PICKENS — Local residents will have a chance to warm up their winter with the soulful sounds of the Piedmont Blues at Hagood Mill Historic Site’s annual Deep Winter Blues Festival from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 15.

The beloved event celebrates the rich blues history of Upstate South Carolina, bringing together exceptional performers and timeless traditions for a day of music, culture and fun.

This year’s headliners include Chuck Beattie, a Chicago-style blues legend known as “Dr. Blues,” and Veronika Jackson, whose acoustic folk style blends African-American culture and authentic storytelling.

Joining them are celebrated performers Freddie Vanderford, Steve McGaha and David Donar, showcasing the Piedmont blues’ vibrant legacy.

Beyond the music, the festival will feature:

• Folklife and traditional arts demonstrations: Watch artisans and living history demonstrators in action and shop for unique, handcrafted treasures.
• Kids’ activities: Fun for the whole family.
• 1845 water-powered gristmill in operation: Witness a piece of history grinding fresh stone-ground cornmeal, grits and flours, available for purchase alongside Hagood Mill cookbooks and other items.

The event will take place at the enclosed Heritage Pavilion, heated for visitors’ comfort. Guests are encouraged to bring chairs and dress warmly to enjoy the festival atmosphere.

Admission is $8 per person or $10 at the gate, and children 12 and under are free. Admission includes access to the Hagood Mill Historic Site, the Heritage Pavilion and the South Carolina Petroglyph Site. Proceeds support the site’s operations.

Located at 138 Hagood Mill Road, just off U.S. Highway 178 near Pickens, Hagood Mill Historic Site operates Wednesday through Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., year-round.

For more details, call (864) 898-2936, visit visithagoodmill.com or follow the site on Facebook @visithagoodmill.

Located in the heart of Pickens, Hagood Mill Historic Site proclaims itself “a treasured destination dedicated to preserving and celebrating the region’s rich cultural heritage.”

Established in 1845, the site features a historic gristmill, cultural exhibits and a vibrant calendar of events showcasing traditional arts, music and history.

Home to the South Carolina Rock Art Center, Hagood Mill serves as a hub for education, discovery and preservation of Native American rock art and other significant cultural artifacts.

Through its programs and initiatives, the site “fosters a deep connection to the past while inspiring future generations to appreciate and protect South Carolina’s unique history,” according to a news release.