Events in Florence, SC

A solo live music performance takes place at Sumter Original Brewery, also known as SOB.

Top Gun All Tournament welcomes young competitors ages 8 through 16 for a youth-focused tournament. Participants can take part in competitive play suited to their age group and be part of a dedicated youth event.

At Darlington Raceway, The Lady in Black, NASCAR Racing Experience offers real stock car driving on the famed oval. Participants drive an authentic NASCAR race car on their own, without a pace car or in-car instructor, for solo laps on the track. There is also a ride-along option with a professional driver at speeds over 150 miles per hour. It delivers a bucket list style thrill for race fans who crave pure speed.

Launching its inaugural year, the Homes for Hope Food Truck Festival celebrates a flavorful gathering centered on food truck fare. Vendor applications are open for food truck operators interested in participating. This debut sets the foundation for a new tradition built around great tastes and community spirit.

Heroes Hideout hosts a weekly Yu-Gi-Oh event in Florence that welcomes duelists who want to compete or simply get more practice games. Entry is $5, and each participant receives two OTS packs upon signing up. For every eight players in the field, one booster box is added to the prize pool. Payout depends on attendance. With 16 or fewer players, prizes go to the top four finishers, allocated as 40 percent for first, 30 percent for second, and 15 percent for both third and fourth. With 17 or more players, prizes extend to the top eight, awarded as 30 percent for first, 20 percent for second, 15 percent for third and fourth, and 5 percent for fifth through eighth.

Experience the foundations of Bachata Clásica in a focused workshop with master instructor Armando Garcia. Rooted in the original Dominican tradition, the session highlights musicality, timing, classic footwork, and expressive movement, honoring how the dance grew in the barrios and social spaces of the Dominican Republic. No partner is required, and participants are encouraged to approach the music and culture with respect. Armando breaks down core steps, partner connection, and rhythm interpretation, prioritizing authenticity, simplicity, and feeling over flash. Expect guided practice on letting the music shape movement, using subtle weight shifts and foot patterns to find groove, and embodying bachata’s emotional storytelling. All levels are welcome. This workshop suits anyone seeking deeper cultural understanding, refined technique, or a renewed connection to the essence of social bachata. Come prepared to learn, listen, and dance with intention.

A concert at the Grand Old Post Office begins with informal jam sessions, followed by a performance featuring Dear MariBella and the Pigkickers. Food and beverages are available from Dave’s Barnyard BBQ.

The Perfect Game Tournament is a youth competition for participants ages 8 to 16.

A new motorcycle skills challenge debuts at Black Jack Harley-Davidson, giving riders a chance to put their abilities to the test. Registration for participants is $25, and spectators may attend at no cost.

Take a memorable spin at Darlington Raceway while giving back to the community. For $30, participants can drive their own car for three laps around the track, then step into Mobil 1 Victory Lane for a photo with the Cook Out Southern 500 trophy. The event supports One Child At A Time and Darlington Shares, aiding children and families locally. Payment can be made by cash or credit when you arrive.

Presented by FTC and Tandem Health, this community celebration returns to Patriot Hall in Sumter’s historic district with an evening of music, makers, and hospitality. Explore the Heritage Harvest Artisan Market on the lawn, a curated showcase of handmade goods, artwork, fall décor, and local treasures. Artisans are welcome to apply to participate and sell their work, with Chamber membership preferred but not required. Settle in for a live, family friendly concert on the lawn. Bring a blanket or lawn chair, or choose the VIP Experience for reserved seating, a private catered refreshment station, reserved parking, a VIP lanyard, and additional perks, with limited availability. Stroll the neighborhood’s Vendor Porches to enjoy complimentary refreshments and hors d’oeuvres from local Chamber member businesses. These vendors are there to give back, not to sell, and participation is exclusive to Chamber members with no vendor fee. On-site check-in tickets are $50 if available. All ticket sales are non refundable and non transferable, and credits are not issued, including for promotional purchases without a code.

The 3rd Annual Sankofa Weekender, hosted by Aroha Afro Latin Dance, gathers dancers, artists, and community for an immersive celebration of Afro Latin movement, music, and culture. The experience honors the roots of Afro diasporic dance through workshops, evening social dancing, and performances, and it welcomes both first-time participants and seasoned social dancers. Attendees can look forward to energetic instructors and DJs, a supportive and beginner friendly atmosphere, and meaningful opportunities to connect and build community. Capacity is limited to 30 participants. Tiered pricing is offered, with pre-sale, early bird, general admission, and at-the-door options priced at 60, 75, 90, and 105 dollars respectively. Guided by the Sankofa principle of learning from the past to move forward with purpose, the weekender centers rhythm, fellowship, and shared joy.

