It’s time for May spring festivals in SC. Here are 10 of the best ones to try
Thrilled to get out of the house to enjoy the warm spring weather in South Carolina?
Why not try out a few festivals while you’re at it?
With pleasing temperatures and plants in full bloom, South Carolinians now have their pick of a variety of spring festivals. From celebrations from all things strawberry to rubber duck races and seafood, there should be a festival for almost everyone.
Here are 10 of the best South Carolina festivals scheduled during May.
South Carolina Strawberry Festival
- When: May 2 - May 3
- Where: Fort Mill
- Website: https://www.scstrawberryfestival.com/
It’s nearly time for the annual South Carolina Strawberry Festival, a regional celebration of spring and all things strawberry. The festival will feature tons of fresh strawberries, strawberry-centric treats, live entertainment, recipe contests, pig races, kid rides, a car show and a fireworks display.
Orangeburg Festival of Roses
- When: May 3 - May 4
- Where: Orangeburg
- Website: www.orangeburgchamber.com/annual-events/festival-of-roses
The Festival of Roses has offered families the chance to enjoy the arrival of spring for nearly half a century. The two-day event will feature live entertainment, children’s activities, food trucks and vendors among the blooming roses in Edisto Memorial Gardens.
Reedy River Duck Derby
- When: May 3
- Where: Greenville
- Website: https://www.duckrace.com/greenville
Try something a bit quacky this spring by attending the 21st annual Reedy River Duck Derby. The event is pretty straightforward — thousands of little yellow rubber ducks are dropped in the river to race. The first one to make it to the finish line wins. The grand prize is groceries for a year from Publix. There will also be plenty of food, games and other entertainment.
Lowcountry Shrimp Festival & Blessing of the Fleet
- When: May 3
- Where: McClellanville
- Website: https://lowcountryshrimpfestival.com/the-shrimp-festival
The popular festival has returned after a two-year hiatus. For 45 years on the first Saturday in May, the town of McClellanville has opened its doors to visitors for the festival. The event will feature live music from multiple performers, various vendors a large children’s area and plenty of food.
SC Poultry Festival
- When: May 8 - May 10
- Where: Batesburg-Leesville
- Website: https://www.scpoultryfestival.com/
Chicken lovers unite! The South Carolina Poultry Festival is back, meaning there will be plenty of chicken on the grill to enjoy. Beyond that, stick around for the annual parade, road race, volleyball tournament, cooking contest, car show, games and rides. The festival will feature a variety of food vendors and craft booths, three stages of entertainment and a fireworks display Saturday night.
AWE Fest
- When: May 10
- Where: Awendaw
- Website: https://awe-fest.com/
Come celebrate history and culture at the AWE Fest this year. Set by the water at Awendaw Municipal Park, the event will feature live entertainment, food, handcrafted goods and more.
Charleston Greek Festival
- When: May 9 -May 11
- Where: Charleston
- Website: https://www.charlestongreekfestival.com/
The oldest festival in the Charleston area and the third largest festival in the Lowcountry is back again for residents and visitors to enjoy. Now in its 54th year, the Greek Festival is a celebration of Greek culture and will feature plenty of Greek food, wine, live music and dancing.
Myrtle Beach Bike Week
- When: May 9 - May 19
- Where: Myrtle Beach
- Website: https://www.myrtlebeachbikeweek.com/
It’s time once again to rev your engines at Myrtle Beach Bike Week. The annual event, which attracts many motorcycle enthusiasts to the area, features rides, events vendors, live entertainment and more.
World-Famous Blue Crab Festival
- When: May 17 - May 18
- Where: Little River
- Website: bluecrabfestival.org
If you love seafood, you shouldn’t miss the 33rd annual Blue Crab Festival. Dubbed as one of the largest festivals in the Southeast, the event is located on the waterfront and will feature around 200 arts and crafts vendors, specialty food vendors, live entertainment and a children’s area.
Lake Murray Palooza Music Festival
- When: May 31
- Where: Lake Murray
- Website: https://reggaetronicsc.com/
If you enjoy listening to a variety of music while relaxing on the water, then this festival is for you. The event will bring country, rock n’roll, southern rock, DJ’s and Reggae music to Fat Frogs Marina.
This story was originally published May 1, 2025 at 6:00 AM with the headline "It’s time for May spring festivals in SC. Here are 10 of the best ones to try."
