Are you looking for a fun and exciting way to celebrate summer? Look no further because Strawberry Festivals in Fort Mill, South Carolina are here! From pick-your-own strawberries to strawberry-centric activities, this festival is sure to bring a smile to your face and a mouthwatering taste to your palate. Whether you’re a strawberry lover or just looking to have a unique experience, these festivals have something for everyone. With the freshness of the strawberries and the fun atmosphere, it’s sure to be an unforgettable summer activity. Come join the fun and enjoy one of the most popular strawberry festivals in the United States.
Festival Summary
The South Carolina Strawberry Festival takes place in Fort Mill, SC each year in May. This year, it is held on Saturday, May 6th from 10AM-10PM. Delicious food is available from local vendors and food trucks, including Abbott’s of Tega Cay, Archie Boy’s BBQ, Blue Bar & Smokehouse, C&J Chicken Fish and More, Cater’s Taters, Chanchos Taco Food Truck, Chocolate Moonshine Co, Chuckie Cheez Steaks and Hoagiez, Roman’s All-Star Café, S&K Funnel Cakes, Vito’s Pizza, and World’s Greatest Funnel Cakes. Beer, wine, and cider are also available for purchase.
The festival is packed with live music, food trucks, craft vendors, businesses, contests, a kid zone, rides, a car show, and more! Tickets are not required; however, certain activities may have entry fees. Here’s to a sweet and exciting festival!
History of this event
The Town of Fort Mill is the organizer of the 14th Annual South Carolina Strawberry Festival, with a full slate of exciting events taking place from April 14 to May 6. This annual celebration has been held in Fort Mill since 2009 and brings together visitors, friends and locals from the community and beyond.
The festival focuses on showcasing the beautiful Historic Fort Mill, and encourages economic development, quality of life and community engagement. The festival in Walter Elisha Park features a wide variety of live music, food trucks, craft vendors, businesses, contests, a kid zone, rides, a cornhole tournament, a car show and more.
Discovering the Basics: A Comprehensive Guide for Beginners
A ticket or reservation is not required for the South Carolina Strawberry Festival in Fort Mill. However, tickets may be needed for certain events, such as the pre-festival event, Strawberry Soiree ($85 per person), golf tournament, and the rides. Prices for these vary depending on the event.
In 2023, the festival will be held on Saturday, May 6 and will open at 10am. Rides, vendors and food trucks will be open from 10am-9:45pm. Entertainment starts at 10am and continues to 9:45pm, with fireworks taking place at 9:45pm. A variety of events will be taking place at the festival, such as the Cornhole Tournament, Music Bingo, Pretty Bird of Paradise Exhibit, Strawberry Scavenger Hunt, and more.
There will be a cash only ticket booth on site, however ATMs will be located throughout the festival.
Parking is available for $5 per vehicle. Handicapped parking will be offered at St. John’s United Methodist Church and the First Baptist Church, with shuttles running on a 15-20 minute interval.
Pre-Festival Event
South Carolina Strawberry Festival excites all of you by having a range of the activities way before the strawberry festival in 2023, please make sure you check below out!
- On Monday, April 14th with the Little and Teen/Miss/Ms. Strawberry pageants.
- On Saturday, April 29th, the Strawberry Sprint & Stroll 5K & Jam will take place, followed by a Strawberry Scavenger Hunt and a Strawberry Soiree at the Fort Mill History Museum.
- On Sunday, April 30th, the Strawberry Festival Brunch will be held at Anne Springs Close Greenway’s Gateway Canteen.
- The festival week culminates with the Strawberry Festival Golf Tournament on Tuesday, May 2nd.
Parking & Shuttle Service
Parking is available for $5 per vehicle and located at the Fort Mill High School, Nation Ford High School, Downtown Lots, etc. The shuttle service runs continuously between the schools, churches and the festival venue from 9:30 AM to 11:00 PM. ensuring visitors don’t miss out on any of the festivities!
