Collage of photos and info about Sumter

Things to Do

1.) Attend a Festival

Sumter has more than 100 festivals and events throughout the year! Here are a few highlights, but for a full list of events and to confirm dates, visit our online calendar.

  • Festival on the Avenue (typically 2nd Weekend in April) - a West African Bimbé festival of harvest, held every spring in the spirit of sharing, includes traditional soul food, music, art, dance, parades, and living history that showcases the creativity and vitality of South Sumter Community.
  • Bethune Legacy Festival (3rd Weekend in May) - a festival to celebrate an American History Icon, Mrs. Mary McLeod Bethune. Mrs. Bethune was an advisor to four U.S. Presidents, a national champion of human rights, as well as the founder of Bethune-Cookman College and was born and raised in Sumter, SC.
  • Iris Festival (Memorial Day Weekend) - This three-day festival is one of the old continuous running festivals in the state of South Carolina. It includes concerts, arts & crafts, pageants, plants & flowers, antique & classic car shows, a number of contests, concerts and lots of children's activities. Continuously named one of the top 20 events in the Southeast.
  • Oktoberfest on Main - downtown Sumter transforms into little Germany for a grand evening full of german food, music and heritage.
  • Porches of Sumter (1st Thursday in October) - ever wonder what sipping tea on the veranda was like? This is the event for you. Stroll the historic streets of Hampton Park area and visit as homeowners open their homes and share their stories with visitors.
  • Fantasy of Lights (December 1-31) - For the entire month of December, the Swan Lake Iris Gardens come alive with a display of twinkling holiday imagery created by more than one million lights.

2.) Visit a State Park

  • Poinsett State Park - In the High Hills of Santee, where the South Carolina Sandhills of the Midlands region meet the coastal plain region, you’ll find Poinsett State Park.  Called the "mountains of the midlands," this mixed ecosystem yields a high degree of biodiversity and some of the most unique natural sightings in the park system, especially along the Palmetto trail which winds through the Manchester State Forest. The High Hills of Santee are dotted with the hiking and biking trails that wind through the park–some of which connect to the Palmetto Trail that leads hikers through the Manchester State Forest.  Poinsett’s 10-acre lake makes for a serene setting and can be used for fishing and johnboat rentals. The park also offers campsites, a fishing pond, a coquina bathhouse built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s, pre-revolutionary grist mill ruins and rustic cabins. Open 9am-dark, year-round. Admission is $3 adults; $1.50 SC seniors; $1 children age 6-15; age 5 & younger free.
  • Woods Bay State Park - offers a close-up look at one of the last remaining large Carolina Bays on the Mid-Atlantic Coastal Plain. The 1,590-acre park, located in the coastal plains region, features a wide range of habitats including marsh, sandhills, oak-hickory forest and shrub bog. Open 9 a.m. - 6 p.m., daily. Admission is Free.
  • Thomas Sumter Memorial Park - Burial place for Gen. Thomas Sumter, "The Gamecock," a friend of the Cherokee, a Revolutionary War hero, planter, congressman and senator. The City of Sumter and Sumter County, as well as a national forest and a fort in Charleston SC are named after him. Open daily, dawn to dusk. Admission is Free.
  • ATV/OHV Trails in Manchester State Forest - Permits are required for all activities except hiking.
  • Rifle and Pistol Range in Manchester State Forest - Permits for the Manchester Rifle and Pistol Range can be obtained at the range during its operating hours, at the Manchester office on Headquarters Road. Hours vary, click on the link for details or call 803-494-4885.
  • Take a hike on the state-wide 380-mile Palmetto Trail. Sumter is home to three trailheads to access the passages that start in the upstate and stretch to the coast:

3.) Outdoor Markets

  • South Sumter Farmer’s and Flea on Manning Avenue, open Friday afternoons (May-November).

  • Downtown Market at corner of Main and Liberty Streets, open Saturday mornings 9am-12 pm (May-September).

  • Sumter Farmer’s Market at USC Sumter, open Friday afternoons 12-5pm (April-November)

  • American Legion Farmer's Market, an indoor year-round market open Fridays from 12-6pm, Saturdays from 9am-2pm.
  • Flea Market at Shaw, open Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays.

4.) Take the Museum Crawl Tour (or go on your own)

  • Bethune Learning Center & Art Gallery - located on N. Main Street in Mayesville, SC. Learn more about Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune, an American educator, stateswoman, philanthropist, humanitarian, and civil rights activist. She also served as an advisor to several U.S. Presidents. The gallery also highlights various stories of African American culture and the legacy left for us today. Hours vary. Admission is free.
  • Historical Lincoln Center - The historic Lincoln High School building has played a significant role in the African American community in downtown Sumter. We continue to add to the rich history of the African American culture that tells the story of the educational legacy of generations of African Americans. the African American community in Sumter, SC. Hours: by appointment only. Located at 26 Council St, Sumter, SC. (803) 775-0444
  • Sumter County Museum & Backcountry - Hours are Thursdays - Saturday 10am to 5pm, Closed Holidays. Admission is $5 for Adults (18-64), $2 Students (6-17) and Seniors (65+), and Free for 5 and Under as well as Museum Members. Combination tickets available for visiting the Sumter County Museum and Temple Sinai Jewish History Center. $8 for Adults (18-64), $3 Students (6-17) and Seniors (65+), and Free 5 and Under and Museum Members.

  • Sumter Firefighter Museum - Hours are 8:30am to 5 PM Monday-Friday. Admission is free.

