As America's favorite season, it comes as no surprise that we celebrate fall with all types of festivals. Just in our state alone, there are over 20 fall festivals in South Carolina to choose from each year. We even start celebrating before the official first day of fall! With so many options, if you could only experience one fall festival in South Carolina, the Pecan Music and Food Festival in Florence will not disappoint!

In its 18th year, this festival has attracted over 50,000 attendees and continues to draw crowds annually from the area and well beyond, making it the region’s largest event.

There are over 250 vendors that participate each year, making it a great place to get some holiday shopping done and to try some new, delicious treats.

Food is one of those amazing things that bring humanity together, which adds a great sense of irony and humor to the age-old debate that comes with America’s native nut.

And no matter whether you pronounce it "PEE-can" or "puh-KAHN," we could all agree that pecans have brought more joy than angst to our lives through the years, especially during this time of year. It is a beautiful thing to see two opposing sides put their differences aside and come together in harmony over this fantastic nut at the Pecan Festival in South Carolina.

After all, they are one of 20 Mouth-Watering Foods That Everyone In South Carolina Loves. If you add this favorite classic to pie then you have one of the best desserts on the table. Pecan pie is always a Thanksgiving table regular at our house. But look at these decadent cakes from a previous year’s festival! Don't you just want to dig in right now? Forget dinner let's skip straight to dessert.

This dish was an entry into the cook-off competition one year. Yum!! I don't know about you but we are drooling over here just thinking about these treats.

There are many volunteer opportunities to help out with the festival, as such an enormous undertaking requires a team effort. Judging for the cook-off competition is just one of many possibilities.

Imagine getting to taste all of the cookoff entries! There is no "I" in team but I could seriously see myself trying all this yummy food.

There is something for everyone at the festival, including multiple entertainment stages. The kids will enjoy the Kids Fun Zone Stage.

Additional things in the Kids Fun Zone include games, inflatables, and other activities. It truly is a family event so feel free to bring along your kiddos and let them have a blast bouncing, playing, and enjoying this South Carolina Pecan Festival as well.

Other stages will include Blues, Dance, Gospel, Jazz, the Main Stage, and more for multiple music tastes. One year, The Spinners performed “I’ll Be Around” and “Working My Way Back To You.”

Also in past years, guests enjoyed musical performances from Sister Sledge, The Band of Oz, and The Buzz, a local ‘90s party band, just to name a few. You never know who might show up but one thing is sure, it will always be great.

One of the attractions you will find every year at the festival is an open classic car show, thanks to a partnership with the Swamp Fox Old Car Club.

Another regular part of the event is the Run Like a Nut road race. You get to decide between 5K, 10K, or USATF-certified half marathon through the beautiful Downtown Florence residential areas. The courses are on flat terrain and all begin at 120 E. Elm Street (the former Fitness Forum) downtown.

This festival has won numerous awards and accolades through the years.

Travel + Leisure named the festival The Best Fall Festival in South Carolina, and it has consistently been a yearly Best of the Pee Dee award winner.

This year's event is scheduled for Saturday, November 2nd, 2024. You can visit the South Carolina Pecan Music and Food Fall Festival website for more information. An all-day event, the festival is sure to keep you busy, but on your way out of town check out the Sunrise Drive-In Restaurant, one of 10 Restaurants In South Carolina Don’t Look Like Much…But, WOW, They’re Good!

If you are looking to stick around the town of Florence for a little bit make sure you check out The Pineapple House. This is a great option as a home base while exploring this lovely town.

And back to that age-old debate, we just can’t help ourselves… do you say "PEE-can" or "puh-KAHN?" Let us know in the comments!