There’s a particular kind of magic to autumn in Camden ✨. The humidity finally breaks, the horse farms start looking like postcards, and the smell of food trucks fills the air. In the early fall months, our little corner of the Midlands hosts everything from coin shows to horse and hound festivals 🐎 to farm days and a Gothic literary weekend 🦇. We’ve corralled the best festivals to experience in September and October (and maybe a peek at November 👀), and paired them with some other places you can’t miss on your trip into town.
September in Camden eases you into fall with one-of-a-kind weekends to enjoy. 🔥
Pirate FestHorse & Hound Expo 📸: Perry McLeodFire Fest
September Events 🍂
Historic Camden Foundation’s Pirate Fest (Sept 17–19) 🏴☠️ — Avast, ye landlubbers! Historic Camden trades its Revolutionary War roots for the High Seas during Pirate Fest. A mid-September favorite, this immersive weekend features living-history encampments, black powder weapon demonstrations, tavern tunes, pirate battles, and interactive games for kids. It’s an ideal outing for families and history lovers alike.
Camden Coin Show Fall Spectacular (Sept 18–19) 🪙 — One of the premier numismatic gatherings in the state, the Camden Coin Show brings together dozens of regional dealers and hundreds of collectors. Whether you are a seasoned coin collector, looking for gold and silver, or just curious about historic paper currency, this event offers free admission, hourly prize giveaways, and educational gifts for kids.
Camden Horse & Hound Weekend (Sept 25–27) 🐶🐴 — Camden is South Carolina’s equestrian capital, and nothing celebrates that legacy quite like the Horse & Hound Expo. Held at the historic Springdale Race Course, this family-favorite weekend features live horsemanship demonstrations, trick riding, canine agility shows, regional artisan vendors, and food trucks. The Denim & Diamonds Gala on Friday brings a little sparkle to the weekend, and Camden Polo Club‘s free “Explore Polo Day” on Sunday gives spectators a chance to trade the sideline for the field.
Austin Outlaw’s Memorial Championship Rodeo (Sept 25-26) 🐎🤠 — If you prefer boots and dust over high-seas plunder, head out for this late-September rodeo showdown. Featuring two nights of barrel racing, roping, and bull riding, this 10th annual action-packed event highlights raw athletic talent and classic Southern rodeo culture. Food trucks and rodeo vendors up the vibe to a mini-festival out in the sticks.
Fire Fest (Sept 26) 🚒 — Thirty years running, this family-friendly favorite brings live burns, antique fire trucks and safety demos to the Camden City Arena. You will also find vendors, food trucks, classic cars, a huge Kid Zone, team challenges, and more. Kicking off Fire Prevention Month in October, Fire Fest is a beloved local tradition hosted by the Camden Fire Department.
October is arguably Camden’s most atmospheric month — cooler evenings, pumpkin everything, and a genuinely eerie literary festival that leans into our Southern Gothic roots.
Southern Gothic FestivalFall Family Farm DayBoo Fest
October Events 🎃
Southern Gothic Festival (Oct 9–10) 🐦⬛🕯️ — A signature Camden experience: two immersive days celebrating Southern literature, folklore, history and music, with writers and historians from around the region. Expect spooky ghost walks, eerie folklore panels, author talks on Southern literature, live dark-Americana music, and local artisan markets. It is the ultimate fall event for fans of local history, haunts, and storytelling.
Old McCaskill’s FallFamily Day (Oct 10) 🐑 — Experience “A Day in the Life” at this working farm. Get lost in the Pumpkin Patch, catch a hay ride, and try your hand at the grist mill. Look for farm demonstrations, a working blacksmith, and entertainment from a bluegrass band. Indulge in the farm’s famous egg rolls and grab some goodies to take home.
Boo Fest & Chili Cook Off (Oct 31) 🌶️👻— The last Saturday of October is when the grub and ghouls collide. Approximately 30 teams hoping to be crowned winner descend on Town Green for the United Way’s annual chili cook off, while merchants in Downtown Camden and Dusty Bend decorate and disseminate all the Halloween fare. You will want to bring the kids in costume, and make sure you skip breakfast.
And if all this leaves you wanting more, watch for another blog dedicated to Camden’s “Revolutionary November“. We will have all the details for each weekend, filled with history and horses.
