South Carolina, September 29, 2025

News Summary

This weekend, South Carolina is hosting several fall festivals that highlight local culture and community celebrations. Events like the Raylrode Daze Festival in Branchville, the MOJA Arts Festival in Charleston, and the Harvest Day Festival in Inman offer a rich mix of heritage, cuisine, and entertainment. These festivals foster community spirit and provide a great opportunity for families and visitors to enjoy seasonal festivities and celebrate the state’s diverse traditions.

Upcoming Fall Festivals in South Carolina Highlight Local Culture and Community Celebrations

Fall festivals are in full swing across South Carolina, with several events planned for the upcoming weekend. These festivals present an opportunity for local communities to celebrate their heritage, cuisine, and art while offering a fun-filled experience for residents and visitors alike.

Raylrode Daze Festival

The 57th Raylrode Daze Festival in Branchville, Orangeburg County, will take place from September 25-27. This festival is celebrated at the site of the world’s oldest railroad built in 1828. Attendees can enjoy a parade, food, contests, and concession stands, along with live entertainment featuring the Gunslingers and the Can Can Girls.

MOJA Arts Festival

The MOJA Arts Festival runs from September 25 to October 5 in Charleston. This event celebrates Black arts and culture, particularly focusing on African American and Caribbean legacies. Visitors can explore visual arts, music, food, dance, poetry, theater, storytelling, and traditional crafts, coupled with family activities and educational outreach programs.

Okra Strut

The 50th Okra Strut will take place at Moore Park in Irmo on September 26-27. Initially started to raise funds for a library, this festival has evolved into a community-wide celebration that showcases delicious okra dishes.

Harvest Day Festival

The Harvest Day Festival in Inman is set for September 27, drawing in approximately 20,000 visitors each year. The festival will feature around 200 street vendors, stage acts, street performers, and open downtown stores for attendees to explore and enjoy.

Old Town Festival

The Old Town Festival in Rock Hill on September 27 will include a pumpkin patch, Ferris Wheel, petting zoo, food trucks, a beer garden, and free cotton candy, offering a delightful experience for families and children.

Orangeburg County Fair

Running from September 30 to October 5, the Orangeburg County Fair is recognized as South Carolina’s second oldest fair since 1911. The fair emphasizes local agriculture and community involvement, making it a significant event on the fall calendar.

Newberry Oktoberfest

The Newberry Oktoberfest kicks off on October 3 with Festbier Friday, featuring German Brews & Bites, live music, and an artisan marketplace, and will continue with a traditional German dress contest on Saturday. There will also be a free Kinderfest Zone sponsored by Newberry Health.

Famously Hot SC Pride Festival

The Famously Hot SC Pride Festival will celebrate its 35th anniversary on October 3-4, showcasing the Get Lit Parade and Concert with various performers, fostering a vibrant and inclusive community spirit.

South Carolina State Fair

The South Carolina State Fair is scheduled for October 8-19, themed “Harvesting Happiness.” This popular event offers rides, games, live entertainment, exhibits, and awards a total of $500,000 in scholarships each year. New food vendors include Jim’s Fries, Giant Tenderloin Sandwich, Catina Louie, Brody’s Mac and Cheese, and Surf N Turf Alfredo Sundae.

Fall for Greenville

From October 10-12, Fall for Greenville is expected to attract over 150,000 visitors, featuring 60 restaurants offering 300 menu items, seven stages, and 80 bands, making it a vibrant celebration of food and culture.

Oktoberfest Columbia

Oktoberfest Columbia will be hosted at Incarnation Lutheran Church from October 10-12, featuring German beer and food, live entertainment, and family-friendly activities.

BBQ Cook-off and Festival

The BBQ Cook-off and Festival hosted by Project Host will take place at Fluor Field in Greenville on September 26-27, emphasizing barbecue competitions and a lineup of live music.

Additional Fall Festivals

Greer City Park will host Rail Fest on September 27, emphasizing trains and rail safety, while the Hops and Herons Beer Festival at Lake Conestee Nature Preserve will also occur on September 27, offering local brews and food trucks with family activities included. The Albino Skunk Music Festival in Greer is set for October 1-4, featuring Americana, roots, folk, and bluegrass music.

Kroc Fest at the Kroc Center in Greenville on October 4 will serve as a community fundraiser with diverse food options and activities, followed by the Piedmont Interstate Fair in Spartanburg from October 7-12. The Spartanburg Community College Fall Festival will occur on October 18, featuring live music, food trucks, and a trick-or-treat trail. Additionally, Haust Oktoberfest in Anderson is scheduled for September 26, featuring live music and traditional Bavarian food. The Rotary Club of Clemson’s Oyster Roast on October 17 supports local nonprofits with a focus on oysters and barbecue. Fall activities such as picking pumpkins, visiting corn mazes, and attending family-friendly events at local farms throughout the Upstate are also highlighted this season.

Key Features of Upcoming Fall Festivals in South Carolina

Many enticing events celebrate the rich culture and community spirit of South Carolina. The festivals provide an excellent opportunity for families to enjoy a memorable fall season filled with diverse experiences.

FAQs

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Aiken County Weather and Event Highlights
Wetzel’s Pretzels Launches Food Truck in Charleston
Wetzel’s Pretzels Launches First Food Truck in South Carolina
Discover the Vibrant Community and Local Treasures of Lexington, SC on E Main St
Exciting Marketing Events Set to Shape 2025

Additional Resources

• The State
• Colatoday
• Greenville Online
• Bluffton Today
• Kidding Around Greenville
• Wikipedia: South Carolina
• Google Search: Fall Festivals in South Carolina
• Google Scholar: Fall Festivals South Carolina
• Encyclopedia Britannica: South Carolina
• Google News: South Carolina Fall Festivals

Author: STAFF HERE NEWBERRY

The NEWBERRY STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENewberry.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Newberry, Newberry County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Newberry Opera House performances, Newberry Arts Fest, and the Newberry County Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Newberry County Chamber of Commerce and the Newberry Museum, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and agriculture that power the local economy such as Amick Farms and Newberry Mills. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.