Southern Gothic Festival
October 10 @ 7:00 pm - October 11 @ 9:30 pm
This year’s Southern Gothic Festival returns with an eerie, immersive weekend celebrating the darker corners of Southern literature, music, folklore, and history. Set against the storied backdrop of Camden, the festival brings together authors, journalists, folklorists, musicians, and curious minds for two days of conversation, performance, and haunting atmosphere.
Friday, October 10
Downtown Street Concert | 7:00–9:30 PM
Downtown Street Concert | 7:00–9:30 PM
Rutledge Street comes alive with an outdoor evening concert featuring Valentine Wolfe’s dark Victorian soundscapes and Wasted Wine’s theatrical cabaret rock. Expect a carnival-like vibe with open-carry drink privileges and specials from downtown bars and restaurants.
Saturday, October 11
Author Talks & Panels | 11:00 AM–5:00 PM
Revolutionary War Visitor Center
Author Talks & Panels | 11:00 AM–5:00 PM
Revolutionary War Visitor Center
2025 Headliners:
Valerie Bauerlein (The Devil at His Elbow) — Wall Street Journal correspondent on the Murdaugh saga.
David Joy (Those We Thought We Knew) — Award-winning Appalachian novelist.
Dick Harpootlian (Dig Me a Grave) — Trial lawyer and former prosecutor of serial killer Pee Wee Gaskins.
Folklore & Legends Lantern Tour | 7:00–8:00 PM
Historic Camden, 222 Broad Street
Explore Camden’s haunted past by lantern light—hear stories of the Craven House ghost, the Gray Lady, Boo Hags, Crybaby Bridge, and Agnes of Glasgow.
Historic Camden, 222 Broad Street
Explore Camden’s haunted past by lantern light—hear stories of the Craven House ghost, the Gray Lady, Boo Hags, Crybaby Bridge, and Agnes of Glasgow.
After-Party with Backline | 7:00 PM
Greener Pastures Brewery, 826 Broad Street
End the festival with a gothic-bluegrass set by Backline. Enjoy drink specials at the brewery and other participating businesses. Complete your Southern Gothic Festival Passport—visit three participating businesses and receive a free tote bag.
Greener Pastures Brewery, 826 Broad Street
End the festival with a gothic-bluegrass set by Backline. Enjoy drink specials at the brewery and other participating businesses. Complete your Southern Gothic Festival Passport—visit three participating businesses and receive a free tote bag.
Festival Highlights– Headliner author talks & investigative panels
– True crime, folklore, history & Southern culture
– Outdoor concerts & live music
– Lantern-lit ghost tours
– Book signings, curated vendors & community spaces
– True crime, folklore, history & Southern culture
– Outdoor concerts & live music
– Lantern-lit ghost tours
– Book signings, curated vendors & community spaces
Rooted in storytelling, not spectacle—the Southern Gothic Festival invites you into the spaces where folklore, history, and imagination blur.