Abbeville, Edgefield, Greenwood, Laurens, & McCormick Counties
FESTIVAL SEASON IS HERE IN
SOUTH CAROLINA'S OLD 96 DISTRICT
Are you looking for a fun and relaxing getaway this spring and summer? Do you want to experience the charm and beauty of rural small towns in South Carolina? Do you love delicious food, live music, arts and crafts, and family-friendly activities?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, then you should plan a trip to South Carolina's Old 96 District, where you can enjoy a variety of festivals that celebrate the culture and heritage of this region.

Mark your calendars for these festivals in the coming months:
Abbeville Spring Festival (May 5-7, 2023)
This annual festival features a carnival, a car show, a dog show, a quilt show, a talent show, and more. You can also enjoy live entertainment from local bands and artists, as well as delicious food from vendors and restaurants. Don't miss the fireworks show on Saturday night!

Ware Shoals Catfish "Feastival" (May 24-27, 2023)
This festival honors the catfish, which is abundant in the Saluda River that runs through Ware Shoals. You can enjoy fried catfish plates, catfish stew, catfish sandwiches, and other tasty treats. You can also watch or join the catfish tournament, where anglers compete for prizes and bragging rights. The festival also features a parade, a carnival, a car show, a beauty pageant, and live music.
SC Festival of Flowers (June 8-11, 2023)
Celebrating 56 years of a blooming good time, Greenwood's annual festival showcases the beauty and diversity of flowers and plants. You can admire the stunning topiaries that line the streets of downtown Greenwood, visit the gardens and nurseries that offer tours and workshops, and participate in various events such as the bike ride, the golf tournament, the 5K run/walk, and the wine walk during the main festival weekend, June 8-11, 2023. You can also browse the arts and crafts market and enjoy live music and entertainment throughout the festival.
Trenton Peach Festival (June 17, 2023)
This festival celebrates the peach harvest in Trenton, which is known for its sweet and juicy peaches. You can savor fresh peaches, peach ice cream, peach cobbler, peach jam, and other peach products. You can also watch or join the peach eating contest, the peach parade, the peach cook-off, and the peach auction. The festival also features arts and crafts vendors, children's activities, and live entertainment.
Festival of Discovery (July 6-8, 2023)
This festival celebrates the history and culture of Greenwood with a focus on barbecue and blues. You can sample some of the best barbecue from over 80 teams competing in the Kansas City Barbeque Society sanctioned event, as well as enjoy live blues music from local and national artists. You can also learn about the history and heritage of Greenwood at the Discovery Center, where you can see exhibits and demonstrations on topics such as pottery, quilting, blacksmithing, and more.
The Old 96 District in the News
"Nestled in the upper western corner of South Carolina, you’ll find the Old 96 District, comprised of five counties offering everything from historic sites and outdoor adventures to distillery tours — an ideal destination if you’re in the mood to be charmed. We’re counting down nine darling bed and breakfasts in the area that are perfect for anchoring your next weekend getaway!" Read more here...
"From exciting mountain adventures to scenic landscapes and relaxing days spent floating on a picturesque lake, South Carolina offers a getaway for every type of traveler. As you begin to map out your spring and summer travels, we’ve rounded up four places in The Palmetto State to lend you some inspiration!" Read the full article here for "4 South Carolina Destinations to Visit This Season."
WHERE TO NEXT:
(Five places we're excited to visit soon—follow us on social media to join the adventure!)

  • Murder Mystery Dining Experience at the Abbeville Opera House (Abbeville, SC) - Set in 1920s Abbeville, you won't want to miss this one-of-a-kind murder mystery dining experience June 15-17, 2023.
  • Palmetto Shooting Complex (Edgefield, SC) - This world-class clay shooting course is always being altered so you never visit the same course twice!
  • Break on the Lake (Greenwood, SC) - Located on Lake Greenwood, this cozy restaurant promises a relaxing dining experience complete with enchanting views, divine cocktails, and savory meals.
  • Stewart Farms (Laurens County, SC) - U-Pick strawberries open April and May! We can't wait to get a bucket or three of these delicious fresh berries.
  • Hester's Bottom Family Campground (McCormick County, SC) - This beautiful campground located on 71,000-acre Strom Thurmond Lake also has a private boat launch, boat dock, and offers great fishing and a private beach for campground guests, among other ammenities!