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

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Saturday, November 16, 2024
Mile High Swinging Bridge
Nov 16 all-day
Grandfather Mountain

One of the top highlights and memories of visits to Grandfather Mountain nature park is walking across the famous Mile High Swinging Bridge. Since 1952, visitors have “oohed” and “aahed” at the bridge’s 360-degree panoramic views. America’s highest suspension footbridge gives easy access to the spectacular views atop Grandfather Mountain’s Linville Peak, elevation 5,305 feet.

The 228-foot suspension bridge spans an 80-foot chasm at more than one mile in elevation (hence the name!). To reach the Mile High Swinging Bridge, drive the two-mile, winding scenic road up the mountain to the summit parking area by the Top Shop. Climb 50 stairs adjacent to the parking area or inside the Top Shop to reach the short pathway to the bridge. Also, an elevator in the Top Shop takes you to the third floor for a level walk to the bridge.

Top Shop

Located adjacent to the Bridge, the Top Shop features a gift shop, snacks, restrooms, elevator and second-floor exhibition area. Also get the latest park information and trail maps. Read more.

Accessibility

Inside the Top Shop, an elevator makes the Mile High Swinging Bridge accessible to people with mobility challenges, including those in wheelchairs. From the Top Shop, there is a paved 50-yard path to the bridge. Read more about our accessibility.

Tickets & Hours

Walking across the Mile High Swinging Bridge is included in your Grandfather Mountain admission ticket that includes many other things to do in our nature park. Buy tickets online and book a reservation time to enter the park. You do not need a separate reservation for the bridge. It’s open, weather permitting, every day of the year except Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. See hours.

More to Explore

Before or after visiting the Mile High Swinging Bridge, allow time to enjoy other parts of the mountain: wildlife habitats, Wilson Center for Nature Discovery, restaurant, hiking trails, roadside overlooks, picnic areas and more. See more Things to Do.

Nearby Hiking Trails

Trailheads to many of the Grandfather Mountain hiking trails are located near the Swinging Bridge. In fact, the 0.4 mile Bridge Trail takes you beneath the bridge, starting from the Black Rock parking area just below the summit. For details on our nearby trails, go to our Hiking Guide.

Bridge Tips & Tidbits

  • Does it really swing? Very little — unlike the original one. Today’s bridge is made of steel and reinforced with cables and springs. It has railings on the sides to ensure safety.
  • We suggest you wear rubber-soled shoes and walk with care when crossing the rocks on the far side of the bridge.
  • If heights give you pause, you can still enjoy Blue Ridge Mountain views from the ground before you reach the bridge and even from the parking area.
  • Due to periodic extreme weather conditions at the bridge, it closes when there is area lightning, high wind or icy conditions.
  • The official U.S. Weather Service Reporting Station atop the Mile High Swinging Bridge has provided daily weather observations since 1955. The temperature is usually 10 to 20 degrees cooler than in the flatlands you see below. It’s also one of the windiest locations in North Carolina, with a 124-mph record set in winter 2019. Learn more about our weather.
  • Pets are allowed on the bridge if well behaved and on a leash.
  • Photographs and videos to remember your visit are encouraged. Be mindful of sharp drop-offs along the Linville Peak ridge. Drones are not allowed. See our photography policies.
  • The Singing Bridge? When the wind blows, the Mile High Swinging Bridge “sings” in the same way as a harmonica.
  • In April through October, join Grandfather’s expert naturalists by the Bridge for Interpretive Talks about the our unique weather, climate, flora and fauna. Read more.
  • Need driving directions? The address for Grandfather Mountain’s entrance gate is 2050 Blowing Rock Highway, Linville, NC 28646 (click link for Google Maps). There are no shuttles, so you must have your own vehicle to explore our nature park. No RVs longer than 28 feet in length or hinged vehicles are allowed through the Entrance Gate. See detailed directions.
  • To see much more info, see our Plan Your Visit section.

