BAMA manages several museums and a community space and offers activities and events, most free to the public. The Belton Area Museum Association operates the Ruth Drake Museum, the SC Tennis Hall of Fame, the North End Gallery, a gift shop and a performance venue all housed in the historic Belton Train Depot.
The South Carolina Tennis Hall of Fame, located in the historic Belton Depot on Main Street in Belton, is one of the finest sports museums in the country. Opened in 1984, the Hall of Fame honors the state’s top players (both professional and amateur), renowned coaches, and tennis officials. Trophies, racquets and other tennis memorabilia from the past are on display.
Several yearly events are sponsored by BAMA: The Community-Wide Craft and Rummage Sale, the annual Halloween Ghost Walk, Heritage Days at the Depot, a traditional Turkey Shoot, and community Christmas festivities. Our staff and board members are also instrumental in the planning and implementation of the Belton Standpipe Heritage and Arts Festival, the SC State Chili Cook-Off Championships, and the Palmetto Junior Tennis Tournament. We are also a stop on the SC National Heritage Corridor.
The Belton Area Museum Association was founded in 1975 by concerned citizens of Belton. The organization’s purpose is to collect, exhibit, preserve, and interpret the artifacts, sites, antiquities, and genealogical, archival, cultural, and natural history of Belton, SC, Anderson County, SC and The State of South Carolina. BAMA also provides cultural enrichment, intellectual stimulation, learning opportunities, and activities to increase the appreciation of the traditional, visual, and performing arts.
Founded in 1975, the Belton Area Museum Association oversees the Ruth Drake Museum of Local History, the SC Tennis Hall of Fame, the North End Gallery, and the Center Section Event Venue. In 2025, the museum celebrates its 50th anniversary!
Openings of exhibits with ancillary activities, trunk show presentations in area classrooms, walking tours of Belton, summer camps for children, and participation in community events—all help our staff and volunteers achieve our mission and highlight our facility.
12 member board of directors
No appointment necessary.
Access: General Public, Scholars
Appointment required: False
07:00 AM - 06:00 PM
16th Annual South Carolina State Chili Cook-off Championship April 18, 2026
Downtown Belton
United States
It’s time for the 16th Annual SC State Chili Cook-off Championship, on Saturday, April 18, in beautiful downtown Belton. Everyone is invited to attend! Whether you want to sample the amazing culinary talents of champion chili cooks from around the nation or you try your hand at competing yourself, the SC State Chili Cook-off Championship is waiting for you! Cooks in the professional arena can compete in four categories: traditional red, homestyle, chili verde, and veggie chili
And best of all, professional winners qualify for the ICS World Championship, held yearly in Myrtle Beach, SC! Or, if you love a good chili, no matter what kind, buy a tasting ticket or a unlimited tastes tasting band so you can sample the best chili around. With your tickets or band, you can expect the chance to sample from among at least 30 varied chili recipes (if you come between the peak hours of 11:30 and 2:30 and look for the “chili available” signs), and you get to vote for your favorite. Proceeds benefit six non-profits in our town that provide quality of life and emergency services for our community
In addition to the great chili, entertainment and fun abound as you view extraordinary artwork at the Belton Center for the Arts, watch superb collegiate players compete at Belton Tennis Center, experience the history of our area at the Belton Area Museum Association, appreciate restored and cherished vintage and antique autos at the Chili-Pepper Cruise-In, There are children's activities, great crafters and food vendors, and fun for the entire family
For more information or to apply to be a crafter, food vendor, or professional or amateur competitor, please visit our website at www.scchilicookoff.com. Come on down to Belton and light those fires!
For more information, please email scchilicookoff@gmail.com.
11:00 AM - 08:30 PM
2025 Belton Standpipe Heritage and Arts Festival Belton, SC
City Hall
Belton, South Carolina
Belton Standpipe Heritage and Arts Festival will be held on October 4th, 2025. This festival will feature children’s activities, musical acts, artisans, car show, great food, fireworks display, and more. Hours: 11am-8:30p
Information
Some events do get cancelled or postponed due to various reasons. We may not have latest update for every event. We do not book vendors or organize events listed on our website. Contact event organizers before you travel.
No temporary & traveling exhibits found.