Festivals & Special Events

For a complete and detailed listing of festivals and special events please visit our website at www.TheUpcountry.com. The calendar is continually updated as new events and programs develop.

Year Round

3rd Saturday of each month

Milling, Music and Memories at Historic Hagood Mill

(864) 898-5963
www.co.pickens.sc.us/culturalcommission
The convention is a celebration of music, food, traditional arts and the people of the Carolina Upcountry. Held at the historic Hagood Mill, a restored 1845 grist mill, on the National Register of Historic Places, is the only mill in SC grinding with original wheel components. The site includes a reproduced Cherokee home site, blacksmith shop, 1791 Murphree cabin and much more.

SC STATE PARKS

(803) 734-0156
www.SouthCarolinaParks.com
South Carolina’s parks offer exciting recreation, nature and history programs and events scheduled throughout the year.

January

 
CHESNEE

Middle of January

Cowpens National Battlefield Anniversary Celebration

(864) 461-2828 www.nps.gov/cowp
Cowpens National Battlefield commemorates a decisive battle that helped turn the tide of war in the Southern Campaign of the American Revolution. On this field on January 17, 1781, Daniel Morgan led his army of tough Continentals, militia and cavalry to a brilliant victory over Banastre Tarleton’s force of British regulars. The battle at the “Cow Pens” is recognized by historians as one of the most important of the American Revolution. Each year the two day celebration includes demonstrations and re-enactments that are reminiscent of the American Revolution, guided walks through the park and evening lantern lit walks through the park that are eerily participatory.

February

End of February

Art & Antique Show

(864) 582-7616
This exciting event will give people in the Upstate an opportunity to see, to learn about, and to purchase predominantly 18th & 19th century American, English, and Continental antiques and accessories from dealers outside of the Upstate area. Vendor merchandise will include the following: antique furniture, silver, jewelry, porcelain, paintings, fine art, oriental rugs & linens. All events will take place at the Chapman Cultural Center.

March

 
Middle of March

Greer State Bank Chili Cook-off

(864) 877-3131
Twenty plus area restaurants will showcase their culinary skills in historic Downtown Greer by competing in the Chili Cook-off from 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 13, 2008. Celebrity judges will vote for best tasting chili and best decorated restaurant booth. The public will then cast their ballots for their choice of “Greer’s Best Chili!” This event will feature live entertainment, beverages, and of course, lot’s of great tasting Chili! Cash prizes will be awarded to the top three winners and the first place winner will also receive a traveling trophy to keep in their respective restaurant for the year.

April

WOODRUFF

Beginning of April

A Taste of the Backcountry at the Historic Price House

(864) 576-6546
www.spartanburghistory.org
A Taste of the Backcountry is held the first Saturday in April every year at the historic Price House. Skilled artisans prepare food over open fires for visitors to taste. Talk to the artisans to learn about domestic life in the early 1800s. After sampling the food, tour the Price’s home and a double-pen slave cabin. Antique appraisers are on hand to appraise two items per guest at specific times. Admission.

PENDLETON

First full weekend of April

The Annual Historic Pendleton Spring Jubilee

1/800-862-1795
www.pendleton-district.org
Artists and crafters, selected for the high quality and originality of their work, will fill colorful tents with artwork, baskets, wood carvings and furniture, jewelry and many one-of-a-kind items. Take a walking tour of the historic district or visit the two house museums, Ashtabula and Woodburn. The Jubilee Joy Ride, sponsored by the Electric City Cycling Club, will tour you through the surrounding countryside. Local merchants and antique shops will welcome you to enjoy their unique offerings.

CHEROKEE

Middle of April

Spring Arts & Craft Fair

The 3rd annual Spring Arts & Crafts Fair at Kings Mountain State Park will be held at the Living History Farm. Several venders with art &
crafts representative of 1850’s Piedmont goods. Food venders and live music will be available, As well as self guided tours of the farm.

PICKENS

Middle of April

Pickens Azalea Festival

(864) 878-3258
www.pickenschamber.org/AzaleaFest
When the azaleas begin to bloom you know that it’s time for the Pickens Azalea Festival! The event offers live musical entertainment, car cruise-in children’s activities, historic home tours and arts and crafts.

