Fall Festivals in the Upstate SC: Food, Music, and Family Fun

Crisp air, colorful leaves, and the smell of good food in the air, it must be fall in the Upstate! This season is one of the best times to get outside and enjoy the community. Local towns and cities are rolling out a full calendar of events packed with live music, food trucks, pumpkin decorating, and family-friendly fun. From big-name festivals that fill Main Street to small community gatherings that bring neighbors together, there’s truly something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you want to listen to bluegrass, try local brews, or take your kids to a pumpkin patch, these fall festivals are the perfect way to celebrate the season.

Greer: Albino Skunk Music Festival

The Albino Skunk Music Festival runs October 1–4 at 4067 Jordan Road in Greer. This festival is all about good music and good times. Expect Americana, folk, bluegrass, and roots performances. The 2025 lineup features Shinyribs, Ruen Brothers, The HillBenders, Sunny War, The Two Tracks, Wolf Jett, and more.

Music kicks off at different times each day:

Oct. 1: Starts at 5:40 p.m.

Oct. 2: Begins at 12:40 p.m.

Oct. 3: Begins at noon

Oct. 4: Begins at noon

Families will enjoy “Kiddieland,” with arts, crafts, playgrounds, and even a drive-in movie. Food vendors and craft beers from Community Tap add to the fun. Tickets start at $75 for adults.

Greenville: Fall for Greenville

One of the biggest festivals in the Upstate, Fall for Greenville takes place from Oct. 10–12 in downtown Greenville. This free three-day event stretches along Main Street and offers food samples from over 40 local restaurants, more than 80 bands across multiple stages, and family-friendly activities.

Festival-goers can buy tickets to sample dishes ranging from barbecue and seafood to international cuisines. Craft beer, wine, and cocktails are available, along with kid zones full of rides and games. Fall for Greenville draws thousands each year, making it a must-attend event for food lovers and music fans alike.

Greenville: Kroc Festival 2025

Kroc Fest takes place Saturday, Oct. 4, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Kroc Center. Admission is free, making it a great option for families. Activities include food trucks, vendor booths, a petting zoo, face painting, and a floating pumpkin patch (registration required). Kids can also decorate pumpkins or enjoy free fitness classes.

During the event, the Kroc Center waives all new membership fees and even gives new members a guest pass good through Nov. 15. The festival also supports Hollis Academy and Harvest Hope Food Bank, so it’s fun with a cause.

Spartanburg: Piedmont Interstate Fair

From Oct. 7–12, the Piedmont Interstate Fair takes over 575 Fairgrounds Road. Admission is $15 for adults and $8 for kids on weekends. Thursday between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m., entry is free. Expect carnival rides, fair food, contests, and live shows.

Kids can enter school contests, and there are agricultural shows featuring goats, cattle, poultry, and rabbits. The cattle barns, farm product exhibits, and even a live beehive make it educational as well as entertaining.

Spartanburg: Fire Department Open House

On Sunday, Oct. 12, the Spartanburg Fire Department hosts an open house at Fire Station 1 from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. This free event includes fire truck tours, safety activities, games, and food. The theme this year, “Charge into Fire Safety,” teaches about lithium-ion battery safety.

Spartanburg: Community College Fall Festival

Spartanburg Community College will host its Fall Festival on Saturday, Oct. 18, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Giles Campus. Admission is free. The event includes live music, food trucks, inflatables, and a trick-or-treat trail. Families can also enjoy an outdoor movie to end the night.

Spartanburg: Wave Festival

The Spartanburg Wave Festival also takes place on Oct. 18, starting at 11 a.m. at the CC Woodson Community Center. The event highlights local musicians, food trucks, and vendors. It’s a great way to support local talent while enjoying a festival atmosphere.

Spartanburg: Pumpkin Pop-In

The Reinvintage Warehouse is hosting its Pumpkin Pop-In on Saturday, Oct. 11, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 1802 Drayton Road. This family-friendly event lets guests pick and decorate pumpkins for the season.

Clemson: Rotary Club Oyster Roast

The Rotary Club of Clemson hosts its annual Oyster Roast on Friday, Oct. 17, at Tiger Park, 141 Old Greenville Highway. Starting at 5 p.m., guests can enjoy oysters, barbecue, and live music. Proceeds benefit local nonprofits, so your ticket helps the community.

Celebrate Fall in the Upstate

From pumpkin decorating to live music and carnival rides, fall festivals in the Upstate bring people together. Whether you’re in Spartanburg, Greenville, Greer, or Clemson, these events offer plenty of ways to celebrate the season. Grab your family, bring your friends, and make the most of fall in South Carolina.