What's New In South Carolina: Spring 2024

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Celebrating 50 Wild Years at Riverbanks Zoo & Garden

Home to more than 3,000 magnificent and fascinating animals and one of America’s best public gardens, Riverbanks Zoo & Garden opened on April 25, 1974, and for nearly five decades, has connected individuals, families and school children with the natural world. The attraction is set to celebrate its “50 Wild Years” on April 25, 2024, marking half a century of providing wildlife experiences and conservation efforts. Additionally, a Komodo dragon breeding facility will open in 2024, joined by a brand-new education facility opening in late 2025.

Myrtle Beach Classic

A new PGA TOUR tournament, the Myrtle Beach Classic, sponsored by Visit Myrtle Beach will debut in 2024 along South Carolina’s Grand Strand. The event will be held May 9-12 at the Dunes Golf & Beach Club, a championship golf course known for its beauty along the Atlantic Ocean.

40th Anniversary of Shag

North Myrtle Beach, the birthplace of The Shag, commemorates its dance roots during the 40th anniversary of The Shag being designated as the official South Carolina state dance. The destination will celebrate the heritage and modern culture of The Shag throughout the year with special programming, events and more. Save the date for a kick off celebration on Main Street April 18, 2024.

The Florence Wine & Food Festival

The Florence Wine and Food Festival, which will be held on April 4-6, celebrates fabulous food, exquisite wine and world-class music in Downtown Florence. Award-winning chef and TV host Vivian Howard will be the featured headliner for this year’s event, hosting an interactive cooking experience. Other happenings include a Napa Valley 101 wine class, a wine stroll through Downtown Florence and The Final Pour on Saturday evening. All proceeds from the event benefit Help 4 Kids, a local charity that provides food for children in the Florence area.

The Southeastern BBQ Showdown

The Capital City/Lake Murray Country Regional Tourism Board is partnering up with the Columbia Fireflies for a competitive food event like no other — the Southeastern BBQ Showdown. The two-day event opens on Friday, June 14 with South Carolina night, during which attendees will sample the South Carolina BBQ chicken wing competition, engage in interactive exhibits, cheer on the team for the home plate prizes and dance the night away to the Band of OZ! On the following night, 30 BBQ teams will cook up their very best BBQ and provide samples.

Cuthbert House Reopening

The grand, historic inn at Cuthbert House in Beaufort will reopen in Spring 2024, following interior improvements to blend its original integrity with thoughtful modernization. The upgrades take inspiration from the surrounding landscapes, using timeless materials and a thoughtful color palette to honor the classic elements that define this majestic 18th-century mansion. Upon its grand reopening, guests will enjoy an authentic and welcoming reflection of traditional southern hospitality.

Virginia Hylton Park Upgrade
The Town of Lexington will significantly upgrade Virginia Hylton Park and add an additional 8.25 acres, providing Lexington with a playful, social, and recreational space for all ages. The park is slated to reopen to the public in February 2024.

The DuPont Planetarium Renovation

Located on the campus of the University of South Carolina Aiken, the DuPont Planetarium now features 360° full immersion projection, surround sound and new programs. Programming includes entertaining, inspiring and educational shows that uncover the worlds of astronomy, earth science, life science, anatomy and history.

Palmetto Dunes’ Spring Festivities

Located in a spectacular setting in Hilton Head, Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort offers a spring filled with exciting events, including:

Rock Hill BMX Supercross Track / UCI BMX Racing World

The first open-to-the-public Olympic-standard BMX training facility, the Rock Hill BMX Supercross Track will get your adrenaline pumping whether you’re a competitive BMX rider or just starting out. May 12-18, 2024, Rock Hill will host the UCI BMX Racing World Championships, with some of the world’s greatest riders performing breathtaking jumps and lightning-fast sprints to get to the finish line.

Love The Greenway Month at Anne Springs Close Greenway

During Love The Greenway Month in April, celebrate spring’s sunshine, the benefits of fresh air and connections with nature on the Anne Springs Close Greenway in the Olde English District. Across 2,100 acres, choose your own adventure through self-guided activities, participate in the Love the Greenway Photography Contest, attend the giant Earth Day Celebration or take the first step toward the completion of the Trail Passport Hiking Challenge.

Andersonians in War

The Anderson County Museum has unveiled Andersonians in War, a new permanent exhibit, highlighting the military heroes of the county. The exhibit offers an in-depth look at the personal experiences of those who were there, giving visitors a chance to live these stories rather than simply read them. Each tale included in this exhibit offers a unique window into Anderson County’s military past, from the Revolution to the modern day.

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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.