It’s almost SC fall festival time! Here’s your guide to 10 of the best ones to try in 2024
Temperatures have finally started dropping in South Carolina, which means fall festivals are right around the corner.
Fall officially kicks off on Sept. 22 and from then through November, South Carolinians will have a host of quality festivals to attend. From the huge annual state fair to more unique offerings like a celebration of okra, chili or all things Bigfoot, there should be a festival for nearly everyone.
Here are 10 of the best South Carolina festivals slated for this fall.
Irmo Okra Strut Festival
- When: Sept. 27-28
- Where: Moore Park at 7473 Church Street in Irmo
- Website: https://www.okrastrut.com/
Kick off the start of fall by celebrating a Southern classic. The Irmo Okra Strut is the largest known celebration of the little green vegetable. This year will be the event’s 50th anniversary. Festivities include more than 100 arts and craft exhibitors, a kid’s play area, okra-eating and growing contests, as well as a full day of musical entertainment.
Beach ‘N Chili Fest
- When: Sept. 27-29
- Where: Burroughs & Chapin Pavilion Place, Myrtle Beach
- Website: https://www.eatgreatchili.com/
This is no ordinary chili cook-off.
The International Chili Society is the largest sanctioning body of chili cook-offs in the country and four the last three years, has held it’s championship in Myrtle Beach. This year will determine who can claim the title of World Champion and their portion of a $75,000 prize purse.
While there, visitors can enjoy a family fun zone and a relaxing beer garden with an array of different craft and special brews. People will also get to sample different chilis as part of the People’s Choice Chili Competition.
Palmetto Peanut Boil
- When: Sept. 28
- Where: 2900 block of Devine St. in Columbia
- Website: https://animalmission.org/palmetto-peanut-boil/
The Palmetto Peanut Boil, now in its 17th year, has grown from a small backyard affair to an annual outdoor festival that draws thousands of visitors. The event highlights the best cooks and recipes in South Carolina, who compete for a championship trophy and bragging rights. There will also be live music, food and other entertainment. Admission is free and all proceeds from sales of food and drinks will benefit Animal Mission.
Myrtle Beach Bike Week Fall Rally
- When: Sept. 30-Oct. 6
- Where: Myrtle Beach
- Website: https://www.myrtlebeachbikeweek.com/events/fall-rally/
This year marks the 85th anniversary of the Bike Week Fall Rally. The event has expanded over the last decade from North Myrtle Beach to Georgetown. Rides, events, vendors, live entertainment and more are planned for visitors to the Grand Strand.
South Carolina State Fair
- When: Oct. 9-20
- Where: South Carolina State Fairgrounds, Columbia
- Website: https://www.scstatefair.org/
When it comes to festivals in the state, they don’t get much bigger than this. The 12-day South Carolina State Fair will again be jam-packed with fun and entertainment for the whole family, featuring rides, games, exhibits and grandstand entertainment. There will also be stages with a variety of acts such as comedy, bands, dancers, local entertainment and entertainment from area schools. And don’t forget the many different foods and treats that will be available, including plenty of new options.
South Carolina Bigfoot Festival
- When: Oct. 11-12
- Where: Westminster
- Website: https://www.scbigfootfestival.com/
Fun, food and a hefty dose of weirdness comprise the South Carolina Bigfoot Festival. Now in its fifth year, the festival has grown quickly in popularity, partly because of the unique nature of the event.
There will be food and craft vendors, music, as well as the Bigfoot tales from alleged experts on the mythological Sasquatch. If you’re a fan of cryptozoology or just curious to learn more about Bigfoot, this festival is a must see.
Western Carolina State Fair
- When: Oct. 11-20
- Where: Aiken Fairgrounds in Aiken, South Carolina
- Website: https://westerncarolinastatefair.com/
This fair will have a plethora of attractions to dazzle and delight visitors of all ages. There will new rides and attractions, broncs and bull riding; and a demo derby. And of course, there will be plenty of food and other vendors.
Mythical & Medieval Fest
- When: Nov. 9-10 & 16-17
- Where: 3833 Socastee Blvd. in Myrtle Beach
- Website: https://mythicalmedievalfest.com/
This Renaissance-themed festival has a bit of everything for fans of knights in shining armor, princesses and fairytales. The event will whisk you away to a whimsical realm filled with a fairy forest, medieval combat, princesses, a fire show, an artisan’s village and more. Also, proceeds from the festival will go to Caleb’s Dragonfly Dreams, a local nonprofit that provides positive activities to children who have been abused and or neglected and reside in group homes and shelters.
Rockabillaque
- When: Nov. 9
- Where: Park Circle in North Charleston
- Website: https://www.rockabillaque.com/
Get ready for the 11th annual Rockabillaque. This action-packed event comes loaded with classic cars, vintage bikes, live music, a block party and more.
There will also be a classic car and bike show with awards, a pin-up girl contest and fashion show, as well as a tattoo contest and beard and mustache competition. Oh, and plenty of BBQ to eat.
Aiken Fall Steeplechase Championship
- When: Nov. 23
- Where: 2020 Richland Ave. East in Aiken
- Website: https://aikensteeplechase.com/
Enjoy all the thrills and speed of horse racing on flat tracks at this annual steeplechase championship. Watch horses race along plush turf and leap over fences. The event will mark the end of the National Steeplechase Association’s racing season and be the deciding championship race for trainer of the year and rider of the year.
This story was originally published September 7, 2024 at 6:00 AM.
