Like slime? Check. Cute? Got it. Fun? You betcha. Rock Hill’s Come-See-Me has it all
The onset of Spring in Rock Hill means the Come-See-Me Festival is almost here. And with it comes the chance for kids and adults to come together at one of the southeast’s top annual attractions.
The 10-day festival runs from April 16-25. Hundreds of volunteers with help from dozens of sponsors work together to pull off events for people of all ages.
“Come-See-Me shows what the community of Rock Hill can do when we get together for 10 days,” said 2026 festival chair Nate Mallard.
The festival attracts people from not just York County, but the region and other states. At Come-See-Me, which started in 1962, there’s something for everybody. You like slime? Jump a frog if you are 12 or under. Prefer cute? There’s a teddy bear tea party and many other kids-only events. Wanna party? Listen to the music, dance, eat, even have a beer if that’s your thing.
The festival website and social media pages have full listings of events. Here are a few signature staples that make Come-See-Me an annual can’t miss whether you are age 5 or your age is old enough to be nobody’s business.
April 16 Kick it off with the parade. The annual ride through downtown on Main Street is from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30.
April 17 The beach beckons. The annual Beach Bash outside Rock Hill City Hall for music, dancing the shag, and more. 5:30 p.m. to 10.
April 18 Find your prince among the frogs. The Mayor’s Frog Jump where kids age 12 and under compete to see whose hopper hops the farthest. The event has at times been world-famous from The Herald’s coverage, including some years where amphibian suppliers sent in frogs just days before the event to make sure kids had the leapers they needed.
Yes, you can bring your own frog caught from the wildest muck, or compete with a frog organizers bring in for the contest.
Yes, you can name your frog whatever you want.
Yes, you can cheer as loud as you want.
No, your teenage sister can’t compete because she’s too old.
11 a.m to 2 p.m. at Winthrop Lake near the baseball stadium.
April 20-23 Musicians will play at Glencairn Garden during the lunch and evening hours. People often picnic with friends and make new ones. And the wonderful flowers are free to smell and look at the whole 10 days. Rock Hill’s Glencairn Garden 725 Crest St.
April 24 Moonlight Jazz and Blues at the stage at Winthrop Lake, accompanied by the smells of a competitive barbecue cook-off. 6 p.m. to 10.
April 25. The famous finale. Tailgate party and fireworks at Winthrop Lake. 3 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Note: $5 entrance fee for April 24 Moonlight Jazz and April 25 Tailgate for people age 21 and up with photo ID. $5 parking per car each of those nights.
Want to know more? Visit comeseeme.org, for details about specific events and to download the festival app.
Go down memory lane with this 2008 column by Andrew Dys about Flippy the Frog.