Handicapped accessible parking is available at St. Johns United Methodist Church, First Baptist Church. Don’t miss out on this fun and delicious festival! You can check here for the details of the parking and shuttle bus.
Best Food in the South Carolina Strawberry Festival
You won’t be disappointed by the options at the South Carolina Strawberry Festival. It’s home to some of the most delicious food around. Try the Strawberry Shortcake – made with fresh strawberries, whipped cream, and a homemade biscuit. Or, indulge in the Strawberry Parfait – served in a mason jar with layers of fresh, diced strawberries, creamy yogurt, and sprinkled with granola.
For something a bit heartier, the Strawberry BBQ Burger is a must. A beef patty is topped with a strawberry and bacon jam, then finished with a creamy garlic sauce. There are also plenty of other treats to try, from tacos to funnel cakes. All these tasty treats can be found at various food trucks, vendors, and stands across the festival grounds.
The South Carolina Strawberry Festival is proud to offer a wide selection of beverages to enjoy. From strawberry lemonades and strawberry-infused teas to fruity cocktails and craft beers, ciders and wine, the festival has something to quench the thirst of even the pickiest of palates.
No matter what you choose, you’re sure to find something delicious at the South Carolina Strawberry Festival. With all the delicious options available, it’s no wonder that this festival is so popular. So come hungry and get ready to indulge in some of the best food around!
Where to bring Strawberries back home
Nothing beats fresh-picked strawberries, which can be found at Springs Farm Market, the Old Peach Stand, and The Peach Stand. All locations are just a stone’s throw away from Walter Elisha Park, the site of the South Carolina Strawberry Festival.
At the Festival, you can find Springs Farm Strawberries located at the N. White Street entrances. Please make sure take home your fresh fruit to enjoy all the wonderful tastes that are offered during the festival.
Performance & Activities
At the Festival, you can enjoy live music, food, rides, contests, a car show, fireworks, and more. Join in for the 1st Annual Strawberry Festival Cornhole Tournament. The Strawberry Festival Cornhole Tournament takes place on Saturday from 11AM-4PM, with registration from 10AM-10:45AM.
Enjoy rides (Rides take 1-5 tickets each, individual tickets cost $1 each, and can only be purchased with cash.), vendors, food trucks, and the Comporium Fun Zone Tent Schedule which will include the Strawberry Baby Contest, Strawberry Ice Cream Eating Contest, Strawberry Donut Eating Contest, The InterACTive Theater, Music Bingo, and the Pretty Bird of Paradise Exhibit.
The festival amphitheater stage features performances from Fort Mill Elementary Schools, Ryan Perry, Carolina Rhythm Band, Envision R&B Variety, Riggsbee Road, The Entertainers Beach Music, Diamonds & Whiskey, The Stranger Billy Joel Tribute, and fireworks at 9:45PM.
Bring a chair or blanket, dress in strawberry attire for the baby contest, and get ready for a day of fun, food, and festivities! Be sure to check out the SC Strawberry Festival website and social media accounts for more details.
Three Things you should know before you go!
The 2023 South Carolina Strawberry Festival is an exciting event taking place on Saturday, May 6 at Walter Elisha Park in Fort Mill, South Carolina. Located at 345 N. White Street, the festival runs from 10am – 10pm and offers a variety of activities and attractions. Festival-goers can enjoy rides, vendors, food trucks, live music, carnival games, a car show, and much more.
No ticket is needed for the festival entrance. However, separate fee is needed for some activities as follows: individual tickets for rides $1 each (1-5 tickets per ride); the 5K Strawberry Sprint and Stroll is $25; the Strawberry Soiree is $85; the Strawberry Festival Brunch is $20; and the South Carolina Strawberry Festival Golf Tournament is $50. Tickets can be purchased online and at select locations.
The festival is fun for all ages, so come out and enjoy the day! For more information about the festival, schedule of events, ticket purchasing, and parking options, visit the official event website at www.scstrawberryfestival.org. Three things you should know before you go are to bring cash, buy tickets in advance, and arrive early to maximize your experience.