Camden’s free “Blankets & Bands” concert series returns to Town Green beginning Thursday, September 10. Grab your blanket or lawn chair, gather your friends and family, and enjoy an evening of live music outdoors in Downtown Camden.
The fall series kicks off with Hannah E & The Lynches River Boys, local favorites bringing classic country covers and original tunes to the stage. Pack a picnic or pick up takeout from one of Downtown Camden’s local restaurants and make an evening of it.
On September 24, Blankets & Bands welcomes Raw Deal to the stage for the first time. Hailing from Lancaster, this band brings plenty of Southern grit and ’90s attitude, with a versatile mix of rock and country for all ages.
The Sunrise Jazz Ensemble comes to Camden on Thursday, October 8. Led by acclaimed saxophonist Ken Cheeks and featuring guest vocalist Crystal Felder, this legendary group will fill Town Green with smooth jazz and groovy funk tunes.
Closing out the fall series on Thursday, October 22, Jennifer & The Charles Project will bring a crowd-pleasing mix of blues, soul and a little rock and roll. Featuring rock-solid bass and drums, Robert Charles’s stellar guitar work and Jennifer Erickson’s signature vocals, this is one performance sure to get the crowd moving.
All concerts will be held on Thursdays from 6 to 8:30 p.m., weather permitting. A student or young musician will open each concert, followed by the headlining band at 6:30 p.m.
Beer and wine are permitted on Town Green during concert hours. Glass containers are not allowed. If a concert is canceled due to weather, notifications will be posted on the City’s website and social media channels.
Blankets & Bands is a partnership between the Downtown Camden Cultural District and the Arts Center of Kershaw County, bringing free live music to the community each spring and fall.
South Carolina’s oldest inland city might be famous for its historic revolutionary roots and steeplechase heritage, but when Thursday evening rolls around, we trade that in for big basslines and acoustic jams. Whether you’re looking to catch a solo set while sipping a beverage, catch a lawn concert under the stars, or groove to the band alongside friends and neighbors, Camden offers a vibrant weekend music lineup all fifty-two of the year.
Here is your weekend playbook for catching live tunes around town.
The Anchors: Local Favorites Featuring Local Talent
🍸 Steeplechase Sports Bar & Grill Where: 1044 Broad St, Downtown Camden The Vibe: Casual, lively, a classic local hangout, daily food and drink specials. Steeplechase is known as the place “where all the locals meet” and is often full at peak lunch and dinner hours. Settle in for acoustic acts Thursday evenings and livelier sets on Fridays.
🌮 La Fiesta Where: 29 East DeKalb St, Camden The Vibe: Family friendly, traditional Mexican, classic margaritas. A Friday night staple, featuring local rock and country bands on the patio. Arrive early to ensure you get a seat.
🍷 Broad & Vine Where: Broad St, Downtown Camden The Vibe: Intimate, stylish, curated wine, and tapas. If you prefer smooth acoustic jams paired with a glass of Pinot Noir and tapas over heavy amps and beer, this sophisticated spot hosts local solo artists and acoustic duos most Fridays, creating an ideal setting for a date night or a relaxed catch-up with friends.
🍺 Greener Pastures Brewing Co. Where: 826 Broad St, Downtown Camden The Vibe: High energy, local craft beer, brick-oven pizza, and great patio space. Greener Pastures is a favorite spot for weekend music, hosting local bands in their “pasture”. Grab a house brew, order a wood-fired pizza, and settle in on the outdoor patio for a lively Friday or Saturday night performance.
Pro Tip: Park Once, Walk Everywhere: Downtown Broad Street is extremely walkable. Park near the Kershaw County Farmers Market (906 Broad St) or Town Green (1015 Market St), and you can easily walk between venues, dinner spots, and bars.
Community Stages & Cultural Hubs
🎭 The Arts Center of Kershaw County Where: 810 Lyttleton St, Downtown Camden The Vibe: Diverse genres, indoor/outdoor performances, and community theater. The Arts Center is the cultural heartbeat of Kershaw County, playing host to big band showcases, chamber music, and much more throughout the year. Check their event calendar ahead of time for ticketed shows, theater performances, and indoor auditorium concerts.
🌳 Blankets & Bands on Town Green Where: 1015 Market St, Downtown Camden The Vibe: Family-friendly lawn concert, picnic style. During the active concert seasons (spring and fall), Camden’s Town Green hosts Blankets & Bands, a free outdoor series bringing regional classic rock, country, and soul acts to the lawn. Throw a folding chair or blanket in your trunk, pack a picnic, and enjoy an evening under the stars on select Thursdays.
