Excited to celebrate Labor Day in Anderson with live music, fireworks, and hot air balloons? For 27 years, Anderson County has elevated the Labor Day weekend fun with Celebrate Anderson, a free community celebration featuring an outdoor concert, a spectacular fireworks display, and in 2026, a special Bicentennial drone and fireworks extravaganza to mark Anderson County’s 200th anniversary!
Here’s everything your family needs to know about Celebrate Anderson 2026, taking place the weekend of September 4–6, 2026, with the headline concert and Bicentennial finale on Sunday, September 6, 2026 at the William A. Floyd Amphitheater.
Did you know Celebrate Anderson takes place alongside the Hot Air Affair: Rising Above Cancer balloon festival—at the same location? Enjoy the free concert as hot air balloons lift off around sunset, with glowing tethered balloons lighting up the evening (weather permitting).
Free Concert with Yacht Rock Schooner + Drone & Fireworks Show
This year, Celebrate Anderson sets sail with a headline performance by Yacht Rock Schooner, the talented eight-piece band that turns every show into a dance party sailing through the biggest soft-rock favorites of the ’70s and ’80s. After the concert, the evening caps off with a massive drone and fireworks extravaganza to commemorate Anderson County’s Bicentennial — 200 years in the making!
The evening also features opening acts Winyah, a fast-rising indie Southern Rock band whose high-energy performances capture the spirit of the Carolinas, and Dani Rucker, an indie-folk artist and daughter of Darius Rucker, whose intimate songwriting blends the warmth of Americana with modern indie-pop.
The concert happens at the Balloon Launch Field this year which is located at 3027 Martin Luther King Jr Boulevard, Anderson.
“Two hundred years is a significant milestone for our community,” says Rusty Burns, Anderson County Administrator. “The fireworks and drone show will be a dramatic finale and a wonderful tribute. The best vantage point to see the choreographed show is on our balloon launch field, so we encourage everyone to come together to ‘Celebrate Anderson’ with us!”
- Date: Sunday, September 6, 2026 (full weekend September 4–6, 2026)
- Location: Anderson County Sports & Entertainment Center
- Admission: Free — but you must reserve a ticket ahead of time! (more on how below)
Free Tickets: Here’s What to Know
The entire Celebrate Anderson event is free (other than the cost of food you purchase from vendors), thanks to generous sponsors, including Michelin and Arthrex, in addition to several gracious sponsors who make it all possible. “Free parking. Free show. Free fireworks. Free, literally everything except your food,” says Marty.
Reserving your ticket early helps organizers plan better and keeps everyone in the loop! Reserving tickets helps the event keep track, but also gives ticket holders access to valuable information, including parking info, inclement weather announcements, and updates about the event in real time.
When choosing your tickets for Celebrate Anderson, the two options include:
- Lawn Tickets: Bring your blankets and chairs and spread out with the kids.
- Standing Room Only Tickets: Be near the stage for the music, just no chairs allowed.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Anderson Sports & Entertainment Center is a cashless venue.
Make sure to bring a Valid ID and a Credit or debit card (for food, drinks, or alcohol) - Keep in the know about inclement weather. The event can be impacted by rain and thunderstorms, but your ticket reservation will let you know if the event is delayed.
- Bring bug spray! The open field is super nice, but it’s summer, so bugs love the open grassy spaces too.
- Lawn seating allows you to bring in chairs and blankets, which is great for families with younger kids.
- The fireworks can be loud for little ears, so bring ear protection.
- With weather permitting, attendees will be able to see hot air balloons in the early evening of the event from Hot Air Affair: Rising Above Cancer, happening in the same area.
Want to Sponsor or Volunteer?
Sponsorships and volunteer spots are available for Celebrate Anderson 2026! Reach out to celebrateanderson@andersoncountysc.org for sponsorship information
Whether your family is there for the music, the Bicentennial drone show, fireworks, or all of the above, Celebrate Anderson 2026 is shaping up to be an unforgettable Labor Day weekend!
Celebrate Anderson is the perfect way to wrap up summer with your crew! Tell us if you’re going, or share your best Celebrate Anderson memory in the comments below!