Town Events

 🐟 Just Keep Over to Swimming... to Haynes Auditorium! 🌊 Get ready for an underwater adventure because our next FREE Summer Movie is here! On Tuesday, June 16th, we’re diving deep into the ocean to find everyone’s favorite clownfish.  📅 When: Tuesday, June 16th
🕙 Time: 10:00 AM
📍 Where: Haynes Auditorium (423 College St)
🎬 Feature Film: Finding Nemo  Don’t worry about snacks—the wonderful ladies from Hulon Baptist Church will be back with their famous complimentary popcorn! 🍿 It’s seasoned just right and perfectly okay to eat before lunch.  Admission is FREE for all families, so grab your gear and swim on over for a morning of fun! 🐠🐢  

🎬 SUMMER MOVIE NIGHT 🦸‍♂️

Get ready for an epic movie night! Join us for a special community showing of Superman (2025). Whether you’re a lifelong fan or ready for a new adventure, this is the perfect way to spend a summer evening. Be sure to adjust your calendar to the updated time and move indoors to Haynes Auditorium. 

📅 Event Details

• When: Saturday, June 20^th
• Time: 8:00 PM
• Where: Inside Haynes Auditorium, College Park, 423 College Street (The two story building at the park.)
• Movie: Superman (2025 version rated PG-13)
• Admission: FREE 

🎥 Movie Details

• In his signature style, James Gunn takes on the original superhero in the newly imagined DC universe with a singular blend of epic action, humor and heart, delivering a Superman who’s driven by compassion and an inherent belief in the goodness of humankind.
  • Production year: 2025
  • Rating: PG-13
  • Runtime: 122 minutes

🚚 Food & Drinks

We’ll have a local dessert food truck on-site serving up delicious eats and refreshments starting at 7:30 p.m. You are also welcome to bring your own snacks.

• Nonnie's Pops: Nonnie’s Pops focuses on nostalgic treats, bringing freshly made, high-quality ice cream to every event. The Pop-Pop is their signature handcrafted ice cream sandwich. All the Gourmet Pops are hand crafted and locally made ice cream pops. 

💡 Pro-Tips for a Great Night

• Arrive Early: Come grab your spot early and enjoy the pre-movie atmosphere.
• Invite Someone: Send a family member or friend a text inviting them to join you at the movie. 

The Town of Batesburg-Leesville will host a landmark 150th/250th anniversary celebration on Friday, July 3, 2026, starting at 4:00 PM at College Park (423 College Street). This event commemorates 150 years of the town’s establishment and 250 years of American independence. 

Event Highlights

• 4:00 PM – Picnic on the Lawn & Local History: Bring your blankets and chairs and join us on the lawn of College Park.
  • Presentation of Flags and Pledge of Allegiance as well a Town Proclamation
  • Old-Fashioned Games: Kids and adults can enjoy game stations featuring games from 250 years ago led by Harvest West Church.
  • Living History: Hear a keynote history talk from JR Fennell of the Lexington County Museum. He will share tales of our town as well as Revolutionary War battles and skirmishes that took place nearby.
  • Living History Storytelling: Sara Damewood will tell a tall tale for children and adults called "A Penny's Worth," a trip into America's past to see what a penny will buy.  She will also present about Revolutionary-War-Era Songs, including a sing-a-long.    
  • Museum Pop-Ups: Explore a temporary local history museum in the cafeteria and a visual history presentation in the Haynes Auditorium foyer.
  • For the Kids: The Batesburg-Leesville Library will host a special heritage story time under the tent and Hulon Baptist will be making balloon animals.
  • Patriotic Crafts: Trina Floyd of Chinaberry Dreams will offer two engaging, hands-on activities suitable for all ages. One is transforming ordinary river stones into vibrant, star-spangled keepsakes. The second is brushing raw wool fibers using traditional hand carders to prepare them for spinning.
  • Time Capsule: Selected items that represent our town today will be sealed and then reopened in 50 years!
  • The Soundtrack of the Past: From 4:00–6:00 PM, enjoy live music from Don Hydrick with the band April and Friends in Haynes Auditorium, featuring hits from the legendary WBLR Jamboree days.
    
