Feeling cooped up and ready to get back into the sunshine? It’s the perfect time to plan your getaway to South Carolina’s Old 96 District!
Famous for outdoor adventures, small town charm, and lively, family-friendly festival experiences, you’re sure to have an unforgettable time. Encompassing the five counties of Abbeville, Edgefield, Greenwood, Laurens, and McCormick, South Carolina, the Old 96 District is teeming with festivals all year long! Here are some unique, small-town festivals to visit on your next weekend getaway.
Abbeville Spring Festival – Abbeville, SC
Come explore Downtown Abbeville during the 42nd Annual Spring Festival on the beautiful downtown Abbeville square! From amusement rides to music, there is something for every member of the family. With an all-time record for food and craft vendors, this year’s Spring Festival running May 2-4, 2024 will be a festival to remember.
Ware Shoals Catfish Feastival – Ware Shoals, SC
Each year on Memorial Day weekend, Ware Shoals hosts over 20,000 visitors to enjoy the large catfish feast. In addition to the star of the show—the catfish—the “feastival” also hosts a carnival, booths for arts and crafts, and the streets are roped off at night for dancing! Join the fun and festivities this year May 23-25, 2024.
South Carolina Festival Of Flowers – Greenwood, SC
A “blooming good time,” the award-winning South Carolina Festival of Flowers brings the streets of Greenwood, SC to life with an impressive and expansive display of live topiaries. The main weekend of the 57th annual event will be held June 6-9, 2024, featuring garden tours, live music, local artisans, vendors, and even a ladies’ luncheon. You can see famous topiaries on display throughout the summer, though, so be sure to take it all in during your visit to the Old 96 District.
Ridge Peach Festival – Trenton, SC
Did you know South Carolina is the second largest peach producer outside of California? It’s true! We love our peaches here in the Old 96 District, and this festival is entirely dedicated to our favorite fruit. This annual celebration of the peach is held in Trenton, SC on the third Saturday in June each year, when the peach crop has come in. The festival features a parade, arts and crafts, food vendors, live music, and children’s rides and games.
South Carolina Festival Of Stars – Ninety Six, SC
Begun in 2009 as a Fireworks Extravaganza, the Festival of Stars has quickly grown into much more, featuring its own beauty pageant, street dance, Star-Spangled Community Parade, activities, games, and the final event, a major Fireworks Display. Watch for 2024 festival dates on their Facebook page. A quintessential summer festival with something for the entire family!
South Carolina Festival Of Discovery – Greenwood, SC
One of the most anticipated events in the Old 96 District, this KCBS-certified BBQ competition will transform Greenwood, SC into a Southern foodie’s paradise from July 11-13, 2024. The region’s best BBQ chefs gather to compete with other BBQ chefs from around the country for the crown in a wide range of categories. Visitors can also enjoy live blues performances throughout the event and explore local shops in the heart of Uptown Greenwood.
Squealin’ on the Square – Laurens, SC
This two-day barbecue kick-off is sure of a good and tasty time! This is a Kansas City Barbeque Society (KCBS) sanctioned event, bringing out the best of the best from South Carolina and beyond. Come out to shop local vendors, enjoy local artists, and of course—barbecue! Squealin’ on the Square typically takes place around the first weekend of October; follow the City of Laurens on Facebook for updates to the schedule.
Hogs and Hens Festival – Abbeville, SC
Held annually on the historic downtown Abbeville square every third weekend of October, the festival boasts craft vendors, live music, and “some of the best BBQ this side of the Mississippi!” Read about journalist Hayley Hutson’s visit to the Hogs and Hens festival last year here!
Looking for more festival fun? This is just the beginning! From barbecue and fairground rides to live music and local shopping, South Carolina’s Old 96 District is full of unexpected wonders. Stay awhile at one of our local bed and breakfasts or lakeside campgrounds for an unforgettable getaway!
