Welcome to the Top 10 Events in South Carolina
Explore the selection of the top 10 annual events and festivals, fairs and celebrations (listed in calendar priority) across the State of South Carolina, including events in Camden, Darlington, Myrtle Beach and Columbia.Carolina Cup
March
Camden, South Carolina
The Carolina Cup race-meeting is a time honored South Carolina tradition that has achieved premier social event status. The annual 'rites of spring' draws over 65,000 fans from throughout the southeast, to enjoy the thrilling sport of steeplechase horse racing amid a flurry of spring fashions and elaborate tailgate parties. From the Corporate Terrace to College Park, old friends meet and new friends are made during the afternoon of seven races.
For more information visit: http://carolina-cup.org
Southern 500
May
Darlington, South Carolina
Reviving the name, the Southern 500®, known by many as NASCAR’s greatest annual challenge takes place at the Darlington Raceway, NASCAR's original superspeedway.
An already impressive list of Darlington winners includes Earnhardt, Petty, Pearson, Yarborough, and Allison.
For more information visit: www.darlingtonraceway.com
Freedom Weekend Aloft
May Memorial Day weekend
Simpsonsville, South Carolina
Throughout the weekend this hot air balloon festival offers one hundred beautiful hot-air balloons competing daily.
Other activities include exciting concerts by the nation’s top entertainers, amusement rides, games, sponsor displays, children’s activities, skydivers, regional music stages, the US Disc Dog Freedom Weekend Nationals (Frisbee Dog Contest), sky-high fireworks. A beach blast features a Kidzone, rides, vintage car show and live music.
For more information visit: www.freedomweekend.org
Bike Week
May
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Myrtle Beach Bike Week, is a motorcycle event and rally held annually in Myrtle Beach, SC. Approximately 300,000 people make their way to the rally area for the 10-day event.
The festivities include motorcycle racing, concerts, parties, and street festivals. The event contends with the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally as one of the most popular motorcycle rally in the United States.
For more information visit : www.ridemyrtlebeach.com
Spoleto USA
May / June
Charleston, South Carolina
Spoleto Festival USA was founded in 1977 as the American counterpart to the Festival of Two Worlds held annually in Spoleto, Italy.
The festival quickly became a haven for a broad range of artistic styles and forms, including classical ballet, modern and post-modern dance, opera, chamber, symphonic, and choral music, jazz, theater, and visual arts.
Spoleto has earned a reputation for offering programs of the highest artistic caliber, supporting new and innovative works, nurturing outstanding young artists, and expanding public appreciation of the arts.
For more information visit: www.spoletousa.org
Beaufort Water Festival
July
Beaufort, South Carolina
First held in 1956, the annual Beaufort County Water Festival has been a Beaufort tradition for over 50 years.
The first weekend featured two days of sailboat races and the Regatta Ball. In years following organizers added the Beauty Pageant on Friday to select the Queen of the Carolina Sea islands who was chosen from the visiting queens from cities and towns throughout the state. After that came the addition of the parade, a water ski show and competition, air show, swimming races and the Water Festival Ball and motor boat race.
As the years went by and the festival drew more and more people to the area tennis and golf tournaments, an antique show, bingo, fishing contests, and even croquet.
For more information visit: www.bftwaterfestival.com
Okra Strut
September
Irmo, South Carolina
Located only 12-miles outside of Columbia, the Okra Strut began as a fundraiser by the Lake Murray-Irmo Women’s Club to raise money for a new library. Today, it is the largest known celebration of the slimy green vegetable.
The first day includes the Okra Strut street dance featuring two favorite beach bands. Saturday begins with a parade and a 10K “Dam Run” to Irmo. Festivities include more than 100 arts and crafts exhibitors, “Okryland” kids' area, okra-eating and -growing contests and a full day of musical entertainment.
For more information visit: www.irmookrastrut.com
Greek Festival
September
Columbia, South Carolina
This four-day festival celebrates Greek culture in Columbia with authentic Greek food and music, regional Greek dances, art show and entertainment for people of all ages.
For more information visit: www.columbiasgreekfestival.com
South Carolina State Fair
October
Columbia, South Carolina
Each October, people of all ages come to Columbia to participate in the South Carolina State Fair, one of the top 50 fairs in the United States.
Celebrating more than 139 years in existence, the South Carolina State Fair features exhibits including flowers, baked goods, canned goods, needlework, quilting, fine art, student art, livestock and agriculture. Commercial, historical and educational exhibits are also showcased.
The 12 day run of the fair features grandstand entertainment, stages with variety of acts such as comedy, bands, dancers, local entertainment and entertainment from South Carolina schools across the state. Rides are provided by North American Midway Entertainment.
For more information visit: www.scstatefair.org
