9 of the best, unique SC fall festivals to try this November

With the start of November comes a plethora of festivals, both brand new and the long-time favorites.

Here’s a rundown of some of what’s happening this month.

Everything Outdoor Fest, Simpsonville

Lots of outdoor stuff planned for the first Everything Outdoor Fest Nov. 3-6 — as the name implies — and not the least of which is how to make a great cup of camp coffee. The festival will be held at Historic Hopkins Farm, which served as a mustering area for local militia from the Revolutionary War until the beginning of the Civil War and is now a wedding venue outside Simpsonville.

Concours d’Elegance & Motoring Festival, Hilton Head

This year, Nov.4-6, will be the 20th year for the festival that calls itself the “celebration of the fine art of the automobile.” “Each day of the event features a different collection, a different automotive art form and each collection represents a moment in time that will never be repeated,” festival organizers say on their website.

Pelion Peanut Party, Pelion

Nov. 4-5 is a southern Lexington County celebration of everything peanut, including a peanut butter and jelly eating contest. There is a parade, along with crafts, a car show and military exhibits at the Pine Street festival grounds.

Fall Back Fest, West Columbia

This is the sixth year for the Fall Back Fest on Nov. 4, which will feature music by Seventy-Six and Sunny and Prettier than Matt. The event, from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., takes up a full block of State Street. Local artists will paint temporary murals on the street.

Charleston Scottish Games, Charleston

The Charleston Scottish Games & Highland Gathering at Riverfront Park is the second oldest event of its kind in the Southeast. Some 8,000 people attend each year to showcase Scottish traditions, culture, and history. This year it will be held on Nov. 5 and includes athletic events, pipe band, and highland dancing competitions plus Scottish country dancing and border collie demonstrations.

SC Pecan Music and Food Festival, Florence

With the theme “Run and Bike Like A Nut,” the Nov. 5 Pecan Festival includes races, kids’ fun zone, vendors, arts and crafts, classic car show, amusement rides. They announce themselves on their website with “you’re not nuts! Admission is free. It’s been held since 2003 (except during COVID) It holds the distinction as the Official South Carolina State Pecan Festival and was named in 2017 by Travel + Leisure the Best Fall Festival in South Carolina. https://www.scpecanfestival.com/

Heritage Days Celebration at Penn Center, St. Helena Island

Nov. 10-12 will be a celebration of the Penn Center and the Gullah culture. It includes a parade, art, crafts, food, entertainment. It is the 38th year for the event.

Blythwood Oktoberfest, Bythewood

Oktoberfest in November? Yep. Hurricane Ian blasted the event right out of existence but organizers say they were fortunate to be able to reschedule for Nov, 12-13. The event includes two beer gardens, German and local food trucks and a number of bands, including two polka bands. And don’t forget the ever popular cow pie patty bingo.

Chitlin’ Strut Festival, Salley

It’s the 55th year for the Town of Salley’s Chitlin’ Strut, held this year, as always on the Saturday after Thanksgiving. Beware because if you’re anywhere near the Aiken County town of about 400 people, you’re going to smell those beauties boiling. While chitlins’ are the star of the show there are also plenty of other things to eat, such as turkey wings, all sort of sausage, chicken, oxtail, you name it. The festival begins at 10 a.m. with a parade.