Events in Darlington, SC

The Grand Old Post Office hosts a concert featuring Dear MariBella and the Pigkickers. The venue opens ahead of the show for jam sessions, setting the tone for an evening of live music. Dave’s Barnyard BBQ will be on site with food and beverages.

Riders can put their abilities to the test in a first-of-its-kind motorcycle skills challenge at Black Jack Harley-Davidson. Registration is $25, and spectators can attend at no cost.

Enjoy a charitable track experience at Darlington Raceway where participants can drive their own vehicles for three laps for a $30 fee. A photo opportunity in Mobil 1 Victory Lane with the Cook Out Southern 500 Trophy is included. Participation supports One Child At A Time and Darlington Shares. Payment is accepted on site by cash or credit card.

Heroes Hideout hosts a weekly Yu-Gi-Oh event designed for both competitive play and practice against local opponents. The entry fee is $5, and each participant receives two OTS packs. For every eight players who enter, one booster box is added to the prize pool. Prizing scales with attendance: with 16 or fewer players the top four are paid out at 40 percent for first, 30 percent for second, and 15 percent each for third and fourth. With 17 or more players the top eight receive prizes at 30 percent for first, 20 percent for second, 15 percent for third and fourth, and 5 percent for fifth through eighth.

The Florence Symphony Orchestra presents a concert of classical works on the Mainstage at the Francis Marion University Performing Arts Center. Audiences can expect the power and nuance of live orchestral sound in a setting suited to an engaging symphonic performance. This event highlights the ensemble’s musicianship and the enduring appeal of classical music.

The 3rd Annual Sankofa Weekender, hosted by Aroha Afro Latin Dance, brings dancers, artists, and community members together to honor the roots and beauty of Afro diasporic movement through workshops, social dance, performances, music, and shared connection. Welcoming first timers and experienced social dancers alike, the program focuses on learning, culture, and joy, with beginner friendly opportunities, high energy instructors and DJs, and plenty of chances to build community. Expect Afro Latin dance workshops, social dancing every night, performances, and memories made on and off the dance floor. Attendance is limited to 30 participants. Ticket options include $75 early bird, $90 general admission, and $105 at the door, and sales end when capacity is reached. Guided by the Sankofa principle of looking back to reclaim what matters so we can move ahead with purpose, this gathering celebrates culture, rhythm, and connection.

This community tradition in downtown Darlington celebrates the sweet potato with a day of food, local vendors and artisans, live entertainment, and activities for all ages. Hosted by the Pilot Club of Darlington, attendees can sample sweet potato specialties, explore offerings from local vendors and artisans, and spend time with family and friends. Vendor and sponsorship applications are open.

Participants will compete in a four-person captain's choice golf tournament, with entry priced at $75 for individuals or $300 for a team. The day includes golf and fellowship, door prizes for everyone, additional raffle items, and dinner following the tournament.

In downtown Florence, this annual festival brings together chicken wing and chili vendors vying for a top prize, with live music by Chocolate Chip & Company Band adding to the atmosphere. Alongside the signature dishes, a variety of other foods are available. Beverages include domestic and craft beer, wine, and nonalcoholic options such as water and Pepsi products. Sample a range of flavors and enjoy the music and refreshments in the heart of the city.

A casual social gathering where friends share coffee and enjoy easy conversation. It is a simple meet-up focused on good company and a warm cup.

At Darlington Raceway, this family friendly event offers hands-on time with trucks and more. Children are welcome to wear costumes and can climb aboard, explore, and touch the vehicles. After a fun previous edition, it is returning again this year. Further details will be announced soon.

Night of Hope is the Hartsville Boys & Girls Club’s signature oyster roast and auction. The evening gathers community leaders, supporters, and friends to honor and support the futures of the children and teens who call the Club home. All funds raised go directly to the Hartsville Boys & Girls Club, helping ensure local young people have a safe, encouraging place to learn and grow.

As part of Kalmia Gardens’ adult education offerings, historian and Darlington County Historical Commission and Museum director Brian Gandy presents a program at the Joslin Education Center. Pre-registration is required and tickets cost $5. The talk explores the life and legacy of Thomas Hart, tracing the move from Mechanicsville to Hartsville, the rise and decline that followed, and the land associated with Black Creek Plantation. A lifelong resident of Darlington County, Gandy has devoted nearly two decades to the Historical Commission and is widely known for his work in local history and genealogy. His presentations reach audiences across the county, the state, and the broader Southeast, and his extensive photo collection documents people and places throughout the region. Under his leadership, the Commission expanded its campus by 18,000 square feet and significantly increased its artifact and archival holdings. He was instrumental in establishing the Darlington County Museum, a countywide institution that also represents parts of the Pee Dee, which has welcomed more than 14,000 visitors since opening in May 2023. He completed undergraduate studies at Francis Marion University and pursued graduate work at Gardner-Webb University, and he builds on the archival foundation of Horace Rudisill and the organizing efforts of his mother, Doris Gandy, with a focus on promoting and preserving local history.

