Camden, South Carolina
Horses, Hauntings, and Historic Charm: Camden’s Newest Signature Experiences
horse and hound Camden girl riding a horse holding the United States of America flag

When the late-summer heat begins to give way to crisp autumn breeze 🍂 in South Carolina’s oldest inland city, Camden undergoes a magical transformation. Long known as the “Steeplechase Capital of the World,” our cultural canvas has expanded with two signature experiences that you may not have heard of yet. Each celebrating a milestone anniversary, the Camden Horse & Hound Expo 🐶🐎 and the Southern Gothic Festival 🐦‍⬛🕯️showcase the town’s rich equestrian heritage as well as its atmospheric, story-filled past.

Camden Horse & Hound Expo

People gather under a large white event tent on grass, with tables and chairs inside. A black and white horse grazes in the foreground, while small groups chat outside the tent. Trees are visible in the background.
Denim Diamonds Gala
People in equestrian attire stand on grass with several hounds. Two women in black helmets and jackets are in focus, while another person in red stands to the left. A wooden fence runs along the background.
The Expo
📸 Perry McLeod
A brown dog leaps off a platform towards a toy over a pool in a dock diving competition, while spectators watch from behind a fence under cloudy skies.
Dock Dogs

Dates: September 25-27, 2026

Location: Dale Thiel Showgrounds, Springdale Race Course, Historic Kirkwood Polo Field

Celebrating Camden’s deep-rooted connection to equestrian sports and working canine traditions, the fifth annual Camden Horse & Hound Expo is a premier gathering for animal lovers, sporting enthusiasts, and families alike.

  • The Denim & Diamonds Gala: 💎 Guests are invited to wear semi-formal attire or elevated denim, with stylish footwear and celebratory hats and other headwear warmly welcomed.
  • The Expo – Live Demonstrations: 🐕Watch world-class handlers showcase foxhounds, Boykin Spaniels, Alpha Retrievers, and the always entertaining Dock Dogs alongside an equine showcase, vaulting performances and foxhunting horse exhibitions.
  • The Center Corral: 🏰 Kids can enjoy games and live entertainment, while parents stroll through vendor tents featuring handmade leather goods, equestrian apparel, custom dog gear, and equine art.
  • Polo 101: 🏇🏼 Trade the sidelines for the field. This is your opportunity to experience the excitement of polo from the inside. Learn the fundamentals of the sport on foot, while you enjoy food trucks and entertainment at this family-friendly event.

Whether you’re an experienced equestrian or simply appreciate the beauty of working canines, this expo captures the heart of Carolina horse country.

Southern Gothic Festival

A band of five musicians performs on an outdoor stage under a white canopy at night, lit by colorful lights. The group includes a violinist, guitarist, bassist, drummer, and a singer in a red and black dress.
Live Music Downtown
Three people sit at a table with microphones, speaking to an audience. One woman gestures with her hands, while the others listen. The audience is seated and facing the speakers in a well-lit room with large windows.
Author Discussions
A paper crane sits on the ground under a leafless tree with five black birds perched on the branches, set against a cloudy sky.
World Premiere of Shock

Dates: October 9-10, 2026

Location: Downtown Camden, Historic Camden, Revolutionary War Visitor Center, Arts Center of Kershaw County

As Halloween approaches, Camden embraces the mysterious and hauntingly beautiful side of Southern literature and lore with the Southern Gothic Festival. Experience two immersive days of literature, folklore, true crime, horror and music, exploring the strange and unsettling stories of the South.

  • Atmospheric Performances: 🎻 Enjoy live acoustics, theatrical readings, and haunting musical performances as dusk falls over downtown. 
  • Author Panels & Literary Readings: 📖 Meet prominent Southern Gothic and dark fiction authors for keynotes, book signings, and panel discussions on local ghost lore and storytelling traditions.
  • World Premiere: 🎭 Experience the world premiere of Shock, the story of two young cousins growing up in small town South Carolina in a world of rural poverty, religious mania, mental illness, and infidelity, all told with a heavy dose of humor.
  • Lantern-lit Ghost Tours: 🔦 Stroll through the campus of Historic Camden Foundation for a lesson about its historically haunted grounds.

While You’re Here

Bar interior with backlit bottles on shelves and a single glass of whiskey centered on a dark wooden counter.
B Colson
Three mannequins display dresses: one in a blue floral halter dress, one in a blue short-sleeve dress with green leaf details, and one in a light blue and white leafy-patterned dress with a matching top.
Pink Stable
A tall glass of orange juice with a slice of orange on the rim, on a wooden table with dried orange slices nearby.
Greener Pastures Brewing Co

Between festival events, treat yourself to Camden’s thriving culinary scene, art galleries, and unique local boutiques:

  • Sam Kendall’s (1043 Broad St): 🍔 Housed in a beautifully restored 19th-century building, this local favorite offers refined American dining with exceptional steaks, fresh seafood, and crafted cocktails.
  • Victoria Susan Wearable Art (411 Rutledge St): 👚 A vibrant stop for handcrafted garments, artistic apparel, and distinct accessories you won’t find anywhere else.
  • B. Colson (1105 Broad St): 🥩 Perfect for a cozy, upscale dinner after a day at the festival, featuring fine cuts of meat and an extensive bourbon collection.
  • Artists Attic (930 Broad St): 🫟 Curious creations and treasures, alongside eclectic artwork and handmade creations from multiple artists and genres.
  • Broad & Vine (1025 Broad St): 🍷 An upscale wine bar featuring a 32-bottle cruvinet system and small plates to share.
  • Pink Stable (1032 Broad St): 👗 A boutique offering chic Southern women’s fashion, accessories, and gifts—perfect for pulling together an autumn festival outfit.
  • Rutledge Street Gallery (508 Rutledge St): 🖼️ A premier contemporary fine art gallery showcasing a vibrant collection of original fine art from local and regional artists, sculpture, handcrafted furniture, pottery, rugs, and fine jewelry.
  • Greener Pastures Brewing Co. (826 Broad St): 🍺 Kershaw County’s brewery, featuring housemade beers and seasonal cocktails alongside wood-fired pizza and pub-style food.

Whether you are drawn by the majestic stride of a foxhunter at the Horse & Hound Expo or the mysterious charm of the Southern Gothic Festival, Camden offers an unforgettable autumn escape. 🍂