Pickens County has an excellent variety of cultural opportunities, both within the boundaries of the county and within easy driving distance.

On Pendleton Street in downtown Pickens, the turreted old brick "gaol" (jail), in itself a work of art, now houses the Pickens County Art and History Museums. Following a major fire in 1994, the building has been restored and renovated to provide easier access to everyone.

Historical collections in the Museum include artifacts, papers, tools, pictures and other memorabilia from earlier times. Upstairs, the art museum maintains a contemporary collection of paintings, photography, fiber arts, ceramics and other works by local artists. Monthly exhibits show new works, and classes in various art forms are held throughout the year.

The Museum also operates Hagood Mill, a restored gristmill originally built in 1845 and open to visitors daily. The mill was fully restored in the early 1990s and continues to attract hundreds of people for demonstrations.

Community theaters in Easley and Clemson present plays and musicals throughout the year, and the Clemson University Performing Arts Center provides a full range of performances as well. Both Clemson University and Southern Wesleyan College hold concerts and lectures open to the public. Meanwhile, the Peace Center in Greenville, with its full performance calendar, is just minutes away.

The Bi-Lo Center in Greenville, features major concerts, both country and rock, throughout the year, and local college and high school sports provide a variety of entertainment opportunities for the spectator.

A wide range of community festivals - such as the Azalea Festival in Pickens, Pioneer Days in Dacusville,Central Heritage Festival and LibertyFest, provide local artisans with ample opportunity to display their arts and crafts and provide insight into the early history of Pickens County.

Community culture involves Pickens County residents in a wide range of civic clubs and service organizations, offering ample civic improvement. Most national civic organizations have chapters in the county.

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