Florence, SC, October 16, 2025

News Summary

Florence, SC is gearing up for the 21st Annual South Carolina Pecan Music and Food Festival on November 1. This vibrant event is expected to draw around 50,000 visitors, offering live music, delicious pecan-inspired dishes, and a wide variety of activities across downtown Florence. The festival not only celebrates the local culture and community spirit but also aims to boost the local economy with a significant economic impact. Attendees will find numerous vendors, entertainment, and competitive events suitable for all ages.

Florence Prepares for the 21st Annual South Carolina Pecan Music and Food Festival on November 1

Florence, SC – The 21st Annual South Carolina Pecan Music and Food Festival is set to take place on November 1 in downtown Florence, attracting an estimated 50,000 visitors from across the Southeast. This festival not only entertains the local community but also aims to stimulate the local economy, with the 2023 event producing a $1.5 million direct economic impact and a 13% increase in hotel occupancy rates in the city.

Designated as the Official South Carolina State Pecan Festival by Act No. 9 in 2011, the festival has grown significantly over the years. It has been recognized multiple times, receiving the Best of the Pee Dee Awards for Excellence as the Best Community Festival in 2014, 2019, and 2022. Additionally, Travel + Leisure Online named it the “Best Fall Festival in South Carolina” in 2017.

Festival Activities and Highlights

The festival will span seven blocks in downtown Florence and will feature live music performances across nine stages. Attendees can browse through over 250 vendors, participate in carnival games, and enjoy amusement rides tailored for children. Featured activities include culinary competitions, artist displays, and a classic car show.

For fitness enthusiasts, the event will also host the “Run Like a Nut” races, featuring a 5K, 10K, and a USATF-certified half marathon. Participants can choose to join the “Bike Like a Nut” half century and century bike rides, providing a range of options for all ages and abilities.

Entertainment

This year, the main headlining band will be the Thomas McClary Commodores Experience, promising an exciting musical experience throughout the day. Attendees can indulge in a variety of pecan-inspired dishes, with all food vendors required to serve at least one pecan-based item. Popular treats include pecan cream funnel cakes, pecan pie, pecan praline kettle corn, and savory dishes like pecan jerk chicken.

Logistics and History

The festival will operate from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and entry is free, making it accessible for everyone. Planning for the event takes approximately 11 months, with around 200 volunteers donating over 1,000 hours to ensure its success. The festival has evolved from a small local gathering to a major community celebration showcasing Florence’s rich pecan heritage.

The event draws visitors from various states, including North Carolina, Ohio, Delaware, Florida, and New York. Its half marathon not only serves as a race but also attracts participants from further distances, with some competitors making the journey from as far as Arizona.

Conclusion

The South Carolina Pecan Music and Food Festival stands as a testament to the community spirit and local culture of Florence while supporting its economy. Attendees can look forward to a day filled with food, music, and festivities that highlight the area’s unique pecan heritage.

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Florence Honors the Legacy of Pat Gibson-Hye Moore
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Florence Community Mourns Pat Gibson-Hye Moore’s Passing
Florence Community Mourns Former Councilwoman Pat Gibson-Hye Moore

Additional Resources

• WPDE: South Carolina Pecan Music and Food Festival
• Southern Living: Florence SC Pecan Festival
• Post and Courier: SC Pecan Festival in Downtown Florence
• Google Search: South Carolina Pecan Festival
• ArcGIS StoryMaps: SC Pecan Festival
• Wikipedia: Pecan Festival

Author: STAFF HERE FLORENCE WRITER

The FLORENCE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREFlorence.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Florence, Florence County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Florence Festival of Lights, Pee Dee Pride, and agricultural expos at the Florence Center. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Florence Regional Chamber of Commerce and the Pee Dee Area Council of Governments, plus leading businesses in healthcare and retail that power the local economy such as McLeod Health and Pee Dee Electric Cooperative. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECharleston.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGreenville.com, and HEREHiltonHead.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.