South Carolina Calendar 2025 - List of Festivals and Big Events: Meaning and Celebration

Overview of Festivals in South Carolina 2025

South Carolina, known for its rich history, southern charm, and stunning coastal landscapes, is a state that truly comes alive through its festivals. From the cobblestone streets of Charleston to the serene beaches of Myrtle Beach, 2025 promises an exciting calendar of events that celebrate the state’s diverse culture, music, food, and natural beauty.

South Carolina’s festivals reflect its vibrant cultural heritage and love for community gatherings. From historic reenactments to seafood festivals along the coast, every event captures the essence of southern hospitality. Highlights include the world-renowned Spoleto Festival USA in Charleston, the family-friendly South Carolina State Fair, and the festive Myrtle Beach Oktoberfest. Each season brings something unique, making South Carolina a year-round destination for celebrations.

Learn more: Full List of Festivals in the US for 2025: Music, Food, Art, Film, Street and More

Festival Map of South Carolina 2025

List of Festivals and Big Events in South Carolina: Date, Location, Significance, and Activities

Note: Festival dates and similar events in this state are updated frequently, and times may change. Please report any date errors in the article in the comments below.

January

Charleston Restaurant Week

• Date: January 11–21, 2025
• Location: Charleston, SC
• Significance: A culinary celebration showcasing Charleston’s acclaimed dining scene.
• Activities:
  • Special prix fixe menus at top restaurants.
  • Wine pairing dinners and cooking demonstrations.
  • Exclusive food tours of historic Charleston.
• Tickets: Individual meals priced per restaurant; reservations recommended.
• Transportation: Downtown parking available; rideshare services encouraged for evening events.

February

Hilton Head Island Gullah Celebration

• Date: February 3–25, 2025
• Location: Hilton Head Island, SC
• Significance: A tribute to the Gullah culture, celebrating its unique heritage and contributions to South Carolina’s history.
• Activities:
  • Traditional Gullah storytelling, music, and dance performances.
  • Art exhibits featuring local Gullah artists.
  • Authentic Lowcountry cuisine, including shrimp and grits.
• Tickets: Event-specific tickets available online; some free events.
• Transportation: Parking available on-site; shuttles provided between event venues.

March

Charleston Wine + Food Festival

• Date: March 6–10, 2025
• Location: Charleston, SC
• Significance: A premier culinary festival bringing together renowned chefs, winemakers, and food enthusiasts.
• Activities:
  • Wine tastings and gourmet food pairings.
  • Live cooking demonstrations by celebrity chefs.
  • Rooftop parties and waterfront dinners.
• Tickets: Day passes and VIP packages available online.
• Transportation: Public transit and rideshare services recommended; limited parking downtown.

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April

South Carolina Strawberry Festival

• Date: April 25–27, 2025
• Location: Fort Mill, SC
• Significance: A sweet celebration of strawberry season in South Carolina.
• Activities:
  • Strawberry pie-eating contests and dessert tastings.
  • Live music, carnival rides, and fireworks.
  • Craft markets and family-friendly games.
• Tickets: General admission is free; fees for rides and food vendors.
• Transportation: Parking available near the festival grounds; carpooling encouraged.

May

Spoleto Festival USA

• Date: May 24–June 9, 2025
• Location: Charleston, SC
• Significance: A world-famous performing arts festival featuring theater, opera, dance, and music.
• Activities:
  • Performances by international and local artists across multiple venues.
  • Public art installations and workshops.
  • Opening and closing ceremonies with spectacular live performances.
• Tickets: Available online; early booking recommended for popular shows.
• Transportation: Shuttle services provided between venues; public transit options available.

June

Carolina Country Music Fest

• Date: June 6–9, 2025
• Location: Myrtle Beach, SC
• Significance: One of the Southeast’s largest country music festivals, set against a scenic coastal backdrop.
• Activities:
  • Performances by top country music stars.
  • Food vendors offering southern barbecue and seafood.
  • Beach parties and meet-and-greet sessions with artists.
• Tickets: General admission and VIP passes available online.
• Transportation: Parking available at designated lots; shuttles provided to the venue.

July

Beaufort Water Festival

• Date: July 12–21, 2025
• Location: Beaufort, SC
• Significance: A beloved celebration of coastal living, featuring waterfront entertainment and community activities.
• Activities:
  • Boat parades, fishing tournaments, and airshows.
  • Live music performances and evening fireworks over the waterfront.
  • Arts and crafts markets featuring local artisans.
  • Family-friendly activities, including kids' day events and paddleboard races.
• Tickets: General admission is free; event-specific tickets available online.
• Transportation: Parking available downtown; shuttle services offered from nearby areas.

Freedom Festival

• Date: July 4, 2025
• Location: Greer, SC
• Significance: A patriotic celebration of Independence Day in the heart of South Carolina.
• Activities:
  • Fireworks display and live musical performances.
  • Classic car shows and craft vendors.
  • Food trucks serving regional favorites like fried chicken and peach cobbler.
  • Games, inflatables, and contests for kids and families.
• Tickets: Free admission.
• Transportation: Parking available near the festival grounds; carpooling recommended.

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August

South Carolina Peanut Party

• Date: August 9–10, 2025
• Location: Pelion, SC
• Significance: A quirky festival celebrating the peanut harvest and local agriculture.
• Activities:
  • Peanut-themed food tastings, including boiled peanuts and peanut butter desserts.
  • Live music performances and a peanut parade.
  • Carnival rides and contests, such as peanut shelling races.
  • Vendors selling crafts and agricultural goods.
• Tickets: Free admission; fees for rides and food vendors.
• Transportation: Parking available near the festival site; carpooling encouraged.

