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What’s New In South Carolina: Spring & Summer 2025
Spring has officially sprung in South Carolina, and the Palmetto State is buzzing with fresh experiences! Whether you're seeking culinary adventures, cultural events or family-friendly fun, there's something for everyone to enjoy. Here's a peek at what's new this season:
New Experiences, Exhibits & Attractions
Fifth Third Park & the Hub City Spartanburgers (Opening April 15, 2025)
Spartanburg is stepping up to the plate with the debut of Fifth Third Park, a brand-new downtown ballpark opening this April as the home of the Hub City Spartanburgers, South Carolina’s newest Minor League Baseball team. As members of the South Atlantic League, the Spartanburgers will kick off their inaugural season with a six-game home series beginning April 15. Anchoring a $542 million mixed-use development led by The Johnson Group, the park is just the beginning—plans also include retail, office, hotel, and residential space, marking a major milestone in downtown revitalization efforts. Read more.
Magnolia Plantation & Gardens – “Indigo In Bloom”
From April 5 to May 4, 2025, Magnolia Plantation & Gardens in Charleston is hosting "Indigo in Bloom," a special event featuring art installations inspired by indigo's cultural significance. This event combines the plantation's spring blooms with artistic interpretations of indigo's history in the Lowcountry. Visitors can expect to see enchanting art installations set against the backdrop of Magnolia's spring flowers. Read more.
South Carolina Aquarium Celebrates 25 Years
The South Carolina Aquarium in Charleston marks its 25th anniversary with a celebratory evening of conservation, cuisine, and culture. On April 26, 2025, the Shoals: Conservation Gala will feature performances by local legends including Grammy-winner Quentin E. Baxter, RANKY TANKY’s Charlton Singleton, and Charleston’s own Poet Laureate Marcus Amaker. Enjoy small plates, a silent auction, and a moving tribute to the Aquarium’s impact over the past quarter century. Read more.
Bart Garrison Agricultural Museum of SC – "Cultivating Legacies"
The Bart Garrison Agricultural Museum of South Carolina unveils a powerful new exhibit this spring. On view now through the end of 2025, "Cultivating Legacies: The Story of Black Americans in South Carolina’s Agriculture" highlights the significant role of Black farmers in the state’s agricultural history from the days of enslavement to modern times, offering an essential cultural perspective on South Carolina’s farming legacy. Read more.
Charleston Planetarium (Opened Spring 2025)
Get ready to embark on a cosmic journey at the Charleston Planetarium, now open on Sam Rittenberg Boulevard. This immersive experience takes visitors on a voyage through space and the solar system, with virtual-reality-like effects and STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art and math) experiences. Read more.
Mulligan’s Lagoon (Grand Opening Event Spring 2025)
Find family fun in the sun at Mulligan’s Lagoon in Surfside Beach. This vibrant 36-hole mini golf course will officially celebrate its grand opening this spring, welcoming everyone to enjoy a tropical paradise backdrop with challenges at every hole. Read more.
Tidal Creek Pickle House (Opening Summer 2025)
Myrtle Beach is about to get a whole lot more exciting with the addition of Tidal Creek Pickle House, the ultimate destination for pickleball lovers and fun seekers. This expansive entertainment venue will feature 10 pickleball courts, live music, arcade games, cornhole and more. Read more.
Resilience & Revolution: Native Peoples in 18th Century South Carolina (June–August 2025)
Opening this June at the Aiken County Historical Museum, this powerful exhibition explores the stories of Native American communities during a transformative period in the state’s history. “Resilience & Revolution” offers insight into Native resistance, adaptation, and legacy during the 1700s. Read more.
Upstate Zipline Adventures Return to Keowee Toxaway State Park
Thrill-seekers, rejoice! After closures due to Hurricane Helene, the ziplines at Keowee Toxaway State Park are officially back in action. Explore Upstate South Carolina’s natural beauty from the treetops with this outdoor adventure experience. Read more.
New & Notable Festivals & Events
Columbia Food and Wine Festival (April 22–27, 2025)
Columbia’s signature culinary event returns with a weeklong celebration of the city’s food and beverage scene. With multiple events across the capital city – from wine tastings to chef-led dinners – this festival highlights Columbia’s growing reputation as a foodie destination. Read more.
Black Food Truck Festival: Opening Soirée at IAAM (April 25, 2025)
For the first time ever, the Black Food Truck Festival will launch its highly anticipated weekend with an exclusive Opening Soirée at the International African American Museum (IAAM) in Charleston. Dubbed “Rhythms & Booze,” this vibrant evening invites guests to savor gourmet bites, sip craft cocktails, and enjoy live music inside one of the city’s most powerful cultural landmarks. The event celebrates Black excellence, creativity, and community, setting the tone for a weekend of flavor, storytelling, and connection. Read more.
