Explore family friendly events, theatres, galleries, concerts, nightlife, things to do, and more in the Greenville, SC and Upstate areas.

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Friday, September 20, 2024
Flash Fiction Writers Group
Sep 20 @ 10:30 am – 11:45 am
Headquarters Library, Spartanburg

Flash Fiction Writing Group meets the 3rd Friday of each month and examines, explores and uses the elements and techniques of short fiction writing.

Wednesday, September 25, 2024
Haiku Workshop with Miho Kinnas
Sep 25 @ 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm
The Gallery at M. Judson

Join us in the M. Judson Gallery for a haiku workshop with poet Miho Kinnas. The ticket includes the hour and a half intensive instruction and a copy of Kinnas’ latest poetry collection, Waiting for Sunset to Bury Red Camellias.

Waiting for Sunset to Bury Red Camellias is the third poetry collection by Miho Kinnas, including the poem anthologized in Best American Poetry 2023. Twice nominated for the Pushcart Prize, her unique, sophisticated voice keeps pushing the boundary of what brevity can accomplish. She writes about the state of being by interweaving love, books, travel, family, women and history.

Twice nominated for the Pushcart Prize, Miho Kinnas is a writer, translator, and poet living in Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. She is the author of Waiting for Sunset to Bury Red Camellias, her third poetry collection. Her poems, prose, and translations have appeared in various anthologies and journals, including Best American Poetry 2023, Coast Lines (upcoming), Tokyo Poetry Journal, and American Review of Books. She leads poetry workshops at Writers.com, Pat Conroy Literary Center, and New York Writers’ Workshop, among other locations.

Sunday, October 6, 2024
Sit Down Supper – Anne Byrn
Oct 6 @ 6:30 pm – 10:00 pm
The Gallery at M. Judson

Experience mouthwatering Southern baking—from humble home kitchens to innovative new Southern chefs. One of the world’s richest culinary traditions comes to life through this essential cookbook from bestselling author Anne Byrn. With 200 recipes from 14 states and more than 150 photos, Baking in the American South has the biscuits, cornbread, cakes, and rolls that will help you bake like a Southerner, even if you aren’t. Recipes can tell you volumes if you pay attention—the crops raised, languages spoken, family customs, old world flavors, and, often, religion. Did you know that where a mill was located affected the recipes handed down from that area? Or that baking and selling pound cakes directly impacted the Civil Rights Movement? These stories and recipes, developed from good times and bad, have been collected and perfected over years and are now accessible to us all. Anne’s expertise in assessing, modernizing, and developing well-written recipes makes this the definitive guide for bakers of all levels. From-scratch, Southern classic recipes include: Thomasville Cheese Biscuits Ouita Michel’s Sweet Potato Streusel Muffins Nina Cain’s Batty Cakes with Lacy Edges The Best Lemon Meringue Pie Georgia Gilmore’s Pound Cake This fascinating dive into the history of 14 Southern states—Texas, Florida, Kentucky, and more—features stories and beautifully photographed recipes from pre-Civil War times to today’s Southern kitchens. It’s about the places, the people, the products and the culture of the moment that influenced what people baked. It’s about African-American women and the monumental contributions they have made to the art of Southern baking, about home cooks and how they’ve kept traditions alive wherever they settle by baking family recipes each year for holidays and celebrations, and about the pastry chefs who have thoughtfully reimagined how the South bakes. Experience the recipes and the stories behind them that showcase the substantial contributions Southern baking has made to American baking at large. Food historians, bakers, foodies, and cookbook collectors from every corner of the country will want this cookbook in their collections.

ANNE BYRN is a New York Times bestselling food writer and author. She writes the weekly newsletter Between the Layers, one of the top 20 food and drink newsletters worldwide on Substack. She has authored several cookbooks. Her latest books are A New Take on Cake and Skillet Love, the latter exploring the history and modern uses for the cast-iron skillet. They followed American Cookie and American Cake, which NPR named one of the best cookbooks of 2016. The Cake Mix Doctor and sequels have more than 4 million copies in print, and USA Today called The Cake Mix Doctor the bestselling cookbook the year it debuted. Byrn’s career began as a food writer for The Atlanta Journal. Her food writing was named the Best Food Section by the Association of Food Journalists. She studied at La Varenne École de Cuisine in Paris and lived in England where she wrote about food and travel for a year. Anne is a contributor to Food52, Bon Appétit, and the Bitter Southerner. Byrn is a Nashville native and a fifth-generation Tennessean. For several years, she was the food writer for The Tennessean. Byrn has been featured in People magazine, The Washington Post, the New York Times, the New York Times Magazine, Los Angeles Times, Chicago Tribune, Southern Living, Publishers Weekly, and many other publications. She has appeared on Good Morning America, Later Today, CNN, The Food Network, and QVC and has taught cooking classes across the country. She and her husband live in Nashville.