ANDERSON

End of April

Anderson Soiree

(864) 224-3777
www.mainstevents.com
The Annual Anderson Soiree is the largest street festival in Anderson County. With an inviting combination of live music, street performers, food, crafts and children's activities, there is truly something for everyone! Come see the NEW Artist Colony and be a part of the Friday Night "Street Party". As Downtown Anderson businesses grow and the landscape changes, there are more and more reasons to visit the Electric City. Come, bring the family and friends to enjoy a relaxing time in Anderson each spring. Remember, "There is a Party Going On!!

SPARTANBURG

End of April

Childhood on the Plantation

walnutgrove@spartanburghistory.org
Walnut Grove Plantation presents Childhood on the Plantation April 26, 2008, 11:00 am till 4:00 pm. Children can experience the chores and games of children in the late 1700s through hands-on activities such as toy-making, textiles, and more. Blacksmith Bruce Mills is working in the forge and tours of the Plantation will be available throughout the day. Bring a picnic lunch and make a day of it! Admission: Adults $6.00, Ages 6-18 $4.00, Ages 0-5 Free. For more information, contact Walnut Grove Plantation at (864)576-6546

May

GREER

Beginning of May

Greer Family Festival

(864) 877-4841
www.GreerFamilyFest.com
The Greer Family Fest provides entertaining activities for all ages such as free children’s arts and crafts, petting zoos, and live stage and roaming entertainment. Local restaurants will offer a variety of enticing foods for attendees to savor while local artisans will feature their work at booths interspersed throughout the festival. This annual event is located in downtown Greer’s beautiful historic district. Festival Hours: 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

GREENVILLE

Beginning of May

Artisphere

(864) 271-9398
www.artisphere.us
An annual 3-day festival featuring 100 visual artists from all over the country & 3 performing arts stages featuring local, regional, & nation performers & musicians. This outdoor event is in Downtown Greenville's Historic West End and runs through Reedy River Falls Park.

PICKENS

Middle of May

Blue Ridge Fest

1/800-240-3400
www.blueridgefest.com
A two-day festival featuring a classic car cruise-in with hundreds of cars on display. Entertainment is provided by a variety of entertainers that will meet everyone’s taste in music. The festival includes a charity motorcycle ride.

SIMPSONVILLE

End of May

Freedom Weekend Aloft Presented By Pontiac-GMC

(864) 232-3700
www.freedomweekendaloft.org
Twelve times chosen as one of the “Top 20 Events” in the Southeast, the festival is one of the largest hot air balloon and entertainment festivals in the Southeast. The free event offers attendees a relaxing, family oriented and fun filled weekend which includes 100 hot air balloons, nationally renowned recording artists, concerts, car show, interactive sponsor displays, amusement rides and games, a children’s area, kits, beach party, great food, regional music, and much more.

June

COWPENS

Middle of June

Mighty Moo Festival

(864) 463-9116
www.mightymoo.com
The “Mighty Moo” was the nickname for the USS Cowpens, a CVL-25, a World War II aircraft carrier, named after the famous Revolutionary War battle, the Battle of Cow Pens, which was fought on January 17, 1781. The battle was considered a turning point in the Southern American campaign during the American Revolution. The battlefield site is now a National park that commemorates the historical significance of the battle. Since 1977, the festival has celebrated and honored those who served on the USS Cowpens WW ll Aircraft Carrier CVL 25 and the USS Cowpens Aegis Guided Missile Cruiser CG 63. During the celebration former crewmen, their families and visitors take part in a variety of exciting events.

July

CLEMSON

Beginning of July

Clemsonfest

(864) 654-1200
www.clemsonchamber.org
On the evening before Independence Day, Clemsonfest kicks off numerous area festivals and is the only opportunity to see a major fireworks display over beautiful Lake Hartwell. Join thousands of revelers for family fun in the early evening with games, food, and crafts. Later enjoy doing South Carolina’s official dance, the Shag, to the best of beach bands as the fireworks ring in the 4th.

