Carolina Experiences & Attractions
Catawba Bend Preserve (York County, SC)
Expected to open in the summer of 2025, Catawba Bend Preserve will be the premier park on the Catawba River. With 1,900 acres of natural landscape, the park aims to preserve the environment and make it accessible to visitors for recreation. The scenic setting makes the riverbend ideal for hiking, mountain biking, primitive tent camping, picnicking, boating and fishing. The town of York has announced plans to build a playground, events center, education area and luxury motor coach park within the next 15 years. Read more.
Additions to the South Carolina Aquarium (Charleston, SC)
The South Carolina Aquarium has begun renovations for its new multidisciplinary learning center, the Boeing Learning Lab at the Charleston Maritime Center. The Maritime Center will be renovated to house a growing slate of education programming offered by the South Carolina Aquarium for generations to come. Situated along the waterfront of the Charleston Harbor and just a short walk from the Aquarium, the Boeing Learning Lab will comprise 8,500 square feet of educational space that includes four indoor classrooms, one open-air classroom, a broadcast studio to conduct virtual programs and office space for Aquarium staff. The Boeing Learning Lab is expected to be completed by the end of this year with an opening set for the beginning of 2025. Read more.
New rides at Carowinds (Fort Mill, South Carolina)
Family-friendly theme park Carowinds is expanding Camp Snoopy with a new roller coaster and interactive raft ride. On Snoopy’s Racing Railway, guests of all ages can join Snoopy himself while he delivers pizza on this steel launch coaster with exciting dips and turns. Charlie Brown’s River Raft Blast will take groups of up to eight through the river channel. Rafts will be equipped with water cannons, perfect for drenching other campers in friendly skirmishes. Read more.
Allendale SC 250 (Allendale, SC)
2025 marks the Sestercentennial of the American Revolution in South Carolina. Allendale County will celebrate with a series of special events, including reenactments, a new historic marker unveiling, children's days, and a movie screening. A major highlight is the South Carolina State Museum’s traveling exhibit, “The American Revolutionary War in South Carolina,” at USC Salkehatchie from January 4-26. Read More.
Trueline Music Venue (Greenville, SC)
A new music venue is under construction in the heart of Downtown Greenville, SC. Trueline Music Venue is expected to open in the spring of 2025 and will be home to a 1,700-seat main hall, 200-seat intimate performance space, VIP club, multiple bars, rooftop terrace, and courtyard. In an effort to bring people together through music, art and performance, Trueline will host festivals, dance parties, and more unique activities that hit Greenville’s radar. Read more.
Watermen’s Wave Lowcountry Boot Trail (Beaufort, SC)
The Beaufort Oyster Festival is back for its fifth year from January 9-19, continuing to be a fantastic addition to the town’s array of heritage festivals. This year marks the addition of an exciting new element that will extend the festival's charm year-round—the Watermen's Wave Lowcountry Boot Trail! This art installation features massive, colorful boots placed at various businesses and destinations throughout northern Beaufort County. Perfect for all ages, these boots offer a fun scavenger hunt with 11 unique pieces to discover. Read more.
Airstream Camping Village at Black River State Park
South Carolina’s newest state park aims its sights high with a feature RV zone next year. Black River State Park will welcome visitors to their all-new Airstream Camping Village in Fall 2025. The developing area will consist of 5 Airstream campers, each equipped with a kitchen, refrigerator, bathroom, central heating and air and an outdoor living area, complete with park-style swings and front-row views of the Scenic Black River. Read more.
Barnwell County, SC – New Recreational Experiences
Barnwell County is adding several exciting new features for outdoor lovers in 2025. The City of Barnwell and Barnwell County will partner with Rent.Fun to launch a self-service kayak rental program at Kilkenny Park on Lake Edgar Brown. The new service, set to open in Spring 2025, will allow visitors to rent kayaks, paddles, and life vests for an easy way to explore the lake. Read More.
South Carolina’s Festival & Events
Pickin' in the Peaches Music Festival (Aiken, SC)
The Western Carolina State Fair, in partnership with the South Carolina Bluegrass &
Traditional Music Association, is excited to present the first annual "Pickin' in the Peaches"
Music Festival. Join the fun at the Aiken Fairgrounds on Friday & Saturday, April 18 & 19,
2025, for a 2-day festival featuring regional musical acts and award winning national
talents focusing on the bluegrass, jamgrass, and American music genres. Read more.
