Driving School in Jamestown, SC

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.

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.

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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.

BERKELEY COUNTY, S.C. — One of the biggest names in music right now is heading straight to Berkeley County, and fans won’t have to travel far to see him.

Three-time Grammy winner Jelly Roll is set to take the stage at Credit One Stadium on Sunday, June 7, bringing his high-energy, emotionally charged performance to the Lowcountry.

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While Jelly Roll is also touring massive stadiums alongside Post Malone, this Daniel Island stop offers something different — a more intimate concert experience that puts fans closer to the music, the stories and the raw emotion that have fueled his meteoric rise.

For the Lowcountry, it’s another major moment.

Credit One Stadium continues to draw nationally recognized artists, and this show is expected to bring fans from across the region to Daniel Island — boosting local excitement and putting the county squarely on the entertainment map.

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Jelly Roll, a Nashville native known for blending country, rock and hip-hop, has built a loyal following through his deeply personal lyrics and powerful live performances. His latest album, Beautifully Broken, debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 and helped earn him multiple Grammy wins earlier this year.

From chart-topping hits like “Need a Favor” to newer fan favorites, his shows have become known for turning into shared, emotional experiences — part concert, part testimony. Concert ticket’s can be purchased at this link.

MONCKS CORNER, S.C. — A local push to keep Berkeley County clean is calling on volunteers to roll up their sleeves later this month.

Keep Berkeley Beautiful, in partnership with several other groups, is hosting a community cleanup event along the Biggin Creek Trail on Thursday, March 26, 2026.

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Organizers say the effort will focus on a stretch of the trail behind the Food Lion on North U.S. Highway 52 — an area that sees regular foot traffic but also, at times, accumulates litter.

Volunteers are asked to meet in the Food Lion parking lot at 608 N. U.S. Highway 52 between 8 a.m. and 1 p.m. Participants can come for all or part of the event.

To make it easy for residents to pitch in, organizers say all supplies — including gloves, bags, and other cleanup materials — will be provided. Snacks, water, and lunch will also be available for volunteers.

The cleanup is part of ongoing efforts by Keep Berkeley Beautiful and local leaders to preserve natural spaces and encourage community involvement in environmental stewardship.

Community members of all ages are encouraged to attend and help make a visible difference along one of Moncks Corner’s well-known outdoor spots. To participate in the cleanup, volunteers are encouraged to register at this link.

MONCKS CORNER, S.C. — There’s growing optimism across Berkeley County after the first round of water quality testing tied to a major Santee Cooper water line break has passed state safety standards.

Officials said Thursday that the initial test results met all requirements, marking a key step toward lifting boil water advisories that have impacted thousands of residents since the early-week infrastructure failure.

According to Santee Cooper, a second round of testing is now underway, with results expected Friday morning. If those results also meet safety standards, local water systems will be cleared to lift their boil water advisories.

“We know this has been a long week for everyone involved,” Santee Cooper officials posted to Facebook, thanking crews who worked through multiple nights to repair the damaged pipe and restore service.

Local governments echoed that cautious optimism while emphasizing that the advisory remains in place for now.

The City of Goose Creek said its Public Works Department was notified that the first sample passed, and a second sample was collected early Thursday morning. Until final clearance is given, residents should still boil their water before use.

Berkeley County officials also confirmed the passing test result, noting that only certain Water and Sanitation customers remain under the advisory — specifically those impacted by Monday’s break.

“Please continue to boil your water before drinking,” county leaders said, adding that customers will be notified immediately once the advisory is lifted.

The Town of Summerville shared a similar message, stating that while the first test met state standards, advisories will remain in effect until a second successful result is confirmed.

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If all goes as expected, officials say residents could see restrictions lifted as early as Friday morning, bringing relief after days of disruptions tied to one of the region’s more significant water system issues in recent months.