Throughout the year you’ll find “Can’t Miss!” events in Pickens county, from an on-going series at a historic site to community festivals celebrating the changing of the seasons.
FEBRUARY
Third Saturday in February
Deep Winter Blues at Hagood Mill Historic Site
864-898-2936
visithagoodmill.com
Join us to celebrate Upcountry South Carolina as a historical mecca for the blues. The 1845 grist will be operating, and the site will be full with living history demonstrators and artisan craft vendors. The Hagood Creek Petroglyph Site will also be open. Admission is $5 per person 13 and older. Text GRITS to 85100 to receive updates from the Hagood Mill.
MARCH
Third Saturday in March
Kids Fest at Hagood Mill Historic Site
864-898-2936
visithagoodmill.com
Join us to celebrate kids with kids’ activities galore, local youth musicians, youth bluegrass, an old-time talent show, and more. The 1845 grist mill will be operating, and the site will be full of living history demonstrators and artisan craft vendors. The Hagood Creek Petroglyph Site will also be open. Admission is $5 per person for ages 10 and older.
APRIL
Third Saturday in April
Old-Time Jam and Camping Weekend at Hagood Mill Historic Site
864-898-2936
visithagoodmill.com
Join us for a weekend of good ole jamming, dancing, and camping. The 1845 grist mill will be operating, and the site will be full of living history demonstrators and artisan craft vendors. The Hagood Creek Petroglyph Site will also be open. Saturday’s admission is $5 per person 10 and older. See the website for camping information and entertainment programming.
Pickens Azalea Festival
End of April
864-301-1798
pickensazaleafestival.com
When the Azaleas begin to bloom, you know that it’s time for the Pickens Azalea Festival! The event offers live musical entertainment at the amphitheater, car cruise-in, children’s activities, self-guided historic tour, and arts and crafts.
Spring Fling
Early April
Downtown Easley- Old Market Square
The City of Easley invites you to the annual Spring Fling! This exciting event offers live music, a bustling marketplace, delicious food from local food trucks, and a lively Kids Zone for the whole family to enjoy.
MAY
Issaqueena Festival
Mid-May
Downtown Six Mile
https://www.facebook.com/sixmileissaqueenafestival/
FREE entertainment is provided for both adults and children, including a FREE kids’ zone! Bring your blanket or chair; there is plenty of room to sit down and enjoy. Representatives from the Lower Eastern Cherokee Nation will have craft items for sale, perform dances, and tell stories that have been passed down from their ancestors. Food vendors and arts and crafts vendors will line North Main Street.
Third Saturday in May
Mountain Roots Herb Festival at Hagood Mill Historic Site
864-898-2936
visithagoodmill.com
Come get your plants and herbs for your summer garden and learn about native and medicinal plants through a variety of workshops and vendors. The 1845 gristmill will be operating, and the site will be full with living history demonstrators and artisan craft vendors. The Hagood Creek Petroglyph Site will also be open. Admission is $5 per person 13 and older. Text GRITS to 85100 to receive updates from the Hagood Mill.
JUNE
Third Saturday in June
Americana Folk & Dance Festival at Hagood Mill Historic Site
864-898-2936
visithagoodmill.com
On this special day, we will honor the Jean Laney Harris Folk Heritage Award winners and host a handful of folk musicians, dance performances, and workshops. The 1845 gristmill will operate, and the site will be full of living history demonstrators and artisan craft vendors. The Hagood Creek Petroglyph Site will also be open. Admission is $5 per person 13 and older. Text GRITS to 85100 to receive updates from the Hagood Mill.
JULY
Banjo Extravaganza at Hagood Mill Historic Site
864-898-2936
visithagoodmill.com
Join us for our annual trek through history as we follow the evolution of the banjo from its origins as an African gourd instrument to today’s multiple and unique styles. The 1845 gristmill will be operating, and the site will be full with living history demonstrators and artisan craft vendors. The Hagood Creek Petroglyph Site will also be open. Admission is $5 per person 13 and older. Text GRITS to 85100 to receive updates from the Hagood Mill.
