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

Interested in adding an event to our calendar? Please click the green “Post Your Event” button below.

Saturday, April 20, 2024
2024 OPEN DOORS STUDIO TOUR
Apr 20 all-day
Spartanburg County, SC
Arts Education Classes
Apr 20 all-day
Mauldin Cultural Center

Learn a new skill at the Cultural Center!

 

All of our classes are taught by community artists and are offered at competitive prices. We offer private lessons, classes and workshops. Our list of current classes and upcoming showcases are listed below.

Be sure to check back here often as classes and events are continuously added. If you are interested in teaching a class, contact us and we’ll help you get your class off the ground!

For more information on any class listed below, be sure to check the description first for instructor contact information, as they handle all class details including scheduling, pricing, and supply lists.

The Cultural Center team DOES NOT handle registration for classes outside of theatre.

Register and Learn More About Arts Education Classes
BRING ON SPRING w/ Nantahala Outdoor Center
Apr 20 all-day
Nantahala Outdoor Center

 

Donate: The Salvation Army Boys + Girls Club Summer Camps
Apr 20 all-day
online

Make summer bright for kids in Greenville

The Salvation Army Boys & Girls Club needs your help to make this summer the best one yet for kids in our community. For nine weeks while children are out of school on summer break, the Boys & Girls Club hosts its Summer Camp at the Kroc Center in Greenville.

The children spend their days doing fun-filled activities, taking field trips, participating in character building classes and much more. We need help funding the scholarship program to help offset the cost for families unable to afford this quality out-of-school time experience for their children.

  • $80 pays for a child to attend one week of summer camp
  • $160 pays for one child to attend one week of camp, all field trips, as well as covers their t-shirt cost
  • $720 pays for one child or half the summer session for two children. This includes field trips and a t-shirt.

Thank you for prayerfully considering how you can support families in Greenville this summer through The Salvation Army Boys & Girls Club!

Garden Market
Apr 20 all-day
Simpsonville Rotary

Simpsonville Garden Club’s annual plant and garden market will be at the Simpsonville Rotary on April 20th, 9am-3pm. There will be plants of all types, garden art, dried flower art, crafts, and much more. The event is free.

Greenville BBQ Trail Tour
Apr 20 all-day
Various Locations Greenville SC

While Downtown Greenville’s familiar culinary scene has some great BBQ options, this tour will take you outside of the city center to the places locals know and love. These are the types of joints with smoke stacks sticking out of the rooftops and white smoke billowing out of the chimneys–smoking the meats right on the premises.

The Greenville BBQ Trail tour is your opportunity to try back-to-back tastings of what are considered by many to be among the top BBQ spots in the city.

Tours include:

• Insights into each restaurant’s cooking processes and techniques
• Information about each restaurant’s history and how they got started
• Interesting information about Greenville BBQ history
• A drive through old textile mill villages
• And, of course, a chance to try generous portions of smoked meats and delicious sides

Locations we visit:

• Bucky’s Bar-B-Q
• Henry’s Smokehouse
• Mike & Jeff’s BBQ

Greenville Woodworkers Guild’s Semi-Annual Tool Sale
Apr 20 all-day
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, April 20, 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.

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,” said Charlie LeGrand, President of the Greenville Woodworkers Guild. “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. For more information about the Greenville Woodworkers Guild and its Semi-Annual Tool Sale and Auction, please visit www.GreenvilleWoodworkers.com/ToolSale. While there, review the sale inventory list for items you need or want and check back as we will continue to update the list. Come and bring your friends, there is plenty for everyone.

Mauldin Theatre Company’s 2024 Summer Camps registration open
Apr 20 all-day
Mauldin Cultural Center

We have 6 exciting camp options for various ages. See a preview below and click the link for more information on each camp and to register.

