From Sweet Potatoes to Shrimp and Pecans—Discover South Carolina’s Best Fall Festivals
Get ready to dive into South Carolina’s festival season, where the community comes together to celebrate local culture, food, and fun. From savory barbecue to sweet pecans and fresh shrimp, these events will fill your calendar—and your plate. Let’s explore the festivals that will give you all the feels (and flavors) this fall.
Harvest Home Weekend Festival
Murrells Inlet, SC
Date: October 5-6, 2024
The Harvest Home Weekend Festival at Brookgreen Gardens is a family-friendly event celebrating the fall season in the stunning gardens of Murrells Inlet. Visitors can enjoy classic autumn activities like picking and decorating pumpkins, building scarecrows, and navigating a hay maze. Local artisans from Brookgreen’s Plein Air Guild showcase their work, while live music and craft tables add to the festive atmosphere. Kids can get their faces painted and explore the craft stations, while seasonal food from vendors and Brookgreen’s own eateries is available.
Location: 1931 Brookgreen Drive, Murrells Inlet, SC
South Carolina State Fair
Columbia, SC
Date: October 9-20, 2024
If you’re looking for classic fairground fun, the South Carolina State Fair has it all. Think thrilling rides, carnival games, and an abundance of food—funnel cakes, deep-fried treats, and all the comfort foods your heart desires. Beyond the midway, the fair also highlights livestock competitions, art exhibits, and nightly concerts, offering something for everyone. This vibrant, high-energy event draws crowds of all ages, making it a must-visit for families and fair enthusiasts.
Location: 1200 Rosewood Drive, Columbia, SC
Sweet Potato Festival
Darlington, SC
Date: October 12, 2024
In the heart of Darlington, the Sweet Potato Festival has been a staple for over 40 years, paying tribute to the area’s beloved root vegetable. Set in the town’s Public Square, expect a celebration filled with sweet treats like pies, baked goods, and even ice cream—all starring sweet potatoes. Beyond the food, the festival features over 100 craft vendors, live music, kids’ activities, and a classic car show that’ll make you nostalgic. The family-friendly vibe brings out the best of small-town charm, with Southern hospitality in every bite.
Location: 505 Anderson Drive, Darlington, SC
Little River Shrimpfest
Little River, SC
Date: October 12-13, 2024
Seafood lovers, this one’s for you! The Little River Shrimp Fest takes over the scenic Little River Waterfront for a two-day seafood bonanza. Local restaurants and vendors serve up everything shrimp—from shrimp and grits to shrimp po’boys. Not a shrimp fan? Don’t worry, there’s plenty of other delicious bites to try. Add in arts and crafts, live music, and a kids’ zone, and you’ve got a laid-back, beachy weekend that’s perfect for families and foodies alike.
Location: 4468 Mineola Avenue, Little River, SC
Loris-Bog Off Festival
Loris, SC
Date: October 19, 2024
Loris is famous for chicken bog, and this festival celebrates the dish with all its flavorful glory. Chicken bog, a Southern classic made with rice, chicken, sausage, and spices, is at the center of the festival’s cooking contest. But the fun doesn’t stop there—there’s live music, craft vendors, and other family-friendly activities that make this festival a true slice of Southern life. Expect the locals to compete fiercely for the title of best chicken bog while you savor the delicious results.
Location: 4101 Main Street, Loris, SC
South Carolina Pecan Festival
Florence, SC
Date: November 2, 2024
For a nutty good time, head to Florence’s largest annual event—the South Carolina Pecan Festival. Here, the pecan takes center stage with pies, brittles, and roasted varieties filling the air with their sweet aroma. This festival attracts over 50,000 attendees, and it’s not just for the foodies. There’s live music, arts and crafts vendors, and a classic car show. Plus, if you’re feeling active, sign up for the “Run Like a Nut” 5K race before indulging in the festival fare.
Location: 173 US-52, Florence, SC
Charleston Vegan Festival
Charleston, SC
Date: November 2, 2024
For the plant-based crowd and the plant-curious, Charleston Vegan Festival is the place to be. Featuring a variety of vegan food trucks, bakers, and local artisans, this festival offers everything from vegan BBQ to raw food delicacies. Educational talks, cooking demonstrations, and live music add to the eco-friendly atmosphere. Whether you’re vegan or just want to try something new, this festival promises innovative, delicious plant-based dishes.
Location: 400 Needlerush Pkwy, Mt Pleasant, SC
Holy Smoke BBQ Festival
Charleston, SC
Date: November 9, 2024
Come hungry because Charleston’s Holy Smoke BBQ Festival is a meat lover’s paradise. This fall festival brings together over 50 pitmasters from across the country, showcasing mouthwatering ribs, pulled pork, and smoked chicken. The air is filled with the smoky aroma of barbecue, while live music sets the tone for a relaxing day. What’s even better? The festival supports local charities, so while you’re indulging in the best barbecue around, you’re also giving back to the community.
Location: 1061 Everglades Avenue, North Charleston, SC
