News Summary
Spring has arrived in South Carolina, bringing a vibrant array of festivals that celebrate local culture and traditions. From the Great Anderson County Fair to the Iris Festival, communities are preparing for a season filled with joy and entertainment for all ages. Key highlights include live music, food vendors, and engaging activities, ensuring there’s something for everyone. These events not only provide fun and excitement but also foster community spirit and support local economies, showcasing the best of South Carolina’s spring festivities.
Columbia, SC – Spring has arrived in South Carolina, ushering in a vibrant lineup of festivals celebrating everything from strawberries to crawfish. Various communities across the state are gearing up to host their unique traditions and festivities, providing opportunities for locals and visitors alike to participate in the seasonal celebrations. Key highlights of upcoming events include the Red Rose Festival, the Iris Festival, and numerous others that promise to engage and entertain attendees of all ages.
The Great Anderson County Fair is set to kick off the festival season, running for 10 days starting May 1. As the first county fair of the year, it marks a beloved tradition in the area and signals the beginning of many springtime events. Detailed schedules and information about additional festivals can be found on the South Carolina Information Highway website.
Upcoming Festivals
Red Rose Festival
Dates: May 16-17
Location: Lancaster
Theme: Western
Features at this festival include live music, a kid zone featuring bounce houses and rides, over 100 craft and food vendors, a talent show, performances by Brayden Phillips & Band and Sawyer Brown, and an exciting fireworks display.
Iris Festival
Dates: May 16-18
Location: Sumter
This popular festival features a variety of activities for children, including a parade, health screenings, stilt walkers, boat rides, musical acts, a car show, archery, a driving simulator, and even dog adoptions.
Greenville Greek Festival
Dates: May 16-18
Location: St. George Greek Orthodox Cathedral, Greenville
Attendees can enjoy authentic Greek music and dancing, a range of vendors and foods, all for a $3 admission, with proceeds benefiting GirlUp GVL.
The Fair at Heritage Park
Dates: May 16-25
Location: Simpsonville
This festival is filled with family-friendly activities including character meet and greets, pig racing, a circus stunt show, a petting zoo, and numerous rides. General admission is $10, and children under 10 can enter for free.
Black Expo Columbia
Date: May 17
Location: SC State Fairgrounds
The event highlights Black culture through various exhibitions and showcases of Black-owned businesses, running from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Sun Fun Festival
Dates: May 16-18
Location: Myrtle Beach
Celebrating its 70th anniversary, this festival includes the Omar Shriners Parade, a U.S. Army Golden Knights demonstration, and various fun activities such as games, photo opportunities, face painting, and crafts.
South Carolina Food Truck & Craft Beverage Festival
Date: May 17
Location: Columbia
Running from noon to 5 p.m., this festival will feature over 35 food trucks serving gourmet cuisine alongside a selection of regional and national beers.
Additional Festivals
Other notable festivals include the Black Cowboy Festival (May 22-25 in Rembert), featuring agricultural workshops and horse shows; Gallabrae (May 23-24 in Greenville County), showcasing Scottish culture; and the Original Gullah Festival (May 23-25 in Beaufort), which emphasizes the rich heritage through storytelling, music, and local cuisine.
Artisphere, during May in Greenville, draws over 100,000 visitors and significantly impacts the local economy, while ArtFields in Lake City turns the town into a gallery for Southern artists, revitalizing the area.
These festivals foster community engagement, support local economies, and celebrate cultural pride, making South Carolina a hub of spring festivities.
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Additional Resources
- WPDE: 10th Annual Food Truck Festival
- The State: Food Truck Festival Highlights
- Post and Courier: South Carolina Arts Festivals
- Wikipedia: Festival
- WLTX: Things to Do in Columbia
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Culture
Author: STAFF HERE MYRTLE BEACH
The HERE Myrtle Beach Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Myrtle Beach community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Myrtle Beach Our team includes lifelong Myrtle Beach residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent developments along the Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach’s tourism and hospitality industry, and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Coastal Carolina University programs). Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