🎷 Gallery 537 Where: 537 East DeKalb St The Vibe: Relaxed jazz lounge, upscale beer/wine selection, diverse genres. Step into a mood at this art gallery meets intimate music lounge, featuring local and regional blues and jazz acts, and sometimes even a little rock or country. The gallery hosts mini music festival throughout the year, with two to four days of melodies to enjoy.
Just Outside of Town
🚤 Beaver’s Den at Beaver Creek Where: 3482 John G. Richards Rd, Lake Wateree The Vibe: Lake life, casual dining, and dockside jams. Downtown isn’t the only place to find live music. Head up to road to Lake Wateree to find karaoke almost every Thursday, casual acoustic sets on Fridays and outdoor performances on Saturdays (Sundays too on certain weekends).
🏍️A&B Bar & Grill Where: 96 Hwy 601 South, Lugoff The Vibe: Casual and friendly, pub style menu, with dart boards and pool tables. Just over the bridge in Lugoff, you will find solo acts playing during their Thursday bike nights in the warmer months, and more live music on Saturdays.
🎱 Eagle’s Nest Where: 108 Fairleaf Circle, Camden The Vibe: Lively local hangout, with outdoor stage and seating. Newly remodeled, this small “neighborhood” bar hosts solo acts to full bands almost every week during the warm weather months.
Pro Tip: Check Local Socials: Venue schedules can change quickly due to weather. Double-check Facebook or Instagram pages before heading out.
Summer in Camden, SC has a specific kind of magic. The morning air carries the scent of sweet tea and fresh produce, the afternoons call for a serious cold treat, and our historic streets are buzzing with energy. Whether you’re a lifelong resident or rolling into town for a weekend visit, this season is packed with unique ways to experience South Carolina’s oldest inland city.
Here’s a handful of summer adventures to get you started! 👌
Books on Broad & Coffee
Hunt for Waldo All Across Camden
If you love a good challenge (or have kiddos who need to burn off some energy), you’re in luck! Thanks to the folks at Books on Broad and Coffee, the beloved Find Waldo Local scavenger hunt is back. Throughout July, everyone’s favorite red-and-white striped world traveler is hiding in 25 local businesses around town. You can pick up a stamp card at Books on Broad, track him down as you wander the shops, and work your way toward a grand celebration party.
Off The Hook Seafood Market
Cool Off with Artisanal Gelato at Off the Hook Seafood Market
After a morning of walking around, you’re gonna want something sweet and refreshing. While Off the Hook Seafood Market is our absolute go-to for the freshest catch, wild-caught shrimp, and local seafood, their hidden summer superpower is their authentic Italian, locally-made gelato. Creamy, perfectly chilled, and exploding with flavor, grabbing a scoop here is a total insider secret for surviving a hot South Carolina afternoon. 🍦
Camden Golf Studio
Take a Swing at the New Camden Golf Studio
Want to work on your golf game without breaking a sweat in the humidity? Head over to 1020 Broad Street and check out the newly opened Camden Golf Studio. 🏌️♂️
This premium, climate-controlled indoor simulator lets you play some of the world’s most iconic courses right from the heart of downtown. Whether you’re a seasoned golfer analyzing your swing data or a complete beginner looking for a fun, cool afternoon out with friends, it is a brilliant addition to Camden’s entertainment scene.
Kershaw County Farmers Market
Shop Fresh and Local at the Kershaw County Farmers Market
Saturday mornings are sacred around here, and that means waking up early to head over to the Kershaw County Farmers Market. There’s nothing quite like browsing the stalls under the warm morning sun. It’s the best place to stock up on locally, juicy summer peaches 🍑, fresh-picked heirloom tomatoes 🍅, artisanal baked goods, and handmade crafts. Plus, it’s a great spot to grab a bite from a local food truck and chat with the farmers and makers who make our community so special. 🧺
Track Down America’s 250th Boykin Spaniel Statues
Camden is famous for the Boykin Spaniel Invasion—a permanent scavenger hunt featuring 12 adorable, miniature bronze puppy statues, modeled by the great-granddaughter of the breed’s founder. 🐶
But this summer, the hunt has an epic twist. In honor of America’s 250th anniversary, these little bronze pups are getting decked out in patriotic style. Grab a clue brochure from the Camden Archives and Museum and see if you can spot all of South Carolina’s favorite state dogs showing off their historic pride! 🌟
Vintage Collections
Hunt for Treasure Along Camden’s Antique Street
With ten independently owned antique stores, Camden’s Antique Street is a premier destination for collectors, history buffs, and treasure hunters alike. Stay cool while you spend hours browsing an eclectic array of goods, ranging from rare 18th-century furniture and vintage estate jewelry to Civil War-era memorabilia and mid-century collectibles. Chat with our local “stuff-ologists”, who can help you find something specific or something that’s just fun!
