Anderson / Lake Hartwell KOA Holiday Events

Bring the kids and they will get an overnight visit from the Easter Bunny who will leave them their own basket.  Other activities include a jelly bean guessing contest and a coloring contest.

- Challenge Mom to a game of mini golf.  Mom plays for free.
- Dot painting (kids AND moms)
- Ice cream social (for anyone who likes ice cream; mom gets her ice cream for free; proceeds benefits KOA Care Camps - cancer camps for kids)
- Make mom a card (kids)

- Challenge Dad to a game of mini golf.  Dad plays for free.
- Dot painting (kids AND dads)
- Ice cream social (for anyone who likes ice cream; dad gets his ice cream for free; proceeds benefits KOA Care Camps - cancer camps for kids)
- Make dad a Dad-lib (kids will find out when they come to the activity. It's easy and fun!)
- Hot Wheel Races (Dad, see if you or your kids are better than you are ! LOL!)

In a lot of cities, the last thing you want to see is a mouse. This isn't the case in Greenville, where nine bronze mice have taken up permanent residence along our celebrated Main Street. For a fun, kid-friendly activity, see if you can find all nine of the small bronze mice hidden along the five blocks of Main Street in downtown Greenville.  If you want more information, go to Mice-On-Main or download the scavenger hunt clues here.

...that Main Street in Anderson is aflutter with dozens of Carolina Wrens roosting in some unusual spots. Stroll through our downtown and see if you can find them. A scavenger hunt with 27 bronze wrens perched on historic locations are just waiting to be found. Modeled after South Carolina's state bird, the wrens are spread throughout the downtown area, but a focal point statue is at the corner of River and Main streets. Families love looking for these little bronze statues but so do adults, especially if you take a break and eat at one of the terrific downtown restaurants!

(The Carolina Wren is the state bird of South Carolina. You are more likely to hear a Carolina Wren than see them. They are loud, with a "tea-kettle, tea-kettle, tea-kettle" warble. They are common in urban areas.)

Get your clues here!

Download the details

Explore the downtown Anderson area by walking. There are three routes that will get you out and moving. Take the "Healthy" Route (3 miles), the "Civic" Route (1 mile), or the "Cultural" Route (2 miles) .

The three-mile Healthy Route is the longest route and links to several health and fitness facilities. 
The Civic Route is named such for the many governmental agencies along this one-mile route. 
The Cultural Route is two miles; you will find many museums, art, and theatre destinations here. No matter which route you choose, there is much to see and admire along the way; our beautiful historic buildings, courtyards, fountains, and many public art installations. Have fun on your way; count how many fish or wrens you see. You can also gain wisdom by reading our Wise Walks that are etched in our sidewalks.

Brochures with the routes are available in the KOA office or at the Anderson Visitors and Convention Bureau.

One of South Carolina's most unique and earliest wildflowers, the Oconee Bell, can be found blooming from mid-March to early April. Colonies of the Oconee Bells blooming in their entire splendor can be seen along the Oconee Bell Trail at Devils Fork State Park, a gateway to the Jocassee Gorges. The Oconee Bell is a rare flower found only in a few locations near the southern Appalachians. You can recognize the Oconee Bell by its white and yellow blossom with red stems and red-tinged leaves.

To catch a glimpse of this delicate and unique wildflower, make a trip to Devils Fork State Park during its blooming season and walk the Oconee Bell Nature Trail. Wear comfortable walking shoes. The walk is designed for ages ten and older. The Oconee Bell Nature Trail is an easy 1-mile loop trail that received its name for the rare wildflower that can be found along the footpath.

Download the details

The cities of Anderson, Greenville, and Seneca hold music in their old downtown areas. Bring your own chairs, eat some local food and tap your feet as a variety of musical genres fills the air.

