Anderson / Lake Hartwell KOA Holiday

Holiday Lights

Starts: 11/24/2023 - Ends: 12/25/2023

Anderson Christmas Lights, sponsored by the Anderson Lights of Hope,  is celebrated at the Anderson Sports and Recreation Center. It is a 7/10 mile drive with over one million colored lights through both animated and stationary displays. The Lights of Hope is open nightly from Thanksgiving to Christmas Day. Admission is charged, and proceeds are given to local charities. Admission is charged.

The Celebration of Lights is celebrated at the Upper SC State Fairgrounds near Easley, with over one million lights that can be driven through. The Celebration of Lights is open nightly from Thanksgiving through Christmas Day. Admission is charged.

The Magic of Christmas is celebrated every year starting in mid-November and going to the end of December.  It's nostalgic with a modern twist. Romantic and family friendly at the same time. It's FREE FUN that everybody can enjoy!Route yourself through historic downtown Seneca to experience the streets aglow with a million lights that “dance” to holiday music. Tune your radio and cruise along, or leave your car and walk around. You'll find lots of spots for pictures and kids love running through the festive setting. Visit with Santa on selected nights, come watch the parade, cook s'mores and sip on hot chocolate and ride the Spirit of Seneca or Pride of Seneca trains.

Mice-on-Main, Greenville

Starts: 03/01/2022 - Ends: 12/31/2025

In a lot of cities, the last thing you want to see is a mouse. This isn't the case in Greenville, where nine bronze mice have taken up permanent residence along our celebrated Main Street. For a fun, kid-friendly activity, see if you can find all nine of the small bronze mice hidden along the five blocks of Main Street in downtown Greenville.  If you want more information, go to Mice-On-Main or download the scavenger hunt clues here.

A Little Birdie Told Me...

Starts: 03/01/2022 - Ends: 12/31/2025

...that Main Street in Anderson is aflutter with dozens of Carolina Wrens roosting in some unusual spots. Stroll through our downtown and see if you can find them. A scavenger hunt with 27 bronze wrens perched on historic locations are just waiting to be found. Modeled after South Carolina's state bird, the wrens are spread throughout the downtown area, but a focal point statue is at the corner of River and Main streets. Families love looking for these little bronze statues but so do adults, especially if you take a break and eat at one of the terrific downtown restaurants!

(The Carolina Wren is the state bird of South Carolina. You are more likely to hear a Carolina Wren than see them. They are loud, with a "tea-kettle, tea-kettle, tea-kettle" warble. They are common in urban areas.)

Get your clues here!

Oconee Bell Nature Trail

Starts: 03/14/2022 - Ends: 12/31/2025

One of South Carolina's most unique and earliest wildflowers, the Oconee Bell, can be found blooming from mid-March to early April. Colonies of the Oconee Bells blooming in their entire splendor can be seen along the Oconee Bell Trail at Devils Fork State Park, a gateway to the Jocassee Gorges. The Oconee Bell is a rare flower found only in a few locations near the southern Appalachians. You can recognize the Oconee Bell by its white and yellow blossom with red stems and red-tinged leaves.

To catch a glimpse of this delicate and unique wildflower, make a trip to Devils Fork State Park during its blooming season and walk the Oconee Bell Nature Trail. Wear comfortable walking shoes. The walk is designed for ages ten and older. The Oconee Bell Nature Trail is an easy 1-mile loop trail that received its name for the rare wildflower that can be found along the footpath.

Explore Anderson the Healthy Way

Starts: 03/01/2022 - Ends: 12/31/2025

Explore the downtown Anderson area by walking. There are three routes that will get you out and moving. Take the "Healthy" Route (3 miles), the "Civic" Route (1 mile), or the "Cultural" Route (2 miles) .

The three-mile Healthy Route is the longest route and links to several health and fitness facilities. 
The Civic Route is named such for the many governmental agencies along this one-mile route. 
The Cultural Route is two miles; you will find many museums, art, and theatre destinations here. No matter which route you choose, there is much to see and admire along the way; our beautiful historic buildings, courtyards, fountains, and many public art installations. Have fun on your way; count how many fish or wrens you see. You can also gain wisdom by reading our Wise Walks that are etched in our sidewalks.

