Music, Films and Fun Abound at Yonder Field

It might not be Bonnaroo, but Yonder Field in Bowman is poised to make its mark as South Carolina's premiere outdoor performance venue. Situated between Charleston and Columbia, and near Interstates 95 and 26, the expansive property aims to accommodate crowds of up to 30,000. For a party that size, a serious chunk of real estate is required - 200 acres, to be exact.

Owner Stacie Darr White identified a need for South Carolina to have an outdoor complex that could accommodate top name acts and the fans who want to see them.

"I also wanted to create a plush, natural space where people could come and have an immersive music, art, food and camping experience even for single night shows," she said. "I see this venue as combining all the best ways for people to consume music outdoors."

Yonder Field was professionally designed by a golf course landscape architect, with an eye toward showcasing South Carolina's best natural features. Local artists joined in to create murals, signage and other appointments to complement and honor the agricultural heritage of the area.

With its inaugural event - a celebration of the solar eclipse - successfully in the record books, the venue is rolling out big plans for concerts, festivals, movie nights and all kinds of revelry. A beer festival with a dozen bands, including Dr. John, Villanova and Danielle Howe, and a music festival featuring Dispatch and four other bands is scheduled for October 2017. Each event runs two days, with tailgating, camping and more. Check the website often for added events.

With two stages, a campground and a roundup of food trucks and other vendors at most events, the venue holds special appeal for fun-seekers who come to hear live music, mingle with a lively crowd or experience a largely lost phenomenon called the drive-in movie theater.

See first-run films on the outdoor big screen at Movies Rock! on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Watch from the comfort of your car, piping audio through your FM radio, or bring your chairs, pillows and blankets for film night under the stars. Couch potatoes will love the VIP option to secure a sofa for outdoor viewing. Arrive early for live music, then grab some chow from the assortment of food trucks. Coolers are permitted, but no glass or liquor allowed. For full guidelines, check the website.

Not in the mood for music? Too antsy to sit through a movie? There's always cornhole and other games set up to guarantee your amusement. This is the stuff of family traditions, so pack up the kids and do something that's festive, outdoorsy, a little retro and a whole lot of fun.