In Anderson - Downtown Sounds is staged at Carolina Wren Park from 6–9 pm each Thursday evening from April through August. The full slate of entertainment includes a variety of music, from oldies, beach, blues, soul, and southern rock. (May 4 - August 31, 2023)

In Seneca - every Thursday from April to September, Ram Cat Alley is closed between 6:30 and 9 pm for Jazz on the Alley, which offers visitors live music and late shopping at the stores on the street. According to town legend, trains carrying produce for Main Street merchants were unloaded onto carts that were then wheeled the two blocks to the shops on Main. So many cats would gather around the carts piled high with meat and fish that one clever wag once quipped: "You couldn't ram another cat into the alley." Main Street was officially renamed Ram Cat Alley in the mid-1990s. (April 6 - October 26, 2023)

In Greenville - Downtown Alive kicks off the weekend every Thursday night with music at NOMA Square on Main Street. Check out who's playing here. (March 16 - August 31, 2023)

The Anderson Motor Speedway is located just north of I-85 at exit 27 - approximately 15 miles from the campground. Anderson Motor Speedway is a 3/8 mile paved oval. Wide straightaways and tight, tricky corners are infamous for producing close, competitive short track racing most Friday nights in the quest for the checkered flag. Anderson Motor Speedway roars into action each Friday night throughout the summer. A full lineup of the best driving talent from across the Carolinas and Georgia invade the "Supertrack of the Carolinas" each week in the quest for the checkered flag. Anderson Motor Speedway showcases some of the fiercest competition around. Come check out the Super Trucks.

Check out the Anderson Motor Speedway Schedule

One of the top festivals in our area, this springtime festival is a weekend of quality arts and crafts, antiques, a variety of musical entertainment, historic tours, bike rides, unique shops, and restaurants.

Over 300 artisans vie for the coveted 100 spaces. Local and regional entertainers fill the air with music. Due to the festival's reputation for consistency and quality, thousands of people pour into historic Pendleton the first weekend in April. As patrons look at unique, one-of-a-kind arts and crafts from around the country, live entertainment fills the air with music, and local food vendors tempt you with smells of delicious foods.

Saturday 10am - 6pm, Sunday noon - 5pm

For more information, visit Historic Pendleton Spring Jubilee.

In April 2023, the JD Massey Classic Horse Show celebrates its 89th year.  The original event, which started in June 1933, was known as The Greenville Horse Show.  The founding members' determination for the "show to go on" continued its success, even during World War II.  This year's event, heralded as one of the longest continually running American Saddlebred shows in the country, is a reflection of similar determination. This competition is for the American Saddlebred and Hackney breeds, as well as the roadster and saddle seat equitation disciplines or events.

Historically referred to as the “Horse America Made,” the American Saddlebred is the ultimate show horse. Proud, upright carriage with neck arched and ears forward, the American Saddlebred dominates the saddle seat disciplines with its elegant and powerful high-stepping action.

The Hackney originated in Norfolk, England, bred by prosperous farmers seeking to improve the quality and trotting speed of their carriage horses. The breed flourished in Britain throughout the 1800s due in part to the emphasis on swift, light carriage, and riding transport, and by 1878 the Hackney had found its way to the United States. The Hackney is a versatile performer that excels in carriage and combined driving events, as well as in the show ring wearing a saddle.Saddle seat is a style of competitive horse riding using an English saddle (smaller and lighter than a Western saddle and no horn to grab onto) that is designed to show off the high action of certain horse breeds. The style developed into its modern form in the United States. The goal of the saddle seat riding style is to show off the horse's extravagant gaits, particularly the trot. The rider must make the riding look effortless, and stay still, sitting upright, with shoulders back.  In saddle seat, high-stepping gaits are required of the horses. Roadster is a type of driving competition for horses where the horse and exhibitor appear in equipment similar to that used in harness racing. Horses pull a light sulky or carriage and drivers wear special clothing called racing silks. However, the exhibitors do not race. Instead, they perform in an arena at horse shows at trotting speeds that include a slow jog, a medium speed "road gait," and a rapid and long-strided but controlled trot referred to as showing "at speed." Animals are evaluated on performance and manners.