Independence Day In Easley
4th of July
Downtown Easley- Old Market Square
https://www.cityofeasley.com/subpages/historic-downtown-easley-4th-of-july-festival
The Historic Easley 4th of July Festival brings two days of excitement and fun for the whole family!
This festival is the perfect outing with family and friends, packed with interactive fun, great music, fantastic food, and local charm.
AUGUST
Third Saturday in August
Rolling Waterwheel Gospel Revue at Hagood Mill Historic Site
864-898-2936
visithagoodmill.com
Join us in joyful song as we host an old-time gospel sing-along. The 1845 gristmill will be operating, and the site will be full with living history demonstrators and artisan craft vendors. The Hagood Creek Petroglyph Site will also be open. Admission is $5 per person 10 and older.
SEPTEMBER
Third Saturday in September
Ole Time Fiddling Convention at Hagood Mill Historic Site
864-898-2936
visithagoodmill.com
Old-time musicians near and far descend on the grounds of Hagood Mill to compete in the SC State Fiddling Championship. We also host Friday and Saturday evening concerts. The 1845 grist mill will be operating, and the site will be full of living history demonstrators and artisan craft vendors. The Hagood Creek Petroglyph Site will also be open. Admission is $5 per person for ages 10 and older. Go to our website or Facebook page for more information.
OCTOBER
Third Saturday in October
Storytelling Festival & Liar’s Competition at Hagood Mill Historic Site
864-898-2936
visithagoodmill.com
Come on down to the old mill and listen to tales skirting the edges of truth and belief. The 1845 gristmill will be operating, and the site will be full of living history demonstrators and artisan craft vendors. The Hagood Creek Petroglyph Site will also be open. Saturday’s admission is $5 per person 10 and older. See website for camping information and Friday Night Frights & Ghost Stories.
Halloween
Annual Trick-or-Treating event on Main Street
Ann Street to Catherine Street, Main Street, Pickens
NOVEMBER
Pickens Appalachian Folk Festival
Early November
Pickens Amphitheater
114 W. Main St.
Pickens, SC 29671
864-878-6421
https://pickensappalachianfolkfestival.org
This two-day event celebrates the unique Appalachian heritage in Northern Pickens County and the Upstate of South Carolina. Join us Friday evening for a magical night of bluegrass in the amphitheater, and gear up for a Saturday packed with music, artisan vendors, and delicious food.
Third Saturday in November
Native American Celebration Hagood Mill Historic Site
864-898-2936
visithagoodmill.com
At this time of year, Americans give thanks. Join us at the Hagood Mill to give thanks to, and honor the first peoples of these lands for the food traditions and customs that have influenced southern Appalachian life for hundreds of years. The 1845 gristmill will be operating, and the site will be full with living history demonstrators and artisan craft vendors. The Hagood Creek Petroglyph Site will also be open. Admission is $5 per person for ages 10 and older.
Christmas Tree Lighting
Late November
Pickens Doodle Pavilion
409 E Cedar Rock S
Pickens, SC 29671
https://blueridge.coop/2024-tree-lighting
Christmas Tree Lighting
Late November
Downtown Easley
https://www.cityofeasley.com/subpages/annual-city-of-easley-christmas-tree-lighting
Kick off the holiday season with our annual Christmas Tree Lighting! Enjoy caroling, holiday treats, and the magic of the season.
DECEMBER
Annual Pickens Christmas Parade
First Friday in December
Main St. Pickens, SC 29671
https://visitpickens.org/parade
Third Saturday in December
Ed Harrison Memorial Celtic Christmas at Hagood Mill Historic Site
864-898-2936
visithagoodmill.com
The Scotch-Irish immigrants were among the first settlers in the Appalachian region; these traditions are still alive today. Join us as we celebrate this glorious season with Scotch-Irish song and dance. The 1845 gristmill will be operating, and the site will be full of living history demonstrators and artisan craft vendors. The Hagood Creek Petroglyph Site will also be open. Saturday’s admission is $5 per person for ages 10 and older.