Things To Do
Looking for something to do?
Why not attend an outdoor concert at the William A. Floyd Amphitheater, or stop by a farmers' market to pick up a picnic before heading to one of the many state parks in the area perfect for a family adventure or weekend camping trip. Whatever you choose, there are plenty of options and places to relax and play year 'round.
World-class performers, musicians, and other artists entertain locals at numerous locations throughout the region. The Brooks Center for the Performing Arts in Pickens County and several live theater stages, including Clemson Little Theater and Electric City Playhouse, are located within the Anderson-Oconee-Pickens community.
Anderson, Oconee, and Pickens each sponsor many events and festivals each year, summer concerts and movies, art shows and theatrical performances.
If nature calls you, those who like the outdoors can enjoy state parks with man-made lakes, hiking trails and ball fields; opportunities to hike, kayak, fish, and whatever else your playful heart can imagine in Sumter National Forest, or have a relaxing float on Lake Hartwell.
Locals agree, the Foothills Trail reigns supreme. Whether you choose to start in Table Rock State Park or Oconee State Park, you'll come across sites that will blow you away.
Music Venues
Whether you are in the mood for bluegrass, classical or rock, you won’t have to travel far to hear great music.
Brooks Center for the Performing Arts
The Brooks Center Opened in 1994, a hub for the performing arts in Clemson. This 87,000-square-foot facility hosts world-class professional dance, theatre, and musical performances throughout the in its spacious, yet intimate, 979-seat proscenium auditorium.
141 Jersey Ln., Clemson; 864-656-3043
Westminster Music Centre
The Westminster Music Centre is a community-focused nonprofit venue. Proud to host the region’s finest musicians, artists, and performers. With its professionally designed sound system and intimate environment, the Music Centre provides the perfect place to fully experience musical performance and seating for approximately 200 people.
101 W. Main St., Westminster; 864-280-6067
Walhalla Performing Arts Center
Originally a grade school built in 1903, this auditorium was added in 1913. When the building no longer suited school district needs, it lay empty until a group of citizens began discussing how to breathe new life into a wonderful building. In 1993 the Walhalla Auditorium Restoration Committee created a charter, obtained a lease and restoration began. The first performance happened in August 2003 when Emile Pandolfi played to a full house.
101 E. North Broad St., Walhalla; 864-638-5277
William A Floyd Amphitheater
This outdoor, terraced grass seating concert facility, considered one of the largest in South Carolina, can accommodate 12,000-plus spectators for major concerts and other entertainment events. Some of the biggest names in country music, R&B, hip-hop, Southern rock, Top 40, and more have performed on the stage of the William A. Floyd Amphitheater since it opened in 1999.
3027 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Anderson; 864-260-4800
Music on the Mountain at Table Rock State Park
These bluegrass jam sessions are held monthly at the Table Rock Lodge. Bring your acoustic instruments or just sit back and enjoy the bluegrass jam sessions held from 2 to 6 p.m. Local musicians are invited to come out and play along. The jam sessions are free of charge, and refreshments will also be served. Donations are accepted to cover the cost of refreshments.
158 E. Ellison Ln., Pickens; 864-878-9813
Festivals and Special Events
There’s always something going on — from literary festivals to antique car shows to holiday parades.
October
Walhalla Oktoberfest
What: Three-day event includes carnival rides, German music, dancers, arts and crafts, food, Saturday night fireworks
When: October 18-20, 2019
Where: Sertoma Field, 272 Tulip Dr., Walhalla SC 29691
Blue Brunch and Indigo Harvest
What: Brunch followed by Indigo harvest to create a fresh leaf and organic vats, dye fabrics, papers and more – benefits the Rensing Center
When: October 27, 2019
Where: Rensing Center, 1165 Mile Creek Rd., Pickens, SC 29671
November
Holiday Ice in Carolina Wren Park
What: Take a spin around the ice rink in Downtown Anderson
When: November 15-30, 2019
Where: 111 E. Whitner St., Anderson, SC 29624
Anderson Christmas Lights
What: Over a million multi-colored light display – benefits local charities
When: November 28-30, 2019
Where: At the corner of Martin Luther King Boulevard and Woodcrest Drive, across the street from the Anderson Civic Center and behind the Anderson Mall.
Fall for Liberty Bluegrass Festival
What: Live bands and entertainment, craft and food vendors, kids games and activities
When: November 9, 2019
Where: Downtown Liberty on South Commerce Street and the surrounding area
Clusters for Kids Oyster Roast
What: Oysters, dinner buffet, beer, wine, music, silent auction, corn-hole competition – benefits Friends of the Pickens Guardian Ad Litem
When: November 23, 2019
Where: Arran Farm, 820 Lenhardt Rd., Easley, SC
December
Christmas Park
What: Lighted displays in Mineral Spring Park
When: December 1-31, 2019
Where: Mineral Spring Park, Hwy. 20 West Main Street, Downtown Williamston
Holiday Ice in Carolina Wren Park
What: Take a spin around the ice rink in Downtown Anderson
When: December 1-31, 2019
Where: 111 E. Whitner St., Anderson, SC 29624
Anderson Christmas Lights
What: Over a million multi-colored light display – benefits local charities
When: December 1-31, 2019
Where: At the corner of Martin Luther King Boulevard and Woodcrest Drive, across the street from the Anderson Civic Center and behind the Anderson Mall.
February
The Cinderella Project
What: Gathers donations of gently worn formal gowns, shoes and accessories for disadvantaged high school students
When: February 29, 2020
Where: Anderson Mall (next to Dillard's in old LensCrafters space), 3131 N. Main St., Anderson 29621
April
Spring Fling
What: Equine classes including H/J, dressage, combined training, western, gaited – plus vendors, silent auctions – hosted by the SC Upstate Equine Council
When: April 4-5, 2020
Where: T. Ed Garrison Arena, 1101 W. Queen St., Pendleton, SC
Pickens Azalea Festival
What: Three-day event includes music, classic car cruise-in, 5K, arts and crafts, amusement rides
When: April 16-18, 2020
Where: 102 W. Main St., Pickens, SC 29671
Central Railroad Festival
What: Food, craft vendors, kid's games, activities, magic show, music, and more
When: April 25- 2020
Where: Downtown Central, SC
September
South Carolina Apple Festival
What: Five-day event includes, golf tournament, parade, rodeo, contests, live entertainment, arts and craft show, quilt show, car show, children's activities
When: September 8-12, 2020
Where: 225 E. Main St., Westminster, SC 29693