South Carolina is truly the nature lover’s paradise throughout the year. Featuring the best of both scenic mountains and sandy beaches, there’s an outdoor adventure to suit every interest. South Carolina is also home to some pretty amazing outdoor festivals that bring you one step closer to your passion, whether you’re into wildlife and hiking or all things water sports. Add these seven best outdoor festivals to your schedule for an experience you won’t forget.
This 5K and half-marathon takes you along a scenic tour of Harbison State Forest as you compete with fellow trail runners. The event is part of Xterra’s national Trail Run series, and participants who do well in this one could find themselves running in a national competition. Local sponsors for the event include Half Moon Outfitters, the Hampton Inn on Harbison, and Strictly Running, to name a few.
This long-standing Lowcountry tradition is one of the most highly anticipated events of the year. A regatta, Paddle Battle, 5K/10K run, boat parade, ski show, and fishing tournament are just a few of the expected highlights along the city’s historic waterfront. The festival is chock full of activities for the whole family, including nightly entertainment and contests for the kids. Sponsored by Lee Distributors, Hargray, and Butler Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, this is the only outdoors-related festival in SC that offers loads of both land and sea activities.
The Silver Bluff Audubon Center offers the perfect viewing of the wood stork, along with an evening of fine wine and food. The festival takes you to the foraging ponds where over 500 wood storks and other wading birds make their home. This is one of South Carolina’s biggest birding festivals, and you’ll marvel at how close you’re able to get to these beautiful animals.
Running for six years and counting, the Salt Games is a multiday festival dedicated to the best things about living at the beach. Paddleboard racing, surfing competitions, beach brawl wrestling, yoga, skate contest, and plenty of live entertainment to go around create an epic weekend that will make you glad to be at the beach. This is the SC coast’s only competitive beach festival and you’ll want to be a part of it. This is event is hosted by Native Sons.
Tucked right outside of the South Carolina Maritime Museum lies one of the year’s best outdoor festivals—the highly acclaimed wooden boat show. Over 140 wooden boats of all styles and sizes will be on display in the water and on shore for you to get up close and appreciate the fine detail and craftsmanship. Regattas and a rowing competition combine with music, food, and fun to create a winning weekend event. The show is hosted by the Harbor Historical Association and proceeds will benefit the South Carolina Maritime Museum.
This high-profile tournament brings some of the country’s best disc golfers onto a single course. Hosted by Winthrop University, the Professional Disc Golf Association, Innova Disc Golf of Rock Hill, and others, this fun, multi-day event brings a whole new perspective to the sport. You can also expect to find the likes of top disc golf and outdoor lifestyle brands on site.
If you’re a fan of hiking or paddling, you won’t want to miss the Blackwater Festival in Aiken State Park. For a tiny parking fee, you can enjoy the canoe and kayak trail as you explore the park’s beautiful ecosystems, along with hiking trails and campsites to extend your visit. Take advantage of the barbecue lunch and the chance to learn more about the scenic Edisto River that makes the park a great place to visit.
Alli Hill is a freelance content writer and mom of two. She spends most of her free time exploring the great outdoors by trail or by kayak. She is also the founder and director of FreelanceSpeak, a blog to support other freelance creatives.