The Upcountry is full of amazing recurring summer festivals, so we’ve rounded up the best to add to your 2026 travel list. Whether you love art, food, music, or family-friendly festivals, the Upcountry has a fantastic mix for everyone.
June Festivals
Hyatt Summer Wedding Festival – Location: Hyatt Regency Greenville, 220 N Main St, Greenville, SC, 29601. Date(s) & Time(s): June 7th, (2 – 5 pm). Details: This summer wedding festival offers a comprehensive experience for couples, families, and wedding parties. Explore vendor booths, watch live fashion shows, and discover services for every part of the big day, from décor and desserts to music and more.
Greenville Jazz Fest 2026 – Location: 206 S Main Street, Greenville, SC, 29601. Date(s) & Time(s): June 12th (4 – 10 pm) and 13th (11 am – 9 pm). Details: This free yearly jazz festival takes place in the heart of downtown Greenville! Over the course of two days, enjoy musicians from New Orleans Jazz, Swing, Funk, Big Band, Latin Jazz, and more genres. Food and beverages are available for purchase during the events.
Juneteenth Soul Food Festival – Location: Main Street, Fountain Inn, SC. Date(s) & Time(s): June 19th (3 – 9 pm). Details: This vibrant celebration of history, culture, and soul food takes over the heart of downtown Fountina Inn! Enjoy music, performances, local vendors, and more!
Freedom Blast – Location: Greer City Park, 301 E Poinsett St, Greer, SC, 29651. Date(s) & Time(s): June 27th, (6 – 10:30 pm). Details: This annual celebration honors our military veterans and marks the early start to 4th of July festivities, featuring fireworks, a rib-eating contest, a kid zone with amusement park rides, and more.
July Festivals
South Carolina New Play Festival – Location: Varies by date, see this link for more information. Date(s) & Time(s): July 29th – August 9th (times vary by dates). Details: This is the southeast’s biggest theatrical festival! Enjoy readings and productions of new plays, musicals, an outdoor variety stage, Live Arts Market, and a closing night cabaret featuring a Broadway star! Most events are free, but some are ticketed.
10th Annual Southeast Game Exchange 2026 – Location: Greenville Convention Center, 1 Exposition Dr, Greenville, SC, 29607. Date(s) & Time(s): Jul 17th – 19th (9 am – 5 pm). Details: This three-day gaming conference includes over 300 vendor spaces, meet-and-greets with the voices of game characters, fun events for all ages, tournaments, and more! Parking is free and children under age five get in for free.
Tomato Sandwich Taste Off – Location: Trailblazer Park, 235 Trailblazer Dr, Travelers Rest, SC, 29690. Date(s) & Time(s): July 25th, (9 – 11:30 am). Details: Watch as eight local chefs compete for the best tomato sandwich, and you’re the judge! Tasting tickets (available mid-June) allow you to sample all the tomato sandwiches and vote to choose the winner.
August Festivals
Anderson, SC Area Home & Garden Show – Location: 3027 Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd., Anderson, SC, 29625. Date(s) & Time(s): August 1st – 2nd (10 am – 4 pm). Details: With free admission to this bi-annual home and garden show, it’s your destination for all things home improvement and outdoor living. Door prizes, demonstrations, exclusive deals from vendors, and more.
Time Travelers Vintage Expo – Location: Greenville Convention Center, 1 Exposition Dr, Greenville, SC, 29607. Date(s) & Time(s): August 8th (10 am – 5 pm). Details: Currently visiting 17 cities from coast to coast, this event is one of the most diverse traveling vintage markets! Attendees can find vintage clothing, retro-inspired handmade items, home goods, and more. Kids 12 and under are free (no ticket needed).
Anderson County Jeep and 4X4 Extravaganza – Location: Anderson Lights of Hope, 150 Rose Valley Boulevard, Anderson, SC, 29625. Date(s) & Time(s): August 29th (10 am – 5 pm). Details: Don’t miss an epic day filled with off-road vehicles and fun. With live music, the latest in 4X4 gear, food, and more, this event allows you to connect with fellow enthusiasts.
SC Pawpaw Festival – Location: Blue Oak Horticulture, 198 Fews Bridge Road, Taylors, SC. Date(s) & Time(s): August 29th (2:30 – 8 pm). Details: One parking pass (for as many friends and family you can safely fit in your car) gains you access to the annual SC Pawpaw Festival! Grab your free pawpaw fruit tasting ticket at the gate, and look forward to live music, food, and beverages featuring pawpaws, educational plant walks with local experts, and shopping with artisans and makers.
Check out our calendar for more events!
By: Sarah (Moore) Gross, Contributing Author