Your 2026 Guide to Fall Festivals Around Anderson & the Upstate

Pumpkins, BBQ, Bigfoot, apple dumplings and enough fall festivals to keep your weekends booked — October has officially arrived in the Upstate.

Electric City Shoutouts rounded up the best fall festivals around Anderson County and nearby Upstate communities so you can start planning your October weekends. Whether you are into heritage arts, farm fun, German food or searching for Sasquatch, there is something on this list worth putting on the calendar.

Event details can change. We recommend checking the linked event page before heading out.

Saturday, October 3

Belton Standpipe Heritage & Arts Festival

When: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM

Where: Belton City Square / Downtown Belton, SC

Admission: Free

This is one of Anderson County's signature fall events and the longest continually running fall festival in the county. The Belton Standpipe Heritage & Arts Festival brings over 80 craft and business booths to downtown, plus live entertainment, heritage demonstrations, food vendors, and family activities throughout the day.

You can tour the Belton Standpipe and the museum while you are there. The day wraps up with a fireworks finale around 8:30 PM. It is a full-day event with plenty to see and do.

See the full festival schedule

Select Dates Through November 14

Denver Downs Fall Festival

When: Fridays 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM, Saturdays 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM, Sundays Noon – 6:00 PM

Where: Denver Downs Farm, 1515 Denver Road, Anderson, SC

Denver Downs is a fall tradition for a lot of Upstate families. The farm transforms into a full fall destination with pumpkins, photo opportunities, live music, and family activities running select dates from late September through mid-November.

Saturday nights in October usually include fireworks. The farm atmosphere alone is worth the trip, but there is plenty to keep kids and adults busy. Check their website for the exact dates and current ticket information.

Plan your visit

Friday–Saturday, October 9–10

South Carolina Bigfoot Festival

Where: Main Street, Westminster, SC

The South Carolina Bigfoot Festival is back for its 7th year, and yes, it is exactly what it sounds like. Westminster shuts down Main Street for a weekend of Sasquatch stories, Bigfoot experts, live music, food vendors, craft vendors, and Bigfoot-themed contests.

There are children's activities too, so it is not just for the true believers. Whether you are a skeptic, a curious observer, or just here for the food and music, Westminster may be worth the drive.

Festival details

Saturday, October 10

Pendleton Fall Harvest Festival

When: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Where: Pendleton Village Green, 105 Exchange Street, Pendleton, SC

The Pendleton Fall Harvest Festival takes over the historic Village Green for a day of community, crafts, and fall atmosphere. Local artists and vendors set up around the green with handmade goods, food, and entertainment.

It is a relaxed, community-focused event in one of the Upstate's most historic small towns. Good for families, good for browsing, and good for soaking up fall weather.

Get festival information

Friday–Sunday, October 16–18

Walhalla Oktoberfest

Where: Sertoma Field, 272 Tulip Drive, Walhalla, SC

Walhalla leans into its German heritage every October with a full Oktoberfest weekend at Sertoma Field. Expect German food, the OOPS Polka Band, music and dancing, arts and crafts, carnival rides and games, and plenty of family activities.

The apple dumplings are a local favorite, and the fireworks round out the weekend. It is a traditional Oktoberfest atmosphere without having to leave the Upstate.

Plan your Oktoberfest weekend

Friday–Saturday, October 16–17

Hogs & Hens BBQ Festival

Where: Downtown Abbeville, SC

The Hogs & Hens BBQ Festival has been a fall staple in Abbeville since 2013. The festival fills downtown with BBQ, craft vendors, live music, and the kind of small-town atmosphere that makes for an easy Friday or Saturday outing.

Check with the City of Abbeville for exact 2026 times and location details before you go.

Verify event details

More Fall Fun Later in October

Walhalloween

When: Saturday, October 24, 2026

Where: Walhalla, SC

Walhalla keeps the fall momentum going with Walhalloween, a community Halloween event. Check with the City of Walhalla for specific times and activities.

City of Walhalla events

Halloween on the Green

When: Saturday, October 31, 2026

Where: Seneca, SC

Seneca wraps up the month with Halloween on the Green. Check with the City of Seneca for the exact location, time, and planned activities.

City of Seneca

Boo on Main

When: Saturday, October 31, 2026

Where: Westminster, SC

Westminster hosts Boo on Main for Halloween night. Check with the City of Westminster for exact 2026 details.

City of Westminster

Make a Fall Weekend of It 🍂

If you are making the drive to one of these festivals, consider turning it into a full fall day. Grab lunch at a local downtown restaurant, stop by a pumpkin patch on the way home, or take the scenic route through the Upstate hills. Fall does not last long around here — make the most of it.

Save the Guide & Share It

Whether your idea of fall is pumpkins and corn mazes, BBQ and live music, German food and polka dancing, or spending a Saturday looking for Bigfoot, there is plenty happening within an easy drive of Anderson this October.

Bookmark this guide, share it with someone looking for weekend plans, and check back — Electric City Shoutouts may update it as additional fall events are announced.