Music, Arts, Sports and Food: Yearly Events for Everyone.
It’s always a good time to visit Santee Cooper County, South Carolina! From spending the long summer days on the water to enjoying beautiful lake views from a cabin in the winter, there are plenty of things to do year-round here in Santee Cooper County. Known as a nature lover’s paradise, Santee Cooper County invites you to visit our little piece of heaven.
Spring & Summer Events.
MARCH
INSPIRE FESTIVAL – SUMTER COMMUNITY. Enjoy food, art and
unique performances in historic theatres & outdoor spaces
within the community. www.sumterinspirefestival.org
APRIL
PUDDIN SWAMP FESTIVAL AND TASTE OF PUDDIN SWAMP FESTIVAL. Weekend filled with carnival rides, vendors, bands and
food sampling. Turbeville Town Hall (803) 659-2781.
GOVERNOR’S FROG JUMP.Enjoy an all day event in downtown Springfield including a frog jumping contest. 803-258-3152
CLARENDON CLUB EASTER EGG HUNT. Free hunt for children up to 10 years of age. Clarendon Club in Summerton 803-478-2010
ORANGEBURG FESTIVAL OF ROSES. Located at Edisto Memorial Gardens, join this celebration of the beginning of the rose blooming season. Music, vendors, sports, races, arts & crafts. Fun for the whole family. Admission is free. 803-534-6821
ANNUAL STRIPED BASS FESTIVAL. Downtown Manning. A festival of spring. Free admission. Parade, carnival rides, vendors, street dance. Santee Cooper Open Team Fishing Tournament. 803-435-4405
BASSMASTER ELITE SERIES FISHING TOURNAMENT. Open to the public. Event weight in located at John C Land Landing. 803-435-4405
SUMTER IRIS FESTIVAL. Witness the beauty of beautiful blooming Japanese isis. This festival is South Carolina’s oldest continuous festival and is consistently ranked as a top festival in the southeast. Free admission. www.irisfestival.org 803-436-2640
AUGUST
BIG DADDY FISHING TOURNAMENT. Santee State Park, Santee. Children ages 3-12 and must be accompanied by an adult. 803-854-2408
SEPTEMBER
RAYLRODE DAZE FESTIVAL.Downtown Branchville festival that commemorates the town’s railroad heritage. Train rides, can-can girls, gunfights and much more. 803-274-8820
Fall & Winter Events.
OCTOBER
ORANGEBURG COUNTY FAIR.Agricultural fair with sponsored 4h events. Including dairy cows, heifers, chickens, rabbits and tractor drive competition. 803-534-0358
SUMMERTON DUCKFEST. Weekend event showcasing Summerton as the Duck Capital of South Carolina. Fun-filled events including a duck calling contest, beauty pageant and 5k color run.
SUMTER COUNTY FAIR. Hosted by America! Legion on site at the
Sumter Fairgrounds. www.sumterfair.com
ANNUAL FRANCIS MARION/SWAMP FOX SYMPOSIUM. Explore the Revolutionary War southern campaign and times of Francis Marion. 2 day event located at the FE Du Bose Campus in Manning. 803-478-2645 . www.clarendonmurals.com
NOVEMBER
MEPKIN ABBEY CRECHE FESTIVAL MONCKS CORNER.Annual exhibit of nativity scenes from around the world. Free admission but reservations are required. 843-761-8509 www.mepkinabbey.org
DECEMBER
CELEBRATE THE SEASON / TINSEL TROT. A family fun event located at the Old Santee Canal Park in Moncks Corner. Enjoy the seasons holiday lights driving tour. www.celebratetheseason.org 843-719-7952
FANTASY OF LIGHTS. More than a million twinkling lights brings the
swan Lake Iris Gardens to life during the holiday season. Free. www.sumtersc.gov/events
JANUARY
THE GRAND AMERICAN COON HUNT. A nationally known event showcasing skilled hounds from around the country. Orangeburg Chamber of Commerce (803) 534-6821
