Springtime is when things really start to move again around here. The weather softens, patios open up, and the calendar fills quickly.
Here is what is happening in the upcoming months across York County and just over the line in South Charlotte.
Big Community Events
Come See Me Festival Preview in Rock Hill
Early spring events leading up to the larger festival season are starting to pop up. If you enjoy local traditions, this is a good time to watch for kickoff announcements and smaller gatherings.
Spring Markets in Fort Mill, Clover, York, Rock Hill, and Lake Wylie
Farmers markets and pop up vendor events begin return soon. Fort Mill's Farmers market returns in May and is held in the heart of downtown Fort Mill. Rock Hill hosts theirs at Fountain Park and that starts April 4th through the Fall. York starts back up Clover's returns on May 2nd and is held on Main Street. Lake Wylie's farmer's market starts a bit later on June 3rd and runs until September 23rd. This one is held on the Village Green on Wednesdays from 3 to 6 pm. Although you don't have to wait until June, as there's the 2026 Naked Goat Market which is returning for 2026 and will be running with a starting date of April 11th from 4 to 7:30 pm at the Goat Farm. Lastly, we can't fail to mention Bush n Vine's Spring Market starting on April 18th from 9 am to 3 pm at 1650 Filbert Hwy, York, South Carolina. So much fun and local products to enjoy!!
Community 5Ks and Charity Walks
Several early spring races and charity events are scheduled throughout the county. A good excuse to enjoy the outdoors while supporting local causes.
Here's a quick list -
March 2026
Get Shamrocked 5k/10k (Rock Hill/Fort Mill area): An annual St Patrick's - themed race often held in early to mid-March.
Coyote Classic 5k (Fort Mill): March 7th, 2026. A 5k run in Fort Mill.
Clover YMCA St. Patrick's Day 5K (Clover): March 13th, 2026. A 5k run to celebrate the season.
March for Heart 5k and Fun Run (York, SC): March 14, 2026. A 5k and Fun Run benefitting Tender Hearts Ministries, which supports local homeless shelters.
April 2026
Come-See-Me Road Race (Rock Hill): April 18th, 2026. Includes 10k, 5k, and kids' runs on the residential streets of Rock Hill.
Lions Run for Life (Lake Wylie): April 25th, 2026. Features a 10k, 5k, and 1-mile family fun walk.
Strawberry Spring and Stroll 5K & Fun Run (Fort Mill): April 25th, 2026. An official event of the SC Strawberry Festival, featuring a 5k and fun run.
Will Frederick Memorial 5k Run for The Kids (York): April 25th, 2026. An 8th annual race supporting local youth, education, and adoption funding.
May 2026
Girl's on the Run 5K (Indian Land): May 2nd, 2026. A 5k celebration for the Girls on the Run program.
Springfield Charity 5K (Fort Mill): May 9th, 2026. A family-friendly 5k supporting Big Hearts Big Family and the Children's Attention Home.
Detective Mike Doty Memorial Run (Rock Hill): May 16th, 2026. Features a 10k and 5k options, including virtual option.
St. Patrick’s Day Events in York County and Charlotte
St. Patrick’s Day brings some of the biggest and most festive events of the month. Here are a few worth marking on your calendar.
York County Picks
Old Town St. Patrick’s Day Celebration – Rock Hill - Saturday, March 14th, NOON TO 7 PM
Old Town Rock Hill typically hosts a lively celebration featuring live music, food trucks, local vendors, and plenty of family-friendly activities. It is one of the larger community gatherings in the county each year.
St. Patrick's Day Festival – Town of Clover, Friday Night, March 13th, 6-9pm. Location: 707 S. Main Street, Clover & Saturday, March 14th, 10 am TO 4pm. Location: From Clover Town Square to 707 S. Main St.
A full weekend of fun, music, food and community. They'll be live music, kids zone, a dog show and more!!
Main Street Shamrock Jam - Fort Mill, Saturday, March 14th. Downtown Fort Mill
They close off the streets and the celebration turns the town into a festival for the day with vendors, food trucks, and kids' activities. Come out for a great time.
Big Charlotte Celebrations
Charlotte St. Patrick’s Day Parade & Festival – Uptown Charlotte, Parade is Saturday, March 14th from 11 am to 1 pm and festival is 10 am to 7 pm.
One of the largest St. Patrick’s Day celebrations in the region, featuring a parade, live entertainment, vendors, and thousands of attendees each year. The parade typically runs along N. Tryon St. to 3rd St.
Charlotte Goes Green Festival – Uptown
Typically held alongside parade festivities, this large-scale celebration includes live bands, Irish dancers, food vendors, and activities throughout the day.
Charlotte St Patrick's Day Bar Crawl - Uptown, March 14th, 2026 at 2 pm to 9 pm
There's a link that will be sent to the official digital bar list page via email the week of the crawl or sooner.
Outdoor and Family Friendly Activities
As the weather warms up, you will start seeing more activity across the area.
Anne Springs Close Greenway events begin increasing
Spring Artisan Market which is held annually and is to be held on March 28th from 9 am to 2 pmj this year with 70 plus vendors.
There's a celebration for Earth Day in April with a campout and bass tournament and there's also Spring horse shows held at Greenway Stables. Plus you can always enjoy the trail races, yoga, and outdoor activities like fishing and kayaking.
Key Parks in York County, SC start to resume more organized activitiesEbenezer Park (Rock Hill): Features a beach, boat ramps, fishing, and a playground on Lake Wylie.
Kings Mountain National Military Park (Blacksburg): Offers historical hiking trails, battlefield tours, and nature walks.
Catawba Bend Preserve (Rock Hill): A 1,900-acre park with river access, hiking, and camping.
Field Day Park (Lake Wylie): Known for sports fields, playgrounds, and hosting community events.
Riverwalk Park/Trail (Rock Hill): Riverside park with a scenic trail.
Other Local Parks: Lincoln Park, McCelvey Field, Moore Park, and Wooded Valley Park.
Outdoor patios reopen across Fort Mill and Lake Wylie typically begin opening and most all are open by April. It is recommended that you check with the the specific local establishment for their exact opening date.
If you have been waiting for better weather, this is your window.
Worth the Short Drive: South Charlotte and Ballantyne
Many Fort Mill and Indian Land residents head into Ballantyne for dining and weekend events. Expanding your radius slightly opens up even more options this month, including seasonal menu launches, live music at mixed use developments, and outdoor shopping center events.
Why It Matters
One of the best parts of living here is not just the neighborhoods. It is how easy it is to plug into what is happening around you.
Whether you stay close to home or venture a few miles in any direction, March brings plenty of ways to reconnect with the community.
If we missed something you are excited about, feel free to share it with us.