GREENVILLE

Beginning of July

Red, White and Blue Main Street Events

511 Rhett Street, Ste. 1-A
Greenville, SC 29601
(864) 235-5525 www.mainstevents.com
Long-standing July 4th celebration including a performance by the Greenville Symphony Orchestra and the largest fireworks display in the state; includes music, food/beverage, and children’s activities for over 30,000 annually.

MOUNTAIN REST

Beginning of July

50th anniversary Hillbilly Day

(864) 638-1967
50th ANNIVERSARY
The festival is one of the oldest in the state of South Carolina. The 50th annual event includes clogging, square dancing, country and bluegrass music, crafts, food and “old time” kids games – so wear some old clothes!

GAFFNEY

Middle of July

South Carolina Peach Festival

(864) 487-8507 or (864) 489-5716
www.scpeachfestival.org
South Carolina’s salute to the peach. Festival activities will include nationally renowned recording artists featuring blues, beach music, and bluegrass. Festival also includes art and crafts, car show, Barbecue cook-off, parade, carnival and much, much more.

SPARTANBURG

Carolina Panthers Summer Training Camp

1/800-374-TEAM
Festivals & Events www.TheUpcountry.com
www.TeamSpartanburgsc.org
The Carolina Panthers roar into Spartanburg for the team’s training camp at Wofford College. Enjoy the NFL up close and personal. Many special activities are planned throughout the camp that includes fan participation. The practices are free and open to the public.

August

SPARTANBURG

Carolina Panthers Summer Training Camp

Wofford College
1/800-374-TEAM
www.TeamSpartanburgsc.org

September

Mid-September

Euphoria

(864) 233-5663
www.euphoriagreenville.com
Hosted by restaurateur Carl Sobocinski and platinum-selling singer and songwriter Edwin McCain, Euphoria will educate, entice, enlighten, and entertain. The event will include exclusive tasting events, cooking demonstrations and wine seminars, as well as multi-course dinners and live musical performances.

Labor Day Weekend

The Great Southeast BalloonFest

(864) 260-4800
www.greatsoutheastballoonfest.com
The Great Southeast BalloonFest is a cultural extravaganza for every member of your family! The festival’s heart revolves around balloons and the fun and enjoyment of flight along with many other events including the arts, concerts, and sports.

Labor Day Weekend

US Cycling Championship

511 Rhett Street, Ste. 1-A
Greenville, SC 29601
(864) 235-5525
www.usacyclingchampionships.com
Over 150 of the nation’s best professional cyclists are once again planning to descend upon the Upstate of South Carolina over Labor Day weekend. The dual championship will feature the USA Cycling Professional Individual Time Trial championship and the USA Cycling Professional Road Race championship.

Labor Day Family Fun Festival

Simpsonville City Park
(864) 963-3781
www.simpsonvillechamber.com
One of the largest Labor Day events in this area, the festival boasts a popular antique & classic car show, great food, arts, & crafts, live entertainment, a petting zoo, and much more.

Westminster

Middle of September

South Carolina Apple Festival

(864) 647-5316
www.westminstersc.com
The Upcountry’s salute to the apple, the SC Apple Festival celebrates the beginning of apple harvest season in Oconee County, the largest apple producing area in the state. The annual festival has continued to grow in popularity since its first appearance in 1961. The week long activities include arts, crafts and food vendors, a Chattooga River Float, live entertainment by a variety of musicians and the annual Apple Festival IPRA sanctioned World Championship Rodeo, and much, much more.

Mauldin

End of September

Mauldinfest

www.mauldinfest.com
Mauldinfest is held annually during the month of September and kicks off Friday night with opening ceremonies and entertainment on the main stage. It is filled with many activities for festival attendees -- quality vendors, a variety of food, amusement rides and games for all ages. The Headliner entertainment on both Friday and Saturday nights attracts large crowds. Saturday night ends with a bang, as a huge display of fireworks lights up the night sky with a brilliant array of colors. We have planned this event for your enjoyment and, as always, there is no admission charge. A small parking fee is all you need to get into the festival and we're sure that you'll have a great time. Remember to bring your lawn chairs so you can relax in front of the main stage area. Mark your calendar now for one of the best family festivals of the year. You won't want to miss it!

