The Most Epic Annual Events in South Carolina: Top 10 Must-Experience Festivals (Currently Open)
South Carolina is a destination bursting with culture, color, and celebration. From coastal towns to Upstate cities, from food-lovers to music fans, the state hosts festivals that are full of energy, local flavor, and long-standing traditions. In this article, we’ll explore the top 10 must-experience annual events in South Carolina—each currently operating and ready for you to mark your calendar. Whether you’re a curious tourist, a family planning an outing, a local seeking something new, or an enthusiast chasing bucket-list festivals, these are the kinds of events that deliver memorable experiences.
You’ll find botanical celebrations, food and wine expositions, music festivals, cultural celebrations and more—all spread across the state to ensure geographic diversity. Let’s dive in and get you inspired.
Why These Festivals Are Truly Must-Experience
Before we jump into the list, it’s worth explaining what makes an event epic and must-experience in South Carolina. These festivals stand out because they:
Showcase regional culture, heritage or food in a memorable way.
Have lasting reputation and ongoing history, meaning they’re not a one-off event but a consistent annual draw.
Are currently operating, with upcoming dates or actively promoting the next round.
Are shareable and searchable, ideal for travel planning, social media moments and long-term memory making.
Are geographically spread across the state, so you can experience different regions—coast, midlands, upstate—not just one city.
With that in mind, let’s explore the top 10 festivals you’ll want to consider when visiting or exploring South Carolina.
1. Charleston Wine + Food Festival – Charleston
When it comes to food- and drink-centric festivals in South Carolina, this one reigns supreme. Hosted annually in the charming historic city of Charleston, the Charleston Wine + Food Festival spans multiple days and features tastings, chef-led events, wine and spirits, and local culinary talent. Charleston Wine + Food+2Charleston Area CVB+2
Why it’s a must-experience:
It celebrates the Lowcountry’s rich food heritage while inviting national and international chefs to participate. Charleston Area CVB+1
Events include a culinary village, tastings, pairings, seminars and dinners—making it ideal for food lovers and travel enthusiasts. Charleston Wine + Food
Located in downtown Charleston and surrounding neighborhoods, you can combine festival activities with sightseeing, historic homes, coastal breezes and Southern charm.
Tips for visiting: Book tickets in advance for signature dinners or tasting sessions. Choose one or two main events and reserve plenty of time for exploring Charleston’s historic district, shopping on King Street, or walking the harbor.
Family-friendly note: While some events are adult-oriented (wine, spirits), many tastings and food-focused gatherings are suitable for families with older children who appreciate good cuisine.
2. Euphoria Festival – Greenville
Heading into the Upstate of South Carolina, the Euphoria Festival offers a delicious combination of food, wine and music—making it a standout among things to do in South Carolina that are both cultural and fun. visitgreenvillesc.com+1
What to expect:
A multi-day event featuring guest chefs, cooking demonstrations, tastings and live music. euphoriagreenville.com
Greenville provides a backdrop of vibrant downtown, artsy neighborhoods and easy access to Upstate nature, giving this festival a perfectly balanced setting.
It’s an example of how South Carolina’s inland regions offer festival experiences just as strong as the coast.
Key highlights:Enjoy a “Feast by the Field” outdoor dinner. euphoriagreenville.com
Sample regional cuisine and craft beverages, mingle with food enthusiasts and explore Greenville’s revitalized downtown scene.
Visitor tip: Combine festival attendance with a walk along the Swamp Rabbit Trail or a visit to Falls Park on the Reedy to turn your trip into a full-day (or weekend) experience.
3. Carolina Country Music Fest – Myrtle Beach
For music lovers and beach-goers, this country music festival in the coastal resort town of Myrtle Beach hits all the right notes—quite literally. Carolina Country Music Fest+1
Why it stands out:
A large-scale outdoor country music festival featuring top artists, multiple stages and beachside fun. Wikipedia+1
Myrtle Beach gives festival-goers sun, sand and surf in addition to music, making it ideal for combining beach vacation and event attendance.
