Discover Florence County — Fall Festivals, Local Favorites & Holiday Magic

Discover Florence County — Fall Festivals, Local Favorites & Holiday Magic

When people think of Florence County, South Carolina, they may first think of Florence as the regional hub of the Pee Dee. But there is much more to discover throughout the county—from the revitalized streets of Downtown Florence and the arts community of Lake City to parks, museums, farmers markets and small-town traditions.

And October, November and December are especially good months to explore.

October — Fall Fun in Florence County

Fall begins with the Pee Dee Plant, Flower & Food Festival, October 2–4, at the Pee Dee State Farmers Market. The festival brings together fall plants and decorations, food and vendors, making it a great way to welcome the season.

On October 3, Lake City hosts Echoes Across Millennia: Indigenous Arts & Culture Festival at Village Green. The event celebrates Native American arts and living traditions through dance, music, storytelling and an Indian market, with additional exhibitions at Lake City's galleries.

Back in Florence, October offers everything from arts and culture to food and Halloween fun. The Kickin' Chicken Wing & Chili Fest is October 16, while Florence County's Trunk or Treat takes place October 23.

It's also a great time to visit the Florence County Museum, walk through Timrod Park, or spend a fall day at Lynches River County Park near Coward.

November — Go Nuts in Downtown Florence!

If there's one Florence event that deserves a spot on the calendar, it's the SC Pecan Music & Food Festival.

On Saturday, November 7, Downtown Florence comes alive from 10 a.m. until 7 p.m. for this annual celebration. The 2026 festival features nine stages of live entertainment, food, vendors and activities. Organizers say the festival attracts more than 50,000 people annually.

While you're downtown, take time to explore the Florence Downtown Historic District, where historic buildings mix with restaurants, shops, public spaces and the city's growing arts scene.

The Florence County Museum offers Family Day — Fall Leaf Fun on November 14, followed by Art After Hours — Autumn Impressions on November 19.

Then, on the Saturday after Thanksgiving, November 28, the City Center Farmers Market hosts its Holiday Gift Market from 3–7 p.m. Visitors can shop locally made gifts and crafts, enjoy entertainment, hot chocolate and marshmallow roasting, and children can meet Santa.

It's a wonderful opportunity to shop local while supporting the people and businesses that make Florence County home.

December — Christmas Comes to Florence County

December is when Florence County really begins to sparkle.

Downtown Christmas Magic arrives December 4, kicking off the holiday season in Downtown Florence. Beginning that same first Friday in December, the Downtown Florence Music & Light Show adds lights and music to South Dargan Street throughout the holiday season.

But don't stop in Florence.

Head south to Lake City December 4–6 for Hometown Holidays. Historic Downtown Lake City comes alive with a Children's Village, an after-dark parade, Santa, live music and other Christmas activities.

Lake City also offers Jingle Bell Journey: Storyland, running December 4–19, adding another family-friendly holiday experience.

On December 12, the Florence County Museum offers its free Family Day — Artful Ornaments, and on December 14, the Florence Symphony presents its Holiday Pops at the Francis Marion University Performing Arts Center.

Then on December 19, Wreaths Across America offers an opportunity to honor and remember veterans at Florence National Cemetery.

Florence County Is More Than One City

One of the things I enjoy about Florence County is its variety.

There's the energy, shopping, restaurants, healthcare, entertainment and revitalized downtown of Florence.

There's Lake City, where art has become part of the community's identity. Public art, galleries and murals complement nearby Moore Farms Botanical Garden and Lake City Park.

There are also smaller communities such as Timmonsville, Pamplico, Johnsonville, Coward and Olanta, each contributing to the rural and small-town character of Florence County.

And some of my favorite places are here year-round—the Florence County Museum, Veterans Park, Downtown Florence, the Pee Dee State Farmers Market and Lynches River County Park.

That's what makes Florence County interesting. You can enjoy arts and culture downtown, explore a botanical garden, spend an afternoon along the river, attend a major festival, or discover a small community—all without leaving the county.

I'm Beth Ross, Broker/Owner of Carolina Pines Realty, Inc., and Florence County is one of the areas we are proud to serve.

Whether you already live here, are considering relocating to the Pee Dee, or are simply visiting, I hope you'll take some time this fall and holiday season to discover more of Florence County.

Carolina Pines Realty, Inc.
Your Northeast South Carolina Experts
Beth Ross, Broker/Owner
843-333-6113 Cell | 843-353-0393 Office

Explore more Florence County events at Visit Florence