JAMESTOWN, S.C. — If you hear banjos, smell slow-cooked barbecue and spot a few alligator-themed outfits in the distance, don’t worry — it’s just that time of year again.
The legendary Hell Hole Swamp Festival is making its return in 2026, promising a few days of what organizers proudly call “swampy fun” in the rural Lowcountry. To get there, simply program your GPS to 116 Steelshed Lane in Jamestown. You can’t miss it.
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The festivities kick off Saturday, April 25, with one of the festival’s most beloved traditions: the Hell Hole Beauty Pageant. Set for 11 a.m. at The Steel Shed, the event offers a glamorous (and sometimes delightfully quirky) start to a celebration that leans heavily into local charm.
Things officially get underway Sunday, April 26, with an opening ceremony at 11 a.m., marking the start of a multi-day celebration that blends small-town tradition with larger-than-life entertainment.
By the time the main festival rolls around Friday, May 1, and Saturday, May 2, Jamestown transforms into a hub of food, music and family fun — with the Backyard BBQ Cook-Off taking center stage. Pitmasters will fire up their grills in a smoky showdown that’s as competitive as it is delicious.
Beyond the barbecue, visitors can expect a packed lineup of live music, amusement rides and a wide range of food and craft vendors — meaning there’s just as much to see as there is to eat.
And yes, the festival parade — a Jamestown staple — returns Saturday at 11 a.m., bringing tractors, floats and plenty of local flair through the streets.
The weekend wraps up with a fireworks show Saturday night, lighting up the swamp sky in a grand finale that organizers say is not to be missed.
For those looking to join in on the action, vendor applications are now open, offering a chance to be part of one of the area’s most unique and talked-about events.
📅 Event Schedule:
Saturday, April 25th @ 11:00 AM: Hell Hole Beauty Pageant 👑
Location: The Steel Shed. Come cheer on the contestants as the festivities kick off
Sunday, April 26th @ 11:00 AM: Opening Ceremony ✂️
Friday & Saturday, May 1st – 2nd: The Main Festival & BBQ Cook-Off
Rain or shine, organizers say the Hell Hole Swamp Festival will go on — proving once again that in Berkeley County, a little mud, music and maybe even a gator or two make for a pretty unforgettable good time.