FoodeesFest rolls into Florence for a packed weekend of great eats, distinctive vendors, and lively fun. Entry is complimentary with registration, and signing up also places participants in a giveaway for a free meal. One meal is awarded per day, with winners notified by email.

Elmo's Got the Moves brings the world of Sesame Street to life in a brand new stage show for families. Elmo and favorite friends light up the stage with lively singing and dancing, featuring beloved tunes like "Sunny Days," "Elmo's Got the Moves," and "Letter of the Day." Laughter, learning, and playful moments come together in a heartwarming celebration that leaves memories well beyond the final song.

A festive Halloween-themed run returns to downtown Hartsville, presented by the SPC Cares Foundation in its eighth year. Runners are encouraged to wear costumes for a chance to compete in a costume contest. The course starts and finishes at the Hartsville YMCA in the heart of downtown. This family-friendly event welcomes participants of all ages, and children, pets, and individuals using wheelchairs are permitted.

Hosted by Thomas Gymnastics, the Pink Power Gymnastics Invitational is a premier women’s USAG and AAU competition in Florence, South Carolina. The meet takes place in the new Pearl Moore Basketball Center just off Interstate 95, a venue well suited to a premier gymnastics event. It is dedicated to the memory of Pam Mobley, whose influence touched gymnasts, coaches, and judges in Florence and throughout South Carolina. Her legacy of hard work and leadership continues to inspire, and Pink Power keeps that spirit alive.

Blues takes center stage at a breezeway venue, with 4 to 5 notable artists to be announced. Beyond the lineup, there will be more music, food, and fun. Admission is free.

The Explorer ST Group is hosting a casual meet at Darlington Dragway with opportunities to get on track. Spectator admission is $20, and it is $40 to race on the track. Everyone is welcome, whether you plan to watch from the stands or take a run down the strip for some track time and fun.

This class is intended for experienced, licensed riders. Additional details are available on the event website.

This intermediate, six hour course helps riders sharpen their skills and feel more at ease on their own motorcycles, especially if they are not quite ready for an advanced class. It is a good fit for recent BRC graduates with a few months to a few years of riding experience, as well as riders who have not revisited their techniques in a while. The class provides insight into additional techniques that build confidence. Registration is required. It takes place at Black Jack Harley-Davidson.

Vehicles of every make and model are welcome. Fifty trophies will be awarded, with two winners in each class, along with a sponsor's choice recognition. Food and music are available. Kids can look forward to two special awards. A 50/50 drawing will also be held.

At Black Jack Harley-Davidson, this one day Moto Masterclass Associate session introduces riders to advanced techniques presented in a style inspired by police motor officer training. The curriculum features targeted exercises that develop precision in braking, swerving, low speed maneuvering, accurate wheel placement, spatial awareness, and overall motorcycle control. It reinforces concepts many riders have learned before, focusing on practical application of skills used on every ride. Registration is required.

Ryan "Fireball Camaro" Martin and Shawn "Murder Nova" Ellington host a Small Tire Series at Darlington Dragway featuring guaranteed payouts across multiple classes. The headlining Small Tire class, for 28x10.5 or 275s, offers $20,000 guaranteed with $10,000 to the winner, $5,000 to the runner up, and $2,500 to the semifinalists. Additional classes include a $5,000 guaranteed Outlaw 5.30 Index, a $2,500 guaranteed 6.0 Index, a $2,500 guaranteed 7.0 Index, and a $1,000 guaranteed Daily Driver with a $50 entry fee. Friday night features testing and a cash pot in cash days style for all classes. Saturday goes straight to a chip draw followed by racing.

The 'Sheltering From Hunger' evening is planned as a gala fundraiser hosted by Jamal Bates from the Morning Show. Sponsorships are available, and tickets go on sale in October for $55 each.

Cruisin into Christmas comes to Christmas on Main with a car show, food and craft vendors, a student art showcase, and performances. Santa and Mrs. Claus will be part of the festivities. After the festival wraps up, a nighttime Christmas parade will set off at dusk beneath the historic lights that span the street.

Radio Source returns to Dizzy Crab, rallying Florence to bring the energy.

Experience an evening of live orchestral music as the Florence Symphony Orchestra presents a program of timeless classical selections. The performance showcases the richness of a full symphony, with soaring strings, brilliant brass, and dynamic rhythms bringing each piece to life. Ideal for devoted classical fans and curious listeners alike, it offers a memorable night of symphonic sound.