Camden Events

Camden has a few more major events than your average hometown. The most obvious events that you probably heard about at some point in time are the famous Steeplechase horse racing events. Each spring is kicked off by the Carolina Cup and then the Steeplechase season winds down in the fall with the Colonial Cup. While horses make up a large part of the economy and events in Camden, the Downhome Blues Festival and Revolutionary War Days round out a wide variety of events suitable for a wide range of ages.

Each year, at the beginning of Spring, roughly 65,000-70,000 people descend upon Camden, South Carolina for the annual Carolina Cup. Camden is a horse town, boasting some of the best stables in the region for good reason. The race has been held each year since 1930 with the only exceptions coming during World War II in 1943 and 1945. The event has literally become a right of passage for Spring as well as a major South Carolina tradition. The Carolina Cup is typically held in late March or early April.

The Steeplechase season winds up with the Marion du Pont Scott Colonial Cup. Whereas the Carolina Cup is a premier event in South Carolina, the Colonial Cup is decidedly more of an intimate environment for the family. The event is smaller, but still draws a good crowd, especially when it comes to the locals. This race is held in November each year. Both events offer a truly unique experience a lot of fun.

Each October, the streets of downtown Camden echo with the rhythm and blues sounds of some of the best blues bands in the region. You can either purchase a pass to float from venue to venue listening to the different styles, or you can catch a great dinner at a local restaurant while listening to true Blues artists. The festival lasts for three nights and continues to grow beyond its status as the largest blues festival in the area. The festival now boasts bands from the local, regional, national and even international blues scene.

Camden has another small yet growing music event. Each July, Jammin’ in July serves up the very best of local and regional music artists. Unlike it’s Blue’s sister, Jammin’ in July delivers anything and everything from Rock N’ Roll, on to Bluegrass, and on to Alternative. This event is a fundraiser for Historic Camden and all proceeds go to the Revolutionary War historic site. Experience a wonderful time with superb music as you rock out by the old historic homes. Every year brings a new headliner, with the likes of Nashville songwriter (and local son) Patrick Davis (wrote “Where I’m From” amongst others), Aussie wonder Geoff Achison, and up-and-coming Ten Toes Up out of Murrells Inlet, SC.

With all of the American Revolution history that occurred in Camden, it’s only natural that the city is host to a major Revolutionary War reenactment. Each November, about 500 reenactors converge on Camden for a weekend to illustrate the Battle of Camden and skirmish at Gum Swamp. Experience all of the authentic colors, sights, and sounds of the fateful battle fought in 1780. The event further includes all sorts of authentic colonial-era games, clothing, items, and cultural lessons. Fun is available for every member of the family under the pleasant November Carolina sun.

The city is not alone in its hosting of events. Each December brings about several Christmas parades in the area. The City of Camden puts on its traditional Christmas parade while nearby Boykin has its one-of-a-kind Boykin Christmas parade. Lugoff recently launched a Christmas Lights parade as well. All of these offer an entirely different experience, with the Boykin Christmas Parade being an event you’ll probably never forget. Other towns in the county in host their own events. The town of Bethune hosts its annual Chicken Strut which recognizes the town as the largest egg producer in the United States. The Elgin Catfish Stomp is a good way to sample some of the best catfish stews you will ever taste. Camden’s location also makes it privy to events happening in the Columbia area as well. Columbia features the University of South Carolina athletics (including the new pristine baseball stadium) and Columbia Fireflies, a minor league baseball team.