Joye! In Aiken (Aiken, SC)
The vibrant Joye in Aiken Festival continues to dazzle in 2025 with a packed lineup of music, dance, and community celebrations. Highlights include a New Orleans-style Jazz Funeral Parade on March 7, led by Artistic Director Riley Mulherkar, as well as a Swing Dance Party with the Mark Rapp Swingtet on March 12. Other exciting performances include a Cabaret with Peter Dugan and John Brancy (March 11), and a Festival Finale Concert featuring the acappella group Kings Return (March 14). The festival is a must-visit for music lovers in early spring. Read More.
Jessamine Festival (North Augusta, SC)
The inaugural Jessamine Festival will take place in November 2025 at the Sharon Jones Amphitheater in North Augusta. This new event will feature unlimited wine tastings, live music, food, and beer vendors, all set along the beautiful Savannah River. Visitors will also enjoy a souvenir wine cup to take home as a keepsake. Read more.
Sports in South Carolina
Fifth Third Park (Spartanburg, SC)
Fifth Third Park, home of the Hub City Spartanburgers, is set to open in April 2025, perfectly coinciding with the new Minor League Baseball team’s inaugural season. The new stadium will welcome teams from the South Atlantic League, acting as a new center of vibrancy for part of Downtown Spartanburg. In addition to the field and stands, the development will also house office, retail, residential, and hotel space. Read more.
Fripp Island Resort (Fripp Island, SC)
Fripp Island Resort is undergoing a multi-million dollar renovation of its Ocean Point golf course, set to debut in 2025. This stunning revamp is set to align with the resort’s commitment to sustainability and the coastal beauty of the island. Planned improvements include the reconstruction of all 18 holes, a new clubhouse interior, and crushed limestone paths to accentuate the waterfront charm of the property. Read more.
South Carolina Lodging & Business News
The Cooper (Charleston, SC)
Adjacent to the Joe Riley Waterfront Park on the Charleston peninsula, The Cooper will be downtown Charleston’s only luxury waterfront hotel. Overlooking the Cooper River, the 209-room hotel draws its design inspiration from its French Quarter surroundings. Opening in July 2025, it's sure to be an exciting place to walk, shop, dine and more for both local Charlestonians and visitors. Read more.
The Waverly (Charleston, SC)
Opening in early 2025 at 94 Stuart Street, The Waverly combines Southern charm with modern elegance for unforgettable celebrations. From the Uptown Hospitality Group, it features bridal and groom suites, a stunning indoor reception hall with a covered porch, and a beautifully landscaped walled garden for outdoor events. Partnering with Charleston's top caterers and offering exclusive bar services, The Waverly ensures exceptional cuisine and beverages for weddings, corporate events and more. Read more.
Cuthbert House (Beaufort, SC)
Originally constructed for the Cuthbert family in 1790, this historic Antebellum-style home has been lovingly preserved and meticulously restored into the grand, historic inn it is today. 2025 marks the inaugural spring season for Cuthbert House after its renovation and reopening in the summer of 2024. To celebrate this, the property is offering exclusive packages for visitoring looking to fall in love with the Lowcountry in the new year. 2025 will also mark the debut of specially crafted itineraries from Cuthbert House’s owners and concierge team, including The Food Lover’s Guide to Southern Flavor, which highlights local favorite spots and flavors throughout Beaufort. Read more.
Oregon Station (Greenwood, SC)
Oregon Station is a planned retail community located on Oregon Avenue, in the heart of Uptown Greenwood, named one of The American Planning Association's "Great Places in America." Offered by Greenwood Development, LLC, this highly anticipated retail development will offer a dynamic fusion of dining, shopping, and entertainment experiences. Anchored by a beautiful, terraced lawn, Oregon Station will deliver family-friendly offerings and a diverse selection of culinary experiences. The terraced lawn will feature a stage for live music, outdoor movies, and community events. The station is slated to open in the summer of 2025. Read more.
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About the South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation & Tourism
The South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation & Tourism is a cabinet agency assigned to operate and manage South Carolina's state parks, market the state as a preferred vacation destination, and provide assistance to communities to develop recreation assets. Explore the official tourism site of South Carolina and discover all the rich history, sandy beaches, and family attractions a South Carolina vacation has to offer at DiscoverSouthCarolina.com.