Academic Avenue Stage – Brought to You by Bath Fitter
Located across from the Pepsi Place Stage and Kiddieland rides, and right next to the Rosewoods Building, the Academic Avenue Stage offers a lineup of free concerts and entertainment throughout the fair.
Please note: Acts are subject to change without notice.
🥜 BOILED PEANUT EATING CONTEST
Academic Avenue Stage, Oct. 08, 5:30 p.m.
Get ready to cheer, laugh, and go a little nutty as local celebrities compete to see who can eat the most boiled peanuts! It’s messy, it’s hilarious, and it’s a fan-favorite tradition you won’t want to miss at the South Carolina State Fair!
THE DENNIS LEE BAND
Academic Avenue Stage, Oct. 8 -12
Don’t miss the Dennis Lee Show, featuring his high-energy band from Memphis and the sensational Stephanie Ann on fiddle! A beloved South Carolina State Fair tradition for 43 years, the Dennis Lee Band delivers a lively mix of country hits, classic rock ‘n’ roll, heartfelt patriotic tunes, and plenty of laughs along the way.
MAD CHAD
Academic Avenue Stage, Oct. 8 – 19
Get ready for high-speed hilarity with Mad Chad Taylor, the self-proclaimed “Evil Knievel of Comedy”! Known for juggling everything from flaming tennis balls to chainsaws (yes, real ones), Mad Chad brings wild stunts, sharp wit, and fearless showmanship to every performance. It’s fast, funny, and full of edge-of-your-seat moments—perfect for fairgoers who like their comedy with a little danger. Just don’t sit too close… unless you like living on the edge!
THE EVERLY SET
Academic Avenue Stage, Oct. 13-19
Get ready for timeless harmonies and classic hits as The Everly Set brings the unforgettable music of The Everly Brothers to life. Acclaimed performers Sean Altman and Jack Skuller recreate the magic with pitch-perfect renditions of favorites like “Wake Up Little Susie,” “Bye Bye Love,” “All I Have to Do Is Dream,” and more. With energy, charm, and a deep love for the music, they celebrate the sound that influenced generations—from The Beatles to Simon & Garfunkel. It’s a nostalgic, toe-tapping tribute that’s pure Rock ’n’ Roll joy.
NICK “BURNINGUP” BLAZE
Academic Avenue Stage, Oct. 9, 8:30 to 9:00 pm
Nick “Burningup” Blaze is a passionate hip-hop artist from Spartanburg, South Carolina, known for his uplifting energy, authentic lyrics, and dedication to his craft. Raised by a hardworking single mother and grounded in faith, Nick brings a message of positivity, perseverance, and purpose to every performance. With a growing resume of shows across the Southeast—from festivals to community events—he continues to build his brand through connection, consistency, and belief in what’s possible.
Swifty Swine Racing and Swimming Pigs
Always a favorite! Guests will be treated to an action-packed, fast-paced, high-energy program as “Swifty” the swimming pig plunges into an 8-foot tank, and 4 piglets compete for first place in a series of high-speed races. It’s the fastest pig race around.
Performing daily down Academic Avenue in front of Abernathy Arena
Commerford Petting Zoo
Commerford and Sons petting zoo is a family owned and operated petting zoo featuring domestic animals and hand-raised exotic animals that just love attention. The Comerford’s have been raising animals for well over 50 years. Guests are invited to get up close and meet some members of the Commerford petting zoo family! And don’t forget to wash those hands afterwards.
Featured daily down Academic Avenue
Philip Simmons Blacksmith Guild
The Philip Simmons Blacksmith Guild was formed exclusively for educational purposes to encourage and facilitate the training of blacksmiths. The group disseminates information about sources of material and equipment, exposes the art of blacksmithing and serves as a resource for all who are interested in the craft. Demonstrations are open to the public. Guild members participate in several events throughout the year such as Ashley on the River at Magnolia Plantation in Charleston and the Renaissance Fair in Myrtle Beach.
Appearing on Academic Avenue
October 22 – 24
