There's no shortage of events to enjoy in Sumter this fall
Summer is coming to a close, and with it is the final concert for the Fourth Fridays summer series on Friday, Sept. 27, from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Too Much Sylvia is on the schedule to perform. There will be ample food and drinks available for sale. Food truck vendors include Lisa Ann's Kitchen, Rollin in Da Dough, Bessie's Bites & Sweet Delights and SO Cool Italian Icee. Sertoma will also have plenty of cold brews for sale, and Palmetto Optimist Club will be back with free books for kids as well as popcorn for sale. If you're looking for more good eats, downtown restaurants will be open for dine in and take out. No coolers allowed. The music will be at Sumter County Courthouse, 141 N. Main St.
Cruise In to Breakfast on Saturday, Sept. 28, from 8 to 11 a.m. at Sumter Cut Rate Drug Store and Coffee. According to the restaurant, the fountain is going to open back up on Saturdays and starts with a cruise in and traditional breakfast favorites. The employee lot on the side of the building will be for classic cars, or you can park on Main Street in front of the store. In October, the restaurant is holding 13th Annual Sumter Original Brewery Caffeine & Gasoline by Charlie Fossett Realtor in Sumter on Oct. 26 at 4 p.m. Don't miss the fall events at Sumter's classic soda fountain.
Love to play golf with your other half? You're in luck with the Couples 9 & Dine at Carolina Lakes Golf Course on Saturday, Sept. 28, at 4 p.m. on Shaw Air Force Base. Enjoy a round of nine holes on the golf course with a special in-round game for a fun twist, followed by a meal and drinks. Come out to meet new couples and maybe a new golf partner. The event is $60 per couple. If you miss it, don't worry - it'll come back around next month on Oct. 26 at 4 p.m. Get your tickets at https://tinyurl.com/5eu6v42j.
Porches of Sumter, hosted by Greater Sumter Chamber of Commerce and presented by FTC and Tandem Health, returns Thursday, Oct. 3, blending mouthwatering local cuisine, live music and a vibrant community vibe, all happening in the heart of Sumter's historic district. Stroll through the heart of Sumter, enjoying delicious samples from local chefs, caterers and culinary artisans who will feature savory bites and sweet treats - a menu that has something for everyone. Porches of Sumter will be held from 6 to 8:30 p.m. on West Calhoun Street. To purchase tickets, visit sumterchamber.com/porchesofsumter2024.
Kids and their families can have a blast learning about local careers in the fields of science, technology, engineering, arts and math through the annual eSTEAM Festival in downtown Sumter on Saturday, Oct. 5. The free family fun all starts with a parade at 10 a.m., followed by mobile STEM exhibits, new exhibitors, stage shows and more near the Hyatt downtown.
Food truck lovers, get ready for Friday, Oct. 4, through Sunday, Oct. 6, when the Foodees Food and Culture Festival sets up at the American Legion Fairgrounds. A flyer for the event promises that it's "the Southeast's number one touring food truck festival," so don't miss it. There will be more than 60 food trucks and dozens of artisans and crafters for these three days of community fun. Admission is free. Hours will be: Friday, 1 to 9 p.m.; Saturday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Meet farm animals and choose your fall pumpkins at the 15th-annual Old McCaskill Farm Fall Family Farm Day on Saturday, Oct. 5, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Visit a working farm and this year enjoy new activities at the event. There will be a corn pool, pumpkin patch, hayrides, hay maze, games, barrel train, horseback rides, bluegrass music, farm animals, inflatables, working sawmill and gristmill, woodworking and blacksmith demonstrations, sugar cane mill, Labrador retriever demonstrations, ag simulator and more. Tickets can be bought for activities. Each ticket is $1 or 50 tickets for $40. Hayrides (3), horseback rides (5) and barrel train (3) will be taking tickets, but there is more to do and see for free. Pumpkins and concessions are all a separate fee. No pets, coolers or picnics. The farm recommends bringing a chair and cash. Admission is $8 per person, and children under 2 are free.
Find your lederhosen, braid your hair and then get your beer and pretzels at Sumter's annual Oktoberfest on Main on Oct. 12 at Sumter Original Brewery, 2 S. Main St. in downtown Sumter. According to the event website, this is Sumter's largest street party of the year, and it's the biggest fundraiser for Sumter United Ministries, so come out for a great local cause. Tickets are $10 in advance and $20 at the door, and kids get in for free. The event starts at 5 p.m. with German music playing on Main Street until 8:30 p.m. DJ Howie D's Entertainment DJs will continue the party in La Piazza. Get your tickets now at https://tinyurl.com/yyrwt34a.
The 20th anniversary of the Fall Feast presented by FTC is this year on Thursday, Oct. 24, from 5:30 to 8 p.m. All proceeds go to Sumter Green each year, which beautifies areas across Sumter. Adults only are invited, 18 and up, and there will be live music by HeyBo and special guest Tom Mullikin of the SC7 Expedition. Tickets are $40 in advance or $50 at the door. Buy yours at www.sumteroperahouse.com/the-fall-feast. Enjoy some great food from local chefs for a great cause.