Inman

End of September

Harvest Day Festival

www.inmanchamber.org
Artists, crafts people, special storewide and sidewalk sales, food vendors, children's activities, and entertainment throughout the day offers something for everyone. Visiting with old friends, or making new ones, reminds us why living in a small town is a great place to call home. The event is sponsored by the Greater Inman Area Chamber of Commerce working with local government officials and employees. Get your souvenir Harvest Day shirts! They're great gifts.

October

ROEBUCK

Beginning of October

FestiFall at Walnut Grove Plantation

(864) 576-6546
www.spartanburghistory.org
Enjoy the cool autumn air while experiencing history as it comes to life at Walnut Grove Plantation. Presented the first full-weekend of October each year, FestiFall invites you to recapture colonial life by participating in basketry, blacksmithing, candle dripping, doll making, dyeing, soap making, spinning, weaving and much, much more. Be swept back to the Revolutionary 1780 western front when “Bloody Bill” Cunningham, a deserter from the American cause, attacked the plantation. Captain Cunningham and his desperate band of Tories will re-enact the raid on Walnut Grove to murder American Patriots. Witness the brave heroine, Kate Barry, warn her husband and his troops of the attack. Listed on the National Register, this plantation is a 1760s manor house that includes an academy, doctor’s office, kitchen and other outbuildings.

BELTON

Beginning of October

Standpipe Festival

(864) 847-7111
www.beltonsc.com
The castle like tower, completed in 1909, rising 155 feet is a familiar landmark. One of the highest reinforced concrete structures in the United States, Belton’s eighty year old standpipe, which is used for water storage, is designated a historical site and listed on the National Historic Register. The festival includes entertainment, games, rides, children’s area, exhibitions, classic car show, arts and crafts and historical walks.

BLACKSBURG

Beginning of October

Anniversary of the Battle of Kings Mountain

Kings Mountain National Military Park
(864) 936-7921
www.nps.gov/kimo
Kings Mountain National Military Park commemorates a pivotal and significant victory by American Patriots over American Loyalists during the Southern Campaign of the Revolutionary War. Join the celebration of the anniversary by participating in a wide variety of activities that depict life during the American Revolution.

CHESNEE

Beginning of October

Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail March

(864) 461-2828
www.nps.gov/cowp
The Overmountain Victory Historic Trail follows the Revolutionary War route of Patriot militia men from Virginia, today’s eastern Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina and Georgia to the battle of Kings Mountain, SC, site of Kings Mountain National Military Park. The victory secured by the Patriot militia at the Battle of Kings Mountain on October 7, 1780, was a turning point of the Southern campaign of the American Revolution. On October 6, 1780, after trailing Major Patrick Ferguson for 13 days, the patriot militia arrived at the Cowpens. During their brief stay they selected the men who would proceed to and fight at Kings Mountain on October 7 where Major Ferguson was defeated. Thomas Jefferson called the Battle of Kings Mountain, “a turn of the tide.” Enjoy the anniversary by participating in the anniversary with stories of the event told by “marchers” and other exciting events. Activities include a series of activities at Cowpens National Battlefield by re-enactors who then follow the original trail to King’s Mountain to commemorate the pivotal battle.

GREENVILLE

Beginning of October

Fall for Greenville

Main Street Events
511 Rhett Street, Ste. 1-A
Greenville, SC 29601
(864) 235-5525
www.mainstevents.com
Where in the Upcountry can you enjoy dining outdoors on the cuisine of 43 restaurants while taking in live musical entertainment on four stages - all right in the heart of downtown Greenville at Fall for Greenville! And don’t forget about the ice carving competition, chili cook-off, local chef demonstrations, restaurant pentathlon, silver spoon competition, and more!

PUMPKINTOWN

Beginning of October

Pumpkin Festival

(864) 878-2045
Pumpkins, pumpkins and more pumpkins! Celebrate the arrival of fall with this annual festival. Enjoy arts, crafts, fiddling music, dancing, food, entertainment and pumpkins celebrated in some surprising ways. 9am-6pm.