Free Event

The South Carolina Chili Cook-off Championship is a family-friendly event headquartered in Belton. Held annually, the Cook-off offers individuals, teams, and organizations the chance to take home big bucks and beautiful trophies, along with a shot at the ICS World Finals' $25,000 grand prize. Proceeds from the Chili Cook-off benefit the Belton Center for the Arts, the Belton Area Museum Association, Shalom Recovery House and the Belton Interfaith Ministry Association. 

You are invited to come and enjoy CHILI, arts and crafts exhibits and sales by local and regional artisans, informational booths hosted by area businesses and services, homemade baked goods, canned goods, cookbooks, and other items offered by local churches, and special exhibits at Belton's tennis museum, railroad museum, and art center. The chili cook off booths go all day long for you to sample.

The Soiree is Anderson's signature arts festival featuring performing, culinary, and visual arts. Come to downtown Anderson for the 2-day event with over 50 artists in attendance, local and regional talent performing across multiple stages, and delicious food from downtown restaurants and food trucks! Enjoy Kid's Kingdom with children's crafts, games, and more. 

You don't want to miss this FREE downtown Anderson event this spring.
Visit Downtown Anderson Soiree for more information.

See you at the Soiree!

"When the Azaleas are blooming in Pickens, South Carolina, the little town celebrates!"

For over 30 years, friends and family have come back home for one of the largest family reunions in the Southeast, the Pickens Azalea Festival. Join us as we welcome local artisan & crafters, tastes from across the Southeast, and musicians from across the nation.

The Pickens Azalea Festival continues Friday Night with our cruise-in in the heart of Pickens, S.C. Roads will close at 6 PM as cars, jeeps, and classics from all eras take the streets in one of the largest cruise-ins in the Southeast! 

Pickens Azalea Festival's biggest day is Saturday, as hundreds of artisans, crafters, civic organizations, nonprofits, and businesses take the streets! This day, full of family fun, has entertainment throughout the day! Children's games, a complete variety of foods, arts and crafts, and live entertainment throughout the day. History comes alive with tours of the downtown, Hagood-Mauldin House, and the Pickens County Museum.   And for a challenge, see if you can find all of the "Turtles on the Town."

We can't wait to see you there!

Admission is free. Visit Pickens Azalea Festival online for more information.

The Great Anderson County Fair is an 11-day event just 9 miles from the KOA. There are rides for kids of all ages, a variety of free and paid concerts, unlimited ride times, exhibits which include antique tractors, RVs, and other vendors, free shows including pig racing and a petting zoo, and of course, typical fair food!

Visit Visit their website for policies and schedule.

Abbeville is where you want to be during the first weekend in May - Celebrating 40 years of memories this May!  Since its kickoff in 1981, the Spring Festival has drawn thousands to this charming town! The Festival features dozens of craft vendors, amazing live music, awesome food, amusement rides for the young and “young at heart”, an antique car show, and more! General admission is FREE! Which means FUN for the entire family!

Founded in 2003, Artisphere's mission is to create a nationally recognized Fine Arts festival that enhances the quality of life and economic vitality in South Carolina. The festival will span downtown Greenville between the intersection of Broad and Main St and Wardlaw and Main St. It includes visual, performing, and culinary artists.

The kids aren't left out. Check out Kidsphere, where budding artists create their own original artwork in Kidsphere-Arts and Crafts! Kids learn a variety of fine art and craft techniques while making their own masterpieces! 

• Stand-Up Paper Robots
  
• Aspiring Artist Station
  
• Mother's Day Cards
  
• Handmade Hats
  

Artisphere has grown into a centerpiece of Greenville's cultural calendar and has distinguished itself as both a national and regional destination. The festival is one of the country's top art shows.

Many people may not be familiar with agility competitions, where dogs navigate through an obstacle course while racing against the clock. Courses typically have between 14-20 obstacles. There may be jumps where a dog must leap over the bar without displacing it. There may be weave poles, six to 12 upright poles which a dog must enter to the right of the first one and weave through each of the others quickly without missing a pole. Or there may be a seesaw.  Unlike the seesaws you may have played on as a child, dogs don't get a partner for this obstacle. After running up the board and down the other side as it pivots with their momentum, a dog must touch the “contact zone” with at least one toenail as they descend.