The SC Sweet Potato Festival brings a full day of community celebration to downtown Darlington, hosted by the Pilot Club of Darlington. Attendees can explore booths from local vendors and artisans, enjoy plenty of food with sweet potato specialties, and take in live entertainment alongside activities for all ages. Whether browsing, tasting festival favorites, or spending time with family and friends, the day highlights local flavors and creativity. Vendor and sponsorship applications are open.

Downtown Florence hosts the annual Kickin' Chicken Wing & Chili Festival, where wing and chili vendors compete for the top prize. Live music from Chocolate Chip & Company Band sets the tone as attendees explore a wide range of wings and chili alongside other fun food options. Beverage choices include domestic and craft beer, a selection of wine, and nonalcoholic options like water and Pepsi products. The festival blends friendly competition, flavorful bites, and music for a lively experience in the heart of the city.

Trucks 'N Treats returns to Darlington Raceway with a hands-on experience for families. Children are encouraged to wear their favorite costumes and get up close to trucks and other vehicles, with chances to explore, climb, and touch. This friendly repeat celebration centers on interactive fun for all ages, with more information to be shared soon.

Night of Hope, the Hartsville Boys & Girls Club’s signature fundraiser, features an Oyster Roast & Auction that brings together community leaders, supporters, and friends. The evening centers on celebrating the potential of local children and teens while raising funds that invest in their futures. All proceeds benefit the Hartsville Boys & Girls Club, helping provide a safe, encouraging place for young people to learn and grow.

Historian and museum director Brian Gandy presents a talk in Kalmia Gardens’ adult education series, Cultivating Knowledge: A Lecture Series, at the Joslin Education Center. His lecture, Thomas Hart, The Land, Money, and the Legacy, explores the move from Mechanicsville to Hartsville, the ensuing rise and fall, and the land connected to Black Creek Plantation. Pre-registration is required and tickets are $5. A lifelong resident of Darlington County, Gandy has held leadership roles with the Darlington County Historical Society and has spent nearly two decades with the Darlington County Historical Commission and Museum. He is a frequent speaker on local history and genealogy across the county, the state, and the broader Southeast, and is known for an extensive collection of historical photographs documenting the people and places of Darlington County. Under his leadership, the Historical Commission expanded its campus by 18,000 square feet and significantly increased its artifact and archival holdings. He also helped establish the Darlington County Museum, a unified institution representing communities throughout Darlington County and parts of the Pee Dee region, which has welcomed over 14,000 visitors. He describes his focus as promoting and preserving local heritage while building on the collecting foundation laid by Horace Rudisill and the organizing work of his mother, Doris Gandy.

Connect and mingle at an outdoor, all-inclusive tasting that showcases more than 40 offerings from favorite Sumter businesses. Over 30 local companies and organizations will serve a generous menu, with beverages provided by Pepsi, Yahnis, and Mac’s Place Spirits. Enjoy live music from Green Swamp Collective as you sample, socialize, and savor the flavors throughout the event.

FoodeesFest arrives in Florence, SC with a weekend filled with diverse eats, a variety of vendors, and a lively atmosphere. Admission is free with registration, and registrants are automatically entered into a daily free meal giveaway. Winners will be notified by email.

Families can experience a fresh Sesame Street Live production where Elmo and the neighborhood crew take the spotlight with lively singing and dancing. Beloved tunes are part of the set, including “Sunny Days”, “Elmo’s Got the Moves”, and “Letter of the Day”. Laughter, learning, and playful moments come together for a feel-good outing that little ones and grownups can share.

This youth tournament is open to participants ages 8 through 16. It provides an opportunity for young competitors to test their skills against peers.

Elite Dynasty Steppers present their debut annual step showcase, a high energy program featuring performances by area step teams, music from DJ Beazo, and special guest appearances. The event spotlights youth performers who bring precision, pride, and power to the stage with tightly choreographed rhythms and crowd pleasing routines. Families and friends can expect a spirited celebration of dedication, talent, and excellence as a new chapter for this dynasty gets underway.

An evening of activities leads up to the release of ACOTAR 6 from the Maas universe. The gathering features a costume contest and drinks, with additional information to be announced. Tickets are required, and attendance requires purchasing a book.

Now in its eighth year, the SPC Cares Foundation’s Witch’s Run returns to downtown Hartsville with a spirited, Halloween themed race. Wear a costume to take part in the contest and add extra fun to the run. The course begins and ends at the Hartsville YMCA. This family friendly event welcomes children, pets, and participants using wheelchairs.

Ghost & Goodies blends a spooky atmosphere with plenty of sweets at an in-person gathering. It is a relaxed spot to indulge, spend time with friends, and enjoy flavorful goodies with a playful scare or two. Whether you love ghost stories or have a serious sweet tooth, expect a spirited mix of frights and treats throughout.