Tuesday, October 8, 2024
Books Over Drinks with Kimberly Brock
Oct 8 @ 7:30 pm – 9:00 pm
M. Judson Booksellers

Drinks with author Kimberly Brock to celebrate her latest novel, The Fabled Earth! Your ticket includes entrance to the event, a copy of the book, and a signature cocktail (or mocktail).

Inspired by the little-known history of Cumberland Island, The Fabled Earth is a sweeping story of family lore and the power of finding your own voice as Southern mythology and personal reckoning collide with a changing world. 1932. Cumberland Island off the coast of Southern Georgia is a strange place to encounter the opulence of the Gilded Age, but the last vestiges of the famed philanthropic Carnegie family still take up brief seasonal residence in their grand mansions there. This year’s party at Plum Orchard is a lively group: young men from some of America’s finest families come to experience the area’s hunting beside a local guide; a beautiful debutante expecting to be engaged by the week’s end, and a promising female artist who believes she has meaningful ties to her wealthy hosts. But when temptations arise and passions flare, an evening of revelry and storytelling goes horribly awry. Lives are both lost and ruined. 1959. Reclusive painter Cleo Woodbine has lived alone for decades on Kingdom Come, a tiny strip of land once occupied by the servants for the great houses on nearby Cumberland. When she is visited by the man who saved her life nearly thirty years earlier, a tempest is unleashed as the stories of the past gather and begin to regain their strength. Frances Flood is a folklorist come to Cumberland Island seeking the source of a legend – and also information about her mother, who was among the guests at a long-ago hunting party. Audrey Howell, briefly a newlywed and now newly widowed, is running a local inn. When she develops an eerie double exposure photograph, some believe she’s raised a ghost–someone who hasn’t been seen since that fateful night in 1932.

Kimberly Brock is the award-winning author of The Lost Book of Eleanor Dare and The River Witch. She is the founder of Tinderbox Writers Workshop and has served as a guest lecturer for many regional and national writing workshops including at the Pat Conroy Literary Center. She lives near Atlanta with her husband and three children.

Wednesday, October 9, 2024
Literary Bingo
Oct 9 @ 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm
M. Judson Booksellers

It’s Bookish Game Night at M. Judson! Join us and our friends at the Greenville County Library for a night of Literary Bingo, complete with prizes. Look for this event once a month, for a regular dose of fun. This is a free event.

Saturday, October 12, 2024
Greenville Woodworkers Guild’s Semi-Annual Tool Sale
Oct 12 @ 8:30 am – 10:30 am
Guild Education Center

The Greenville Woodworkers Guild is pleased to announce its highly anticipated Semi-Annual Tool Sale and Auction, scheduled to take place on Saturday, October 12, 2024, at the Guild Education Center located at 209 Hollyridge Court, Greenville, SC 29607.

Woodworkers, hobbyists, craftsmen, and DIY enthusiasts alike will have the opportunity to browse a wide selection of new, used, and antique tools and woodworking machinery, as well as a diverse array of clamps, materials, hardware, and supplies, all priced to sell. For those seeking exceptional deals, the Guild’s Lumber Team will offer special selections of turning stock and lumber.

“We’re excited to host our Semi-Annual Tool Sale and Auction, providing a valuable opportunity for both our members and the community,” said Scott Stofan, Tool Sales and Auction Manager. “We’ve curated a diverse selection of tools and equipment, catering to woodworkers of all levels. From seasoned professionals to those just starting their woodworking journey, there’s something for everyone at our sale.”

The sale will commence promptly at 8:30 a.m., with doors opening at 8 a.m. Attendees are encouraged to arrive early to ensure access to the best deals. The silent auction bidding will conclude at 10:30 a.m., offering attendees a chance to bid on unique items.
“This event plays a crucial role in keeping our Guild up and running financially,” added Stofan. “As a nonprofit, we rely on donations and membership fees to sustain our operations. The proceeds from this sale directly contribute to maintaining our facilities and programs, ensuring that we can continue to serve the woodworking community.”

To ensure a smooth and efficient checkout process, the Greenville Woodworkers Guild will utilize a Point of Sale system, accepting various payment methods including credit or debit cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay. Cash will also be accepted.

