Summer is here and you know what that means: festivals galore all across the state! Which South Carolina summer festivals are the best for you and your family? Let’s find out.
19 Best South Carolina Summer Festivals
Each season brings its own set of events in the state. For instance, you can experience an abundance of fall festivals that take advantage of the season’s weather.
This summer is no different. Residents can enjoy a plethora of South Carolina summer festivals that allow them to express their creativity, enjoy live music, and eat good food. Here are the top summer festivals in South Carolina you shouldn’t miss out on.
1. Spoleto Festival
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- Location: Charleston
- Date: May 22 to June 9, 2024
The Spoleto Festival is a 17-day festival that includes performances by renowned artists and emerging performers in dance, theater, jazz, opera, choral, chamber, and symphonic music. It starts at the end of spring and ends at the beginning of summer.
2. Freedom Blast
- Location: Greer City Park
- Date: June 29, 2024
- Time: 6:00 – 10:30 p.m.
Freedom Blast is one of the most exciting summer events in South Carolina. It lets the Greer community celebrate freedom. It honors veterans and active servicemembers through live music and fireworks.
3. Lake Murray 4th of July Fireworks Show
- Location: Lake Murray (Spence Island & Dreher Island)
- Date: June 29, 2024
- Time: 9:30 p.m.
Who could forget the Fourth of July at the beginning of summer? Kick off the season with a dazzling fireworks show at Lake Murray. Visitors can also enjoy other forms of entertainment, such as boat parades and live music.
4. South Carolina Festival of Discovery
- Location: Uptown Greenwood
- Date: July 11-23, 2024
Do you want to listen to the unique blues music of South Carolina? There’s no better event than the South Carolina Festival of Discovery. It’s a 3-day event that invites musical artists to perform at various venues and restaurants.
5. Beaufort Water Festival
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- Location: Beaufort
- Date: July 12-21, 2024
One of the best South Carolina fairs is the Beaufort Water Festival. This 10-day water festival features several water activities, an air show, crafts, a Lowcountry supper, and an antique show. It’s also great for families with kids, as there are several fun kids’ activities!
6. Anderson Area Quilt Show
- Location: Anderson Sports and Entertainment Center
- Date: July 19-20, 2024
- Price: $6/person + taxes and fees
Two quilt guilds in Anderson showcase their quilts at the Anderson Area Quilt Show on July 19, 2024. There are live demonstrations, shops, a silent auction, a book nook, and a boutique of handmade items. Quilt connoisseurs can visit the show and get ticket sales and raffle baskets to obtain high-quality quilts.
7. Charleston Caribbean Jerk Festival
- Location: Riverfront Park
- Date: July 20, 2024
- Time: 3:00 – 10:00 p.m.
- Price: $10 – $350
One of the best SC summer festivals is the Charleston Caribbean Jerk Festival. It’s a family-friendly festival that features Caribbean music, culture, and food.
8. South Carolina Peach Festival
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- Location: Various venues
- Date: July 11-20, 2024
The South Carolina Peach Festival is held in the middle of summer. Like other festivals, it features sporting events, concerts, and a parade. There are also tons of scrumptious summer desserts!
9. Pageland Watermelon Festival
- Location: Pageland
- Date: July 1-31, 2024
The Pageland Watermelon Festival features a watermelon-themed parade down Main Street. It also features several events, such as a festival rodeo, a car show, and traditional music. Likewise, there will be a selection of delicious foods for all visitors.
10. Keep Newberry Beautiful Summer Fair
- Location: Newberry
- Date: August 13, 2024
Are you fond of old-fashioned summer festivals? If so, this quaint summer fair in Newberry is just for you. There will be many traditional community booths, local artisans, and food trucks. It also features several games and amusement rides that everyone can enjoy!
11. Williamston Spring Water Festival
- Location: Mineral Spring Park
- Date: August 23-24, 2024
Full of arts and crafts, the Williamston Spring Water Festival is held at the town park. It celebrates the healing capabilities of spring water in the area. Visitors can enjoy an assortment of food and live entertainment.
12. York Summerfest
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- Location: Downtown York
- Date: August 24, 2024
- Time: 10:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Families who love to go out and stretch their legs will certainly enjoy the York Summerfest this summer. It features several classic festival activities like sports tournaments, car shows, and live music. Moreover, it even has fun runs and a 5K run that everyone can participate in.
13. Upper South Carolina State Fair
- Location: Upper South Carolina
- Date: August 29 – September 8, 2024
- Time: 10:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
- Price: $35 – $90
The Upper South Carolina State Fair will be held over almost two weeks during the summer. It features numerous agricultural exhibitions, live entertainment, rides, and several games.
14. Charleston Beer Fest
- Location: Riverfront Park
- Date: October 26, 2024
Are you a fan of beer? Look no further than the Charleston Beer Fest, one of the most exciting South Carolina summer festivals. It features live music, food trucks, craft vendors, and of course, tons of beer and craft brews! There are even several beer games you can play with all your friends.
15. Euphoria Greenville
- Location: Greenville
- Date: September 19-22, 2024
There’s nothing like good food that can bring people together. If that’s more in line with your preferences, the Euphoria Grenville festival is sure to satisfy you. It features several wine seminars, cooking demonstrations, tasting events, and multi-course dinners. Moreover, it includes several musical experiences and live music concerts.
16. Columbia’s Greek Festival
- Location: Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral
- Date: September 19-22, 2024
Our nation has plenty of different cultures all co-mingling in one country. This September, you can visit downtown Columbia for the Greek Festival. It features several presentations on Greek heritage, history, and culture. Furthermore, the festival even has live Green music and a variety of delicious food from Greek cuisine.
17. Sooie. BBQ Cook-Off
- Location: Mauldin
- Date: September 13-14, 2024
The City of Mauldin holds an annual festival called the Sooie. BBQ Cook-Off. It showcases several important aspects of the community’s heritage such as Mauldin food and music. There will be over 20 cookers coming from the Southeast competing to provide the best BBQ in Mauldin.
18. South Carolina Foothills Heritage Fair
- Location: Farm Center
- Date: September 24-28, 2024
The South Carolina Foothills Heritage Fair is an old-fashioned county fair featuring rodeos, youth events, animal exhibits, and livestock shows. It also includes several heritage demonstrations and hands-on learning opportunities for everyone in attendance!
Visit the Best Festivals This Summer
There are numerous South Carolina summer festivals you can attend. Visitors can enjoy various activities, from live music and entertainment to rodeos and amusement rides. There’s no end to the number of activities you can try!
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