Leading Player 2-Week Intensive Camp (Ages 12-17)

June 3, 2024 – June 7, 2024 &  June 10, 2024 – June 14, 2024
9:00am – 1:30pm (Ages 12-17)

Young Playwrights Camp (Ages 10-17)

June 3, 2024 – June 7, 2024
2:00pm – 5:00pm (Ages 10 -17)

Behind the Scenes Camp (Ages 10-17)

July 10, 2024 – July 14, 2024
2:00pm – 5:00pm (Ages 10-17)

Shakespeare it Up! Camp (Ages 10-17)

June 18, 2024 – June 20, 2024
9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Broadway Beginner Camp (Ages 6-11)

June 24, 2024 – June 28, 2024
9:00am – 12:00pm

Wizard of Oz: Youth Edition (Ages 6-17)

July 15, 2024 – July 19, 2024 & July 22, 2024 – July 27, 2024
9:00am – 4:00pm

 

Mile High Swinging Bridge
Apr 20 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.

Mystery Rider Program
Apr 20 all-day
Greenville Area

Greenlink is seeking volunteers for its pilot Mystery Rider Program. This customer service initiative aims to collect trip feedback in real-time, is intended to gather details on the complete customer experience and will identify areas for improvement and employee recognition.

Why should you volunteer?

  • Help the Facilities team address bus stop issues.
  • Help the Maintenance team address mechanical issues and cleanliness issues on the bus.
  • Help the Safety & Training team address areas for improvement in operations and customer service.

Your feedback can lead to a better customer experience for everyone!

What is required and what do you get out of it?

Volunteers will be required to participate in a one-hour training to understand how to complete the Mystery Rider Report. In exchange for attending the training, volunteers will receive two 7-Day passes ($25 value).

Then, once the training is complete, passengers will be required to complete a minimum of 12 Mystery Rider Reports:

  • 3 completed on trips taken M-F between 5:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
  • 3 completed on trips taken M-F between 12:30 – 4:30 p.m.
  • 3 completed on trips taken M-F between 4:30 – 11:30 p.m.
  • 3 completed on trips taken on Saturdays between 8:30 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.

In exchange for completing the twelve reports, volunteers will receive one 31-Day pass ($50 value).

All reports are due by April 30, 2024.

Raft + Rail A Fully Guided Experience
Apr 20 all-day
The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad

The original Raft & Rail© since 1988: enjoy the two best adventures in the region in one day, great for families. Southern Living Magazine calls this “an ideal adventure for families, first-timers, young or old.” This full-day guided adventure starts with a Wildwater staff member greeting you at the train depot, followed by a scenic train trip, deli lunch with all the fixings, and a Nantahala River whitewater trip with a guide in every boat. Hot showers and a photo show follow immediately after your 8-mile Nantahala River trip. All transportation is included to and from the Bryson City Train Depot. Available April–October with the morning departure of the Nantahala Gorge Excursion departing Bryson City, NC. Train seating in Open Air Gondola. 2024 bookings starting soon!

Ticket fares subject to 7% Historic Preservation Fee and 7% North Carolina sales tax. Schedules, fares, motive power, equipment, seat selection, and meals are subject to change without notice. We guarantee the class of service you select. You will be notified if a change in schedule or motive power affects your reservation. Payment in full at booking by major credit card is required to finalize a reservation. You may cancel your reservation in full or in part and receive a refund less a $14.00 fee per adult ticket and $7.00 fee per child ticket as late as 5 days before departure, except The Polar Express Train Ride; The Polar Express Train Ride is as late as 60 days before departure. Within 5 days of the departure, or 60 days in the case of the Polar Express Train Ride, the reservation becomes nonrefundable. You may reschedule any time prior to your originally scheduled departure with a $7.00 fee per ticket for another date within the same calendar year. You may not reschedule a reservation after the scheduled departure.

Sweetwater 420 Fest 2024
Apr 20 all-day
Pullman Yards

Sweetwater 420 Fest 2024

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Saturday, April 20
Sunday, April 21
Date To Be Announced
Beck
Slightly Stoopid
Larkin Poe
Hayes Carll
The Band of Heathens
houndmouth
Cory Wong
Big Gigantic
Little Stranger
Bombargo
Gov’t Mule
Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue
The AgSouth Growing Our Communities Grant
Apr 20 all-day
online

Apply Now through June 30, 2024!

APPLY NOW

Keeping the future of agriculture bright 

Each year, AgSouth Farm Credit supports non-profit organizations and farmers markets with grants of up to $5,000 to help in their endeavors and to further the future of agriculture in our region of Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina.