The Greenville Woodworkers Guild, established in 1981, is a 501(c)(3) non-profit service organization dedicated to helping its members become better woodworkers, promoting woodworking as an art form, and supporting charitable causes through woodworking skills.

Wednesday, October 16, 2024
Fill the Cruisers Food Drive
Oct 16 @ 7:00 am – 2:00 pm
Fill the Cruisers Food Drive

Bon Secours Wellness Arena and the Greenville Police Department are teaming up with Greenville Humane Society and Greenville County Animal Care to fill police cruisers with items that will support the best care for pets under each organization’s care. Stop by the Arena on Wednesday, October 16th to drop off donations outside of the GSP International Airport Box Office.

Items needed include: laundry detergent, uncooked rice, hand soap, canned dog food, and canned pâté cat food

Friday, October 18, 2024
Flash Fiction Writers Group
Oct 18 @ 10:30 am – 11:45 am
Headquarters Library, Spartanburg

Flash Fiction Writing Group meets the 3rd Friday of each month and examines, explores and uses the elements and techniques of short fiction writing.

Friday, November 15, 2024
Flash Fiction Writers Group
Nov 15 @ 10:30 am – 11:45 am
Headquarters Library, Spartanburg

Flash Fiction Writing Group meets the 3rd Friday of each month and examines, explores and uses the elements and techniques of short fiction writing.

Thursday, December 5, 2024
Holiday Fair & Kringle Village
Dec 5 @ 10:00 am – 7:00 pm
Greenville Convention Center

Enjoy a uniquely elevated holiday experience created by the partnership of Greenville Convention Center’s Annual Holiday Fair and Rotary Club of Greenville’s Kringle Holiday Village.

Holiday Fair & Kringle Village will delight locals and draw visitors to the Upstate for three days of holiday fun December 5-7, 2024, at the Greenville Convention Center.

Greenville Convention Center will transform into a Winter Wonderland featuring a massive vendor market, roving performers, a European Bier Garden, the North Pole children’s play area, Santa’s Workshop, The Enchanted Tea Party, Little Miss Kringle Pageant, holiday movie night, snowball fights, main stage entertainment, the Grand Carousel, visits with Santa and more!

Friday, December 6, 2024
Holiday Fair & Kringle Village
Dec 6 @ 10:00 am – 7:00 pm
Greenville Convention Center

Enjoy a uniquely elevated holiday experience created by the partnership of Greenville Convention Center’s Annual Holiday Fair and Rotary Club of Greenville’s Kringle Holiday Village.

Holiday Fair & Kringle Village will delight locals and draw visitors to the Upstate for three days of holiday fun December 5-7, 2024, at the Greenville Convention Center.

Greenville Convention Center will transform into a Winter Wonderland featuring a massive vendor market, roving performers, a European Bier Garden, the North Pole children’s play area, Santa’s Workshop, The Enchanted Tea Party, Little Miss Kringle Pageant, holiday movie night, snowball fights, main stage entertainment, the Grand Carousel, visits with Santa and more!

Saturday, December 7, 2024
Holiday Fair & Kringle Village
Dec 7 @ 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
Greenville Convention Center

Enjoy a uniquely elevated holiday experience created by the partnership of Greenville Convention Center’s Annual Holiday Fair and Rotary Club of Greenville’s Kringle Holiday Village.

Holiday Fair & Kringle Village will delight locals and draw visitors to the Upstate for three days of holiday fun December 5-7, 2024, at the Greenville Convention Center.

Greenville Convention Center will transform into a Winter Wonderland featuring a massive vendor market, roving performers, a European Bier Garden, the North Pole children’s play area, Santa’s Workshop, The Enchanted Tea Party, Little Miss Kringle Pageant, holiday movie night, snowball fights, main stage entertainment, the Grand Carousel, visits with Santa and more!

Saturday, February 1, 2025
Wedding Festivals
Feb 1 @ 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
Greenville Convention Center

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Join us for Wedding Festivals at the Greenville Convention Center on February 1st, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM in the elegant ballroom! Explore the latest wedding trends, meet talented vendors, and find everything you need to plan your perfect day. From stunning gowns to breathtaking venues, this is a must-attend event for every bride and groom-to-be!

Sunday, March 30, 2025
The Thorn
Mar 30 @ 7:00 pm
Bon Secours Wellness Arena

“The Thorn,” a powerful and popular live theatrical event, seen live by over one million people, will bring the passion of Jesus to life this spring at Bon Secours Wellness Arena.