Mile High Swinging Bridge History

Former North Carolina Tourism Director Charles J. Parker coined the name “Mile High Swinging Bridge” at the Bridge’s dedication in 1952. The term “mile high” refers to the structure’s elevation above sea level (5,280 feet). The term “swinging” refers to the fact that suspension bridges are free to sway.

The original 1952 bridge was designed by Charles Hartmann Jr. of Greensboro, N.C. It was fabricated in Greensboro and then reassembled on top of the Mountain. Erecting the bridge took three weeks, a process slowed by inclement weather created by a hurricane off the North Carolina coast. Cost was $15,000. It was dedicated on Sept. 2, 1952 by North Carolina Gov. William B. Umstead.

The bridge was rebuilt in 1999 using the original towers. The cables, floor boards and side rails were all replaced using galvanized steel. One of the main advantages of the modern building materials is that they do not have to be painted. Now, Grandfather Mountain employees will not have to hang out over the gorge to paint the span. It was redesigned by Sutton, Kennerly & Associates Engineering of Asheville, N.C., and rebuilt by Taylor & Murphy Construction Company of Asheville. The cost of rebuilding was $300,000.

Sunday, November 17, 2024
The Fifth Annual Asheville Tattoo Arts Festival
Nov 17 all-day
Harrah's Cherokee Center Asheville

The original and best tattoo festival is back in Asheville once more for the Fifth Annual Asheville Tattoo Arts Festival! Hosted by Villain Arts at the Harrah’s Cherokee Center Asheville, this event will feature hundreds of tattoo artists, some from across the country, and a few from around the world, specializing in all different tattooing styles. Some artists you may already even know, like Anwon Boneface Johnson (Ink Master seasons 8, 9 & Grudge Match), Big Jaz (Ink Master season 12), or Charles Whitfield (VH1.) Attendees can enter their new or existing ink in tattoo competitions! Or shop among our numerous vendors selling everything from clothing and jewelry to oddities and more. The festival will also feature live entertainment, including sideshow acts and human suspension! There truly is something here for everyone to enjoy. So, don’t delay! Join the fun and get some ink this weekend at the Fifth Annual Asheville Tattoo Arts Festival!

Event Hours by Day:
Friday 15th 2pm-11pm
Saturday 16th 11am-11pm
Sunday 17th 11am-8pm

Tickets:
$25 for a 1-day pass
$50 for a 3-day pass
Free admission for children under 12

NC Arboretum Hiking Trails
Nov 17 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
NC Arboretum

Located within the wildly-popular and botanically beautiful Southern Appalachian Mountains, The North Carolina Arboretum offers more than 10 miles of hiking trails that connect to many other area attractions such as Lake Powhatan, the Pisgah National Forest and the Blue Ridge Parkway. Visitors of all ages and abilities can enjoy their hiking experience at the Arboretum as trail options include easy, moderate, and difficult challenge levels. All trails are dog-friendly and visitors are asked to adhere to the proper waste disposing procedures for pets.

Part of a running group that would like to use the Arboretum as a starting point or parking location? Please review our Running Group Guidance and email [email protected] with any questions.

Volunteer with Meals on Wheels
Nov 17 @ 9:00 am
Meals on Wheels- Greenville

Bring hope to the homebound.

DELIVERY VOLUNTEERS

INDIVIDUAL
VOLUNTEERS

No matter what your schedule is like, we can find a route for you—whether you want to deliver daily, weekly, bi-weekly, monthly or just occasionally. Ready to deliver? Fill out an application today!

FILL OUT AN APPLICATION

ROUTE
SUBSTITUTES

Sometimes our scheduled volunteers are unable to make their routes due to illness or other commitments. If you are interested in becoming a substitute, sign up for emails to get notifications on open routes!

SIGN UP FOR NOTIFICATIONS

ROUTE
PARTNERS

We have nearly 150 Route Partners who deliver meals regularly to our homebound clients. Learn more about this program now!

GET YOUR GROUP INVOLVED

OTHER VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

Meal Packaging

MEAL PACKAGING

We need volunteers to pack nearly 1,500 meals every Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. until approximately 10:00 a.m. The food is prepared by our kitchen staff and set-up in an assembly line for packaging.

