Best 15 Events for 2022 in Upstate South Carolina

You better believe that the Upstate has it going on. Head over to the Upcountry and our mountain scenery for events that mix fun, family, and scenery. We have plenty of arts and crafts, traditional fairs, and specialty events to keep you busy in 2022. Bring the whole family to make lasting memories at these top Upstate South Carolina events.

Artisphere

Since 2003, Artisphere has charmed the senses. Visitors and artists alike travel from around the country for what is a signature South Carolina event. A highlight is Artists Demonstration Row, where over 100 visual artists craft works in pottery, printmaking, metalworking, and glassblowing. 

Artisphere isn’t just one of the best visual arts fairs in the state. The show brings in performers from all genres, including American folk music, opera, jazz, and ballet. Accompanying Artisphere is Kidsphere, a place for kids to tap into their creativity. Wine lovers can look forward to tasting collections from all over the world. 

The three-day event is scheduled for May 6-8, 2022, in downtown Greenville. Admission is free.

Gallabrae 2022

After being canceled in 2021, Gallabrae is back. The Greenville Scottish Games is one of the top-ranked Scottish Games globally and was attended in 2010 by HRH Prince Edward. 

The festivities start Friday with The Great Scot! Parade down Main Street downtown Greenville. The next day is the Scottish Games. Bring your own bagpipes for the bagpipe competition. Enjoy Celtic music, a military salute, beauty pageant, British car show, Scottish festivities, and food concessions. 

The Greenville Scottish Games take place at Furman University. The 2022 event is scheduled for Memorial Day Weekend, May 27-28. Ticket prices from the 2019 event were $16 for adults and $6 for children 12 and under when bought in advance. 

Albino Skunk Music Festival

This popular Bluegrass, Americana, Folk, Roots & Rock Music showcase will leave your toes tapping. A unique festival experience, the Skunk Farm in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains started as a bluegrass music festival at the so-named farm. The name came from the sighting of white skunks on the farm grounds. 

Attendees can camp and enjoy the natural setting during the festival. RV and tent sites are within walking distance of it all. Known for its laidback feeling, think of it as a “family reunion” set to music. The festival includes local food vendors, crafts, and a kid’s area. 

The Albino Skunk Music Festival happens twice a year. The Spring dates are May 12-14, 2022, and the fall festival is October 6-8, 2022. Check the website for ticket information.

South Carolina Festival of Flowers

Avid gardeners from all over the country have attended the South Carolina Festival of Flowers in Greenwood for over 54 years. Accompanying the live plants and flower show is a full festival of events. Wander through tours of living topiaries. See the Juried Art Show featuring local artists and photographers. 

Bring the family! Take a Cessna flight at the Aviation Expo. Taste some Carolina barbeque at the BBQ cook-off. Additional events include an animal experience, a classic car show, and musical performances. Remember to stop at the vendors in and around Greenwood. 

This summer celebration has activities during the entire month of June, beginning with the Main Weekend of June 9-11, 2022. Admission is free. 

South Carolina Peach Festival

Head up the interstate until you see the famous peach water tower in Gaffney. The South Carolina Peach Festival promises many tasty treats, celebrating the delicious fruit this area is known for. Expect plenty of dishes centered around the fruit. 

In between bites, enjoy live music, a parade, a beauty pageant, and a car show. Run off dessert at the 5k and 10k road races. The carnival has kid’s rides and various vendors.

The South Carolina Peach Festival takes place in July. Check back for dates and ticket pricing information.

Festival of Discovery

Now two decades in the making, visit Uptown Greenwood to see what makes living in the Upstate so much fun. The Festival of Discovery event focuses on BBQ & Blues and has a packed family-friendly festival fun schedule. 

A BBQ and Hash Cook-off highlights the Carolina Barbeque tradition, a hot dog eating contest, and a Kids Que competition. The “Blues Cruise” celebrates the unique sound of the blues with various musical performances. A Kid’s zone has rides and kid-friendly activities.

Check back with Uptown Greenwood for plans for the 2022 festival. The 2021 event was held in July.

South Carolina Apple Festival

Start apple season with a bang in Oconee County, the state’s largest apple-producing region. Starting after Labor Day through the following weekend, the South Carolina Apple Festival draws thousands of visitors every year to Westminster, South Carolina, to enjoy everything apple. 

Carnival rides are fun for the kids. The vendor area features hundreds of booths showcasing local crafts, clothing, and jewelry. The festival food is a key draw; find everything from BBQ to hot dogs to funnel cakes. Of course, we can’t forget the apples! Try the homemade fried apple pies, fresh apples, honey, and fruit preserves. 

The Apple Festival takes place on Historic Main Street in Westminster, South Carolina, in September.