The Thorn offers audiences a unique theatrical experience in a show that has been hailed as “Cirque meets ‘The Passion’” thanks to its compelling mix of drama, music, dance, martial arts, aerial acrobatics, emotionally evocative performances, and timeless spiritual perspectives. The story spans from creation to the formation of the early church. Watch the trailer here.  For more information, please visit TheThorn.com

Author John Bolin created the show over 25 years ago to convey the meaning of Christ’s sacrificial death to a group of young people who knew little about the story of Jesus’ suffering but were familiar with pain through their own practice of cutting and self-harm.

The show has evolved ever since, with the current live version returning to the original format featuring St. John, “the beloved disciple,” recalling his many amazing encounters with Jesus.

“It’s a story full of love, sacrifice, spiritual warfare, and redemption,” said Bolin.

Friday, June 13, 2025
DISCUSSION: Erma Bombeck
Jun 13 @ 10:00 am
Senior Action

This event is a discussion, not an in-character performance.

Erma Bombeck captured with paring-knife-sharp humor the daily life of a new post-WWII American phenomenon: the suburban housewife. Having figured out from her own personal experience that if you can laugh at it you can live with it, she chronicled the housewife’s daily struggles in her column “At Wit’s End” from 1965 to 1996, eventually appearing in more than over 900 newspapers across the country. She also shared both poignant and hilarious observations in 12 books, including the best sellers The Grass is Always Greener Over the Septic Tank and If Life is a Bowl of Cherries, What Am I Doing in the Pits? Bombeck brought to American awareness the lives of homemakers whose efforts often felt invisible and taken for granted. Erma poked fun at kids, diets, husbands, housework and, especially, herself. She let women across America know: you are not alone. In fact, we number in the millions. I, too, am an American housewife and I will laugh by your side.

Sunday, September 28, 2025
Reedy River Missionary Baptist Church – 146th Church Anniversary Celebration
Sep 28 @ 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Reedy River Missionary Baptist Church

The Reedy River Missionary Baptist Church celebrates 146 years in the Greenville County community on Sunday, September 28, 2025, at 10 AM. This Year’s anniversary will be marked by inspiring worship, thanksgiving and fellowship, as we celebrate “Missions” through community service, charitable outreach, and programs to sustain families and children.

Friday, October 24, 2025
Bacon & Barrel 2025
Oct 24 @ 7:00 pm
1800 Drayton Catering and Events

Join us on Thursday, October 24 at 1800 Drayton for Bacon & Barrel — a lively evening of bourbon tastings, bacon-inspired bites from local restaurants, live music, and a curated silent auction, all in support of St. Luke’s Free Medical Clinic. This beloved annual fundraiser helps provide free, high-quality healthcare to uninsured residents of Spartanburg County.

Tickets include access to bourbon samples, food tastings, and entertainment. Proceeds go directly toward sustaining our clinic’s mission of compassionate care for those who need it most.

To learn more or purchase tickets, visit: https://slfmc.networkforgood.com/events/88843-bacon-and-barrel

Saturday, November 8, 2025
No Youth No Church Conference
Nov 8 all-day
Greenville Convention Center
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Join us at the Greenville Convention Center for ABA Ministries No Youth No Church Conference on November 7-8,2025. Engage in transformative sessions, practical workshops, and vibrant discussions designed to equip you in nurturing confident, courageous, and unshakable young believers. Immerse yourself in cutting-edge sessions, innovative AI training, and electrifying discussions that sculpt a generation of fearless disciples, ensuring your legacy remains strong and impactful.

 

Saturday, November 15, 2025
If Grace Had a Face Gospel Concert
Nov 15 @ 7:00 pm
Greenville Convention Center

Join us at the Greenville Convention Center for The Hurt Behind The Smile Productions for If Grace Had a Face Concert with Jekayln Carr on November 15, 2025 5:30 – 11pm.

Come join us for a night of beauty and elegance as we explore the concept of grace through art, music, and storytelling!

Wednesday, November 19, 2025
Fill the Cruisers – Emergency Response Food Drive
Nov 19 @ 7:00 am – 2:00 pm
Bon Secours Wellness Arena

Join the Greenville Police Department and Bon Secours Wellness Arena for the Fill the Cruisers Emergency Food Drive, benefiting Project Host. With food insecurity rising and potential delays in SNAP benefits across South Carolina, this community event aims to support local families in need ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday.

Residents are encouraged to stop by the Arena and help fill police cruisers with nonperishable food and essential items, which will be delivered directly to Project Host’s Soup Kitchen and outreach programs. Most needed items include canned vegetables and fruit, canned proteins, rice, pasta, sauces, peanut butter and jelly, applesauce, snack crackers, mac & cheese, and pop-top soups. Monetary donations can also be made at projecthost.org.