Pet Food Packaging

PET FOOD PACKAGING

Meals on Wheels also strives to help the pets of the homebound in Greenville. We need volunteers to package dog and cat food for monthly distribution and to organize pet food drives.

Greeting

MEAL DISTRIBUTION

Volunteers are needed Monday through Friday from 10:30 until 12 pm to greet in-coming volunteers, hand out route sheets and answer questions.

Special Events

SPECIAL EVENTS

Our annual events are great fundraising opportunities. They’re also a lot of fun, whether you get involved as a participant, committee member, volunteer or corporate sponsor.

Rocky Cove Railroad Exhibit
Nov 17 @ 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm
NC Arboretum

On exhibit Saturdays and Sundays from 12 – 4 p.m., Rocky Cove Railroad is a G-Scale (garden scale) model train that demonstrates the coming of trains to western North Carolina at the turn of the 20th century. The exhibit is located below the Grand Promenade. Please note, Rocky Cove Railroad will not operate in rainy or wet conditions.

Knit-n-Give
Nov 17 @ 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm
Mission Rathbun House

Are you looking for an excuse to knit or crochet for a good cause? Help make baby hats and blankets and adult hats, scarves, and slippers to support at-risk newborns and homeless adults.  Your handmade knitwear will keep our neighbors warm.  Volunteers with basic skills in knitting or crocheting are welcome. Please bring your own needles or crochet hooks and a pattern.

Check out Knit-n-Give on WLOS: http://wlos.com/news/only-on-wloscom/close-knit-group-of-women-use-their-talents-to-help-asheville-charities

 

 

Mozart to Pop Chart: Volume 3 – The History of Rock and Roll
Nov 17 @ 2:00 pm
Flat Rock Playhouse

Nat Zegree is back! The inimitable entertainer, (Million Dollar Quartet, Amadeus, Queen, Macbeth), returns to The Rock with an all-new musical journey for Mozart to Pop Chart: Volume 3—The History of Rock and Roll! Already known and celebrated for his world-class musicianship, Nat is also a teacher of distinction whose infectious passion not just for music, but for the people and histories behind the music make his celebrated concerts second to none. Join us for this one-week-only event! Don’t be late for class!

Family Dance
Nov 17 @ 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Harvest House Community Center

Old Farmer’s Ball hosts family dances and waltzes at the Harvest House Community Center.

Mission & Vision

Our mission is to bring joy to our community by cultivating folk and social dance and music traditions.

Our vision is of people coming together to experience the joy of dance and music.

Values

  • Welcoming – A safe and inviting space for dancers, musicians, and callers.
  • Community – We value respect, inclusiveness, diversity, consent, and multigenerational interaction.
  • Ownership – Volunteer investment in the organization.
  • Joy/Smiles – Presence in the moment.
  • Development – Artistic growth and skill of callers, musicians, and dancers.
Greenville Swamp Rabbits
Nov 17 @ 3:00 pm
Bon Secours Wellness Arena

The Greenville Swamp Rabbits, proud ECHL affiliate of the NHL’s Los Angeles Kings, plays the Florida Everblades at the Bon Secours Wellness Area. Puck drops at 3:05pm.

Winter Lights
Nov 17 @ 6:00 pm
North Carolina Arboretum

Winter Lights is a spectacular open-air walk-through light show made from over one million lights! Located at the North Carolina Arboretum in Asheville, North Carolina, this year’s event features favorites like the famously tall 50-foot lighted tree and the Quilt Garden, along with enchanting new details designed to delight and surprise. All prices are per vehicle. No pets allowed.

Winter Lights features live entertainment nightly and food and beverages from the Bent Creek Bistro, the Cocoa Shack and the Cocoa Cabin! Open nightly from 6:00 – 10:00 p.m.

Say What?! Poetry Slam and Open Mic
Nov 17 @ 7:30 pm – 9:00 pm
Coffee Underground

Read or perform your own original poems, plus hear great local and touring poets. Sundays 7:30pm-9:45pm. Open Mic–$5. Feature & Slams –$10.