No Fun Allowed brings a live Halloween night performance to Celebrations Of Sumter, setting a spooky mood for the evening. The night features live music and eerie fun.

BadWater appears on the deck at Willie Sue's. Reservations are not required, and seating is first come, first served, so arriving early is recommended. A lively, fun atmosphere is part of the experience at Willie Sue's.

Hosted by Thomas Gymnastics, this women’s USAG and AAU meet brings athletes together at the new Pearl Moore Basketball Center in Florence, South Carolina. The Pink Power Gymnastics Invitational is dedicated to the memory of Pam Mobley, who lost her battle with cancer and made a lasting impact on gymnasts, coaches, and judges across the state. The event celebrates her commitment to hard work and leadership, carrying her legacy forward through Pink Power.

The Blues Stage at the SC Pecan Music & Food Festival will be set in a breezeway. Four to five blues artists will be announced, with additional live music and food throughout the event. Admission is free.

A meet for the Explorer ST Group at Darlington Dragway features test and tune sessions along with racing. The event is open to all, with options to watch or take a turn on the track. Pricing is indicated as $20 for spectators and $40 for those who plan to race.

This six hour intermediate motorcycle skills class helps riders become more comfortable on their own bikes without stepping into an advanced course. It is designed for recent BRC graduates with a few months to a few years of seat time, and for anyone who has not refreshed their techniques in a while. Participants work on additional skills that build control and confidence for everyday riding. Registration is required.

A youth tournament open to participants ages 8 to 16. This event brings young competitors together for tournament play suited to this age range.

Open to every make and model, this event features 50 trophies with two presented in each class, along with a special sponsor’s choice. Food and music will be on hand, two awards will recognize kids, and a 50/50 drawing adds an extra dash of excitement.

The Shugga Daddies are back with a rock performance at Celebrations. The band returns to the stage for another round of live music.

Hosted at Black Jack Harley-Davidson, this Associate level Moto Masterclass delivers a one day introduction to advanced motorcycle training in the style used by police motor officers. It builds on skills learned in prior courses through exercises that refine braking, swerving, maneuverability, accurate wheel placement, spatial awareness, and overall control of the motorcycle. These are practical abilities riders rely on every time they get on a bike. Registration is required.

Part of the Feed Your Mind Seminar Series, this annual forum focuses on how education fuels workforce readiness, supports talent retention, and shapes the community’s future. Leaders from across the education landscape will gather to share progress, set priorities, and explore opportunities to work together. Additional details and featured speakers will be announced at a later date.

Ryan “Fireball Camaro” Martin and Shawn “Murder Nova” Ellington host a small-tire series at Darlington Dragway featuring a guaranteed $20,000 purse for the 28x10.5 or 275 class, paying $10,000 to the winner, $5,000 to the runner-up, and $2,500 to each semifinalist. The lineup also includes an Outlaw 5.30 Index with $5,000 guaranteed, plus $2,500 guaranteed for both the 6.0 Index and 7.0 Index, and a Daily Driver class offering $1,000 with a $50 entry fee. Friday focuses on testing with cash pot, cash days style runs for all classes. Saturday moves straight to a chip draw and racing.

A gala fundraiser presents an evening devoted to "Sheltering From Hunger", hosted by Jamal Bates from the Morning Show. Sponsorship opportunities are available, and tickets are $55 each.

Megan Woods brings The Truth Tour to Alice Drive Baptist Church in Sumter, joined by special guest Jeremy Rosado. Building on a year of growing momentum and a well-received spring leg, she continues her debut headlining run with songs and stories that have connected with audiences across the country. The evening centers on worshipful music and personal testimony, with Rosado, known from American Idol and The Voice, adding his voice to the program. VIP, early entry, and general admission options are planned, and the schedule is subject to change. Tickets are available, and buyers are encouraged to use the official ticketing outlet, as third party resales are not permitted or guaranteed.

On the night before Thanksgiving, No Fun Allowed returns to carry on a tradition with an evening of music and pre-holiday fun. It offers a festive start to the holiday before the turkey is served.

Radio Source returns to Dizzy Crab. The announcement calls on Florence to bring the energy.

Celebrate the season at a relaxed evening social hosted by FTC. Enjoy cheerful holiday music and a selection of hearty, seasonally inspired hors d'oeuvres. Connect with fellow business members, share year-end cheer, and take part in raffles and giveaways sponsored by FTC for chances to win prizes. Admission is complimentary for members. Space is limited and advance registration is required, with the registration link to be announced.

An annual banquet at the Sumter County Civic Center features live entertainment during dinner and a welcoming atmosphere for all ages with no minimum age requirement. Activities include a youth-only raffle, a women’s raffle, games, general raffles, and both live and silent auctions. Doors open before dinner, and tickets must be purchased in advance online or from a committee member, as none will be sold at the door.