The Palmetto State has been gaining a lot of attention lately. People from all over are coming to see what we have to offer because of these events.
July: Gilbert Peach Festival
If you need a place to see some fireworks for the 4th of July with some great peach ice cream, come to the Peach Festival. This one-day festival is filled with a live band, great food, and some of the best peach-inspired things on the East Coast. Come early to see the parade along with some great classic cars or come at night to see the fireworks at Gilbert Middle School.
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Location: Gilbert, SC
Price: Free
More Information: https://lexingtoncountypeachfestival.com/
August: The Big Mo
Are you running out of ideas for a family outing before the kids go back to school? Take them to the Big Mo. One of three drive-thru theatres in South Carolina, The Big Mo has been one of our state’s hidden gems since 1951. Showing two movies every weekend until the winter, this is the place to end the summer off right.
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Location: Monetta, SC
Price: $10 per person
More Information: https://thebigmo.com/
September: Cookout Southern 500 at Darlington Raceway
A Labor Day tradition since 1950 brings some of the best NASCAR drivers during the playoffs for a race like no other. This 501-mile race brings people from all over the US to see their favorite drivers grab points to become NASCAR Champion. Even if racing is not your style, try camping in the raceway's paddock for an experience like no other.
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Location: Darlington, SC
Price: Depends on seating.
More Information: https://www.nascar.com/2023/cook-out-southern-500
September: Atalaya Festival
One of the biggest festivals in the Pee Dee area is the Atalaya Festival at Huntington Beach State Park. With over 100 artisans from across the Southeast Coast, this festival showcases the area’s full display of talent with unique styles for everyone. If art is not your thing, enjoy some of the best food trucks and music from the area.
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Location: Murrells Inlet, SC
Price: $10 per adult (free for kids 15 and under)
More Information: https://southcarolinaparks.com/huntington-beach/atalaya-festival#jump
October: Western Carolina State Fair
If the long waits of the fair are something you want to get rid of, may I offer you a new place with all the fair events and rides but shorter lines. The Western Carolina State Fair is getting more and more attention each year. This fair gives you a similar experience to the state fair we all know and love but is less expensive. Plus, the dog show is top in the state.
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Location: Aiken, SC
Price: $10 per adult (free for kids 10 and under)
More Information: https://westerncarolinastatefair.com/
November: William Brice Stadium
“Under a Carolina Sky” is the home to the University of South Carolina Gamecocks. This 78,000-seat stadium has hosted concerts, presidential campaigns, and even an NFL game. A bronze statue of Heisman Trophy Winner George Rogers greets everyone who has not experienced a Saturday night USC game in Columbia. Be careful though, I hear a sandstorm is brewing...
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Location: Columbia, SC
Price: Depends on the opposing team
More Information: https://gamecocksonline.com/tickets/football/
December: Fantasy of Lights
Want to get into the Christmas spirit? I got the drive for you. The only free light show in South Carolina, Swan Lake transforms their park into a winter wonderland with your favorite cartoon and movie characters to sing some holiday cheer. If you come on certain days, you might be able to see the inside of Santa’s workshop and make something from the heart.
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Location: Sumter, SC
Price: Free
More Information: https://www.sumtersc.gov/FantasyOfLights