     

The Main Stage Lineup

• 6:00 PM – Scott Robinson, Master Magician: Straight from Newberry, Scott Robinson of Main Street Magic brings a high-energy, 45-minute family magic show to the main stage.
• 7:30 PM – Killer Beez: Get ready to dance as one of the region's favorite bands takes over the stage for a headline performance.
• 9:00 PM – Closing Celebration on the Lawn: A finale featuring a glow-in-the-dark experience. 

Community Participation:

• Letters to the Future: Current town residents write a message to someone living in the town in 2076. Look for a June 4th  Facebook post with submission deadline of June 19. (www.facebook.com/TownBatesburgLeesville/ )
• Predictions for 2076: Guess what Batesburg-Leesville will look like in 50 years; the most interesting ones will be presented at the event. Look for a  June 18 Facebook post with a July 1 submission deadline. (www.facebook.com/TownBatesburgLeesville/ )

Costume Contest

• Categories
  • Most Patriotic Pete/Polly: The ultimate expression of red, white, and blue.
  • Most Creative/Original: Think outside the box—Uncle Sam on stilts, an Eagle, or a human firecracker!
  • Best Family/Group: Gather the whole crew for a coordinated themed look.
  • Little Firecracker (Ages 10 & Under): For our youngest patriots.
• Contest Guidelines
  • Family-Friendly: All costumes are to be tasteful and appropriate for a community audience.
  • Safety First: No real weapons, sharp objects, or open flames are permitted as part of a costume.
  • Check-In: All contestants register and receive an entry number before 5:30 PM to walk the stage.
  • Judging: Winners selected by a panel of community leaders based on creativity, effort, and crowd response.
• How to Enter
  • Just show up in your gear and sign up at the registration table by the main stage on July 3rd. Winners will be announced directly after the judging, right before the evening magic show kicks off!

Food Vendors

A curated lineup of food trucks will be on-site, including: 

• CluckinRight (chicken)
• Taco Butts (tacos)
• T's Squeezed Lemonade (drinks and desserts)
• Nonnie Pops (ice cream and desserts)
• Celebration Cakes (desserts)
• Death Before Decaf (coffee drinks)

 🐰 Welcome to the Urban Jungle, Batesburg-Leesville! 🦊Ready for a "wild" Tuesday morning? Our FREE Summer Movie Series continues on July 14th as we head to the bustling metropolis of Zootopia! Join Officer Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde for an adventure that proves anyone can be anything.  📅 When: Tuesday, July 14th
🕙 Time: 10:00 AM
📍 Where: Haynes Auditorium (423 College St)
🎬 Feature Film: Zootopia  It wouldn't be a movie day without a snack! Our favorite local "concessionaires" from Hulon Baptist Church will be on hand once again to serve their famous, complimentary popcorn. It’s the perfect treat to enjoy while you watch the mystery unfold on the big screen! 🍿  Admission is FREE, so gather up your friends and family and come cool off in the AC with us! 🦒🐆      

🕸️ "Some Pig" and a Great Movie! 🐷  It’s been an incredible summer, but all good things must come to an end! Join us for our FINAL indoor Summer Movie Series event on Tuesday, July 28th, as we enjoy the heartwarming story of Charlotte's Web.  📅 When: Tuesday, July 28th
🕙 Time: 10:00 AM
📍 Where: Haynes Auditorium (423 College St)
🎬 Feature Film: Charlotte's Web The ladies of Hulon Baptist Church are making one last  appearance this season to serve up their legendary popcorn—completely FREE! 🍿 We can’t thank them enough for keeping our community fueled with snacks all summer long. Admission is FREE, so let’s fill the auditorium one last time to celebrate friendship, bravery, and a very special spider. 🕷️         

The Lonesome Outlaws are heading to Batesburg-Leesville! 🎶  If you’re looking for authentic Country music with a few extra flavors mixed in, you won't want to miss this show. Grab your lawn chairs, your cowboy hat, a friend or two and join us for a night of great tunes! 📅 When: August 15 @ 7:00 PM
📍 Where: College Park (423 College Street)
☔ Rain Plan: In case of bad weather, we’ll move the party inside to Haynes Auditorium. See you there, outlaws! 🎸 Want to know more about this band? Follow them on their Facebook page: www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100092274210226

  Food Truck features:  

• ROOTS Southern BBQ celebrates Southern hospitality with authentic BBQ made with love and tradition. They blend family recipes with fresh ingredients, creating memorable experiences that honor their roots and cultivate new traditions. Best part - it is South Carolina style!
• Nonnie Pops: Nonnie’s Pops focuses on nostalgic treats, bringing freshly made, high-quality ice cream to every event. The Pop-Pop is their signature handcrafted ice cream sandwich. All the Gourmet Pops are hand crafted and locally made ice cream pops. 

