Check out these upcoming summer festivals happening across South Carolina
With Independence Day coming up soon, many South Carolinians’ minds are fixed on barbecues and fireworks. But the Fourth of July is not the only summer event worth looking forward to.
Whether you want to stay in the Midlands or take a trip to another part of the Palmetto State, there’s a wide variety of cultures and events to explore within its borders.
Here’s 10 of South Carolina best upcoming summer events from across the state.
No. 1: Reggaetronic Musical Festival
What is it?: Accessible by boat, Reggaetronic is a floating music festival featuring modern reggae, funk, rock and electronic music. This year’s featured artists include Villa*Nova, The Ramblers, Madds, Treehouse! and Captain Mike and the Shipwrecked.
When is it?: July 11, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Where is it?: Fat Frogs Marina, 1701 Dreher Island Road, Chapin.
How much does it cost?: General Admission is free. VIP boat parking is available for an additional fee starting at $250.
Website: Reggaetronic SC | Reggaetronic Lake Murray Music Festival
No. 2: South Carolina Peach Festival
What is it?: This 10-day festival is celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2026. A celebration of both local agriculture and community, the festival will include various food and drink vendors, a peach eating contest, fishing contest, pageant, a ticketed music event called “Peach Jam” and a parade through downtown Gaffney.
When is it?: July 9 to July 19
Where is it?: Various locations in Gaffney, see website for details.
How much does it cost?: Free, except tickets to Peach Jam, which cost $35, and tickets to the pageant, which will be available for purchase at the event.
Website: South Carolina Peach Festival | Gaffney, SC | Live Music & More
No. 3: Beaufort Water Festival
What is it?: Returning for its 70th edition, the Beaufort Water Festival pitches itself as a celebration of local arts, talent and tradition. The festival features markets, shows, competitions and a parade.
When is it?: July 17 to July 26
Where is it?: Various locations in Beaufort, check website for details.
How much does it cost?: The festival is free with the exception of eight ticketed events. Tickets are sold separately for each of them, with prices ranging from $11.64 to $42.53.
Website: ANNUAL BEAUFORT WATER FESTIVAL - Annual Beaufort Water Festival
No. 4: Columbia Vegfest
What is it?: Just one edition of an event traveling around the East Coast, Vegfest is a family-friendly event focused on vegan food and eco-friendly local businesses. The event will also feature a raffle.
When is it?: July 19, noon to 5 p.m.
Where is it?: Segra Park, 1640 Freed Street, Columbia
How much does it cost?: Adult tickets are $10 and child tickets $5. Admission for children under 12 is free.
Website: Columbia VegFest - VegFest Expos
No. 5: Greenville Fashion Week
What is it?: This event aims to bring a high-class fashion experience to Greenville, featuring two runway shows, an emerging designer competition and a kids/tween runway show. The event is also looking for local volunteers and interns to serve as models, designers, stylists, dancers, vocalists and photographers.
When is it?: July 22 to 25
Where is it?: The Courtyard Marriott, 50 West Broad Street, Greenville
How much does it cost?: The four events are separately ticketed. Prices range from $60.54 to $161.90.
Website: HOME | GFW
No. 6: The Sweetgrass Festival
What is it?: This 22-year-old festival looks to honor the rich history of the Gullah Geechee people and traditional sweetgrass basket weaving. It will feature a basket and craft show and market, along with a cultural dinner experience.
When is it?: July 25, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Where is it?: Memorial Waterfront Park, Mount Pleasant
How much does it cost?: Admission to the craft show is free. Visitors are asked to email ffirstsergeant@knology.net for information on dinner experience tickets.
Website: Sweetgrass Festival - Experience Mount Pleasant
No. 7: SC New Play Festival
What is it?: This festival looks to elevate new artists, bring established stars to the Upstate and cultivate a passion for theater and the performing arts among the local community. It will feature various plays and an arts market.
When is it?: July 29 to Aug. 9
Where is it?: Various Greenville theaters
How much does it cost?: The readings of new plays and arts market are free. Events at the Cristal Palace theater will require a ticket. Prices range from $10 to $35 depending on the night.
Website: South Carolina New Play Festival
No. 8: Freedom Festival International
What is it?: This Columbia-based film festival will offer 19 different independently produced feature films and shorts. The hosting Carolina Film Network will also be celebrating the up-and-coming filmmakers and artists with 25 awards, two of which are reserved for South Carolinian talent.
When is it?: Aug. 21 to 23
Where is it?: Ambrosia Taverna, 1734 Main St., Columbia
How much does it cost?: Passes for one block of films are $10, a day pass is $25 and a VIP Pass that covers both days costs $60.
Website: Freedom Festival International - FilmFreeway
No. 9: Main Street Latin Festival
What is it?: A celebration of local Latin American culture in Columbia. An annual nonprofit event, this vibrant Main Street festival will have live music, dance, art, authentic food and drink and local community organizations.
When is it?: Aug. 22, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Where is it?: 1300 & 1400 blocks of Main Street, Columbia
How much does it cost?: Free
Website: Main Street Latin Festival
No. 10: York Summerfest
What is it?: This local Upstate festival has food, a car show, a 5K race and a golf tournament.
When is it?: Aug. 22, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where is it?: 10 North Roosevelt St., York
How much does it cost?: Free
Website: Festival | York Summerfest | York