Arts Alive Festival

• Date: August 23–24, 2025
• Location: Florence, SC
• Significance: A celebration of South Carolina’s vibrant art scene, showcasing local talent.
• Activities:
  • Live performances by dancers, musicians, and theater groups.
  • Art exhibits featuring works by local painters and sculptors.
  • Workshops and interactive art zones for attendees of all ages.
  • Food and drink vendors offering southern specialties.
• Tickets: Free admission.
• Transportation: Public transit and parking available downtown.

September

South Carolina State Fair

• Date: September 10–20, 2025
• Location: Columbia, SC
• Significance: The state’s largest annual event, celebrating agriculture, entertainment, and community.
• Activities:
  • Carnival rides, games, and attractions for all ages.
  • Livestock shows, cooking competitions, and agricultural exhibits.
  • Food vendors serving classic fair treats like funnel cakes and corn dogs.
  • Concerts featuring nationally acclaimed artists.
• Tickets: General admission and ride tickets available online; discounts for children and seniors.
• Transportation: Public transit and parking available near the fairgrounds.

Irish Italian International Festival

• Date: September 21, 2025
• Location: North Myrtle Beach, SC
• Significance: A lively cultural celebration blending Irish and Italian traditions.
• Activities:
  • Traditional Irish music and Italian opera performances.
  • Food vendors offering dishes like pasta, pizza, and Irish stews.
  • Contests, including spaghetti-eating competitions and leprechaun lookalike contests.
  • Arts and crafts markets featuring international-inspired goods.
• Tickets: Free admission.
• Transportation: Parking available near the festival site; rideshare services recommended.

October

Myrtle Beach Oktoberfest

• Date: October 4–6, 2025
• Location: Myrtle Beach, SC
• Significance: A festive celebration of German culture along the sunny shores of South Carolina.
• Activities:
  • Beer gardens featuring German and local craft brews.
  • Traditional Bavarian food, including bratwurst and pretzels.
  • Live polka music and dancing.
  • Family-friendly games, inflatables, and a pumpkin patch.
• Tickets: Free general admission; beer and food are pay-as-you-go.
• Transportation: Shuttle services provided from key parking areas.

South Carolina Jazz Festival

• Date: October 18–20, 2025
• Location: Cheraw, SC
• Significance: A tribute to jazz legend Dizzy Gillespie, born in Cheraw, and a celebration of jazz music.
• Activities:
  • Performances by renowned jazz artists across multiple stages.
  • Workshops on jazz history and musical techniques.
  • Art exhibits inspired by jazz culture.
  • Food and drink vendors offering southern and jazz-themed menus.
• Tickets: General admission tickets available online; student discounts offered.
• Transportation: Parking available near venues; public transit is limited.

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November

Harvest Festival

• Date: November 9–10, 2025
• Location: Edisto Island, SC
• Significance: A celebration of the fall harvest and coastal traditions.
• Activities:
  • Hayrides and pumpkin decorating contests.
  • Fresh seafood and farm-to-table food vendors.
  • Bluegrass music performances and storytelling sessions.
  • Artisan markets featuring handmade crafts.
• Tickets: Free admission; fees for some activities.
• Transportation: Limited parking available on-site; carpooling is encouraged.

December

Dickens Christmas Show and Festival

• Date: December 12–15, 2025
• Location: Myrtle Beach Convention Center, SC
• Significance: A Victorian-inspired holiday festival featuring festive shopping and entertainment.
• Activities:
  • Holiday-themed exhibits and vendors selling unique gifts.
  • Caroling, live performances, and costumed characters.
  • A life-sized Victorian village display.
• Tickets: Available online and at the venue.
• Transportation: Parking available at the convention center; rideshare services encouraged.

Holiday Lights on the River

• Date: December 1–31, 2025
• Location: Saluda Shoals Park, Columbia, SC
• Significance: A dazzling drive-through light display, perfect for families and holiday enthusiasts.
• Activities:
  • Over a million lights creating festive scenes.
  • Santa’s Village with crafts, games, and seasonal treats.
  • Train rides and storytelling sessions for kids.
• Tickets: Per-vehicle admission fee available online or at the gate.
• Transportation: On-site parking available; carpooling recommended.

Conclusion

South Carolina’s festivals in 2025 showcase the state’s rich cultural heritage, culinary delights, and love for community celebrations. From the cobblestone streets of Charleston to the beaches of Myrtle Beach, each festival offers a unique experience for locals and visitors alike.

FAQs About South Carolina Festivals 2025

1. What are the biggest festivals in South Carolina in 2025?

• Highlights include the Spoleto Festival USA, Carolina Country Music Fest, and South Carolina State Fair.

2. Are South Carolina festivals family-friendly?

• Yes, many events, like the Beaufort Water Festival and Harvest Festival, cater to all ages.

3. When is the best time to visit South Carolina for festivals?

• Spring and summer are ideal for major events, but fall and winter also feature unique celebrations.

4. Are there free festivals in South Carolina?

• Many festivals, such as the South Carolina Peanut Party, offer free admission with optional paid activities.

5. How can I get tickets for South Carolina festivals?

• Tickets are available online or at the venue; early booking is advised for popular events.

South Carolina’s festivals in 2025 offer something for everyone, promising a year full of unforgettable celebrations!

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