From lively small-town festivals to celebrations of food, music, history and local traditions, there’s always something happening in the Olde English District. Spend a spring weekend at a community festival, soak up the sounds of summer or discover a new fall tradition in one of our seven counties.
Whether you’re planning a family outing or a weekend getaway, these annual events offer plenty of reasons to come back throughout the year. Explore festivals and events across the region below, then check our events calendar for the latest dates, locations and details before you go.
Spring Events in the Olde English District
Spring in the Olde English District brings horse racing, hometown traditions, fresh strawberries and plenty of reasons to get outside.
Kick off the season in Camden at The Carolina Cup , where steeplechase racing and springtime style come together for a longstanding South Carolina tradition. Pack your pastels and make a day of it at the races.
In April, Rock Hill welcomes spring with the Come-See-Me Festival . This beloved, all-volunteer celebration brings the community together for live music, family-friendly activities and festivities throughout the city.
May is full of local flavor. Head to Fort Mill for the South Carolina Strawberry Festival , where fresh strawberries, live entertainment and family fun take center stage. In Chester, Hog on the Hill serves up barbecue and friendly competition, while Tega Cay’s Best Dam Food Festival brings food and festivities to Catawba Park. Round out the season in Lancaster at the Red Rose Festival , a free celebration of live music and downtown community spirit.
Planning a spring getaway? Check each event’s link for current dates, schedules and admission details before you go.
Summer Events in the Olde English District
Summer in the Olde English District is made for lively festivals, local flavors and small-town traditions. Kick off the season over Memorial Day weekend at Chester’s Flopeye Fish Festival , a free, family-friendly celebration with carnival rides, live music, food and entertainment for all ages.
In July, head to the Pageland Watermelon Festival for a celebration of the region’s watermelon-growing heritage. From watermelon-eating contests and a rodeo to car shows, rides and live music, there’s plenty to fill a summer day.
Keep the fun going with Fourth of July celebrations, outdoor concerts and food festivals across the district. Check our events calendar for current dates and details as you plan your summer adventures.
Fall Events in the Olde English District
Fall brings a new kind of excitement to the Olde English District, with pumpkin patches, small-town festivals, live music and celebrations of local culture.
Start with the season’s favorite traditions at the Fort Mill Fall Festival, Cherry Place Farms Fall Festival, Chesterfield Fall Festival and Fall Family Farm Day at Old McCaskill’s Farm . From corn mazes and hayrides to pumpkin picking, there are plenty of ways to make a fall day of it. For another memorable outing, check the South Carolina Railroad Museum for upcoming train rides and special events.
Beyond the pumpkin patch, fall is full of reasons to explore. Celebrate the start of the season at Uniquely Union Festival, where live music, food and community traditions bring Union County together. In Rock Hill, catch the action at the United States Disc Golf Championship or experience Catawba art, history and culture at the Yap Yè Iswà Festival .
Keep the celebrations going in Winnsboro at Rock Around the Clock and in downtown Chester at HILLarity Festival. Then head to Cheraw for the South Carolina Jazz Festival , where live performances celebrate the town’s musical heritage and its connection to jazz legend Dizzy Gillespie.
Winter Events in the Olde English District
Winter brings holiday traditions and small-town celebrations to the Olde English District. Gather the family for the Lowrys Christmas Parade or Boykin Christmas Parade , where festive floats and community spirit make the season feel special.
Keep the holiday magic going at ChristmasVille in Rock Hill, or plan a visit around Christmas Candlelight Tours at Historic Brattonsville and Santa Train Rides at the South Carolina Railroad Museum. From downtown festivities to historic holiday traditions, there are plenty of ways to celebrate together.
No matter the season, there’s another reason to explore. Plan your stay in the Olde English District and make a weekend of the festivals, local traditions and small-town experiences that bring our seven counties together.
