Hagood Mill Historic Site invites the community and visitors from across the region to experience the Inaugural Upcountry Grits Festival, taking place May 15–16, 2026, at the historic site located at 138 Hagood Mill Road in Pickens, South Carolina. This first-of-its-kind event celebrates one of the South’s most iconic staples—stoneground grits—while showcasing the rich culture, music, and traditions of the Upcountry. Set against the scenic backdrop of Hagood Mill, the festival blends authentic Appalachian heritage with a lively, family-friendly atmosphere. The weekend kicks off on Friday, May 15 with a 7:30 p.m. concert inside the Heritage Pavilion featuring performances by Reedy River String Band and Wasted Wine. Admission for the Friday night concert is $10, with gates opening earlier in the day for campers. Friday Music Lineup: • Reedy River String Band • Wasted Wine On Saturday, May 16, the festival continues from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM with a full day of live music, food, contests, and hands-on experiences. Admission is $5, making it an accessible event for families and visitors of all ages. Live Music Includes: • Jimmy Buffett Tribute Band – Hunter Holmes and The Daydreamers • Rachel Van Slyke • Marshall Goers and Brooke Lauer • Wicker and Jones • Creekwater Collective In addition to live performances, attendees can enjoy a wide variety of grits-inspired dishes, shop with local vendors, and participate in fun, interactive activities throughout the day. Grits Showdown Competition A highlight of the festival will be the “Grits Showdown at Hagood Mill,” a cooking competition featuring dishes made with Hagood Mill’s own freshly milled stoneground grits. Contestants will compete for prizes and bragging rights, with entries due by 1:00 PM on Saturday at the registration table in front of the Heritage Pavilion. Festival goers will also have the opportunity to experience traditional Appalachian skills through live demonstrations, including blacksmithing, basket weaving, quilting, pottery, and more—offering a unique glimpse into the region’s living history. For those looking to make it a full weekend experience, on-site primitive camping will be available for $10 per person for one night or $15 per person for two nights (ages 10 and up). “The Upcountry Grits Festival is a celebration of our region’s heritage, food, and music,” said organizers. “It’s an opportunity to bring people together around traditions that have been passed down for generations while creating a new signature event for Hagood Mill.” The Inaugural Upcountry Grits Festival is expected to draw visitors from across the Upstate and beyond, highlighting Hagood Mill as one of Pickens County’s premier cultural and tourism destinations. Event Details: May 15–16, 2026 Hagood Mill Historic Site, 138 Hagood Mill Rd, Pickens, SC Admission: $10 (Friday Concert), $5 (Saturday Festival) For more information and to order tickets, visit: visithagoodmill.com/grits | 