Dogs compete at various levels depending on their demonstrated skill.  They start at the Novice level and move to Open then Excellent as they earn qualifying scores at each level.  Watching the novice or beginner dogs, and their handlers, can often be quite humorous as the beginners get distracted and head off in another direction while the handler tries to catch them.

Admission is free.

Memorial Day Weekend! 

The Great Scot! Parade marches up Greenville's Main Street from Broad Street to E. North St., with Pipe Bands, faeries, floats and the Royal Highland Fusiliers on Friday evening at 6pm.

On Saturday, head to Furman University for the Scottish Games.  Gates open at 8am. Competitions are over by 4pm and the Awards Ceremony is at 5pm. The greatest Scottish Happy Hour in the world at 5:30pm – Celtic music, pipe bands and beer in the Entertainment Tent!
Heavy Athletics – All day on the Main Field
Piping/Drumming Competitions – All day around Cherrydale Mansion
Border Collie Demonstrations – 10:00am, 1:00pm & 2:30pm
Celtic Music – Main Stage starting at 10:00am
British Car Show – outside Main Gate from 9:30am to 3pm. The featured manufacturer is MG.
The colors, tastes, sights & sounds you will experience are all evocative of clan life in the wild Highlands of Scotland.
The Championship Heavy Athletic competition is drawn from the warrior traditions at ancient clan gatherings, as is the Highland Dancing competition. The Southern Piping Championship will remind you vividly of how the Great Highland War Pipes were an integral part of every Scottish clan marching into battle. The crafts - from the weaving of tartans to the stained glass demonstrations - would have been all around you at a Gathering of the Clans from long ago.
Visit Greenville Games online for more information.

Children visiting our Games will have their own miniature Scottish village, called Wee Scotland. They have their own crafts, athletic events, "mountains" to climb, & much more, all the while absorbing a bit of the culture. The Border Collie Trials and Great Scot! Young Writers Contest are very popular, too!

Come and celebrate at the South Carolina Festival of Flowers in beautiful Greenwood, South Carolina. Celebrating over 55 years and one of Southeast Tourism Society Top Events, the SC Festival of Flowers offers a month-long schedule of activities the whole family can enjoy. The festival fun kicks off with our Main Weekend, June 10-11, 2022. Make plans to visit us for a “Blooming Good Time!”

The SC Festival of Flowers kicks off with highly entertaining and fun-filled events for all ages during the main weekend. Stroll among the larger-than-life, “living” topiary sculptures spread throughout the Uptown Greenwood square. Then come browse and shop the arts and crafts show, take in various performances, experience the Wine Walk, join the 5K run/walk, engage in Kidfest, and tour exquisite home gardens.

The highlight of this month-long event is the Signature Topiary Display. Come marvel at our beloved “living” topiary sculptures displayed throughout Uptown Greenwood, South Carolina. When it comes to flowers, everyone loves the topiaries, from the majestic elephant to the dabbling ducks to the Safari Jeep.  You will be astonished to see the variety of topiary sizes, plants, colors, and textures. In all, 49 “living” creations are uniquely set in landscaped areas in Uptown Greenwood, South Carolina for the entire month of June. Visit SC Festival of Flowers for dates and times of the various events during the month of June.

In past years, the shows have starred General Dwight Eisenhower, Robert F. Kennedy, Harry Houdini, Pauli Murray and Georgia O'Keefe.
Meet the American game-changers, listen to their stories and ask them questions. 

There's nothing like the experience of outdoors under the Chautauqua tent or in a beautiful park on a summer evening. But if you like your Chautauqua experience indoors in air-conditioned comfort, we have that, too. There will be great story-telling, lots to laugh about, and deep secrets revealed. You'll laugh – you'll cry – you'll have lots of questions - and they'll be answered. Bring your stories. Share your experiences. Get inspired. Because it's not just history – it's personal. Visit Greenville Chautauqua online for more information.