Monday, November 18, 2024
Greenville State Farmers Market
Nov 18 @ 8:00 am – 6:00 pm
Greenville State Farmers Market

Admission and parking are free

The Greenville State Farmers Market includes retail sheds and farmer stalls that offer a wide variety of locally grown products and specialty goods. Both quality and variety are standards for the volume of products offered for sale at the Greenville State Farmers Market. Market operations continue Monday – Saturday all year long, ceasing for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day.

Find information about upcoming events and what’s in season at our market’s Facebook page.

From its beginning as a tailgate produce market along the Court Street curbside in the heart of downtown, the Greenville Farmers Market has been an integral part of the community. When the need for more space and better facilities was recognized, the Greenville County Marketing Commission helped relocate the market to its present location on June 1, 1949. The Greenville Market continued to operate under the oversight of the Greenville County Marketing Commission until 1980 when by mutual agreement, the South Carolina Department of Agriculture assumed operations of the facility. After selling part of the market property in 2017, the Greenville State Farmers market now operates solely as a retail market on approximately 4 acres and continues its proud heritage of service to the Piedmont region of South Carolina.

The retail market includes a major produce vendor and horticultural vendor year-round. Market operations continue daily, ceasing only for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day. Retail hours are 8 am through 6 pm, Monday through Saturday. The market is closed on Sunday.

Small Vendor Saturdays operates from April through December and consists of local farmers and vendors who rent tables in the daily sales area to offer their products.

A privately-owned restaurant is also located onsite.

The market also sponsors two festivals each year:

Piedmont Plant & Flower Festival  |  April/May

  • Gardening plants from across the state, gardening advice clinics
  • Aquaculture products (koi fish and pond items)
  • Natural soil additives and worm castings
  • Lawn & garden accessories (yard ornaments, garden tools, etc.)

AutumFest at the Market  |  September/October

  • Reminds the public that there are Fall products still available at the Market
  • Apples, pumpkins, squash, gourds, etc.
  • Mums, pansies, and other Fall plants
NC Arboretum Hiking Trails
Nov 18 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
NC Arboretum

Located within the wildly-popular and botanically beautiful Southern Appalachian Mountains, The North Carolina Arboretum offers more than 10 miles of hiking trails that connect to many other area attractions such as Lake Powhatan, the Pisgah National Forest and the Blue Ridge Parkway. Visitors of all ages and abilities can enjoy their hiking experience at the Arboretum as trail options include easy, moderate, and difficult challenge levels. All trails are dog-friendly and visitors are asked to adhere to the proper waste disposing procedures for pets.

Part of a running group that would like to use the Arboretum as a starting point or parking location? Please review our Running Group Guidance and email [email protected] with any questions.

Winter Lights
Nov 18 @ 6:00 pm
North Carolina Arboretum

Winter Lights is a spectacular open-air walk-through light show made from over one million lights! Located at the North Carolina Arboretum in Asheville, North Carolina, this year’s event features favorites like the famously tall 50-foot lighted tree and the Quilt Garden, along with enchanting new details designed to delight and surprise. All prices are per vehicle. No pets allowed.

Winter Lights features live entertainment nightly and food and beverages from the Bent Creek Bistro, the Cocoa Shack and the Cocoa Cabin! Open nightly from 6:00 – 10:00 p.m.

Jessie Murph
Nov 18 @ 7:30 pm
Spartanburg Memorial Auditorium

American singer and songwriter from Athens, Alabama, who was discovered by uploading vlogs and covers to TikTok and YouTube. In 2021, she signed a record deal with Columbia Records and released her debut single “Upgrade”. Her song “Pray” charted in the UK at No. 66 on March 3, 2022. Murph’s collaboration with Diplo and Polo G, “Heartbroken”, charted at No. 64 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and No. 52 on the Canadian Hot 100 on August 5, 2023.

