Curtin Farms Fest: Where Fall Traditions and Farm Heritage Come to Life in Clover, SC

A Fall Day on a Century-Old Farm

As the sun rises over the rolling pastures of Curtin Farms in Clover, South Carolina, a steady hum of excitement begins to build. Hay bales are stacked, vendors set out handcrafted wares, and the smell of kettle corn and barbecue mingles with the crisp fall air.

For one day each year, this 100-year-old working farm transforms into a vibrant marketplace celebrating community, craftsmanship, and connection to the land. That day is Curtin Farms Fest — and it’s become one of York County’s most beloved fall traditions.

“We just wanted to share the farm,” said Laird Curtin, event manager and son of the farm’s owners. “As the population grows and farms become less common, we felt it was important to give people—especially kids—a chance to see where their food comes from.”

From Family Farm to Fall Festival

The Curtin family purchased the farm in 1985, originally raising beef cattle and maintaining it as a traditional working operation. By 2014, they saw an opportunity to open their gates to the public through school tours, summer camps, and their signature fall festival.

Today, Curtin Farms is home to more than 60 head of cattle and a menagerie of animals that would make Old MacDonald proud — alpacas, goats, pigs, turkeys, chickens, miniature horses, and donkeys.

Laird’s personal favorite are the alpacas. They’re a big part of the Curtin farms educational programs — they show how they take fleece from the alpacas and spin it into yarn for scarves and hats.

That educational focus is woven into every experience on the farm, from summer camps where children grind corn for cornbread to hands-on lessons in sustainable farming and animal care.

A Marketplace Rooted in Community

On festival day, the property buzzes with energy. More than 80 local artisans and craftsmen line the barns and pastures, selling pottery, jewelry, antiques, baked goods, and more. Two music stages fill the air with live performances, while the laughter of children drifts from the hay maze, pumpkin toss, and duck races.

“We started with 30 vendors 11 years ago,” Curtin said. “Now we’re up to 80, with food trucks, craft beer, mimosas, and all kinds of handmade goods. Every year it grows.”

Visitors can explore the barns, meet the animals, and enjoy farm-to-fork favorites from local food trucks — everything from barbecue and tacos to boba tea and kettle corn.

What makes Curtin Farms Fest truly special is its authenticity. It’s not a commercialized event space; it’s a living, working farm. Families are invited to experience it as it is — mud, hay, livestock, and all.

“You don’t need 50 acres to start farming,” Curtin shared. “You can begin small — even with chickens or a garden. And if you can’t farm yourself, support local farmers by buying their products. Every bit helps.”

The Power of Agritourism

Events like Curtin Farms Fest are part of a growing agritourism movement in South Carolina — where agriculture and tourism meet to strengthen rural communities and preserve farmland.

According to the USDA, agritourism has grown steadily over the past decade as more consumers seek hands-on, meaningful experiences that connect them to their food. In York County, it’s become an economic driver that benefits farmers, artisans, and small businesses alike.

Curtin Farms Fest is proof of that momentum. What began as a small community gathering has evolved into a regional destination that draws thousands of visitors each fall.

“Every year it gets a little bigger, and we’re grateful to everyone who comes out to support it,” Curtin said. “That’s what it’s all about — sharing the farm with others.”

A Fall Tradition Worth Keeping

By the end of the day, families linger near the music stage, kids run through the hay maze one last time, and the sun casts a golden glow across the pastures.

Events like Curtin Farms Fest are more than just seasonal fun — they’re a testament to how agriculture, art, and community intersect. They keep the spirit of South Carolina farming alive while reminding us that the simplest traditions often leave the biggest mark.

If you missed this year’s festival, mark your calendar for next October. Curtin Farms Fest happens once a year, for one day only — but its impact lasts long after the hayrides end.