Get your appetites ready! The Foodees Food & Culture Festival, one of the Southeast’s largest traveling food experiences, has officially added Batesburg-Leesville to its grand 2026 tour.

The Foodees organization and the town are working together to create a three-day celebration of flavor, creativity, and community and it is scheduled to land in the heart of Batesburg-Leesville September 11–13, 2026. What could be better than spending a weekend eating amazing food?

What to Expect

• A Foodie’s Paradise: Over 40 food trucks and vendors serving everything from smoky Southern BBQ and global street eats to over-the-top gourmet desserts.
• Artisan Marketplace: Dozens of local and regional crafters and artisans showcasing handmade jewelry, home décor, art, and unique gifts.
• Free Admission: As always, entry to the festival is completely free for everyone.

Event Details

• Dates and times:
• Friday, Sept. 11, 1 PM – 9 PM
• Saturday, Sept 12, 11 AM – 9 PM
• Sunday, Sept. 13, 11 AM – 7 PM
   
• Location:  The former high school athletic field next to the Lifelong Learning Center, 101 West Columbia Ave, Batesburg.
• Admission: FREE!  Pre-registration is encouraged on the official Foodees website to help vendors prepare. www.foodeesfest.com/events-2/batesburg-leesville
• Vibe: Rain or shine, the festival brings high-energy "good vibes" and a celebration of local culture.

We want to include local food trucks and craft vendors in this event. Interested in participating, apply here:  www.eventeny.com/events/vendor/?id=46020

Get ready, Batesburg-Leesville, because things are about to get spooky—and sweet! 🎃

Dust off those costumes and grab your candy buckets, because Halloween on Main is officially taking over! On October 31st, from 6:00 to 8:00 PM, Main Street in Leesville is transforming into the ultimate trick-or-treating headquarters for our kids.

We’re talking mountain-sized piles of candy, enough treats to satisfy every sweet tooth in town, and a festive atmosphere that’s more "fun" than "fright." Whether you’re coming as a superhero, a dinosaur, or something totally unique, this is the one night where the whole town gathers for some serious sugar-fueled fun. Don't miss out on the best block party of the year! Bring the kids, invite the neighbors, and let’s fill those candy bags. 🍬

 To help you and your "spooky squad" have a stress-free night in Batesburg-Leesville, here is a handy guide for the big night on October 31st.

🎃 Parent’s "Survival" Checklist

Don’t let a dead phone or a blister ruin the fun! Make sure you’ve packed these essentials:

• Flashlights & Glow Sticks: As the sun sets, staying visible is the number one priority for safe trick-or-treating.
• Comfortable Shoes: You’ll be doing plenty of laps between Hwy. 1 and College Street.
• Stroller or Rolling Cart: For those kids who get tired of walking, bring a mode of transportation other than your arms.
• Weather-Ready Layers: October nights in South Carolina can get chilly. You might need to pack a light jacket that fits over costumes or add layers underneath the costume.

🚗 Where to Park

Since Main Street will be bustling with foot traffic, here are the best places to ditch the car:

• Grassy Area Near the Railroad: Traditionally, the town recommends parking in the grassy area between Highway 23 and the railroad tracks (the same spot used for the South Carolina Poultry Festival).
• Side Streets: Parking is typically available on the side streets surrounding the Leesville Business District, but be careful not to block resident driveways.
• Please note: Main Street from Highway 1 to College Park will be shut down to car traffic. This is where the foot traffic for Halloween on Main will be. 

If your organization or church would like to volunteer to serve at this event, please contact the town’s event planner at kperry [at] batesburg-leesville.org (kperry[at]batesburg-leesville[dot]org)  We are looking forward to including more groups this year. 

