Falls means festivals in the Upcountry. We’ve got your fall road trip mapped out to ensure you don’t miss out on all the fall fun!
FESTIVAL #1: Albino Skunk Music Festival First Weekend in October
The Albino Skunk Music Festival is a 3-day festival that takes place the first weekend in October. Also known as “SkunkFest”, this vibrant festival features an eclectic range of bluegrass, Americana, Folk, Roots & Rock music. The festival takes place at The Skunk Farm, a unique camping venue in Greer. RV & tent camping sites are available. Festival goers of all ages are welcome!
Albino Skunk Music Fest
FESTIVAL #2: Spartanburg International Festival Early October
Travel the globe in less time than it normally takes to make an airline reservation when strolling through the International Festival Avenue of Nations. Learn about diverse and ancient cultures at the Avenue of Nations, the place to get acquainted with Spartanburg’s international community. Visit each country’s booth and ask questions as you travel from country to country right in Downtown Spartanburg.
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Step back in time to the Backcountry of South Carolina! Experience life in 1781 during the American Revolutionary War with live demonstrations of cooking, weaving, games, and 18th century music. Watch history come alive with the re-enactment of “Bloody Bill” Cunningham’s Raid on Walnut Grove and daily Artillery Drills with LIVE cannon fire!
FestiFall
In Spartanburg, check into the AC Hotel Spartanburg, a 10-story hotel located in downtown Spartanburg. Relax and unwind in a luxurious room, or enjoy a dip in the pool. For dinner, Rick Erwin’s Level 10 is convieniently located on the top floor of the hotel, offering stunning 360-degree views of the city and the very best of Spartanburg’s culinary scene.
FESTIVAL #3: Belton Standpipe Festival
Featuring local and regional entertainers with live onstage acts, unique arts and crafts from all over the United States, local food venues, and more, this festival is the longest continually running fall festival in Anderson County.
Belton Standpipe Festival
If you attend the Standpipe Festival, you will find yourself in Anderson County, which boasts and impressive culinary scene. Head to downtown Anderson for dinner at Earle Street Kitchen & Bar for elevated Southern Comfort food and a hand crafted cocktail, or take a quick trip to Ireland without leaving downtown Anderson at McGee’s Scot-Irish Pub, and enjoy their traditional corned beef and cabbage, Irish lamb stew, or Belfast fish ‘n chips.
You will want to grab a room at The Bleckley Inn. This boutique downtown hotel offers rooms and suites with exceptional service and an upscale environment.
FESTIVAL #4: Fall for Greenville Mid October
Fall for Greenville
A fall favorite for both locals and visitors! Fall for Greenville is a much anticipated yearly food festival showcasing the talent and tastes of local chefs and restaurants. This is one you will not want to miss!
Book a room at The Grand Bohemian Lodge in downtown Greenville. This elegant 187-room hotel offers rooms with private balconies overlooking the Reedy River and Falls Park. Grab dinner and drinks on the terrace at Between the Trees Restaurant, enjoy the Grand Bohemian Spa, or browse the on-site art gallery to unwind after a day of festivities.
FESTIVAL #5 Fall Harvest Festival Mid October
The Fall Harvest Festival is a full day of fall fun, community spirit, and festive charm in the heart of Pendleton. You won’t want to miss it!
Fall Harvest Fest
Pendleton is one of the largest historic districts in the United States. The entire town plus an outlying acre is on the National Register of Historic Places and contains over fifty historic structures, most pre-1860 in origin. The Ashtabula and Woodburn Historic Houses are two of the largest Upcountry plantation houses and have been house museums since the 1970’s. Stop by 1826 Bistro on the Green restaurant in historic Farmers Hall Society building for a delightful bite then head over to The Mercantile to shop for unique gifts.
Check into the Liberty Hall Bed & Breakfast in Pendleton. Liberty Hall is surrounded by three acres of picturesque gardens and towering trees. Relax and enjoy the tranquility, along with delicious breakfast included.
FESTIVAL #6 Walhalla Oktoberfest Mid October
Oktoberfest
Listen to the OOPS Polka Band while munching on a bratwurst with kraut. Enjoy a refreshing mug of cold German beer. Reunite with old friends. Join the dance floor for the always fun “chicken dance”. Explore our amazing arts & crafts with vendors from all over the Southeast. And don’t forget an apple dumpling for dessert! The kids will love our carnival rides and games as well as a delicious funnel cake! There’s truly something for everyone at the Walhalla Oktoberfest.
Walhalla is a magical place to visit in the fall. This picturesque mountain town has quaint downtown area lined with shops an restaurants, as well as endless outdoor fall recreation. Be sure to visit Stumphouse Tunnel and Issaqueena Falls to get the best view of the fall foliage, grab some Southern Comfort food at The Steak House Cafeteria, and rest your head right in the heart of downtown at The Lofts Over Main.
FESTIVAL #7 Pacolet RiverFest Mid October
Previously known as the Indian Summer Festival, the Pacolet River Fest is traditionally held on the third Saturday in October in the Pacolet Mills area of town, right along the riverside. This event draws thousands of people to Pacolet with Live Entertainment, Craft Vendors, Food Vendors, and Kids Activities. Join us for full day of awesome views, cold brews, and activities for the whole family!
The town of Pacolet is a small town with big southern charm. Located just 20 minutes from downtown Spartanburg, experience small town hospitality with the convenience of the nearby city.
FESTIVAL #8 Storytelling Festival & Liar’s Competition Third Saturday in October
Your final fall festival will bring you back to Pickens County. Each October, the hills and hollers around the Hagood Mill Historic Site in Pickens, South Carolina, come alive with storytellers sharing the weird and wonderful, mountain funnies, memories of yesteryear, and tales of mystical places in Appalachia. Friday night will feature Ghost Stories.
Hagood Mill
Come on down to the old mill on Saturday and witness stories skirting the edges of truth and belief. Contestants will battle it out for the grand and exalted title of the “Biggest Liar in South Carolina.” Cash prizes.
Hagood Mill warmly welcomes liars of all ages, backgrounds, and identities (whether true or false).
The Upcountry is packed with fall fun for all ages. While visiting during festival season, be sure to carve out some time for leaf peeping around the area.