When it comes to South Carolina spring activities, festivals and events are can’t-miss experiences. The Palmetto State hosts many of these throughout the spring season, welcoming vacationers and spring breakers nationwide. Whether you’re a solo adventurer or traveling with company, you can’t go wrong with South Carolina.
The Best South Carolina Spring Activities to Enjoy
Here are some of the most fun events to attend for an unforgettable spring in South Carolina.
1. Cooper River Bridge Run
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April 6, 2024
Mount Pleasant, SC
The Cooper River Bridge Run is a 10-kilometer running event taking place in Mount Pleasant and Charleston. It is the fifth-largest road race in the United States. The event attracts countless visitors and runners, generating $33 million in tourism and hospitality-related revenue over a single weekend.
2. Columbia International Festival
April 6-7, 2024
Columbia, SC
The Columbia International Festival is among the best things to do in South Carolina in spring. It features a diverse range of music, food, performing arts, and culture represented in the state.
3. World Grits Festival
April 12-13, 2024
St. George, SC
If you find yourself in South Carolina on spring break, don’t miss out on the World Grits Festival. This celebration of grits boasts events such as Rollin’ in the Grits and the Grits Festival Pageant. Visitors can also indulge in delectable dishes and buy unique merchandise from local vendors. Don’t forget to catch a glimpse of the parade, too!
4. South Carolina Strawberry Festival
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April 12-30, 2024
Fort Mill, SC
Among the many spring festivals in SC, the South Carolina Strawberry Festival is one of the most enjoyable. The festival features a soiree, pageants, music, a festival brunch, a car show, food vendors, and beer & wine. Those with a competitive spirit can also participate in one of the strawberry-eating contests, the golf tournament, and the cornhole tournament. With a scavenger hunt, a fun zone tent, and rides, it’s also the perfect event for families with kids.
5. Lowcountry Cajun Festival
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April 13, 2024
Charleston, SC
The Lowcountry Cajun Festival gives you a taste of Louisiana with an entire day of Cajun fun. Visitors can expect Cajun and Creole food such as etouffee, jambalaya, andouille sausage, crawfish, and even alligator. Jam out to Zydeco music and bring your kids to take part in a truly memorable cultural experience.
6. Charleston Jazz Festival
April 18-21, 2024
Charleston, SC
Spending spring vacation in South Carolina? You can never go wrong with the Charleston Jazz Festival. This annual music event showcases a lineup of well-known artists in the rhythm, soul, and passion genres. Headliners include the Joshua Redman Group, René Marie, Arturo O’Farrill, Charlton Singleton, and the Preservation Hall Jazz Band.
7. Newberry Pork in the Park
April 19-20, 2024
Newberry, SC
If you want the classic American blend of good food, beer, and music, head over to Newberry in April. The city’s Pork in the Park event is a two-day BBQ extravaganza featuring bluegrass music and tasty beer and wine. There’s also a competition for the best Southern barbecue. Newberry Pork in the Park is one of the SC spring events you shouldn’t skip out on.
8. Myrtle Beach International Film Festival
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April 23-27, 2024
Myrtle Beach, SC
Film buffs and cinephiles from all across the country gather at Myrtle Beach in April for the city’s International Film Festival. This event boasts filmmakers and industry professionals eager to share their work and knowledge. This year’s slate includes films such as “Slobopoly,” “The Countryman,” “In the Matchbox,” “Not the Same Clarence,” and “What We Find on the Road.”
9. Spring Fling
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April 26-28, 2024
Spartanburg, SC
You can’t have a list of South Carolina spring activities without Spring Fling. This Spartanburg-based event promises live entertainment, a community showcase, an artisan market, a food court, and a crit bike race. Kids can also enjoy the family fun zone, while adults can make the most of the craft beer experience. On top of that, there’s a car show and a jeep show!
10. Brookgreen Gardens Art Festival
April 27-28, 2024
Murrells Inlet, SC
Make your way to Murrells Inlet for the Brookgreen Gardens Art Festival. This two-day event features a juried show of over 50 artists from the local and national scene. These talented artists exhibit and sell their works, ranging from sculptures and pottery to paintings and fabric art. There are some limited edition pieces, too, so mark your calendars!
11. SC Poultry Festival
May 9-11, 2024
Leesville, SC
The SC Poultry Festival is a three-day bonanza of food, games, competitions, and entertainment. Visitors can look forward to food vendors, craft booths, a road race, a car show, rides, an annual parade, a volleyball tournament, a cooking contest, and three incredible stages. To top it all off, there’s a gorgeous fireworks display on the festival’s final night.
12. World-Famous Blue Crab Festival
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May 18-19, 2024
Little River, SC
If you’re looking for spring activities in Little River, the World-Famous Blue Crab Festival is the place to be. Here, you can enjoy fresh, local seafood at one of the restaurants overlooking the water. In addition to getting your seafood fix, you can listen to live beach music or purchase a souvenir from a local crafter.
13. Iris Festival
May 23-26, 2024
Sumter, SC
The Iris Festival is one of the most popular things in Sumter in spring. This three-day event boasts concerts, arts and crafts, car shows, plants and flowers, and competitions. You can bring your kids, too, since many activities are designed for children. Start with the annual “Crowning of the King and Queen” before partaking in the “Taste at the Gardens.”
14. Pontiac GMC Freedom Weekend Aloft
May 23-26, 2024
Anderson, SC
Families, couples, and friends gather at the Pontiac GMC Freedom Weekend Aloft for a four-day celebration that promises great memories. The event has plenty of things going for it, including hot-air balloon competitions, concerts, games, concerts and music stages, skydivers, and children’s activities. There’s also good food and drinks to keep everyone going. The event also acts as a fundraiser for local and regional charities.
15. Spoleto Festival USA
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May 22 – June 9, 2024
Charleston, SC
The Spoleto Festival USA is an extravaganza for the performing arts. Over 17 days and nights, visitors and residents alike can enjoy performances by talented artists in theater, dance, opera, chamber, choral, jazz, and symphonic music. The city’s churches, historic theaters, and outdoor areas will be filled with music enthusiasts and renowned performers.
Save the Dates for South Carolina Spring Activities
South Carolina is truly breathtaking in the spring. But, if beautiful landscapes and scenic views aren’t enough to draw you in, let these festivals and events seal the deal.
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