Each May, downtown Spartanburg’s SPRING FLING features live music, amusement rides, great food and drink, arts and crafts, children’s activities and more. A July Fourth Spartanburg tradition is the annual RED, WHITE & BOOM celebration. Held in downtown’s Barnet Park, the Greater Spartanburg Philharmonic Orchestra performs patriotic music in time with an eye-popping fireworks show. The Downtown Library hosts a series of free concerts every Wednesday (except in July) at 12:15pm. “MUSIC SANDWICHED IN,” presented by the Music Foundation of Spartanburg, gives folks a chance to enjoy their lunch break while being serenaded by local artists. A variety of performers and styles are featured, including classical, blues, jazz and folk. Each April, The WOODRUFF STONE SOUP STORYTELLING FESTIVAL, the state’s official storytelling festival, features national, regional and local storytellers weaving tales at the Woodruff Public Library, Woodruff City Hall and McKinney Park. An afternoon in the presence of these wordsmiths is a great way to get your own creative juices flowing! Heading to the Plum Hollow Farm in Campobello the last weekend of May has become a tradition for those who love traditional roots music with a newfangled flair. THE PLUM HOLLOW BLUEGRASS FESTIVAL features more than just traditional bluegrass music acts. Alternative Bluegrass styles including New Grass, Grunge Grass, Jazz Grass, Bluegrass Rock & Roll and others showcase creative musicians who are breaking new ground. Held on a 45-acre parcel of land, fans can either commute daily or set up shop for the entire weekend using campers or recreational vehicles. Spartanburg always looks its best each July when the MISS SOUTH CAROLINA PAGEANT is held at the SPARTANBURG MEMORIAL AUDITORIUM. With the Saturday night finals televised statewide, Spartanburg has hosted this most prestigious event since 1996. The winner competes in the Miss America Pageant in Atlantic City, NJ. In September, Greek heritage and culture are proudly displayed at the annual GREEK FESTIVAL. Hosted by St. Nicholas Church, the event includes Greek food, music, dancing and history. With Spartanburg County long-established as a destination for international business, the INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL reflects the region’s diversity. Held each October in Barnet Park, the festival highlights cultures, traditions and foods from over thirty countries from around the globe. Live performing acts and musical groups make for a fun and educational day for all. Each fall, The City of Inman celebrates the INMAN HARVEST DAY FESTIVAL, offering unique arts and crafts exhibits and entertainment. An afternoon of fun in the country includes live entertainment, food vendors, kiddy rides, a petting zoo and over 160 arts and crafts vendors. Another time-honored Spartanburg tradition is the PIEDMONT INTERSTATE FAIR, held each October at the Spartanburg Fair Grounds, featuring a wide range of entertainment acts, agricultural exhibits, dirt track auto racing and more. Late in October, folks in Pacolet give the summer months a send-off at the PACOLET INDIAN SUMMER FESTIVAL. Held at Victor Park, families enjoy live music, clogging, dancing, art in the park, crafts, food, children’s games and contests. Cowpens is the place to be the third weekend in June for the MIGHTY MOO FESTIVAL. Highlighted by a parade honoring former World War II crewmembers of the USS Cowpens, the festival includes street dances, golf, baseball games and reunions, making it a great weekend of fond memories and fun in a truly American setting for almost 30 years. On the Tuesday following Thanksgiving, downtown Spartanburg is transformed into a setting reminiscent of the Victorian Era for A DICKENS OF A CHRISTMAS celebration. Carolers and Street Performers dress in Victorian style as the annual DICKENS CHRISTMAS STROLL parade takes on the look and feel of Old England. The family-style evening culminates with the annual tree lighting in Denny’s Plaza.