So many festivals and fairs, and so few gorgeous spring weeks to pack them all in! Check out a few highlights from a packed springtime calendar of fun across South Carolina. And stay up to date with more activities SCLiving.coop/events.
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The Reedy River Duck Derby.
Provided photo, Rotary Club of the Reedy River Greenville
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Jake Reiner, Alexis Abrams and Jerry Dalton speak at the Myrtle Beach International Film Festival.
Photo by Heather Mayes, provided by Jerry Dalton
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The Great Anderson County Fair.
Photo by Noah Lollis Photography
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The Charleston Dragon Boat Festival.
Provided photo, Dragon Boat Charleston
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The Sumter Iris Festival.
Provided photo, Sumter Iris Festival
Myrtle Beach International Film Festival—April 21–25
South Carolina’s longest-running film festival returns for its 21st year, with more than 50 feature-length and short films slated to play. Besides the faces you’ll see on the big screen, look out for industry pros and film up-and-comers from around the world.
The Great Anderson County Fair—April 30–May 10
One of the Upstate’s signature annual events, this fair offers far more than carnival rides and fried foods (although there are plenty of those, too). Admission also gets you access to the daily circus, magic shows, pig races, petting zoo and—new this year—the Amazing Bubble Factory.
thegreatandersoncountyfair.com
Charleston Dragon Boat Festival—May 2
Teams of amateur paddlers raise funds to support programs for cancer survivors, including nutrition and exercise workshops, social events and travel expenses. A full boat (complete with a dragon head and tail) carries up to 20 paddlers and a drummer! Enjoy food trucks, a beer garden and a children’s dragon parade.
Reedy River Duck Derby—May 2
Adopt a duck for a chance to win free groceries for a year or $2,500 cash. Or just enjoy the day of live music, face painting, balloon twisting, yard games, food trucks and 14,000 rubber duckies racing down the Reedy River falls in downtown Greenville. The event benefits local Rotary Club service initiatives.
Rosewood Crawfish Festival—May 2
It’s a grand day to celebrate the humble mudbug. Tastier than they look, Louisiana farm-raised crawfish—10,000 pounds of them, to be precise—go down easy at this casual day of food and music at the State Fairgrounds in Columbia. And for the shellfish-shy, don’t worry, burgers and beer and countless other fares abound.
Iris Festival—May 15–17
Sumter’s Swan Lake Iris Gardens provide the stunning floral backdrop for this weekend of beauty and entertainment. Not only will you enjoy spring’s bounty (check out the Japanese iris beds, or buy your own flowers from Sumter Master Gardeners), but also concerts, arts vendors, classic cars and plenty of food.