BellFest: Celebrating the Oconee Bell
DATE
March
21,
2026
TIME
10:00 am - 3:00 pm
LOCATION
161 Holcombe Cir, Salem
Event Details
Step into the Jocassee Gorges for a botanical event unlike any other. BellFest celebrates the Oconee Bell (Shortia galacifolia), a rare wildflower found only in a few isolated mountain locations in the Carolinas and Georgia. Hosted by the Friends of Jocassee, this festival coincides with the flower’s brief 2-3 week blooming window.
The festival is packed with educational and family-oriented activities. Visitors can join guided interpretive walks along the Oconee Bell Nature Trail, an easy one-mile loop where the flowers thrive in moist, wooded ravines. Beyond the botany, the day features live music from local performers, a silent auction, and authentic BBQ. It is a peaceful, community-focused celebration of one of South Carolina’s most unique natural treasures.
Event Highlights:
-
Guided Nature Walks: Master Naturalists lead small groups to the best viewing spots and share the fascinating 200-year history of the flower’s discovery.
-
Live Entertainment: Enjoy local musicians while browsing vendor booths featuring regional crafts and nature-themed items.
-
Family Activities: Children’s crafts and interactive games designed to teach kids about the local ecosystem.
-
BBQ & Silent Auction: Proceeds from the BBQ and auction go directly toward the conservation efforts of the Friends of Jocassee.
-
Villa Raffle: A chance to win a two-night stay in a Devils Fork State Park mountain villa.
Guided Hikes: Occur throughout the day (Registration for park-led ranger walks on other dates, like March 19th, may require a separate fee).
Note: Parking is limited. The park often reaches capacity during BellFest; visitors are encouraged to arrive early.
Admission: Park entry fee applies ($8 adults; $5 seniors; $4 children 6-15).
Devils Fork State Park,
161 Holcombe Cir
Salem, SC 29676 United States
Salem, SC 29676 United States
Step into the Jocassee Gorges for a botanical event unlike any other. BellFest celebrates the Oconee Bell (Shortia galacifolia), a rare wildflower found only in a few isolated mountain locations in the Carolinas and Georgia. Hosted by the Friends of Jocassee, this festival coincides with the flower’s brief 2-3 week blooming window.
The festival is packed with educational and family-oriented activities. Visitors can join guided interpretive walks along the Oconee Bell Nature Trail, an easy one-mile loop where the flowers thrive in moist, wooded ravines. Beyond the botany, the day features live music from local performers, a silent auction, and authentic BBQ. It is a peaceful, community-focused celebration of one of South Carolina’s most unique natural treasures.
Event Highlights:
-
Guided Nature Walks: Master Naturalists lead small groups to the best viewing spots and share the fascinating 200-year history of the flower’s discovery.
-
Live Entertainment: Enjoy local musicians while browsing vendor booths featuring regional crafts and nature-themed items.
-
Family Activities: Children’s crafts and interactive games designed to teach kids about the local ecosystem.
-
BBQ & Silent Auction: Proceeds from the BBQ and auction go directly toward the conservation efforts of the Friends of Jocassee.
-
Villa Raffle: A chance to win a two-night stay in a Devils Fork State Park mountain villa.
Guided Hikes: Occur throughout the day (Registration for park-led ranger walks on other dates, like March 19th, may require a separate fee).
Note: Parking is limited. The park often reaches capacity during BellFest; visitors are encouraged to arrive early.
Admission: Park entry fee applies ($8 adults; $5 seniors; $4 children 6-15).