WALHALLA

Middle of October

Oktoberfest

(864) 638-2727
www.walhallachamber.com
Walhalla, tucked into the mountains of northwest corner of the Upcountry, was founded by German settlers in the 1850s. The heritage is celebrated each year through an annual festival. Visitors can experience good spirits, good times, laughter and goodwill at the Oktoberfest. Enjoy Walhalla’s heritage with bratwurst, sauerkraut, strudel, crafts, the music, the costumes and the dances.

CHEROKEE

Middle of October

Fall Festival

www.southcarolinaparks.com
Come see a traditional 1850’s Piedmont Fall harvest festival. Our largest group of volunteers in period dress demonstrate festival events like apple cidar & sorghum molasses making, hay rides, and traditional cooking. Food venders, live music, and petting zoo for traditional animals will be available at the Living History Farm.

WOODRUFF

End of October

Autumn Fun at the Price House

1200 Oak View Farms Road
Woodruff, SC
Hours 11:00am-4:00pm
Admission: $5 adults, $3 children age 6-17. Groups of 10 or more that reserve by October 16 receive 10% off all admissions. Autumn Fun is held in late October each year. This event is designed for children and includes games, locally-renowned storyteller Evelyn Parks, tours of the house that include a scavenger hunt, and the chance to cook hot dogs and roast marshmallows over an open fire. Blacksmith Bruce Mills will be on site demonstrating his craft.  All food and activities are included in the admission price. For more information, please call (864)576-6546 or email pricehouse@spartanburghistory.org.

November

INMAN

November – December

Holiday Lights Safari at Hollywild Animal Park

(864) 472-2038
www.hollywild.com
Visit Upcountry South Carolina’s most exciting seasonal attraction-Holiday Lights Safari at Hollywild Animal Park. Drive through nearly 100 acres, magically decorated with hundreds of thousands of twinkling lights, dazzling holiday themes, light sculptures, tunnels of lights, plus herds of live animals...and much more. Visit the Enchanted Deer Forest which houses herds of free roaming animals that you can feed by hand; an area for all ages. The Holiday Safari begins at 6pm. Admission.

GREENVILLE

November - December

Holiday Lights Show Roper Mountain Science Center

(864) 281-1188
www.ropermountain.org
The annual Roper Mountain Rotary Holiday Lights open on Thanksgiving night at 6:00pm at the Roper Mountain Science Center. Visitors will thrill to the breathtaking drive through the natural setting to view towering light displays depicting holiday tradition. Comprised of over 200,000 lights, the displays will be complemented by animation and landscape lighting that provide a spectacular light show. 6-10pm. Admission. Continues through 12/30.

December

INMAN

November – December

Holiday Lights Safari at Hollywild Animal Park

(864) 472-2038
www.hollywild.com
See November listing - through December.

GREENVILLE

November - December

Holiday Lights Show Roper Mountain Science Center

(864) 281-1188
www.ropermountain.org
See November listing - through December.

SPARTANBURG

Beginning of December

“A Dickens of a Christmas”

(864) 583-2776 www.spartanarts.org
“A Dickens of A Christmas” is a holiday gift to the community from Spartanburg’s cultural community that brings the Victorian spirit of Charles Dickens’ time to downtown Spartanburg. Festival goers are immersed in the Victorian era, with sights and activities including living window displays of scenes from Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol,” street entertainers, strolling carolers, hand bell choirs, marching suffragettes, chestnut roasters, horse-drawn carriage rides, a Victorian Santa and more! The event begins at 6:00pm with a parade, followed by the annual tree lighting ceremony at 7:30pm.

ANDERSON

Beginning of December

Christmas at Ashtabula Plantation

SC 88 – Pendleton, SC 29670
(864) 646-7249
www.pendletonhistoricfoundation.org
Reenactors portraying the early nineteenth century families that lived at Ashtabula Plantation bring Christmas to life in eight mini-plays staged in the downstairs rooms of the big house and outbuildings.  Winner of 2008 Award of Merit by the Confederation of South Carolina Local Historical Societies.  Admission by reservation.

ROEBUCK

Price House Beginning of December
Walnut Grove Plantation Beginning of December

Historic Walnut Grove Plantation and the Price House Christmas Open House

(864) 576-6546
www.spartanburghistory.org 
The historic homes are decked out for the holidays with decorations that are reminiscent of the 1700s. Call for more information.