Things to do across the Midlands: GraceFest2026 is happening Saturday; veterans to be honored Nov. 11 in Sumter

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SUMTER COUNTY

GraceFest2026 will be held Saturday, Oct. 31, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Grace Cathedral Ministries, 60 Oswego Hwy., Sumter. There will be free food from local food trucks, carnival games and prizes, an indoor movie and more. The event is free and open to the public. For more information, call (803) 773-6497, extension 1.

Sumter author Leah L. Dawkins' newest novel, "Honeysuckle Swamp," will be released on Monday, Nov. 2, during a book signing and author's reception at Sumter Museum. The reception begins at 6 p.m. at 122 N. Washington St. According to her website, "'When Harper returns to her small South Carolina hometown, she's determined to build a new life, but investigating the finances of Truluck's most prominent families could put her and her mother in danger. Set against a missing child and an approaching hurricane, 'Honeysuckle Swamp' is a compelling Southern tale of mystery, family and finding your place in a community," according to the museum. Tickets are $10 for museum members and $15 for the public, which includes refreshments. Books will be available for purchase. Call (803) 775-0908 for more information.

Veterans Day is Wednesday, Nov. 11, and Sumter County Veterans Association announces its annual Sumter County Veterans Day Parade and Ceremony. The parade starts at 10 a.m. down Main Street, and the ceremony will be held at 11 a.m. on the courthouse front lawn, 141 N. Main St. There will be a vendor meet and greet on the back lawn of the courthouse after the ceremony. This year's event also celebrates America's 250th anniversary, and everyone is invited. For more information, contact Valerie Brunson at (803) 436-2303.

Pietas Coalition's Second Annual Communities Against Trafficking Walkathon will take place Saturday, Nov. 14, from noon to 5 p.m. at Dillon Park in Sumter, 1200 Clara Louise Kellogg Drive, Sumter. This year's theme is "Every Child Deserves to Bloom," and the walkathon will bring together families, community members, organizations and advocates to promote awareness, prevention, education and community involvement surrounding child trafficking and exploitation. There will be community safety posters, face painting, moon bounce, music and more. Reserve your spot at https://tinyurl.com/y4buxv88.

Fall means good times shared with family and friends, plus food. Enjoy them all at the annual Oyster Roast, held at Sumter Museum, on Thursday, Nov. 19, from 6 to 9 p.m. This is the 28th year this event is being held. "Eat 'em steamed and drink 'em from a boat." Enjoy all-you-can-eat oysters and more with beer, wine and live music from Chappell Court Band. Tickets for museum members are $50, and tickets are $75 for nonmembers. For tickets and more information, visit sumtermuseum.org. The museum is at 122 N. Washington St.

The 2nd annual First Responders BBQ Cookoff & Car/Truck Show will be held from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 21, at Sumter County Civic Center, 700 W. Liberty St. Awards at 2 p.m. Free admission and parking, with raffles and door prizes. To enter the cookoff or show, or to be a sponsor, contact Lt. Mike McCoy at (803) 774-4098.

William Starrett's "Nutcracker," South Carolina's most loved holiday tradition, returns to Patriot Hall on Saturday, Nov. 21, to kick off the season. "This sumptuous production brings Tchaikovsky's magnificent score, exquisite dancing and the wonder of the season to the stage in a celebration that has become a cherished part of Christmas for families across South Carolina. A full-length production of exceptional scale and beauty, William Starrett's 'Nutcracker' features grand scenery, beautiful costumes and the artistry of South Carolina Ballet's professional dancers in a holiday classic filled with enchantment, warmth and theatrical splendor." Buy tickets at https://southcarolinaballet.com/calendar-tickets. Patriot Hall is at 135 Haynsworth St., Sumter.

Rock around the Christmas tree with Sumter County during its annual tree-lighting ceremony, being held this year on Friday, Dec. 4, at 6:30 p.m. on the old courthouse lawn, 141 N. Main St. "Enjoy festive holiday musical selections performed by Sumter County elementary school student choral groups, then join us for the countdown to the official lighting of the Sumter County Christmas Tree! This is an outdoor event, so bundle up, wear layers, and come ready to enjoy an evening of Christmas cheer with our community."

Sumter First Church of God's Craft Show is coming up Saturday, Dec. 5, at the church's fellowship hall, 1835 Camden Highway, Sumter, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Shop from more than 20 local and surrounding area artists for handcrafted goods and boutique items, including clothing and accessories, coastal decor, soaps, crochet items, ornaments, sublimation tumblers, shirts, baked goods and more.

Sumter Civic Chorale's Christmas concert, "Sing the Songs of Bethlehem" by K. Lee Scott, will be presented on Sunday, Dec. 13, at 3 p.m. Trinity United Methodist Church, 226 W. Liberty St., Sumter. Admission is free, and all are welcome.

CLARENDON

Join Pleasant Grove Restoration Project Committee for a special Veterans Day event on Saturday, Nov. 7, from noon to 4 p.m. at the historic Pleasant Grove School, 1012 Joe and Marie Road, Alcolu. There will be a fish fry alongside a flea market, providing a fantastic opportunity to enjoy great food and shop for unique items. This event supports the restoration of the school. For more detailed information about the school or the event, visit hpgschool.org or email hpgschool12@gmail.com.

FLORENCE

You know fall is near when the Eastern Carolina Agricultural Fair announces its dates. The popular event is coming to 5226 E. Palmetto St., Florence, from 5 to 10 p.m. Oct. 22-Nov. 1, with amusement rides, entertainment, exhibits, fair food and much more. To learn more, visit www.ecafair.com/eca/index.asp.

The 2026 SC Pecan Music and Food Festival returns for its 21st year on Saturday, Nov. 7, at 123 N. Dargan St., Florence. "This exciting one-day festival is the area's largest event, drawing over 50,000 attendees each year. The festival consistently wins Best of the Pee Dee awards and has been featured in numerous national publications such as Travel + Leisure Magazine Online and AAA's Go Magazine." Jason Scheff, longtime lead singer of Chicago, will be the headline band. For additional information, visit www.scpecanfestival.com.

LEE COUNTY

Scream through 7,000 square feet of haunted house, 2 miles of horror along a trail and take the famous Kreepy Hollow bus ride at this year's terrifying attraction. Kreepy Hollow is back in Bishopville for Halloween, running several nights each week through Nov. 7. Find more information and get your tickets at KreepyHollowHauntedAttraction.com.