International Festival, FestiFall and other Spartanburg fall events. What to know.

At this year's fall events, you can learn about people whose roots and cultures come from other countries. History buffs can travel back in time to the Revolutionary War, and music fans can attend concerts and other happenings.

Spartanburg's International Festival and FestiFall at Walnut Grove Plantation in Roebuck are just two of several events this weekend. Other happenings include a three-day Moonshiners Reunion and Mountain Music Festival in Campobello and an Octoberfest in Chesnee.

Spartanburg holds the International Festival to celebrate the culture and people who call Spartanburg their home. Residents from more than 75 countries and more than 100 international businesses are now in Spartanburg, according to the City of Spartanburg's website.

The festival celebrates Spartanburg's diversity. The first International Festival was held in 1985 and now the festival is a tradition.

Another program is FestiFall at Walnut Grove Plantation. It is a chance to learn what life was like during Colonial times. People couldn't just go to the store to buy food and clothing. They had to make everything themselves, and visitors will see a demonstration of weaving, spinning and cooking.

Here are other events planned this weekend. Check back for updates and new events listed.

Fernando Gonzales of Spartanburg is shown during the 2019 International Festival.
(Credit: Alex C. Hicks Jr. FILE PHOTO/staff)
Fernando Gonzales of Spartanburg is shown during the 2019 International Festival. (Credit: Alex C. Hicks Jr. FILE PHOTO/staff)

Celebrate Spartanburg's diversity at International Festival

Take a trip around the world without leaving Spartanburg during the International Festival from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday in Barnet Park, 248 E. St. John St.

Kenya, Germany, Peru, and more are some of the countries that have participated. Visitors will also learn about countries through their food, music and information.

"It (International Festival) has taken on new significance as we've seen Spartanburg's growth accelerate over the past several years," said Christopher George, Communications and Marketing Manager for the City of Spartanburg. "The festival is an important way to show newcomers from all over the world that Spartanburg is a place that embraces and welcomes them."

A highlight of the day is strolling the booths on the Avenue of Nations and watching the colorful Parade of Nations featuring African drummers and participants wearing colorful costumes. Children can play in the Kids Zone involving arts and crafts and more.

Admission is free, but tickets must be purchased for food.

Road closures will begin at 11 p.m. Oct. 6 at South Converse Street from Saint John Street to Silver Hill, Littlejohn Circle from Dean Street to Silver Hill. Road closures will end at 9 p.m. Oct. 7.

The 28th annual FestiFall event was held Oct, 3-4, 2020  at Walnut Grove Plantation. The event was drive thru due to COVID 19.
(Credit: [ALEX HICKS JR. FILE PHOTO/Spartanburg Herald-Journal])
The 28th annual FestiFall event was held Oct, 3-4, 2020 at Walnut Grove Plantation. The event was drive thru due to COVID 19. (Credit: [ALEX HICKS JR. FILE PHOTO/Spartanburg Herald-Journal])

Head to backcountry during FestiFall at Walnut Grove Plantation

Witness life during the Revolutionary War in South Carolina's backcountry this weekend at Walnut Grove Plantation, 1200 Otts Shoals Road in Roebuck.

David Wood, President and CEO of the Spartanburg County Historical Association, said that the SCHA is committed to teaching the history of Spartanburg.

"Since 1957, the SCHA has been connecting the Spartanburg community to its history through engaging events and innovative programming," Wood said. "We are committed to helping people make meaningful and personal connections to history. This annual event is in its 31st year and the entire weekend is dedicated to Spartanburg's significant role in the American Revolution."

Imagine you are living in 1781 while watching volunteers dress in period clothing and demonstrate how cooking and weaving were done more than 200 years ago.

Children can play games and listen to music during live demonstrations. They will also learn to make candles, quill writing and more.

A favorite event is the reenactment of "Bloody Bill" Cunningham's raid on Walnut Gove Plantation. Cunningham was a Loyalist involved in several skirmishes against Patriots across the area. He made his way to Walnut Grove, leaving behind death and destruction.

Festifall begins at 10 a.m. Saturday and Sunday. Tickets are available for presale and are good for both days.

Raise your mug to Oktoberfest

Celebrate the beginning of October when Outside Influence Brewing holds its first Oktoberfest.

The event will include local, German-inspired brews, German food and dances, and a stein-holding contest.

The event will be held from noon to 10 p.m. Saturday at Outside Influence Brewing located at 213 S Alabama Ave., in Chesnee.

A crowd enjoys music during the Plum Hollow Festival in Campobello, on May 26, 2018. Tyler Hatley & the Little Mountain Band performed at the 27th annual Plum Hollow Alternative Bluegrass Festival, which included over a dozen bands playing from Thursday to Saturday. [TIM KIMZEY FILE PHOTO/Spartanburg Herald-Journal]
A crowd enjoys music during the Plum Hollow Festival in Campobello, on May 26, 2018. Tyler Hatley & the Little Mountain Band performed at the 27th annual Plum Hollow Alternative Bluegrass Festival, which included over a dozen bands playing from Thursday to Saturday. [TIM KIMZEY FILE PHOTO/Spartanburg Herald-Journal]

Get ready for Moonshiners Reunion and Mountain Music Festival

Pack up the RV with your tent and lawn chairs and go to the Mountain Music Festival.

The Moonshiners Reunion is a cherished tradition that celebrates Appalachian folk music and the moonshining culture. The event features a covered bandstand and a location where visitors listen to live music.

This three-day festival begins on Thursday and runs until Saturday. The event will be held at 5015 Rainbow Lake Road, in Campobello. Gates open each day at noon.

Glass containers, ATVs, golf carts or four-wheelers, fireworks and pets are not allowed.

There are three ticket options for attendants. Ticket prices include admission, camping and music.

  • Three-day pass (Oct. 5-7): $100 per person

  • Friday and Saturday pass (Oct. 6-7): $80 per person

  • One-day pass: $65 per person

Joanna Johnson covers trending topics and community news for the Herald-Journal Reach her at jjohnson@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Herald-Journal: Spartanburg fall events: International Festival, FestiFall, Oktoberfest