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South Carolina - Spring Festivals, Special Events and Spring Celebrations

May Events - Celebrate Spring in South Carolina

By Sheridan Alexander, About.com


March | April | May

May Festivals, Special Events and Celebrations

  • Bravo Arts and Cultural Festival - Hilton Head
    May, 2008

    Visual and performing arts events, cultural activities and special programs highlight the vibrant arts community and diverse cultural heritage of Hilton Head Island and the Lowcountry.


  • Cinco de Mayo Festival - Charleston
    May 2, 2008

    Featuring an authentic Mariachi band, a live salsa band, DJ Luigi Bravo of Latin Groove, professional dance performances, local Mexican food, margaritas and Mexican beer, the Cinco de Mayo Festival brings Mexico to downtown Charleston.


  • Orangeburg Festival Of Roses - Orangeburg
    May 2 - 4, 2008

    Edisto Memorial Gardens is the center of activities for this annual festival, which celebrates the rose blooming season with arts and crafts, food vendors, entertainment, sporting events and much more.


  • Spring Fling - Spartanburg
    May 2 - 4, 2008

    Spring Fling, Spartanburg's longest running festival, is an arts, crafts, culinary and music festival that celebrates the community and downtown Spartanburg offering something for everyone.


  • North Charleston Arts Festival - North Charleston
    May 2 - 10, 2008

    Enjoy stage performances including magicians, dance groups, bands, theater troupes, vocalists, storytellers and more during the Main Event Weekend.


  • Lowcountry Shrimp Festival and Blessing of the Fleet - McClellanville
    May 3, 2008

    Surrounding the blessing of the fleet is a full day of entertainment for the whole family, including live music and entertainment, exhibits of interest, displays by area artists, a special children's area and plenty of food and refreshments.


  • Taste of Beaufort - Beaufort
    May 3, 2008

    Local participating restaurants will serve Lowcountry favorites such as shrimp burgers, shrimp 'n grits and crab cakes, as well as traditional American favorites.


  • Taste Of Darlington - Columbia
    May 6, 2008

    This gathering at Hospitality Village at Darlington Raceway offers a variety of delectable delights on the Tuesday evening before Mother's Day.


  • Aiken Bluegrass Festival - Aiken
    May 8 - 10, 2008

    Enjoy three days of bluegrass music by a variety of performers.


  • Greer Family Fest - Columbia
    May 9 - 10, 2008

    This family oriented festival includes a hands-on children’s area, a popular Bass Tournament, crafters and artist vendors, a beach music concert, fireworks, food and more.


  • Annual Battle of Central - Central
    May 16 - 18, 2008

    This annual Civil War battle reenactment includes period music, dance, vendors, shows and more.


  • Charleston HarborFest - Charleston
    May 16 - 18, 2008

    On land enjoy pirate camps, classic wooden boat displays, sailing, rowing, children's village, family boat-building, maritime art, music, food and more, while majestic tall ships from around the globe descend on the waterfront in a parade. Friday - Sunday offers a unique chance to board the ships and meet the crews.


  • Memorial Day Weekend Ceremonies and Events
    May 23 - 26, 2008

    Find out about many wonderful commemorative events and other annual festivals, which take place during Memorial Day weekend throughout South Carolina and the Southeast.


  • Iris Festival - Sumter
    May 23 - 25, 2008

    South Carolina's oldest continuous festival includes concerts, an arts and crafts show, a golf tournament, a flower show, a food tasting, children's activities and more.


  • Gullah Festival - Beaufort
    May 23 - 25, 2008

    Held on the weekend before Memorial Day, the Gullah Festival of South Carolina celebrates the history, customs, cultures, and accomplishments of the African Americans of the Lowcountry.


  • Freedom Weekend Aloft - Simpsonville
    May 24 - 26, 2008

    Throughout Memorial Day weekend, this popular festival offers 100 beautiful hot-air balloons competing daily, concerts by the nation’s top entertainers, amusement rides, games, displays, children’s activities, a Frisbee Dog Contest, great food and more.


  • Spoleto Festival USA - Charleston
    May 23 - June 8, 2008

    Firmly established as one of the world’s major arts festivals, Spoleto Festival USA fills Charleston, South Carolina’s historic theaters, churches and outdoor spaces each spring with over 120 performances by renowned artists as well as emerging performers in disciplines ranging from opera, theater, music theater, dance, and chamber, symphonic, choral, and jazz music, as well as the visual arts.


  • Plum Hollow Blue Grass Festival - Campobello
    May 30 - 31, 2008

    Always held the last Weekend in May, this festival is dedicated to the innovations made by creative artists breaking new ground with old music.

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