Florence, South Carolina, October 17, 2025
News Summary
Florence, South Carolina, will host its 21st Annual South Carolina Pecan Festival on November 1, expecting over 50,000 attendees. The event showcases the community’s agricultural heritage with food, crafts, and entertainment. Participants can enjoy races, circus shows for children, and over 250 vendors offering delicious pecan-inspired dishes. Music headliner Thomas McClary and the Commodores Experience will perform, contributing to the festival’s vibrant atmosphere. The festival’s economic impact for 2023 is estimated at $1.5 million, benefiting local businesses and hotels.
Florence, South Carolina is gearing up to host its 21st Annual South Carolina Pecan Festival on November 1, attracting over 50,000 attendees to the downtown area. Recognized as the largest pecan festival in the world, the event is free and will run from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m..
Started in 2003, the festival was designated as the official South Carolina State Pecan Festival in 2011. This year is not just another celebration; it marks two decades of festivities that highlight the community’s rich agricultural heritage.
Festival activities will include blacksmith demonstrations, a classic car show, and a sidewalk chalk decorating competition. In addition, children can enjoy circus and bubble shows designed specifically for their entertainment. For those looking to participate in athletics, the “Run Like a Nut” races will feature options including a 5K, 10K, and a certified half marathon.
Over 250 vendors will be present, catering to various tastes with a range of food and retail offerings. Visitors can sample pecan-inspired items such as funnel cakes, pecan pies, praline kettle corn, and savory dishes like pecan jerk chicken. Also, more than 40 different entertainment acts will perform across nine stages throughout the festival.
The weather is expected to be mild during the event, typically ranging in the mid to high 60s for early November. This pleasant climate is likely to enhance the experience for attendees enjoying the food, crafts, and various performances.
Economic Impact
The festival provides a significant boost to the local economy. In 2023, the economic impact is estimated at $1.5 million. Hotel occupancy in the area has increased by 13 percent during the festival period, highlighting the attraction’s draw for visitors from several states.
Popular attractions year-round include Young’s Premium Foods, known for its diverse range of pecan products and Southern delicacies. Additionally, the Pecan Trail offers visitors a chance to explore local businesses featuring unique pecan-related items.
This year, the festival will be headlined by Thomas McClary and the Commodores Experience, who will perform on the main stage from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. The event is organized by the Florence Downtown Development Corporation, a non-profit that focuses on revitalizing Downtown Florence. The festival not only fosters community involvement but also aims to invigorate the local economy.
Participants can also enjoy craft beers and local cuisine, alongside a myriad of kid-friendly activities throughout the day. Planning for a day filled with fun and food, attendees can look forward to a rich experience that celebrates the pecan and the community it supports.
FAQ
- What date is the South Carolina Pecan Festival? The festival will take place on November 1.
- Is there an entrance fee? No, the event is free to attend.
- What activities are available at the festival? Activities include blacksmith demonstrations, a classic car show, sidewalk chalk decorating, various races, children’s shows, and performances by multiple entertainment acts.
- What is the expected attendance this year? Over 50,000 attendees are anticipated for this year’s festival.
- What is the economic impact of the festival? The estimated economic impact for 2023 is $1.5 million.
Key Features of the South Carolina Pecan Festival
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Date | November 1 |
| Expected Attendance | Over 50,000 |
| Duration | 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. |
| Performers | Thomas McClary and the Commodores Experience |
| Vendors | Over 250 |
| Economic Impact | $1.5 million |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Florence Hosts Annual South Carolina Pecan Music and Food Festival
21st Annual Pecan Festival Set to Delight in Florence, SC
Florence, SC to Host the SC Pecan Music and Food Festival
Florence Prepares for 2024 Wine & Food Festival
Florence Honors the Legacy of Pat Gibson-Hye Moore
South Carolina Braces for Colder Weather After Record Heat
Florence Community Mourns Former Councilwoman Pat Gibson-Hye Moore
Additional Resources
- Southern Living: Florence, SC Pecan Festival
- Post and Courier: SC Pecan Festival in Downtown Florence
- WPDE: Florence Pecan Music and Food Festival
- Google Search: South Carolina Pecan Festival
- Wikipedia: Pecan
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.
