4th Annual Pickens Appalachian Folk Festival We are excited and proud to announce that on October 23-24, 2026, the Greater Pickens Chamber of Commerce will host the third annual Pickens Appalachian Folk Festival at the Hagood Mill Historic Site, located at 138 Hagood Mill Rd., Pickens, SC. This two-day event celebrates the rich and unique Appalachian heritage of…
📖✨ Stories, Spooks & Tall Tales at Hagood Mill! ✨📖 Mark your calendars for October 16-17, 2026 for 25th Annual Storytelling Festival & Liar’s Competition at Hagood Mill Historic Site! 👻 Friday Night Frights & Ghost Stories kicks things off on Oct. 16 at 6:30 PM with spine-tingling tales hosted by Johnny Thomas Fowler. Admission: $10 (ages 10+). 🎤 On Saturday, Oct. 17,…
Old Time Fiddler’s Convention Old-time musicians from across the region will gather at the Hagood Mill Historic Site for the annual South Carolina Old Time Fiddler’s Convention, featuring the official SC State Fiddling Championship, on Friday and Saturday, September 18-19, 2026. This beloved, state-sanctioned two-day event draws competitors, music lovers, and families for an unforgettable weekend of traditional…
About the 2026 Scholarships Learn more here! The S.C. Bluegrass and Traditional Music Association is in its 11th year of awarding scholarships to young musicians from across the state of South Carolina. Named in memory of Bill Wells, the awards encourage and honor youth as they learn to play bluegrass or other traditional music on…
JAM Summit 2026 Junior Appalachian Musicians, Inc. (JAM) is proud to announce the third year of JAM’s annual conference: JAM Sessions: Traditional Music Education Summit. This dynamic gathering is designed to offer professional development and opportunities for collaboration for teaching artists and program directors in JAM affiliated programs. Lodging, meals and attendance for this 4 day…
💃🕺 Steppin’ In Pickens is back! Join us for our second Steppin’ In Pickens Square Dance—an evening of music, dancing, food, drinks, and family-friendly fun for all ages. Due to the large turnout at our first square dance, we will be holding this free event at the Heritage Pavilion at Hagood Mill Historic Site, with…
Pickin’ in Pickens Pickin’ in Pickens is a downtown bluegrass jam series that celebrates the rich musical heritage of Appalachia while bringing people together to experience the charm of downtown Pickens. Unlike a traditional concert, Pickin’ in Pickens is an authentic community bluegrass jam. Local musicians gather throughout downtown to play together in a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere while…
Carolina Roots is excited to take the stage at Bill’s Pickin’ Parlor in West Columbia on October 23! Since 1985, Bill’s has been a gathering place for bluegrass musicians and music lovers and an important part of keeping traditional music alive in South Carolina. What a fitting place for the next generation of musicians to…
Carolina Roots meets each Monday evening to help high school musicians continue growing in their musical abilities through advanced ensemble rehearsals and performances. Students refine their musicianship, strengthen vocal harmonies, develop stage presence, and prepare for festivals and community events. Carolina Roots provides meaningful opportunities for young musicians to grow as performers, leaders, and ambassadors…
The Young Appalachian Musicians (YAM) After School Music Program returns on September 28! We can’t wait to welcome another year of young musicians as students in 3rd through 5th grade discover the joy of playing guitar, fiddle, banjo, and mandolin by ear. Over the course of 20 weeks, local musicians mentor students not only in…
