It’s SC summer festival time. Here are 5 of the best ones to try in July 2023
Summer is in full gear, bringing with it a host of exciting and fun-filled festivals across South Carolina.
With the warmer, sunny weather, the next few months will be packed with outdoor festivals of all kinds. And while July 4 events take over the first weekend of the month, don’t stop your outdoor fun there. There will be plenty more outdoor festivals in the Palmetto State this month.
Here are five of the best festivals scheduled for July in South Carolina.
South Carolina Festival of Discovery
- When: July 6-8
- Where: Uptown Greenwood
- Website: https://www.uptowngreenwood.com/events/sc_festival_of_discovery/index.php
Held every year since 2000, the South Carolina Festival of Discovery has become the most highly anticipated event in the region, the event’s website states. The festival celebrates the culture, history, food, arts, crafts music and people of South Carolina and Greenwood County.
The festival’s “Blues Cruise” celebrates the unique sound of the blues, featuring numerous musical artists performing at restaurants and venues. Meanwhile, the Kansas City Barbecue Society BBQ and Hash Cook-Off highlights the rich tradition of Carolina barbecue.
South Carolina Peach Festival
- When: July 12-22
- Where: Gaffney
- Website: https://www.southcarolinapeachfest.com/
This multi-day, annual event gives thanks to the state’s peach industry with concerts, a parade, sporting events, a truck and tractor pull, along with peach desserts. The festival boasts a history of bringing the best country music to Gaffney. Headlining the festival this year will be Lainey Wilson, who will sing some of her hits including “Things a man outta” and “Never say never.”
Charleston Caribbean Jerk Festival
- When: July 15
- Where: Charleston in Riverfront Park
- Website: https://chsjerkfest.com/
Now in its eighth year, this family-friendly event celebrates the best in Caribbean food, culture and music. The focus of the festival is to highlight Caribbean food, particularly dishes that use Jamaican jerk seasoning. Visitors are encouraged to bring blankets and chairs to enjoy the music, food and other activities.
Beaufort Water Festival
- When: July 14-23
- Where: Beaufort in Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park
- Website: https://www.bftwaterfestival.com/#/
The Beaufort Water Festival is held every year to celebrate the Lowcountry’s bond with the sea. The festival, now in its 67th year, features water-related activities, along with various activities for kids, an antique show, an air show, crafts, music and more.
The Sweetgrass Festival
- When: July 23
- Where: Mount Pleasant
- Website: https://experiencemountpleasant.com/events/sweetgrass-festival/
Come to the 19th annual Sweetgrass Festival and celebrate the Gullah Geechee people’s history, culture, traditions and sweetgrass basket art. Check out the Sweetgrass Basket and Craft Show to find a collection of amazing basketry, along with a variety of handmade arts, crafts and jewelry.
This story was originally published July 5, 2023 at 6:00 AM with the headline "It’s SC summer festival time. Here are 5 of the best ones to try in July 2023."