Brochures with the routes are available in the KOA office or at the Anderson Visitors and Convention Bureau.

South Carolina BIGfoot Festival, Westminster

Starts: 10/13/2023 - Ends: 10/14/2023

Do you BELIEVE? True Believer? Skeptic? Undecided? He's coming back! Join us for a day of learning, listening, and eating on Main Street, Westminster, SC! Whether you think the concept of an undiscovered primate roaming the mountainside is far-fetched or you and Sasquatch are on a first-name basis (or anywhere in between), we have the place to be this fall. This is a street-festival-style event with live music, expert speakers, Bigfoot tales, food and craft vendors, Bigfoot-themed contests, children's activities, and more.

Oktoberfest, Walhalla

Starts: 10/20/2023 - Ends: 10/21/2023

Tucked into the mountainous foothills of the Northwestern Corner of South Carolina, Walhalla bids you "Guten Tag! (Good Day!)". You're invited to experience "Gemutlichkeit!" (good spirits, good times, laughter and goodwill) at the Annual Walhalla Oktoberfest! Oktoberfest is a wonderful fall celebration of Walhalla's German heritage, with something fun for everyone! Each year, thousands of people come to Walhalla to experience Oktoberfest! Listen to the Little German Band while munching on a bratwurst with kraut. Enjoy a refreshing mug of cold German beer. Reunite with old friends. Join the dance floor for the always fun "chicken dance". Explore our amazing arts & crafts with vendors from all over the Southeast. And don't forget an apple dumpling for dessert! The kids will love our carnival rides and games as well as a delicious funnel cake! 

The evening ends with a fireworks show! There's truly something for everyone at the Walhalla Oktoberfest!

Belton Standpipe Festival

Starts: 10/07/2023 - Ends: 10/07/2023

The Belton Standpipe Heritage & Arts Festival is a festival celebrating the City of Belton and the Belton community. The excitement includes entertainment, games, rides, children's area, exhibitions and much more continuing throughout the day. An open car show is a main attraction of the festival. Cars range in type from a 1953 Corvette to a 1997 low-rider pick-up truck to a Model-T.

Entertainment on one stage will provide the crowd with great music that they can sing along to, dance to, or just enjoy.

The evening ends with a spectacular fireworks finale.

Downtown Music - April to October on Thursdays

Starts: 03/16/2023 - Ends: 10/26/2023

The cities of Anderson, Greenville, and Seneca hold music in their old downtown areas. Bring your own chairs, eat some local food and tap your feet as a variety of musical genres fills the air.

In Anderson - Downtown Sounds is staged at Carolina Wren Park from 6–9 pm each Thursday evening from April through August. The full slate of entertainment includes a variety of music, from oldies, beach, blues, soul, and southern rock. (May 4 - August 31, 2023)

In Seneca - every Thursday from April to September, Ram Cat Alley is closed between 6:30 and 9 pm for Jazz on the Alley, which offers visitors live music and late shopping at the stores on the street. According to town legend, trains carrying produce for Main Street merchants were unloaded onto carts that were then wheeled the two blocks to the shops on Main. So many cats would gather around the carts piled high with meat and fish that one clever wag once quipped: "You couldn't ram another cat into the alley." Main Street was officially renamed Ram Cat Alley in the mid-1990s. (April 6 - October 26, 2023)

In Greenville - Downtown Alive kicks off the weekend every Thursday night with music at NOMA Square on Main Street. Check out who's playing here. (March 16 - August 31, 2023)

Anderson Motor Speedway March to October

Starts: 03/17/2023 - Ends: 10/28/2023

The Anderson Motor Speedway is located just north of I-85 at exit 27 - approximately 15 miles from the campground. Anderson Motor Speedway is a 3/8 mile paved oval. Wide straightaways and tight, tricky corners are infamous for producing close, competitive short track racing most Friday nights in the quest for the checkered flag. Anderson Motor Speedway roars into action each Friday night throughout the summer. A full lineup of the best driving talent from across the Carolinas and Georgia invade the "Supertrack of the Carolinas" each week in the quest for the checkered flag. Anderson Motor Speedway showcases some of the fiercest competition around. Come check out the Super Trucks.

Check out the Anderson Motor Speedway Schedule