ROCK HILL, SOUTH CAROLINA – Rock Hill’s award-winning festival, Come-See-Me, holds many of its signature events on the Winthrop University campus.
For more than 50 years, Come-See-Me has served as the city’s annual salute to spring. With nearly 80 events and activities during this year’s festival on April 4-13, there are beautiful gardens to see, games and music to enjoy, and a host of activities for the family.
The April 13 fireworks extravaganza at the Winthrop Lake is one of the largest outdoor events in York County and serves as the festival finale.
Check out this list of major Winthrop-related Come-See-Me events or events on the campus/Winthrop Lake area:
Come-See-Me Road Races
Saturday, April 6, 7:30 a.m.
Winthrop Coliseum
All races will begin and end at the Coliseum. All runners are asked to bring a pair
of old athletic shoes for recycling. Race options include a one-mile fun run (free);
a 5K ($35); and a 10K ($55). Race-day registration available from 7-7:30 a.m. Please
arrive 30 minutes before your scheduled race.
Gourmet Gardens
Saturday, April 6, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
Winthrop Lake
Enjoy food from local vendors as well as music and games in the kids’ area. Cash only.
Cornhole Throwdown
Saturday, April 6, noon
Winthrop Lake
Male, female and co-ed teams of two will compete for cash prizes for the top three
spots. The format is a Round Robin tournament with random seeding. The top two teams
of each flight advance to a single elimination tournament. Register online for $40
per team. Event day registration is $50 per team. Registration fee is non-refundable
and non-transferable. Teams must check in by 11:45 a.m., bags fly at noon.
Teddy Bear Tea Party
Tuesday, April 9, 3:30-4:30 p.m.
Richardson Ballroom
DiGiorgio Campus Center
First Lady Laura Mahony will host boys and girls, ages 3 to 6 with an adult chaperone,
for this special spring tea party. Bring one new or gently used toy for a local children’s
charity for entry. This event is a roaming festival-style party with stations for
activities. You must register to attend. Register at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/teddy-bear-tea-party-w-come-see-me-festival-2019-tickets-54358738450
Moonlight Jazz & Blues
Friday, April 12, 6-10 p.m.
Winthrop Lake
Tickets are $5 for adults 21 and older. Cash only. There is a $5 parking fee. Bring
a picnic, cooler, chair or blanket and relax with friends. Not up for a picnic? Let
the professionals do the cooking for you and walk over to the Barbeque Cook-Off “Anything
but Butts” competition where for $1 per sample you can delight in a variety of dishes
ranging from gumbo to barbeque chicken to desserts. Samples available from 6:30 p.m.
until sold out.
Barbeque Cook-Off
Saturday, April 13, 10 a.m.
Winthrop Lake
Area barbeque masters demonstrate their skills at the annual Come-See-Me Barbeque
Cook-Off. Judged by the South Carolina Barbeque Association. Judging begins at 10
a.m., sales begin at 3 p.m. Register online to participate in the competition.
Mayor’s Frog Jump
Saturday, April 13, noon-2 p.m.
Winthrop Lake
Bring your own frog or borrow one at the event and jump into the fun. Registration
begins at 11:30 a.m. and the race starts promptly at noon. Prizes will be awarded
at 2 p.m. to the top three FROGtastic winners.
Hops at the Park
Saturday, April 13, 2-7 p.m.
Winthrop Lake
Taste approximately 40 of the best craft beverages in the Carolinas at this third
annual Hops at the Park sampling garden or purchase your full-size favorites. Enjoy
live music and food while you relax around beautiful Winthrop Lake.
Beverages (beer and wine) in the general admission area may be purchased from 2-7
p.m. for $5 each. All guests over 21 must present ID to receive a general admission
wristband, which is required for beverage purchases.
Tailgate Party and Fireworks Finale
Saturday, April 13, 3-10 p.m.
Winthrop Lake
There will be live entertainment from 3:30-9 p.m. on the Founders Federal Credit Union
Stage and fireworks to close out the night. Skydiving and barbeque sales in between.
Entry fee is $5 for adults 21 & older (valid IDs required). Cash only. Free for those
under 21. Parking is $5 per car in the Winthrop Coliseum parking areas; no vehicles
are allowed into the lake area.
Winthrop is one of the Come-See-Me festival’s presenting sponsors. There are also art exhibitions, plays, music and sports events held at Winthrop during the festival. Check out the complete calendar of events.
