Ever wondered what makes South Carolina’s fall so special? As we welcome 2023’s autumn, South Carolina has many festivals planned to celebrate this colorful season. From lovely flower shows to thrilling fairs, from German Oktoberfest fun to soothing jazz music – these fall festivals in North Carolina have it all. Let’s see what’s happening in these SC festivals 2023 and explore the charm of South Carolina’s autumn. If you are visiting or a resident, be sure to check out these six SC fall festivals and get into the seasonal spirit!
South Carolina State Fair
Date: October 11 – 22, 2023
Location: South Carolina State Fairgrounds, Columbia, SC
Hours: 7:30 am – 4 pm
One of our favorite SC fall festivals, the State Fair is a big deal! For 12 thrilling days, the South Carolina State Fair will take over the State Fairgrounds in Columbia. The fair is South Carolina’s greatest yearly event, attracting over 400,000 visitors each year. From adrenaline-pumping rides to delicious fair food, this event has it all. Families, friends and foodies can savor the tastes of autumn while enjoying live entertainment, games and a carnival atmosphere. It is a beloved tradition that showcases the heart and soul of South Carolina. It is simply one of the top festivals in SC you must not miss.
Oktoberfest Columbia
Date: October 22, 2023
Time: 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Location: Incarnation Lutheran Church, 3005 Devine St, Columbia
Oktoberfest Columbia is a festival that’s a must-attend for beer lovers. Celebrate the spirit of Oktoberfest with traditional homemade German food, delicious pastries, live music from bands and dancers, and, of course, a wide variety of beers. It is a lively event where you can don your lederhosen, join in the merriment and experience a taste of Bavaria right here in the South. There are also a ton of activities for kids to enjoy, including Kinderzone, balloon artists, face painting and playgrounds.
There is no entry fee for Oktoberfest Columbia SC.
Fall For Greenville – SC Fall Festival
Date: October 13 – 16, 2023
Location: Greenville, along Main Street from Augusta Street to East North Street
Fall For Greenville is a captivating festival that transforms the streets of Greenville into a lively celebration of food, music and culture. This free festival includes live entertainment, arts and crafts exhibitors, a children’s play area, food vendors, safety demonstrations and other activities.
The Fall Festival will once again raise funds and awareness for Helping Hands of Goose Creek. It is requested that attendees bring canned food to donate. Attendees will receive a raffle ticket for every two canned goods contributed, with the chance to win one of many fantastic prizes provided by local businesses.
Brew at the Zoo Brookgreen Gardens
Date: November 5, 2023
Time: 5:30 pm – 8 pm
Location: Lowcountry Zoo, Brookgreen Gardens
If you are a fan of craft beer and wildlife, Brew at the Zoo is the perfect blend of both. Located in the serene setting of Brookgreen Gardens, this event lets you sip on local brews while surrounded by exotic animals. Take a leisurely evening stroll through the zoo, enjoy live music and savor some delicious bites – all for a great cause.
Myrtle Beach Jazz Festival
Date: October 20 – 22, 2023
Location: Myrtle Beach, SC
The Myrtle Beach Jazz Festival is a harmonious celebration of music and culture. Over the course of three days, you can immerse yourself in the soothing sounds of jazz while enjoying delectable food from local vendors. This festival pays homage to Myrtle Beach’s rich musical heritage and provides a memorable experience for all attendees. It is one of the top things to do in Myrtle Beach in October.
IOP Halloween Carnival
Date: October 27, 2023
Time: 4 pm – 6 pm
Closing out our list is the IOP Halloween Carnival, a spooktacular event that is perfect for families. With a Halloween costume golf cart parade, a drive-thru haunted house, inflatables, food vendors and treats for children, it is a delightful way to celebrate ‘Spooky Season’ on the island. Best of all, it is free and open to the public.
Harvest on the Homestead at Historic Brattonsville
The Brattonsville Historic District is one of the most famous historic districts across South Carolina, marked by over 30 historic structures that date back to the 1760s. Every Saturday in October, they will be holding a family-friendly fall festival where you can experience how homesteaders would harvest their crops back in the olden days.
October 21st is dedicated to cotton, cotton fabrics and cotton dyeing. And finally, October 28 will be dedicated to pumpkins and pumpkin-based delights. It is one of the top York Count SC Fall Events.
Boone Hall Pumpkin Patch
The Boone Hall Pumpkin Patch is considered to be one of the largest fall festivals in the state. This year will mark the 26th annual Boone Hall Pumpkin Patch Festival.
The Charleston fall event generally includes an 8-acre corn maze, a petting zoo, a comedy circus, an obstacle course, farm football and other exciting events. You can also directly buy pumpkins from their pumpkin patch area. The Boone Hall Pumpkin Patch Festival is scheduled to be held from September 29th till October 29th. As for pricing, you will be requested to pay $15 for ages three and above.
Taste of Charleston Festival
The Taste of Charleston Festival is a three-day festival generally held in October/November at the Boone Hall Plantation. This festival is entirely centered around celebrating low-country cuisine. The festivities for this year will include an Iron Chef competition, food samplings from Charleston’s finest restaurants, live cooking demonstrations, a kid’s corner, inaugural food and wine pairings and much more! Stay tuned for the final dates to be announced.
SC Fall Festivals 2023: Wrap Up
South Carolina’s fall festivals in 2023 offer a delightful blend of culture, entertainment and seasonal charm. Whether you are a fan of gardening, live music, classic cars, or simply savoring delicious food, there is an event for you. So, mark your calendars, gather your loved ones and make the most of this enchanting season by exploring these diverse and captivating fall festivals across the state.