Insider tip: Stay close to the boardwalk or Ocean Boulevard for ease of access. Consider front-stage or VIP tickets if you want a premium experience.
Family note: While the cone of mainstream country music appeals across generations, check age restrictions and ticket tiers if traveling with younger children.
4. South Carolina State Fair – Columbia
This is a classic and enduring festival experience in South Carolina’s midlands region. Held in Columbia, the state capital, the fair brings together rides, food, exhibitions and community fun. Wikipedia
Why it’s epic:
It’s been held since 1869 (with few interruptions), making it one of the oldest recurring events in the state. Wikipedia
The fair features everything from live music, carnival rides, food vendors, agricultural exhibits and more.
Great for families, groups, multi-generation travel—it has something for everyone.
Tips for attending: Go mid-week to avoid peak crowds, check which nights have major concerts, and consider purchasing ride-pass bundles ahead of time.
Bonus: Because it’s in Columbia, you can pair the fair visit with exploring the University of South Carolina area, the Riverfront Park, or museum stops.
5. The Original Gullah Festival – Beaufort
Situated in the Lowcountry, the Gullah Festival celebrates the heritage and culture of the Gullah-Geechee people—a community with deep historical roots in South Carolina’s coast and Sea Islands. beaufortsc.org
Why this festival matters:
It offers music, food, storytelling and craftwork rooted in Gullah traditions—a way to experience culture in an immersive and respectful way.
Suitable for adults and families alike, especially those interested in history and cultural experiences.
Visitor tip: Visit in conjunction with a walking tour of Beaufort’s historic district, or take a side trip to nearby Penn Center or Sea Island for deeper immersion.
Highlight moments: Roadside food vendors, indigenous crafts, live music and community gatherings that reflect traditions of the Lowcountry.
6. South Carolina Pecan Festival – Florence
Yes, pecans. And yes, this festival is one of South Carolina’s hidden gems. Held annually in Florence, the Pecan Festival celebrates everything pecan. Southern Living
What makes it special:
Over 50,000 attendees expect to celebrate in downtown Florence each November with pecan-themed foods, music, and activities. Southern Living
A family-friendly event, great for foodies, and a nice option outside of the major “coast or Upstate” festival cities.
Pro tip: Stay in Florence overnight to explore the Rail Trail, antique shopping and local restaurants, turning the festival into a full weekend trip.
Why you’ll remember it: The quirky pecan theme makes for memorable experiences and photo opportunities—perfect for sharing with friends or on social media.
7. Coastal Carolina Fair – Ladson
Another great fair option located near Charleston’s Lowcountry, the Coastal Carolina Fair brings rides, exhibits and community energy to Ladson each year. Wikipedia
Highlights:
Eleven days of entertainment, agriculture exhibits, food vendors and family-friendly rides. Wikipedia
Because it’s close to the Charleston area, it provides a more affordable, authentic fair experience compared with some of the premium festival options.
Consider: If you’re staying in the Charleston area but want a daytime festival with more traditional fair charm (rides + food + local culture), this is a strong choice.
8. Come‑See‑Me Festival – Rock Hill
Off the beaten path, this ten-day spring festival in Rock Hill (York County) offers community-based fun, music, family activities and local flavor. Wikipedia+1
Why include it:
It demonstrates that even smaller towns in South Carolina host world-class festivals with energy and variety.
Activities range from parades and fun runs to music concerts, artisan markets, and more—great for families and local explorers.
Tip: Make it part of a trip into the upstate or midlands region. Pair it with a visit to nearby cycling trails, local parks or vineyards.
Bonus: Because Rock Hill is close to Charlotte (just over the state line), this festival is convenient if travelling from the metro region.
