It’s festival time in SC. Here are 5 of the best ones to try as summer begins in 2023

South Carolina has had a few festivals over the spring, but with summer fast approaching, events are about to kick up in earnest.

As the weather continues to warm, South Carolinians will soon be inundated with festivals large and small. From celebrations for all things strawberry to blue crab feasts and food truck gatherings, there should be a festival for almost everyone.

Here are five of the best South Carolina festivals scheduled during May and June.

South Carolina Strawberry Festival

When: May 6

Where: Fort Mill

Website: https://www.scstrawberryfestival.com/

If you are obsessed with strawberries, then this is the festival where you can get your fix. The South Carolina Strawberry Festival is now in its 14th year, celebrating all things strawberry. The event showcases historic Fort Hill while providing plenty of entertainment for residents and visitors.

The festival will feature plenty of live music, strawberry ice cream and strawberry doughnut eating contests, a car show, food trucks and tons of vendors selling merchandise, food and of course, strawberries.

North Charleston Arts Fest

When: May 3-7

Where: North Charleston

Website: www.northcharlestonartsfest.com

Enjoy local, regional and national art in multiple forms at the annual North Charleston Arts Fest. The free five-day event will feature dance, music, theatre, visual arts and literature. The vast array of performances and exhibitions will be held at multiple venues, including libraries, businesses, community centers and parks. For a full breakdown of the events and when and where they’ll be held, check out the festival’s calendar on the website listed above.

World Famous Blue Crab Festival

When: May 20-21 from 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Where: Historic Little River Waterfront, 4468 Mineola Ave., Little River

Website: www.bluecrabfestival.org

Those who love seafood will likely find themselves at home at the World Famous Blue Crab Festival. And even if seafood isn’t your thing, chances are you’ll find something to enjoy.

Now in its 33rd year, the festival in Little River will feature plenty of live music, around 200 fine arts and crafts vendors, specialty food vendors — all while offering scenic views by the waterfront.

Admission is $7 at the gate. Children 12 and under get in for free.

Spoleto Festival USA

When: May 26-June 11

Where: Charleston

Website: spoletousa.org

Come to Charleston during the annual Spoleto Festival for 17 nights of performances by renowned artists and emerging performers in opera, theater, dance, jazz music and more, all in historic theaters, churches and outdoor spaces.

Founded in 1977 by Pulitzer Prize-winning composer Gian Carlo Menotti, Christopher Keene and others to “create an American counterpart to their annual Festival of Two Worlds in Spoleto, Italy,” the festival’s website states.

To buy tickets and plan your visit around the multitude of performances, visit the website listed above.

South Carolina Festival of Flowers

When: June 8-11

Where: Greenwood

Website: scfestivalofflowers.org

Celebrating its 56th year, the Festival of Flowers attracts avid gardeners from across the U.S. Every year, the festival features the fan favorite topiary display in uptown Greenwood. Past years have included a giant elephant, a mermaid and even a Safari Jeep.

Other events during the festival this year will include an exploration of celestial bodies at the local museum, a garden symposium, an arts and crafts show, community theatre performances, garden tours, food tastings, an ice cream social and more.

For a full breakdown of the events, visit the website listed above.

If you think there is an upcoming festival that should be included, email pmccreless@thestate.com.