A variety of entertaining events will take place in the state in 2020

With a picturesque landscape featuring mountains,waterfalls, beaches and a myriad of state parks, South Carolina is an exceptional destination for lovers of the great outdoors. The Palmetto State is also home to a variety of charming small towns, coastal cities and inland locales that offer a delightful setting for indoor and outdoor sports. South Carolina has hosted numerous national and worldwide organizations including the PGA Tour, NCAA, Women’s Tennis Association, Bassmaster, American Softball Association and USA Cycling. The state also hosts a variety of smaller events that attract locals and travelers alike. A large reason behind the state’s success in attracting events is the South Carolina Sports Alliance, a statewide sports collaborative endeavor which aims to promote South Carolina as a premier sports destination. Established in 2013, the alliance features 29 members across the state serving 10 metro areas and 19 counties. The alliance works together to further the growth and enhancement of South Carolina’s sports economy and helped attract 142 new events in 2018. These, along with the 842 annual events also taking place in the state, resulted in more than $640 million of estimated economic impact in 2018. As South Carolina’s tourism numbers continue to grow, the number of quality events held in the state are also flourishing. Here are some happenings in 2020 that will entertain your group when your tournament has concluded.

Upcountry Region

Visit Anderson: The FLW Tour, a professional bass fishing tournament, will take place on Lake Hartwell beginning April 23, 2020 and concluding April 26. Greenville County Parks Recreation and Tourism:The Greenville County Senior Games (taking place between April 27 and May 1, 2020) enable adults 50 and older to participate in fun, low-pressure and recreational events. Among the competitions seniors can compete in are track and field, basketball, cornhole, horseshoes and mini golf. Spectators will love watching these athletes giving their all.

Fishing

Visit Greenville, SC:Beginning June 4 and running until June 7, 2020, the BMW Charity Pro-Am will feature amateurs and celebrities grouped with Web.com Tour professionals in a three-day better ball competition over two golf courses (Thornblade Club and Cliffs Valley) in Greenville. Visit Greenwood, SC: Recognized as one of the Southeast Tourism Society’s Top 20 events and one of the American Bus Association’s Top 100 events, the SC Festival of Flowers is held each June across Greenwood County and features more than 20 events for adults, children and the avid gardener. City of Seneca:On March 14, 2020, Seneca hosts the St. Patrick’s Day 5K and Marathon, featuring cash prizes and a festive atmosphere.

Midlands Region

City of Aiken: A fun-filled event for the family, the Aiken Strawberry Festival takes place on April 1, 2020 and features a day of games, inflatables, rock climbing, strawberry desserts, games, a bake sale, a pie eating contest and vendor booths. Visit Camden/Kershaw County: The Tour de Camden bicycle ride takes place in early May and will feature a metric century, a 50-mile and a 30-mile ride. City of Sumter: The Sumter County Fair, which takes place March 6-14, 2020, will feature parties, conventions, trade shows and sporting vents, all easily accommodated by the fairgrounds. There will be plenty of parking and flexibility in a wide range of indoor and outdoor space. Visit York County:Are you ready for some delicious barbecue and fabulous music? Visit New Centre Park on April 25, 2020 in Clover for the Butts Cook-off and Music Frenzy, featuring a variety of experienced pitmasters competing for your taste buds. This family-friendly outing will also showcase live music and games throughout the green.

Lowcountry Region

Charleston Area Sports Commission: The 10th Anniversary Race of the Charleston Marathon takes place on January 11, 2020. Competitors will race through historic Charleston while onlookers can celebrate the festivities with Shrimp and Grits and a slew of other activities. Hilton Head Island Bluffton COC & VCB: This 54-hole collegiate invitational hosted by the University of South Carolina women’s golf team occurs March 6-8, 2020 at Hilton Head Island. Top women’s golf collegiate teams from across the country travel to the beautiful island to compete for the title.

Chas Marathon on Battery

Grand Strand Region

Myrtle Beach Regional Sports Alliance: The 23rd annual Myrtle Beach Marathon will unfold March 7, 2020. Enjoy a weekend filled with events including a beachfront Health and Wellness Expo, full marathon, half marathon, 5K, family fun run and two post-race celebrations. City of Myrtle Beach: Beginning June 4, the 2020 Carolina Country Music Fest invades Myrtle Beach. The East Coast’s premier outdoor country music festival, this rain or shine event will feature many of the biggest names in country music. North Myrtle Beach Park and Sports Complex:Top-notch softball will be played in North Myrtle Beach beginning February 21 when the 2020 Fastpitch Dreams Spring Classic begins. The event will feature NCAA Division II and Division III competition battling for glory.