There’s always something to do in Anderson County. This is a partial list of events that are planned yearly in and around Anderson County. Some events that are set in nearby counties are included because of their popularity and proximity to Anderson.
Spring Celebration – Mid-April, Botanical Garden, Clemson. Music, dance, crafts, storytelling and family activities. (864) 656-3405.
Historic Pendleton Spring Jubilee – First weekend in April. Juried arts, crafts, entertainment, historic tours, food and more.
Soiree – Near the end of April, downtown Anderson. Two-day food, entertainment and arts festival, special area for kids. Call the city of Anderson for more information, 964-2474.
Old Farm Days – First weekend in May, Pendleton. Antique farm engines and equipment in Veterans Park. 646-7601.
Anderson Spring Fair – Usually scheduled in late April or early May, the spring fair has rides, food, children entertainment, livestock exhibits, and demolition derby at the Anderson County Fairground. 226-6114
Civil War Re-enactment – First weekend in June between Central and Norris. Battle of Sunken Road at Sharpsburg, Confederate field hospital, historical displays, Civil War music concert. (864) 859-0847.
FreedomFest – Saturday before the Fourth of July at Veterans Park in Pendleton. Free admission with live band and fireworks. Time is from 7:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. (864) 646-9022
Main Street Car Show – Father’s Day weekend in historic downtown Anderson. Hundreds of antique and collector cars go on display. 231-7715.
Pre-Fourth Extravaganza – At the end of June or in early July in Hartwell, Ga., Arts and Crafts festival on the square, call (706) 376-7490. Also includes Dancin’ on the Depot, call (706) 376-0188. Fireworks are shot off Hartwell Dam and can be viewed from Anderson County. Call (706) 376-8590 for more information.
ClemsonFest – on or around the Fourth of July, Clemson on Hartwell Lake at the YMCA. Fireworks, arts, crafts, games, food, live entertainment and kid’s events. Call (864) 654-1200.>
Hillbilly Day – July 4, Mountain Rest. One of the oldest festivals in the state. Clogging, square dancing, country and bluegrass music, crafts, food, soap making, old-time games, and heritage room. (864) 638-7191 or 638-2681.
Spring Water Festival – Last Saturday in August in the town park in Williamston. Call (864) 847-1818 for more information.
Spitoono – Late August at the armory field in between Clemson and Pendleton. Call (864) 882-7491 for more information.
Anderson County Fair – Mid-September, 4 p.m. to midnight weekdays, noon to midnight weekends at the Anderson County Fairgrounds. Nightly entertainment in the grandstand, demolition derby, rides, games, food, children’s entertainment, hypnotist, competitive exhibits and livestock exhibitions. (864) 226-6114.
South Carolina Apple Festival – Labor Day week, Westminster and Long Creek. Road race, golf tournament, river float, bridge tournament, street dance, apple-baking contest, arts and crafts show, parade and rodeo. (864) 647-7223.
Celebrate Anderson – A community concert featuring local musicians playing patriotic music and celebrating the successes in the Anderson community. Now in its third year, the event at the William A. Floyd Amphitheater at the Anderson Sports and Entertainment Center features the county’s largest annual fireworks display.
Belton Standpipe Festival – Annual festival in the town of Belton centered around the Standpipe, a landmark water tower. Features food, music and crafts.
Oktoberfest – Mid-October, Walhalla. German and American food, carnival rides, hot-air balloon rides, German music and dancers, sky divers, clowns and magicians. (864) 638-2727.
Balloons Over Anderson – Anderson Civic Center. Three day hot air baloon event. Balloon rides, music, games, carnival rides.
Fall Harvest Festival – Pendleton, SC. Fun Festival for the entire family.
Upstate Holiday Show – Anderson Civic Center. Entertainment and Games.
Anderson Christmas Parade – Downtown Anderson, SC
Anderson Lights of Hope – Darwin Wright Park
Christmas Crafts Event – First weekend in December, Pendleton. A few local artists and crafters demonstrate and sell their works in historic Hunter’s Store. 646-3782.
Christmastime in Olde Pendleton – First weekend in December of odd years, Pendleton. On odd years, tours of decorated historic homes. 646-378.
Come Home to Pendleton – First two weeks of December, Pendleton. Tree-lighting ceremony, sing-a-longs, community theater production, historical displays, Santa Claus, Gingerbread House, period food and parade. 646-7300.