Why Families Love the South Carolina Festival of Flowers (And Why You Might Want to Come Back Without the Kids)

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Visit Old 96 is sponsoring a giveaway for one lucky couple to win a two-night getaway during Festival Weekend, June 4–6, 2026. You’ll stay at Riegel Hall, a beautifully restored boutique bed and breakfast along the Saluda River in nearby Ware Shoals — just minutes from downtown Greenwood. Enter the giveaway below!

An elephant made entirely of living greenery.
A flamingo taller than your children.
A mermaid rising from a fountain.
A peacock, panda bears, ducks, and even a Safari Jeep each sculpted from thousands of living plants.

For the entire month of June, Greenwood transforms into a walkable outdoor gallery where the art isn’t framed — it’s planted.

And while the towering topiaries are what first capture your attention, what makes the South Carolina Festival of Flowers truly special is how intentionally welcoming it is for families.

You park once.
You walk everywhere.
You explore together.

It feels easy — and that matters.

Elephant Topiary at SC Festival of Flowers
Photos from SC Festival of Flowers

55 Larger-Than-Life Topiaries = Built-In Adventure

The Signature Topiary Display runs June 1–30 throughout Uptown Greenwood and features 55 unique living sculptures. Each is built on a custom metal frame and covered with thousands of real plants and blooms, taking months of planning and care.

For kids, it becomes a scavenger hunt:
Can you find the butterfly?
The wild turkey?
The elephant?
The mermaid?

For parents, it’s the rare outing that doesn’t require tickets, reservations, or constant logistics. Just walking shoes and a little time.

The sculptures remain up all month long, making it easy to plan a day trip or weekend visit around your schedule.

Jeep Topiary at SC Festival of Flowers
Images Provided By SC Festival of Flowers

SC Festival of Flowers Website

Get Moving Together at the SC Festival of Flowers

Festival month is packed with outdoor activities that invite families to participate, not just observe. The main weekend will be June 4th – 7th, 2026, and has so much to do packed into those 4 days!

Flower Power Fun Run

Saturday, June 6 at 8 AM
Choose from 1-Mile, 5K, or 5-Mile routes beginning at the Uptown Fountain. Whether you’re pushing a stroller, jogging with your teen, or walking with friends, it’s designed to be accessible and energizing.

Bee Buzzin’ Bike Tour

Saturday, June 13 at 8 AM
Routes include 2, 30, and 63 miles, allowing families to enjoy a shorter scenic ride while more serious cyclists take on the countryside. Learn more about the Bee Buzzin’ Bike Tour.

USTA Level 6 Junior Tennis Tournament

Held at Greenwood Country Club, this is one of the longest-running junior tournaments in South Carolina — a meaningful opportunity for young athletes to compete and grow.

It’s rare to find a festival where you can admire living art in the morning and cheer on runners or cyclists that afternoon.

Kid-Approved: SC Flower Festival With Kids

Beyond the gardens and races, there are events designed specifically with children and families in mind.

Kidfest

Held at the Greenwood County Recreation Complex, Kidfest features games, crafts, performances, and interactive activities that keep younger visitors engaged and active.

Topiary Greenwood with family

Railroad Historical Center Tours

Home to the Upstate’s largest static railroad display, these guided tours invite families to explore historic railcars and learn about Greenwood’s railroad heritage — a consistent favorite for train-loving kids.

Museum Special Exhibit

The month includes engaging exhibits and a featured reception event, offering educational experiences that spark curiosity and conversation.

Cokesbury College Tour & Ice Cream Social

At historic Cokesbury College, families can learn about local history in a charming setting — followed by a sweet treat that makes the outing even more memorable.

Gardens That Inspire All Ages

For families who love to dig in the dirt — or simply admire what grows — the festival also offers:

• Garden Tours across Greenwood County
• A Garden Symposium featuring expert speakers
• Hands-on workshops and educational experiences

It’s beauty paired with learning — something that resonates long after the weekend ends.

Music and Theatre in Full Bloom

Throughout the month, live performances add another layer of energy to the streets and venues of Greenwood.

Blooms & Beats brings local musicians to Uptown Market. Taste & Toast of Greenwood highlights area restaurants and talent. The production of Annie at the Greenwood Community Theatre showcases community theatre at its best — created for the community and by the community.

You’ll see lawn chairs set up beside topiaries, children dancing near stages, and families lingering longer than they planned.

That’s the magic of this festival. It invites you to slow down.

SC Festival of Flowers Banner

And Then — A Chance for the Grown-Ups: GIVEAWAY

After spending a day exploring with your children, you may find yourself thinking, “We should come back — just the two of us.”

Now you can.

Thanks to the Old 96 District Tourism Commission, one lucky winner will receive a two-night couples getaway during Festival Weekend, June 4–6, 2026.

The winner will stay at Riegel Hall in nearby Ware Shoals — a beautifully restored boutique bed and breakfast along the Saluda River, just minutes from downtown Greenwood.

This $500 getaway offers the opportunity to:

• Stroll beneath illuminated topiaries at sunset
• Enjoy live music without packing snacks
• Sip wine during festival events
• Reconnect in a setting that feels both peaceful and vibrant

Because sometimes the best family memories begin with parents who have taken a little time to recharge.

Also Included within the giveaway! $50 gift card to Indigenous Underground!

How to Enter

Complete the entry form below for your chance to win. No purchase or payment is necessary. Terms & conditions are below:

Important Details:

  • Giveaway open from now until May 1, 2026 at midnight.
  • Must be 18 years of age or older.
  • Must reside outside of Abbeville, Edgefield, Greenwood, Laurens, or McCormick counties
  • Must provide current and valid contact information
  • One winner will be randomly selected
  • Winner will be notified within five days and must respond within 72 hours or an alternate winner may be selected
  • Employees of the Old 96 District Tourism Commission and affiliated partners are not eligible
  • Prize is non-transferable and has no monetary resale value
  • Transportation and incidental travel expenses are not included
  • Tax liabilities are the responsibility of the winner
  • Giveaway subject to applicable laws and regulations

Ineligible ZIP codes: 29037, 29138, 29178, 29325, 29332, 29335, 29351, 29355, 29360, 29370, 29384, 29388, 29620, 29627, 29628, 29638, 29639, 29644, 29645, 29646, 29647, 29648, 29649, 29653, 29654, 29655, 29659, 29666, 29681, 29692, 29695, 29819, 29821, 29824, 29829, 29832, 29835, 29838, 29840, 29841, 29844, 29845, 29848, 29860, 29899.

If your family hasn’t experienced the South Carolina Festival of Flowers, this is the year to go.

Go for the elephants.
Stay for the music.
And maybe — come back for the date night.

About the Author
Nakeshia is a photographer and brand storyteller with over 13 years of experience capturing the heart of Upstate families and local businesses. A wife and mom of three, her home is filled with music, creativity, and a touch of joyful chaos. When she’s not behind the camera or computer you’ll find her cheering on her family’s latest musical performance or event, she’s usually being taken for walks by her dog, Koda.

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