The Hell Hole Swamp Festival is held during the first full weekend of May. For those in the Lowcountry at that time, the event is quite memorable. The 2-day festival includes music, arts & crafts, unique various contest 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, including 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 Hell Hole Gator Trot is the Lowcountry’s oldest 10k race and will be ran on October 17, 2026. Winners of the race receive fake alligator heads as trophies and get to participate 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 in our state. 

Each year some lucky strong arm takes home the trophy for the annual arm wrestling competition. Ladies, don't worry... they have one for you too.

The heritage of Hell Hole Swamp is evident in this annual festival that features some 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, of course, without a kids activities. It's not a huge carnival, but it works and the kids love it.