Pickens Azalea Festival (April 25–26, 2025)
For more than 40 years, springtime in Pickens has meant one thing: the Azalea Festival. Held annually during peak bloom, this beloved two-day event transforms the town into a festive gathering of friends, families, and visitors – many of whom return year after year for what’s often called one of the Southeast’s largest family reunions. Festivities kick off Friday evening with a classic car cruise-in, followed by a Saturday street fair featuring artisan vendors, local eats, and live music from across the region. It’s a joyful celebration of small-town charm and Southern hospitality in full bloom. Read more.
Pickin’ in the Peaches Music Festival (April 18-19, 2025)
The Pickin’ in the Peaches Music Festival is making its debut at the Aiken Fairgrounds this spring. Featuring an incredible lineup of national and regional talent, this festival is a must-see for lovers of bluegrass, jamgrass and American music. Don’t miss performances by Sierra Hull, Fruition, and more. Read more.
Allendale Unity Festival (May 1–3, 2025)
Experience small-town charm and big community spirit at the Allendale Unity Festival. This multi-day celebration features food vendors, family-friendly entertainment, and cultural showcases that bring the Allendale community together. Read more.
Barnwell Sundial Festival (May 9–10, 2025)
Home to the only free-standing, vertical sundial in the U.S., Barnwell celebrates this unique landmark with its annual Sundial Festival—a vibrant tribute to community, culture, and local talent. This year’s event will feature crowd favorites like the Ms. Sundial Pageant, a classic car show, live entertainment, and an array of food and craft vendors. New for 2025 are family-friendly additions including a regional basketball tournament, a spirited kickball game, and a community parade, making this a must-visit celebration for all ages. Read more.
ONEflight Myrtle Beach Classic (May 8-11)
The PGA TOUR's ONEflight Myrtle Beach Classic returns for its second year with enhanced experiences for players and fans alike. Co-sponsored by Visit Myrtle Beach and ONEflight International, this golf tournament takes place at the Dunes Golf & Beach Club, an oceanside championship golf course renowned for its majestic scenery. Read more.
Green Corn Unity & Cultural Festival (May 9-11, 2025)
Immerse yourself in Native American culture at the Green Corn Unity & Cultural Festival. Hosted by the Yamassee Indian Tribe, this event at USC Salkehatchie is a celebration of tradition, with dance, music, storytelling and arts and crafts that showcase the vibrant heritage of the Yamassee people. Read more.
Carolina Country Music Festival (June 6-9, 2025)
Myrtle Beach’s Carolina Country Music Festival is celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2025, with a star-studded lineup including Jelly Roll and Lainey Wilson. Country music lovers are in for an unforgettable beachside experience all weekend long. Read more.
Barnwell Lavender Festival at King George Lavendar Farm (June 7, 2025)
Spend a summer Saturday surrounded by blooms at the annual Lavender Festival at King George Lavender Farm in Barnwell. From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., enjoy lavender picking, live bluegrass music by Headin’ Home, artisan vendors, kids’ games, and local food and drink (including wine slushies!). Guests over 21 can return in the evening for a festive adults-only night featuring live music by Carter Lybrand, a cornhole tournament, and more. Read more.
South Carolina Lodging, Dining & Business News
Cane Pazo (Opening Spring 2025)
A new neighborhood osteria led by Chef/Owner Mark Bolchoz, Jr., this Hanahan establishment will infuse classic Italian dishes with a Lowcountry twist, telling the story of his Southern upbringing through a menu of fresh, handmade pastas, seasonal small plates and wood-fired proteins. Read more.
Merci (Opened March 2025)
Set in a historic, 1820s Federal-style building on the corner of Pitt and Montagu Streets in Charleston’s charming residential Harleston Village, Merci is a neighborhood bistro offering a European-inspired menu in a cozy, convivial setting. Read more.
voco The Shelby - Myrtle Beach (Opening Spring 2025)
This spring, a fresh take on Myrtle Beach luxury arrives with the debut of voco The Shelby. Offering modern rooms with stunning ocean views, an outdoor pool with a lazy river and dining options at The Shelby Beach Club, this hotel is perfect for a relaxing getaway. Read more.
Hotel Richemont - Charleston (Opening Spring 2025)
Located in the heart of Charleston, Hotel Richemont will open its doors this spring. This boutique hotel, featuring just 25 apartment-style rooms, blends historic charm with modern design. Guests can enjoy a unique Vietnamese dining experience at Two Bit Club, the hotel’s on-site restaurant and bar. Read more.
Oregon Station – Greenwood (Opening Summer 2025)
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." Anchored by a beautiful, terraced lawn, Oregon Station will deliver family-friendly offerings and a diverse selection of culinary experiences, as well as a stage for live music, outdoor movies and community events. 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.