Photo Credit: James Naruke

From the coast to the mountains, South Carolina holidays roll all year long. Towns like Pendleton, Charleston, Myrtle Beach, and Columbia are hot spots for events that feature music, food, art, and cultural heritage. It seems like there is something happening almost every weekend of the year in this busy balmy state where even winter doesn’t seem to slow folks down.

Historic Pendleton Spring Jubilee

This small town in the Upcountry region of South Carolina is a real gem, with a huge historic downtown from the 18th century and loads of charming ambiance. Every April, the Village Green is transformed into a giant fair to herald the arrival of spring. Around 300 vendors set up stalls selling crafts, art, food, and other great items. Live music fills the background and dance performances showcase the local folk culture.

Charlestown Harbor Fest

One of the main events in charming Charleston is its Harbor Fest that celebrates the city’s 300 years of South Carolina’ maritime history. This free festival takes place all along the historic waterfront, with marine exhibits, rides on sailboats, tours of US Navy ships, and loads of other fun nautical activities. Live music, an artists’ market, and lots of kid-friendly stuff create a complete package of fun every May.

Sun Fun Festival

Myrtle Beach puts on a big show every June, with a complete range of events and activities. The centerpiece is the historic Sun Fun Parade along Ocean Boulevard that brings out just about every resident of this popular beach town. This is backed up by beach volleyball tournaments, live concerts, a fireworks display, and a completely separate festival dedicated entirely to kids’ activities.

Spoleto Festival

Between May and June every summer, the town of Charleston, South Carolina hosts a popular festival that brings amazing music, dance, theater, opera, and circus performances to the city from all over the world. Spoleto is the cultural highlight of the year, with a grand festival finale on the last day at Middleton Place featuring live music and a big fireworks display.

Seafood, Jazz and Brew

One of Hilton Head’s big events combines three of the finest things in life. For a long weekend each September, this posh island hosts great jazz musicians from around the world to provide the backdrop for superb seafood and hand-crafted beers. Events are scheduled all over the island, so you can pick your preferred atmosphere.

South Carolina State Fair

It started way back in 1869, and South Carolina’s annual State Fair is still going strong, providing folks from around the region an excuse to visit Columbia in October. The weather is just about perfect for the carnival rides, tasty fair food, and requisite livestock shows. There are also concerts, performers of all kinds, and loads of things for kids and adults alike to enjoy.

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