Tuesday, November 19, 2024
Greenville State Farmers Market
Nov 19 @ 8:00 am – 6:00 pm
Greenville State Farmers Market

Admission and parking are free

The Greenville State Farmers Market includes retail sheds and farmer stalls that offer a wide variety of locally grown products and specialty goods. Both quality and variety are standards for the volume of products offered for sale at the Greenville State Farmers Market. Market operations continue Monday – Saturday all year long, ceasing for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day.

Find information about upcoming events and what’s in season at our market’s Facebook page.

From its beginning as a tailgate produce market along the Court Street curbside in the heart of downtown, the Greenville Farmers Market has been an integral part of the community. When the need for more space and better facilities was recognized, the Greenville County Marketing Commission helped relocate the market to its present location on June 1, 1949. The Greenville Market continued to operate under the oversight of the Greenville County Marketing Commission until 1980 when by mutual agreement, the South Carolina Department of Agriculture assumed operations of the facility. After selling part of the market property in 2017, the Greenville State Farmers market now operates solely as a retail market on approximately 4 acres and continues its proud heritage of service to the Piedmont region of South Carolina.

The retail market includes a major produce vendor and horticultural vendor year-round. Market operations continue daily, ceasing only for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day. Retail hours are 8 am through 6 pm, Monday through Saturday. The market is closed on Sunday.

Small Vendor Saturdays operates from April through December and consists of local farmers and vendors who rent tables in the daily sales area to offer their products.

A privately-owned restaurant is also located onsite.

The market also sponsors two festivals each year:

Piedmont Plant & Flower Festival  |  April/May

  • Gardening plants from across the state, gardening advice clinics
  • Aquaculture products (koi fish and pond items)
  • Natural soil additives and worm castings
  • Lawn & garden accessories (yard ornaments, garden tools, etc.)

AutumFest at the Market  |  September/October

  • Reminds the public that there are Fall products still available at the Market
  • Apples, pumpkins, squash, gourds, etc.
  • Mums, pansies, and other Fall plants
NC Arboretum Hiking Trails
Nov 19 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
NC Arboretum

Located within the wildly-popular and botanically beautiful Southern Appalachian Mountains, The North Carolina Arboretum offers more than 10 miles of hiking trails that connect to many other area attractions such as Lake Powhatan, the Pisgah National Forest and the Blue Ridge Parkway. Visitors of all ages and abilities can enjoy their hiking experience at the Arboretum as trail options include easy, moderate, and difficult challenge levels. All trails are dog-friendly and visitors are asked to adhere to the proper waste disposing procedures for pets.

Part of a running group that would like to use the Arboretum as a starting point or parking location? Please review our Running Group Guidance and email [email protected] with any questions.

TCMU Tots
Nov 19 @ 9:30 am – 11:30 am
TCMU Spartanburg

Skill-building and community-building for toddlers and their caregivers! Little ones ages 2-5 will explore role-playing, storytelling, and interactive activities, fostering early social skills and a world of make-believe adventures that could include an ice cream shop, car wash or post office!

Empower Hour
Nov 19 @ 11:30 am
YWCA of Asheville

Join us for Empower Hour, a one-hour program and facility tour where you will experience firsthand the YWCA’s work to bridge gaps in earning power, education, health & wellness and access to childcare.

Empower Hours take place twice a month on the first and third Tuesday at 11:30 am.
Lunch is served as part of our Empower Hour, so reservations are required.

To make a reservation: contact Elizabeth Alvandi, Advancement Assistant, at (828) 254-7206 ext. 103 or [email protected].

Axis of Autocracies
Nov 19 @ 12:00 pm – 1:30 pm
Greenville Water Community Room

Join Upstate International’s Beyond the Headlines Speaker Series for a thought-provoking discussion with Dr. Katherine Kaup, James B. Duke Professor of Asian Studies and Politics/International Affairs at Furman University. Dr. Kaup will explore the growing alignment of authoritarian regimes like China, Russia, North Korea, and Iran, and how this may challenge U.S. global leadership. As tensions rise, learn about the shifting political strategies and what they mean for America’s national interests and global alliances.
This Lunch and Learn event is an opportunity to engage with critical issues affecting the global landscape and to hear from a leading expert on U.S.-China relations and international politics.