From award-winning bluegrass music in York to film festivals in Aiken and Beaufort, there’s no shortage of things to do in South Carolina this month

Taking the stage
The Gibson Brothers, an award-winning bluegrass band with 14 albums to their credit and a reputation for blending past and present musical styles, will perform at York’s McCelvey Center on Feb. 15.
Southern Sound Series |February 15, March 9, April 13
The Gibson Brothers, an award-winning bluegrass band with 14 albums to their credit and a reputation for blending past and present musical styles, takes the stage Feb. 15 as part of the 2019 Southern Sound concert series at the McCelvey Center in York. If you go, don’t miss “Vittles & Fiddles,” the free pre-show festival featuring a food truck and live music on the lawn.
Tickets are available online for all shows, including more top acts such as:
March 9—The SteelDrivers, the Grammy Award-winning band that sold out the 500-seat McCelvey Center auditorium in 2017 and brings a unique style of “bluegrass with a rock-n-roll edge.”
April 13—Sierra Hull, a virtuoso mandolin player with a lustrous voice, and two-time winner of the IBMA’s Mandolin Player of the Year Award.
For details, visit chmuseums.org/southernsoundseries or call (803) 909-7242.
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Southeastern Wildlife Expo |February 15–17
Charleston is known for getting wild during tourist season, but for one long weekend each February, it gets wild in a different way—with actual animals hanging out at venues across the city. The exposition showcases living creatures from wolves to great horned owls with an emphasis on conservation. Hundreds of exhibits, art displays and product showcases are promised for 2019 with a handy shuttle service to help attendees get around.
For details, visit sewe.com or call (843) 723-1748.
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Lights! Camera! Action!
The chilly month of February is a great time to stay indoors and delight in the rich variety of entertainment one only finds at film festivals.
Beaufort Film Festival |February 19–24
The Beaufort Film Festival is a star-studded affair (actresses Blythe Danner and Andie MacDowell serve on the board) that showcases everything from full-length movies and documentaries to short films and table reads, all hosted at USC Beaufort’s Center for the Arts. For details, visit beaufortfilmfestival.com or call (843) 522-3196.
Southern City Film Festival |February 22–24
In Aiken, the Southern City Film Festival is founded on the belief that great movies start with an idea. This film festival celebrates that creativity with movie screenings, educational workshops and a screenplay competition—before wrapping up with an outdoor Oscars party.
For details, visit southerncity.org, or call (803)-257-7795.
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Cardboard Regatta |February 23
There’s no need to get dressed up for this event, where the boats are made of cardboard, and engineering creativity trumps stuffy nautical tradition. The Cardboard Regatta is an engineering challenge that encourages kids to design new ways to keep a cardboard box afloat for the length of a paddle across an Olympic-sized swimming pool. Admission is free, so come out and cheer on your favorite teams to see who floats and who sinks.
For details, visitgreenvillesc.com/event/cardboard-regatta/30369/ or call (864) 288-6470.
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Lowcountry Irish Fest |March 9
Celebrate our state’s Irish heritage with traditional and modern Celtic music, dancing, food and stories at the Charleston Music Hall. This family-friendly event is divided into day activities and a night concert.
For details, scheduled performers and ticket information, visit lowcountryirishfest.com or call (843) 853-2252.
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Get More
For more happenings this month, see our complete Calendar of Events page.