This Veterans Day, our town pauses to honor the courage and sacrifice of our local heroes. We unite to say "thank you" to the brave men and women who served our nation. Their dedication ensures our freedom and protects our cherished community. 

A Community United in Gratitude
In our town, Veterans Day is deeply personal. It’s not just a holiday; it’s a day for neighbors to honor neighbors. As we see the American flags waving in front of businesses and homes, we are reminded of the high cost of freedom and the resilience of those who wore the uniform. 

How You Can Participate

• Display the Flag: Fly your American flag to show support.
• Send a Note: Take a moment to write a letter or card to a veteran in your neighborhood.
• Attend the Ceremony: Join us for the ceremony on Nov 11th to honor our heroes in person. 

Let us keep the spirits of our veterans alive and ensure their sacrifices are never forgotten. To all who have served, thank you for your courage, dedication, and dedication. 

"Land of the free, because of the brave."

Hop on Over to the Batesburg-Leesville Easter Hunt!

Grab your baskets and put on your bunny ears! The Town of Batesburg-Leesville invites all our little neighbors ages 8 and under for an "egg-stra" special night of fun at the park.

• When: Wednesday, March 24^th, 2027
• Time: Activities start at 5:30 pm, with the hunt beginning shortly after
• Where: College Park, 423 College Street, Leesville

What to Expect:

• The Big Hunt: Specifically designed for different ages and little legs, with thousands of colorful eggs for children to collect.
• Sweet Treats: Plenty of candy and small toys are hidden in the eggs for our young hunters.
• Fun: Activities to celebrate the spring season including pictures with our legendary Easter Bunny, bounce houses, special music, games, representatives of our fire department and police department, and so much more. 

Quick Tips for Parents:

• Bring Your Own Basket: Make sure every hunter has a bag or basket to collect their loot.
• Dress for the Weather: While we’re hoping for a warm sunny day, please check the forecast before heading to the park.
• Sensory Needs: If your family is attending with a special needs child, please contact us at kperry [at] batesburg-leesville.org (kperry[at]batesburg-leesville[dot]org) so that we may receive your child well. 

Get ready to flap your wings and fly over to the Twin Cities for the annual South Carolina Poultry Festival in Batesburg-Leesville! Held every year on the weekend before Mother’s Day, this multi-day event transforms Main Street into a bustling celebration of the state’s billion-dollar poultry industry. 

Visitors can indulge in the legendary "chicken on a stick," browse over 100 craft vendors, and enjoy live entertainment across three stages. The festivities are scheduled for May 6th through 8th of 2027, featuring a Saturday morning parade with over 100 units and concluding with a breath-taking fireworks show.

The fun doesn't stop at the food—there’s something for every member of the brood! Thrill-seekers can take advantage of "One-Price Ride Night" on Thursday, while Friday features a community street dance and musical performances. Competitive spirits can join the Chicken Calling Contest, a car and tractor show, or the 5K road race. 

For more details on the schedule and registration for contests, visit the South Carolina Poultry Festival website. Please note: this is not a town planned event; the town is a sponsor. 

Prepare for an epic morning of tactical fun at Camo Clash, a mother/son adventure hosted by the town of Batesburg-Leesville. This high-energy event is designed for boys aged 12 and younger and their mothers (or special adult mentors) to bond through friendly competition and outdoor play.

Event Details

• Date & Time: Saturday, May 22nd, 2027 from 10:00 am – 11:30 am.
• Location: Train Depot Park, 410 Wilson St, Batesburg.
• Attire: Gear up in your favorite camo or wear green to blend into the battlefield.
• Bring: A nerf gun per person. If you don’t have one, we will have some for you to borrow.  
  Safety glasses and a water bottle are good ideas, too. 

Activities

• Nerf Gun War: The main attraction features a tactical showdown. Participants should come ready for a "Moms vs. Sons" style battle and team-based skirmishes including Capture the Flag or Last Man Standing. Note: 2.5" nerf darts will be provided.
• Other Challenges: Additional activities and "boy-themed" games will be available to keep the energy high throughout the morning. 

Community Participation

This event emphasizes inclusivity and community connection: 

• For Women: If you don't have a son, you are encouraged to invite a neighbor or a child from your church to join you.
• For Boys: If a mom isn't available, boys are welcome to bring a grandmother, aunt, or another special friend to participate as their partner.