Where Is Your Next Adventure? 🤔
Whether you’re here for a day, a weekend, or you call Camden home, there’s always something fun and unique here to help fill those lazy days of summer. Let us know about your favorite spots and don’t forget to tag us in your weekend photos using #ExperienceCamdenSC!
Separate Sealed Bids for construction of Stormwater Improvements, for the City of Camden will be received by Owner at 1000 Lyttleton Street, Camden, SC 29020 until 2:00 pm on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, and at said place will be publicly opened and read aloud.
The Work consists of “Stormwater Improvements” in accordance with the Bidding Documents heretofore prepared by GHD Inc., 1320 Main Street, Suite 425, Columbia, SC 29201. The project generally consists of the installation of 5 new catch basins, approximately 614 linear feet of stormwater piping, resurfacing of the intersection of Lyttleton and Laurens Streets, and other incidental items required to complete the work. 90 Calendar Days will be allowed for contractor to achieve Substantial Completion after the date established for start of construction in the Notice to Proceed, and 120 Calendar Days to achieve final completion.
Electronic copies of Bidding Documents may be obtained at the office of GHD Inc., 1320 Main Street, Suite 425, Columbia, SC 29201 for no charge by contacting Marjorie Howe via email at marjorie.howe@ghd.com. Bidder shall provide full contact information for the plan holder list including name, address, email address, telephone number and SC Contractors License number. Plan holders are required to acknowledge receipt of emailed set of bidding documents. Bidder must be on the official plan holders list, for bid to be considered.
All technical questions shall be submitted in writing via email to Kevin Krick (kevin.krick@ghd.com) and cc: marjorie.howe@ghd.com. No response will be given to questions received less than seven (7) days before the Bid opening date.
Bidders shall review and acknowledge all Addenda on the Bid Form.
Bid must be accompanied by Bid security made payable to Owner in an amount of five-percent (5%) of Bidder’s maximum Bid price and in the form of a certified check, bank money order, or a Bid Bond (on the form included in the Bidding Documents) issued by a surety meeting the requirements of the General Conditions.
If, upon acceptance of a Bid, a Bidder fails to enter into a Contract with the City of Camden, the bid security shall be forfeited to and become the property of the City of Camden.
The bid hold period is as defined in the Bid Form. The successful Bidder must furnish a 100% Performance Bond and a 100% Payment Bond with a surety company satisfactory to the City of Camden and conforming to the prerequisite requirements of the General Conditions on the forms included in the Bidding Documents. Contractor must provide fire, extended coverage, vandalism, and malicious mischief insurance equal to the actual value of the insured property during construction.
This project is being funded in whole or in part by the South Carolina Rural Infrastructure Authority (RIA).
Any prospective bidder, offeror, contractor, or subcontractor who is aggrieved in connection with the solicitation of this contract may protest to Engineer (or) Owner in accordance with Section 11-35-4210 of the SC Code of Laws, within 15 days of the date of issuance of the Notice of Intent to Award.
No bid will be considered unless the bidder is legally qualified under the provisions of the South Carolina Contractor’s Licensing Law (South Carolina Code of Laws as amended on April 1, 1999, Chapter 11, Sections 40-11-10 through 40-11-428).
Contractors shall have a classification of GD.
The City of Camden reserves the right to waive any informalities at its sole discretion or to reject any or all Bids to the maximum extent permitted by law.
Bidders are required to certify, under penalty of perjury, that Bids have been prepared without collusion with other Bidders, subcontractors, suppliers, etc. This certification is included with the Bid Form and each Bidder must sign in the space provided.
Jack Thornsberry Director of Utilities & Public Works City of Camden