Downtown Anderson, more info coming soon

Downtown Anderson, Main St. Held each year on the Saturday before Father's Day in June, the Main Street Car Show is hosted by our local Main Street organization. Over 150 vintage automobiles line Main Street in downtown Anderson. Stroll the streets, vote for your favorite car, visit the many fine shops and restaurants in beautiful Historic Downtown Anderson.

Free admission, Free fireworks, Gates open at 5:30pm, with music starting at 6pm.

Come on over for live bluegrass bands under a shady 5000 sq ft pavilion, with arts & crafts, hickory-smoked BBQ, greased pig chase, horse-drawn wagon, snow cones, costume contests, clogging contests, children's games, and more! Hillbilly Day was founded in 1959 and is a celebration of Appalachian mountain culture and crafts. Free admission.  Parking donations accepted. Bring your own lawn chair for some traditional Appalachian music and family fun!

In celebration of Independence Day, a long-standing tradition will be brought back to the City of Greenville – Fireworks on the Fourth! We invite the community to join us at Unity Park on July 4 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. for a spectacular fireworks show in our beautiful 60-acre park. Come early, bring a blanket and picnic dinner, and enjoy a memorable evening as we honor our great country. 

Live Music will play on the Welcome Center deck from 7:30 - 9:00pm.
Food trucks may include the Noodle Lady, HipBurger, the Pound Cake Man and Aspen Street Sweets
Fireworks will go off at 9:45 p.m.

Join us for another stellar Bluegrass Festival at the beautiful Anderson Civic Center.  Located just 8 miles from the KOA, it features a lineup of 6-8 artists.

Labor Day weekend in Pickens County features a popular celebration of life “down on the farm” at the Robinson farm, near the town of Dacusville, located approximately 25 minutes from the campground. The Farm Days features a steam engine, antique cars, wagon rides, country, bluegrass and gospel music, a peddle tractor pull, antique engines and tractors, both a saw and veneer mill, wheat threshing, country cooking, and the popular “Parade of Power” tractor parade. You can also get up close and personal with country critters at the farm animal petting zoo.

Admission is charged. Children under 12 and military with id are free.

The Upcountry's salute to the apple, the SC Apple Festival celebrates the beginning of apple harvest season in Oconee County, the largest apple producing area in the state. The annual festival starts on the Tuesday after Labor Day and continues to the following Saturday. The week-long activities include arts, crafts, and food vendors, a Chattooga River Float (Wednesday), live entertainment by various musicians, a street dance on Friday evening, the annual Apple Festival IPRA sanctioned World Championship Rodeo (Friday and Saturday nights), and so much more. Most of the events are free and are planned with the family in mind.

Parade is on Friday, 5pm start time. The parade will start in front of Westminster United Methodist Church, turn at Walgreens to go down Main Street, then turn at Blue Ridge Bank to cross the road to Sluders Urban Forestry's parking lot where the parade ends.

Get ready for old-fashioned fun at the fair. Livestock, rides and games, crafts, exhibits, clowns, antique tractors, farm equipment, loads of entertainment and, of course, that delicious fair food. You can even bring your well-behaved dog to participate in the Pup Parade and Pageant.

See dairy cows and beef cattle, goats and hogs, rabbits and goats, roosters and chickens. Watch lumberjacks throw their axes and cut and chop logs. There will be wagon rides, a hay maze, petting zoo and pony rides. A fireworks show caps off the final night.
For more information, visit Carolina Foothills Heritage Fair .
HOURS - September 19–23, 2023
Tuesday–Thursday: 4 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Friday: 4 p.m. – 11 p.m.
Saturday: 10 a.m. – 11 p.m.

FAIR ADMISSION
All Fair Pass: (good for fair admission each day)
Adults: $20
Students: $10

Adults
Tue–Thu.: $5, Fri.–Sat.: $8
Students (K–12)
Tue–Thu.: $3, Fri.–Sat.: $5
Pre-School
No Charge
Discounts
Military: $3 each

FAIR RIDES
Tuesday & Thursday - Tickets only (No Ridebands)Ticket prices $1.25 each (3-5 tickets per ride)
20 tickets $20.00
45 tickets $40.00Wednesday, Friday & Saturday - Choice of Tickets or RidebandsRide bands $25.00 for all day.

