Discover year-round festivities in the Olde English District with a calendar full of family-friendly events, local happenings, and upcoming festivals celebrating food, culture, holidays, sports, and more. Find your new favorite festivals at some of the most popular events in South Carolina right here in the OED. There’s something happening all year long, so don’t miss out on making unforgettable memories at these fun-filled events.
Spring Events in the Olde English District
This spring, it’s off to the races at the 90th running of The Carolina Cup Races on March 29, 2025. Experience the iconic sport of steeplechase horse racing and wear your best pastels for South Carolina’s premier springtime social event.
In April, head to Rock Hill’s official start to spring at the Come-See-Me Festival, which returns April 3-12, 2025. Explore a week of events, including concerts, parades, tailgate parties, a fireworks extravaganza, and cook-offs. If you want a truly local experience, the Come-See-Me Festival is South Carolina’s largest all-volunteer festival and a beloved Rock Hill tradition.
In May, celebrate all things strawberry at the South Carolina Strawberry Festival in Fort Mill. Enjoy two days full of live music, family-friendly activities, contests, rides, and all the strawberries you can eat on May 2 & 3, 2025. Later that month, check out Hog on the Hill, the 17th annual BBQ cook-off held in Chester on May 9 & 10, 2025, Tega Cay’s Best Dam Food Festival in Catawba Park on May 10, 2025, or visit Lancaster for the Red Rose Festival on May 16 & 17, 2025, for a free, two-day music festival that fills the streets with live entertainment and vibrant culture.
Summer Events in the Olde English District
Enjoy an authentic summer in the South at events highlighting classic Southern flavors, hospitality, and traditions. The festivities start over Memorial Day Weekend at Flopeye Fish Festival, a free, family-friendly festival in Chester featuring attractions like a carnival, music, food, live entertainment, and fun for all ages. In July, head to the Pageland Watermelon Festival July 17-19, 2025, to celebrate the region’s top crop with events like watermelon eating contests, a rodeo, car shows, rides, and live music. Summer fun is all around in the OED with can’t-miss concerts, 4th of July celebrations, and food festivals packed with flavor.
Fall Events in the Olde English District
Celebrate the fall season with festivals in the Olde English District! There are plenty to choose from: Fort Mill Fall Festival, Cherry Place Farms Fall Festival, Chesterfield Fall Festival, and Fall Family Farm Day at Old McCaskill’s Farm. Enjoy all your favorite fall activities, from pumpkin patches and corn mazes to hayrides and train rides at the South Carolina Railroad Museum.
If you’re looking for fall fun beyond pumpkins, there are sporting events, jazz festivals, and cultural celebrations to explore. Start September off in Union County at Uniquely Union Festival, an unforgettable weekend of family fun, live music, delicious food, and community. If you’re a fan of disc golf, head to Winthrop University in Rock Hill for the United States Disc Golf Championship (USDGC). If you’re interested in learning about different cultures, the Yap Yè Iswà Festival is the event for you. The “Day of the Catawba” in Rock Hill honors the art, history, and culture of the Catawba people—who have been in the Carolinas for over 6,000 years. In October, the South Carolina Jazz Festival returns to Cheraw to entertain jazz enthusiasts and educate newcomers to the soulful sounds of jazz.
Winter Events in the Olde English District
Kick off the holiday season at Christmas Parades across the Olde English District this winter. Get the family together and see the spirit of the season come alive at the Lowrys Christmas Parade, Boykin Christmas Parade, Kershaw County Christmas Parade, and more. Explore other Christmas traditions in the OED at festive celebrations like ChristmasVille, Christmas Candlelight Tours at Historic Brattonsville, and Santa Train Rides at the South Carolina Railroad Museum.
Close out the winter season in March with a 3-day cultural celebration at Irish Fest Camden. Explore Celtic traditions like storytelling, authentic craftsmanship, and Irish music. Highland Games, Irish Whiskey Experience, and Celtic Music Hands-On Experience.
In the Old English District, fun happens all year long. Whether you want to attend a family-friendly event or a food festival, start planning your trip to the OED and celebrate South Carolina heritage and culture like a local at some of South Carolina’s best festivals and favorite annual events.