  • Sumter Military Museum - Located at 129 S. Harvin Street, Sumter, SC 29150. Hours are Fridays - 9 am - 12 pm and Sundays - 2 pm - 5 pm. Admission is free.
  • Sumter Opera House - step back in time to experience 125 years of growth and events at this historic opera house. Open Monday-Friday 8:30am - 5pm and during special events. Admission is free.
  • Temple Sinai Jewish Heritage Center - Hours are Thursdays and Fridays, 1pm to 4pm and Saturdays, 10am to 1pm. Admission is $5 for Adults (18-64), $2 for Students 6-17 and Seniors 65+, and Free 5 and Under. Free for Museum Members. Combo tickets available to visit both the Sumter County Museum and the Temple Sinai Jewish History Center.

5.) For the Sports Enthusiasts

Sumter is a very active sports community.

6.) Grab some grub

Inspire your senses at any number of our unique local restaurants, each with their own flavor and story to tell. Here are just a few favorites in the community...

Find your favorite hops at Sumter's first and only brewery (a very popular spot downtown), Sumter Original Brewery. This unique building, located at 2 S. Main Street offers a three-stories of family and pet-friendly activities.

Feeling adventurous? Check out the South Carolina's BBQ Trail... BTW, Sumter has 5 locations on the map (but there are many more as you explore our community)! Or take a drive around the state to discover their Satisfy Your Thirst Trail -- from moonshine and craft beer to sweet tea, discover the history, craftsmanship and unique stories behind South Carolina’s most iconic drinks.

7.) Explore the Water

  • Pack’s Landing on Lake Marion, offers a public access boat ramp and parking, with prized catfish and bass fishing excursions available throughout the year.
  • Poinsett State Park offers pedal boats, canoeing, kayaking, swimming and more!
  • Sparkleberry Swamp is known for its beauty, tranquility, and abundant wildlife. It's an avid kayaker's dream location and is the host location of an annual duck run and boating party each spring.
  • Find your inner child and run through any one of our five Spray Parks for free:
    • Birnie HOPE Park (210 S Purdy St.)
    • Crosswell Park (130 Yeadon St.)
    • North HOPE Park (904 N Main St.)
    • Palmetto Park (400 Theatre Dr.)
    • South Sumter Park (630 S Sumter St.)

8.) Hunt for and Hide Painted Rocks in one of our 24 Community Parks

Sumter has an extensive network of community parks and walking trails that allow visitors and residents to experience our natural beauty. Here are a few popular ones, but check out our map below for more!

9.) Take in the Arts

  • Sumter Gallery of Art - Exhibits, classes and everything in between. Donations are accepted as admission to gallery. Located at 200 Hasel Street or call 803-775-0543.
  • Sumter Little Theatre - Performances and auditions throughout the year. Call SLT at 803-775-2150 or go by the theater, 14 Mood Ave., after 2 p.m. weekdays to make reservations and/or purchase tickets.
  • Sumter Opera House - Main stage to matinee, stage door to cinema, the Sumter Opera House has quickly become the hot spot for entertainment in Sumter! Located at 21 N. Main Street in Downtown Sumter, it's close to restaurants and nightlife and there's a convenient Hyatt Place hotel directly across the street. Tickets available online or call 803-436-2616.
  • USC Sumter has four art galleries on campus that are open to the public. Each gallery exhibition differs throughout the year, including local, regional and national artists. There is also a permanent aerospace art exhibit onsite. Click on their link to get more info and locations of each or call 803-983-3801.
  • Or one our cork and canvas style events around town, including full time studios:

10.) Shopping

  • Bultman Avenue offers a wide variety of shopping, with unique gifts at places such as the Olive Tree and Doolallies, Elephant Ear, Silverpaper and even a specialty farm store (plenty more in the area so keep your wallet handy, you'll want to sample everything Bultman has to offer!).
  • Have a party to plan? Check out Let's Party, Partys 'R' Us and Sumter Cash & Carry!
  • Downtown shopping at One-Accord, Naomi & Warner, Grady Ervin and Co.  
  • For all your hardware needs Wally's on Broad Street is a local favorite. For a truly family-friendly experience, visit Simpson Hardware on Wesmark Blvd, Liberty Street and Pinewood Road, they have something for everyone (seriously, their Wesmark location even has a boutique clothing area too)!
  • Grab a piece of history at Broadstone Manor on Broad Street or Ages Antiques and Bohemian Swan on Main Street in Downtown Sumter.
  • Shop the Sumter Mall at places like Claire's, Bath & Body Works, Belk, Books-a-Million, Kay Jewelers, The Children's Place, Rue21, Foot Locker, GNC, T-Mobile, Chick-fil-A and more.
  • and many other small and boutique shops all across the county!

Extras (We've got 'em!)

  1. Do you have the key? Escape reality at Lock, Clock and Peril Escape Room - located at 5535 Broad Street, Open Tuesday-Sunday. Book online to secure your date/time. 

  2. Overcome obstacles with the Sumter Ninja Warriors, competitions and open play available. Located at 56 Market Street.

  3. Throw an Ace at one of three Sumter Frisbee Golf Courses at Dillon Park, Lindley Park and Live Oak Park. Check out our Frisbee Golf Map here.

  4. Score your perfect frame at Gamecock Lanes, a 24-lane bowling alley, located 817 Broad Street.
  5. Roll on over to Skate Station, located at 45 Old Manning Road, or Gamecocks on Wheels, located at 1290 Wilson Hall Road, for some family fun! Both have various amenities including party rooms, games and more.
  6. If you like to dance, check out the Sumter Ballroom Dance Club or learn the official state dance... Shag, with the Sumter Shag Club. Both clubs meet weekly.