9. Loris Bog‑Off Festival – Loris
For a uniquely South Carolina experience, the Loris Bog-Off celebrates “chicken bog” (a Lowcountry dish of rice, chicken and sausage) and delivers BBQ competition, music and local crafts. thejagergroup.com
Why it stands out:
Combines food (especially regional specialty), live music and community faces for a fun and authentic atmosphere.
Located in Loris, offering a more off-the-tourist-path feel, which is great for travellers seeking something different.
Visitor tip: Come with a hearty appetite and explore other local attractions in the surrounding Horry County area, rather than simply making this one-day stop.
10. Pelion Peanut Party – Pelion
Completing our wide regional spread, the Pelion Peanut Party in November celebrates boiled peanuts, live entertainment, parades and small-town charm. thejagergroup.com
What you’ll love:
A festival that leans into local crop heritage (peanuts) and offers a family-friendly, community-oriented vibe.
Ideal for travellers who want to explore outside major cities and appreciate slower-paced, heartfelt festivals.
Tip: Pair it with a scenic drive through back-roads of South Carolina, maybe stopping at local produce stands, antique shops or small outdoor parks.
How to Get the Most Out of Your Festival Visit
Here are some practical tips to elevate your festival experience in South Carolina:
Plan ahead:
Check the festival’s official website for dates, ticket tiers, and event highlights. Some events sell out quickly.
Make lodging or camping arrangements early, especially for large festivals in popular areas (e.g., Myrtle Beach or Charleston).
Look for early-bird pricing or festival passes that bundle multiple events.
Choose your region wisely:
Coastal Lowcountry: Charleston Wine + Food, Gullah Festival, Coastal Carolina Fair.
Midlands: South Carolina State Fair (Columbia), Pelion Peanut Party.
Upstate & other: Euphoria (Greenville), Come-See-Me (Rock Hill), Loris Bog-Off.
Beach resort area: Carolina Country Music Fest (Myrtle Beach), South Carolina Pecan Festival (Florence) though not strictly beach, still a great mid-state location.
This geographic spread ensures you’re not always clustered in one zone.
Balance festival + local exploration:
Use the festival as the anchor of your trip, but allow time to explore the locale—restaurants, history, nature trails.
For example: attend Charleston Wine + Food and then stroll historic Charleston. Or go to Euphoria and also enjoy Greenville’s downtown and Upstate scenery.
Build your festival wardrobe + gear:
Bring comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate layers; many events are outdoor or partly outdoor.
For food festivals, bring a bottle of water or plan for hydration—lots of tastings, standing and walking.
For music festivals (like CCMF), consider ear protection for kids, and plan for early-morning wake-ups if sessions start early.
Family-friendly planning:
Many festivals offer kids zones, family ticket options or daytime activities (especially fairs).
Select events deliberately if with younger children—some nights or adult-only sessions may be less suitable.
Share the experience:
Festivals make great photo opportunities. Tag locations, share highlights, write a short comment or memory.
Ask local vendors about unique foods or souvenirs—those local touches often become your favorite recollections.
Why These Festivals Are Evergreen & Share-Worthy
These events aren’t just one-hit wonders; they are built for the long term. They are searchable with keywords like “things to do in South Carolina festivals,” “annual events South Carolina,” “best festivals in South Carolina 2025.” They appeal across audiences—families, couples, solo travellers, locals. They are shareable—foodie shots, live music selfies, quirky peanut-festival photos. And they live in the landscape of South Carolina’s diverse regions—coast, middle, upstate—so your festival experience also becomes a travel experience. They deliver stories you’ll tell later: “I danced on the beach at Myrtle Beach during CCMF,” or “I sampled Lowcountry bites at Charleston Wine + Food.” These are festivals worth building travel around.
Final Thoughts: Mark Your Calendar & Go Celebrate
South Carolina’s festival scene is rich, vibrant and absolutely worth exploring. From the gastronomic heights of Charleston’s culinary festivals to the toe-tapping country music beats at Myrtle Beach, from midlands fairs full of tradition to small-town peanut parties and chicken bog cook-offs, there’s something for every taste and travel style.