2026 Festival: May 1–2
The Hell Hole Swamp Festival is held the first full weekend of May. For those in the Lowcountry at that time, the event is quite memorable. The two-day festival includes music, arts and crafts, unique contests and amusement rides both days.
The activities begin on Friday with a community “Picnic in the Park” potluck and music on the stage.
The festival includes unusual events by modern standards: a spitting contest, a legs contest, arm wrestling, a parade, the Miss Hell Hole beauty pageant, and a race called the Hell Hole Gator Trot. The Gator Trot is the Lowcountry’s oldest 10K race and will be run on October 17, 2026. Winners receive fake alligator heads as trophies and get to ride in the parade held after the race.
The festival kicks off with a parade the likes of which you just won’t see in the big cities of our state. Each year some lucky strong arm takes home the trophy for the annual arm wrestling competition. Ladies, don’t worry… there’s one for you too.
The heritage of Hell Hole Swamp shows in this annual festival and its down-home music. The stage… is a front porch, of course. You’ll also find arts and crafts, food trucks and children’s activities. No backroads festival in South Carolina would be complete without kids’ activities. It’s not a huge carnival, but it works and the kids love it.
Quick links
- Parade application
- Beauty pageant application
- Food and craft vendor application (opening soon)
- Become a sponsor
- Festival scavenger hunt
Music lineup
Get ready for an unforgettable afternoon as Full Flannel Jacket takes the main stage! Join us from 1:00 to 3:30 PM for a nostalgic journey through your favorite ’90s alternative hits.
Thank you to our 2026 sponsors and donors
