If you are looking for a family-friendly vacation spot in 2020, there is no need to look further than South Carolina. Its major cities have worked hard over the past years to make their cities as visitor-friendly as possible. The town of Greenville even received praise from The New York Times, which named the town as the “national model for a pedestrian-friendly city center.”
Regardless of what interests your family or what time of the year you are planning for, you will find countless festivals to choose from. With film, music, and even Fall festivals, South Carolina will keep your family busy all year long.
1. Beaufort International Film Festival – February 18th – 23rd
If you are a movie fan, then this film festival may be perfect for you. The 14th annual festival will feature filmmakers from all over the world and prestigious judges, including actress Andie McDowell.
This year, winners of a variety of categories, including but not limited to Documentaries, Short Films, and Animations, will be presented with esteemed Jean Ribaut Awards. Overall, this is the perfect local event for worldwide film lovers and filmmakers to enjoy.
2. Charleston Wine + Food Festival – March 4th – 8th
The 15th annual Wine and Food Festival takes place in the Culinary Village of Charleston. Featuring 120+ events over five days, worldwide chefs, artists, authors, and food aficionados will gather to enjoy good food, wine, cooking classes, and more.
Drawing guests from all over the world, the festival combines the down-home culture of Charleston with renowned food and drink. The Charleston Wine + Food is also a nonprofit organization whose financial contributions go to local food initiatives and supporting the community as a whole.
3. Abbeville Spring Festival – April 30th – May 2nd
Taking place downtown Abbeville, this festival draws thousands of visitors every year. Running for three days, the festival will feature fun for the whole family. From musical performances and local food to rides, craft vendors, and local merchants, the small town of Abbeville will keep you and your family busy with local charm.
4. Artisphere – May 8th – 10th
This dynamic arts festival takes place downtown Charleston. Featuring a range of audio, visual, performing, and culinary arts, this festival is geared at family-friendly events that will last all weekend long.
Countless vendors and events fill the streets of downtown Charleston, with every activity from live concerts to food from award-winning establishments. There are even kid-friendly, hands-on features entitled Kidsphere. This event is geared at entertaining the whole family, and the festival does not disappoint.
5. BMW Charity ProAm presented by SYNNEX Corporation – June 4th – 7th
For sports fans, this charity event features a whole week of golf. Spectator tickets are available to this event where amateur golfers and celebrities team up with Web.com tour professional golfers.
Celebrities from Aaron Rodgers to Catherine Bell have attended this charity event. With parties and amateur golf spots, this event is the golf fan’s dream.
6. Euphoria – September 17th – 20th
This self-proclaimed “Homegrown Festival” was established by the duo, singer-songwriter Edwin McCain and local restaurateur Carl Sobocinski in 2006. Since then, the festival has steadily grown in scale and attendance.
According to the website, today, the festival is renowned for its gourmet food tasting events, “intimate” and live musical performances, “cooking demonstrations and wine seminars”, and much more. This festival does its job by showing you the heart of Charleston, leaving its visitors wanting more.
7. Bank of America Fall for Greenville – October 9th – 11th
This festival takes place over a busy weekend full of food and entertainment. Based in Greenville, this outdoor Fall festival rounds out the year. It draws you into the warm city with its promise of live musical performances, culinary demonstrations, food vendors, and more.
The Year Ahead
South Carolina has much to offer all year long, with many more events taking place state-wide. Regardless of your passion, the heart of this state shines through its local festivals and events, promising a busy year ahead.