Annual Festivals and Events

Just because we are a small Town doesn't mean we are full of big events! Every year Cheraw hosts large festivals and numerous smaller events throughout the year.  Our amazing Recreation and Leisure Services Department and our Arts Commission keep the good times rolling in between our larger events!  Thinking of joining us from out of town?  Be sure to request a visitor package to plan your trip!

Sandblast Rally
fast car on a sand road

The annual Sandblast Rally is held the first Saturday in March each year, with a full weekend of events leading up to a day of racing. 

For the uninitiated, Rally Racing is a Point A to Point B time trial, where cars and motorcycles compete in a time trial set up to see who can handle the sandy roads of Chesterfield County the quickest. 

The Sandblast Rally is a great spectator event for families and people of all ages.  Hair pin turns, loud vehicles, chances to interact with drivers and view the cars up close all make for a very unique and memorable weekend.  Rally drivers come from around the world to compete in this event!

For a full list of what the Sandblast Rally has to offer, head on over to their website at www.sandblastrally.com.

Spring Festival
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What better way to shake off the winter blues than with a big festival in our small Town.  Spring Festival started in 1975 and has been going on ever since. Taking place the first weekend of April each year, this event brings craft vendors, rides, fine arts, local talent, live music, and so much more to the heart of our Town.  Click here for a copy of this year's brochure!  Spring Festival is made possible by our vendors.  If you would like to apply to be a vendor, please visit our vendor application page.

The South Carolina Jazz Festival:
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Cheraw is known for its beautiful historic architecture, but our history runs even deeper.  Cheraw is the home of famed Jazz trumpeter John Birks “Dizzy” Gillespie.  Born in 1917 on Huger Street, he touched countless lives through his long career.  Every third weekend in October, the Town feels alive with the sounds of Jazz.  This art themed event brings top talent from around the Country to the heart of our Town.  For full information head on over to www.scjazzfestival.com

The Annual Cheraw Lantern Parade
people walking down a street with paper lanterns.

A New Event started in 2019, The Annual Lantern Parade is an effort to bring the Town together at the start of the Holidays!  Based on the English tradition of the “Big Switch On”, join us in downtown on the first Friday of each December and watch as a community gathers for a festival of lights.  Watch as a procession of paper lanterns make their way up Market Street to Centennial Park.  The parade ends with a traditional countdown to light the Town Christmas Tree, followed by an outdoor movie.  Caroling, pictures with Santa, and a festive atmosphere in our beautiful downtown make this one of the Town’s most unique events.

ChristmasFest

ChristmasFest is our Holiday extravaganza that brings together community groups, volunteers, crafters, performers, and so much more for an afternoon of fun and activities.  Wreath making, chainsaw ice sculpture carving, hot chocolate, and so much more.  Santa makes an appearance each year for photos!  Families are encouraged to attend and create new memories and discover the magic of the holiday season.


In addition to these events, Cheraw hosts art classes, outdoor movies, theater performances, youth sports, senior citizen activities, dance classes, and so much more!

For a full view of our upcoming events, please go to our community calendar by clicking here.