South Carolina, September 28, 2025
News Summary
South Carolina is embracing the fall season with a variety of exciting festivals showcasing local culture and traditions. Events like the Raylrode Daze Festival, MOJA Arts Festival, and the South Carolina State Fair highlight community spirit through parades, entertainment, food, and arts. These festivals not only attract locals but also visitors eager to experience the vibrant atmosphere that South Carolina has to offer. Activities range from visual arts and live music to historic celebrations, ensuring there’s something for everyone to enjoy throughout October.
South Carolina
Fall festivals are currently taking place across South Carolina, with several celebrations planned for the weekend and through the end of October. The rich cultural events highlight the community spirit and local traditions as residents and visitors enjoy a variety of activities.
Raylrode Daze Festival in Branchville
The Raylrode Daze Festival will be held from September 25-27, celebrating its 57th year. This long-standing festival features a parade, food, contests, concession stands, and live entertainment, including performances by the Gunslingers and Can Can Girls. The festival’s location, Branchville, is historically significant as it marks the site of the world’s oldest railroad, built in 1828.
MOJA Arts Festival in Charleston
Running from September 25 to October 5, the MOJA Arts Festival focuses on celebrating Black arts and culture, highlighting African American and Caribbean influences. The festival offers a plethora of activities including visual arts, music, food, dance, poetry, theater, storytelling, crafts, family activities, and educational outreach through workshops.
Okra Strut in Irmo
The Okra Strut in Irmo is scheduled for September 26-27, marking its 50th year. This community celebration was initiated by the Lake Murray-Irmo Woman’s Club, which will also serve as a preferred Okra Vendor during the event.
Harvest Day Festival in Inman
On September 27, Inman will host the Harvest Day Festival, a one-day arts and crafts festival that attracts about 20,000 visitors annually. This year’s festival will feature approximately 200 street vendors, stage acts, street performers, and various downtown stores.
Old Town Festival in Rock Hill
The Old Town Festival takes place on September 27 and promises a variety of attractions, including a pumpkin patch, Ferris Wheel, petting zoo, food trucks, a beer garden, and free cotton candy.
Orangeburg County Fair
The Orangeburg County Fair will commence from September 30 to October 5, being South Carolina’s second oldest fair that started in 1911. This fair focuses on local agriculture and emphasizes youth involvement in various activities.
Newberry Oktoberfest
Starting with Festbier Friday on October 3, the Newberry Oktoberfest will feature German Brews & Bites, live music, an artisan marketplace, a dress contest, and a Kinderfest Zone sponsored by Newberry Health.
Famously Hot SC Pride Festival
The Famously Hot SC Pride Festival will take place on October 3-4 to celebrate its 35th annual event. It will include a Get Lit Parade and concerts featuring a variety of performers.
South Carolina State Fair
Scheduled from October 8-19, the South Carolina State Fair has a theme of “Harvesting Happiness” which highlights joy and pride. This event boasts rides, games, live entertainment, exhibits, and awards up to $500,000 in scholarships.
Fall for Greenville
From October 10-12, Fall for Greenville will be celebrated, expanding from its 1982 beginnings with 14 restaurants to a significant festival that attracts over 150,000 attendees. The festival now features 60 restaurants, offering over 300 menu items alongside live music.
Oktoberfest Columbia
The Oktoberfest Columbia, taking place from October 10-12 at Incarnation Lutheran Church, will cater to attendees with German food, beer, live entertainment, and family activities.
Other Upcoming Events
- Harvest Festival at The FARM 1780 on September 27, including family-friendly activities.
- Midlands Plant & Flower Festival from October 3-5, showcasing a variety of plants and flowers.
- Fall Back Fest on November 7, featuring live music, art, food, and drinks.
- Various haunted attractions like Deceased Farm, Terror Falls Haunted Farm, and The Dark Castle opening in late September and early October.
These events highlight the vibrant cultural tapestry and community involvement thriving throughout South Carolina this fall.
FAQ Section
What festivals are happening in South Carolina this fall?
Fall festivals are currently taking place across South Carolina, with several celebrations planned for the weekend and through the end of October.
What is the Raylrode Daze Festival?
The Raylrode Daze Festival will be held from September 25-27, celebrating its 57th year. This festival features a parade, food, contests, concession stands, and live entertainment.
What are the dates for the MOJA Arts Festival?
The MOJA Arts Festival runs from September 25 to October 5.
What can visitors expect at the Orangeburg County Fair?
The Orangeburg County Fair will commence from September 30 to October 5 and focuses on local agriculture and youth involvement.
When is the South Carolina State Fair?
The South Carolina State Fair is scheduled from October 8-19.
Key Features Chart
| Festival Name | Date | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Raylrode Daze Festival | September 25-27 | Parade, food, contests, live entertainment |
| MOJA Arts Festival | September 25 – October 5 | Celebrating Black arts and culture |
| Okra Strut | September 26-27 | Community celebration, Okra vendor |
| Harvest Day Festival | September 27 | 200 street vendors, performers |
| Old Town Festival | September 27 | Pumpkin patch, Ferris wheel, food trucks |
| Orangeburg County Fair | September 30 – October 5 | Local agriculture, youth involvement |
| Newberry Oktoberfest | October 3 | German Brews & Bites, live music |
| Famously Hot SC Pride Festival | October 3-4 | Get Lit Parade, concerts |
| South Carolina State Fair | October 8-19 | Rides, games, scholarships |
| Fall for Greenville | October 10-12 | 150,000 attendees, 60 restaurants |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Wetzel’s Pretzels Launches Food Truck in Charleston
Wetzel’s Pretzels Launches First Food Truck in South Carolina
Irmo Prepares for 50th Annual Okra Strut Festival
Southern U.S. Restaurants Showcase Unique Culinary Menus
Irmo SC Golf Homes with Modern Designs
Irmo Okra Strut Festival Celebrates 50th Anniversary
Discover Golf and Waterfront Living in Irmo SC
Irmo Okra Strut Festival Applications Now Open
Discover Irmo SC Golf Communities Near Lake Murray
Irmo Community Launches Greater Irmo Artist Guild
Additional Resources
- The State
- Wikipedia: Fall Festival
- Cola Today
- Google Search: South Carolina Fall Festivals
- Greenville Online
- Encyclopedia Britannica: South Carolina Festivals
- Independent Mail
- Google News: South Carolina Fall Events
Author: STAFF HERE IRMO
The IRMO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREIrmo.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Irmo, Lexington and Richland Counties, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Irmo Okra Strut Festival, Harbison Community Events, and local sports tournaments at the Palmetto Health Credit Union Foundation Stadium. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Irmo Chapin Recreation Commission and the Lexington Chamber and Visitors Center, plus leading businesses in retail and healthcare that power the local economy such as Village at Sandhill and Lexington Medical Center. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