The Belton Standpipe Heritage & Arts Festival is a festival celebrating the City of Belton and the Belton community. The excitement includes entertainment, games, rides, children's area, exhibitions and much more continuing throughout the day. An open car show is a main attraction of the festival. Cars range in type from a 1953 Corvette to a 1997 low-rider pick-up truck to a Model-T.

Entertainment on one stage will provide the crowd with great music that they can sing along to, dance to, or just enjoy.

The evening ends with a spectacular fireworks finale.

Discover a world of tempting tastes, sights and sounds, as mouthwatering aromas carry you along downtown Greenville's Main Street. With over 40 of Greenville's finest restaurants showcasing almost 200 menu items you can explore exciting new cuisine or indulge in one of your favorites.

From rock to country to jazz and blues, music lovers can enjoy a wide variety of free musical entertainment offered on six stages all weekend long!

Sample some of the finest wines from around the world in the Wine Tasting Area. A weekend long event, over 50 wines are available to taste! The popular destination also features musical entertainment on the Jazz and Blues Stage. Enjoy tasting some of the best craft brews from around the region at the festival's Beer Garden. Fill up your cup and stick around for live music on the Carolina Ale House Stage.

Fall for Greenville is FREE to the public. For more information, visit Fall for Greenville .

Do you BELIEVE? True Believer? Skeptic? Undecided? He's coming back! Join us for a day of learning, listening, and eating on Main Street, Westminster, SC! Whether you think the concept of an undiscovered primate roaming the mountainside is far-fetched or you and Sasquatch are on a first-name basis (or anywhere in between), we have the place to be this fall. This is a street-festival-style event with live music, expert speakers, Bigfoot tales, food and craft vendors, Bigfoot-themed contests, children's activities, and more.

Celebrate the changing of the leaves with children's old-fashioned games, food, live music and quality arts and crafts on the historic Village Green of Pendleton, S.C. The "Bubba-Bake-Off" features local fellas showing off their most(ly) creative baking skills! This is an event that would make Betty Crocker proud and that will tickle you good! The Carolina Raptor Center brings their birds to the Festival and the day starts off with a Ride for the Raptors - an enjoyable bicycle ride to benefit the center.

Tucked into the mountainous foothills of the Northwestern Corner of South Carolina, Walhalla bids you "Guten Tag! (Good Day!)". You're invited to experience "Gemutlichkeit!" (good spirits, good times, laughter and goodwill) at the Annual Walhalla Oktoberfest! Oktoberfest is a wonderful fall celebration of Walhalla's German heritage, with something fun for everyone! Each year, thousands of people come to Walhalla to experience Oktoberfest! Listen to the Little German 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! 

The evening ends with a fireworks show! There's truly something for everyone at the Walhalla Oktoberfest!

Anderson Christmas Lights, sponsored by the Anderson Lights of Hope,  is celebrated at the Anderson Sports and Recreation Center. It is a 7/10 mile drive with over one million colored lights through both animated and stationary displays. The Lights of Hope is open nightly from Thanksgiving to Christmas Day. Admission is charged, and proceeds are given to local charities. Admission is charged.

The Celebration of Lights is celebrated at the Upper SC State Fairgrounds near Easley, with over one million lights that can be driven through. The Celebration of Lights is open nightly from Thanksgiving through Christmas Day. Admission is charged.

The Magic of Christmas is celebrated every year starting in mid-November and going to the end of December.  It's nostalgic with a modern twist. Romantic and family friendly at the same time. It's FREE FUN that everybody can enjoy!Route yourself through historic downtown Seneca to experience the streets aglow with a million lights that “dance” to holiday music. Tune your radio and cruise along, or leave your car and walk around. You'll find lots of spots for pictures and kids love running through the festive setting. Visit with Santa on selected nights, come watch the parade, cook s'mores and sip on hot chocolate and ride the Spirit of Seneca or Pride of Seneca trains.