Greer Arts & Eats

A newer festival in the Upstate, the Greer Arts & Eats Festival showcases an Artist Alley along Trade Street. Explore vendors offering local arts and crafts. Creation Station is a place for kids to get hands-on and create a unique craft. The festival features live music performances, a farmer’s market, and food trucks. 

You’ll be charmed by the small-town living in Greer. The two-day event at Greer City Park is free to attend. The 2021 event was hosted in October; check the website for 2022 plans.

Moonshiner’s Reunion and Mountain Music Festival

Experience a one-of-kind high-mountain festival near Plum Hollow. The Moonshiner’s Reunion is an authentic folk festival held the first full weekend in October. 

Barney Barnwell inspired the gathering. He had a colorful career as a local South Carolinian writing about moonshiners in the Prohibition era. The weekend of mountain music keeps those tales and traditions alive. A few vetted vendors are available, all offering “Southern Heritage articles” and folk art. Despite the name, no alcohol is distributed or sold at the venue.

Gates open at noon on Thursday. Bring a blanket, lawn chair, or tent. Camping is available in the surrounding woods. 

Moonshiner’s Reunion ticket prices are per person and include camping, parking, and all concerts. In 2021, one-day passes cost $65, and the three-day pass cost $100.

Fall for Greenville

Enjoy a three-day family-friendly street festival complete with local food, entertainment, and a vendor row. The festival includes over 50 beers on tap, wine vendors, and regional chefs. Six stages set up around Main Street spotlight the Greenville music scene. After the event was canceled for 2020, the city had a great turnout for 2021 and looks forward to another great event in 2022.

Scheduled dates for Fall for Greenville are October 13-16. Admission is free. In 2021, a sheet of ten taste tickets cost $5.

Walhalla Oktoberfest

You can have Oktoberfest anywhere, but why not in the rolling mountain setting of Walhalla, a town with German heritage? For over 40 years, thousands of celebrants have come here for food, entertainment, and of course, German beer. 

Accompanying the German heritage activities is an arts and crafts display, carnival rides, and plenty of dancing. Evening festivities cap off with a fireworks show. Walhalla Oktoberfest is scheduled for October 21-23, 2022, at Sertoma Field. Past admission rates have been $5 for adults, $3 for children 3-10, and children under three are free.

Dine on Trade

Launched during 2021, look for the popular Dine on Trade to return in 2022. Enjoy a sumptuous meal from one of Greer’s hometown restaurants under the twinkling lights of Trade Street. The road is shut down for extended dining and shopping hours. Enjoy live music with your meal at one of the 15+ participating restaurants. Dine on Trade was in October in 2021; check the website for 2022 plans.

Artisanville

The Artisanville exhibition presents a village of artists with 250 exhibitors showcasing their original and hand-crafted goods. This is an art show with demonstrations. As you explore the booths, watch the artists at work on pottery, sculpture, stained glass, weaving, wood carving, and much more. 

All exhibitors have been specifically selected and invited from local and surrounding states for their craftsmanship, originality, and talent. In the Arts Patron Lounge, visitors can listen to music while grabbing a quick snack. 

The 2021 show took place the first weekend in November at the Greenville Convention Center in Greenville, SC. Adult admission cost $6, while seniors, first responders, and military paid $5. Children under 12 were free. Note the Convention center charges $5 to park.

Christmasville, Rock Hill

Old Town Rock Hill steps back in time with a charming holiday village known as a Christmasville Festival. The special holiday event has over 70 activities planned for visitors, including historic tours, art exhibitions, theater, musical performances, and of course, opportunities to visit Santa Claus. 

Spread around Rock Hill, visitors will delight in horse-drawn carriage rides, holiday carolers, specially decorated shop windows, an ice skating rink, and a gingerbread house contest. Christmas is a top holiday attraction in South Carolina. Visiting Christmasville to see the holiday-themed sites is free, but there may be admission for special events. 

Santa on Main, Greenwood

Celebrate the Christmas season in Greenwood with Santa on Main. During this three-day holiday event, you can wear your pajamas to a party with Santa. View all your favorite Christmas movies. Take wagon rides around Greenwood, and view the Christmas parade. 

The festival’s plans include a Christmas Market, a tree lighting ceremony, and a train ride to the North Pole. Browse the arts and crafts vendors for holiday-themed crafts.

Check the website for 2022 dates and admission information. 

Events in Upstate South Carolina

Find something to do for everyone across the Upstate. Our towns, like Greenville and Spartanburg, always have something going on. This list doesn’t touch on the many local music acts, performing arts, and sporting events. In short, you can stay busy all year long without ever leaving the Upcountry region. Looking for something to do farther afield? See our list of the best things to do in South Carolina.