Grant Mission & Objectives

The AgSouth Growing Our Communities Grant’s mission is to build strong partnerships and alliances, leveraging the resources within our grant program to preserve and promote the farmer, the family, and our communities. The grant has three main objectives:

  • Invest in the future of agriculture.
  • Enhance and impact the quality of life in the AgSouth territory.
  • Be recognized as a leading corporate citizen in the AgSouth territory.

Applications

The AgSouth Growing Our Communities Grant operates on an application-based grant system. Grants will be awarded for up to $5,000 per organization per year. To be considered for funding, organizations’ values and purpose must align with the grant program’s mission. Applications must be submitted online. You will be asked to attach a copy of your organization’s W9 to the application prior to submission. Incomplete applications cannot be accepted. Please make sure you complete all fields prior to submission.

Project Guidance
As part of the application, organizations must submit a project the grant will help fund. Examples of previously funded projects include but are not limited to:

•    Providing farmers market programming for children
•    Purchasing fans for a livestock arena to help cool the animals
•    Developing a comprehensive chick hatching program to give tools and resources to those wanting to raise backyard flocks
•    Opening a demonstration farm in conjunction with a local school district
•    Purchasing grain bin rescue equipment for fire and rescue teams
•    Funding a bee-keeping education program for vulnerable youths
•    Purchasing an irrigation system at a local Farmers Market
•    Expanding a local church garden space and adding fencing
•    Hosting an annual agricultural event
•    Purchasing a cargo trailer to transport livestock equipment
•    Building a school greenhouse

Eligibility Considerations

Grants will be considered for programs only in the 147 counties and geographic areas where AgSouth Farm Credit conducts business. Grants will only be awarded to non-profit organizations and farmers markets and will not be awarded to individuals or private farms.

Funding Cycle

Grant applications will be accepted from April 1 to June 30th, 2024. Proposals will be reviewed and grants will be awarded in Nov-Dec of 2024. Funds awarded maybe utilized by recipients during the 2025 calendar year.

Application Deadline

The 2025 Grant Application period is now open. Applications can be received from April 1 to June 30th, 2024.

Winner’s Choice! Choose between a Cancun Paradise Vacation or a Colorado Front Range Getaway
Apr 20 all-day
online w/ Greer Relief

Win a 5‐Night Stay for 2 at the Westin Resort & Spa in Cancun OR a 3‐Night Stay for 2 in Colorado with Choice of Cog Railway or Rocky Mountain National Park

SWEEPSTAKES DETAILS
  • CLOSE DATE
    May 6, 2024
  • CLOSE TIME
    11:59 PM EDT
  • DRAWING DATE
    May 14, 2024
  • DRAWING TIME
    12:00 PM EDT
Sunday, April 21, 2024
2024 OPEN DOORS STUDIO TOUR
Apr 21 all-day
Spartanburg County, SC
Art by Appointment
Apr 21 all-day
Greenville Center for Creative Arts

Art by Appointment with GCCA Art School Instructors

TUESDAY – FRIDAY 9 AM – 5 PM
SATURDAY 11 AM – 3 PM

 


Art by Appointment offers artists of all levels the opportunity for private, customized, art experiences for you and up to 15 friends and family. These experiences are perfect for birthday parties, corporate outings, team building activities and more!

MEDIUMS

Art by Appointment workshops offer a variety of mediums for exploration.

Drawing

Unlock the gateway to artistic expression through the fundamental skill of drawing! GCCA’s drawing instructors will lead you through the basics of shading and perspective and more!

Painting

Acrylics and watercolor and more! Grab a paintbrush and join GCCA’s instructors for a private step-by-step art experience!

Mixed Media

What happens when you combine multiple artistic mediums into one project? Follow GCCA’s instructors in an exploration of all visual mediums in this engaging workshop!

Jewelry

Wear your own creation! Step into GCCA’s state-of-the-art jewelry studio and try your hand at jewelry making!

Printmaking

Jump into this layered visual art medium and learn to create your own prints! GCCA’s instructors will lead you step by step through this engaging art form in the printmaking studio at GCCA!

Artisphere 2024 Artists Are LIVE
Apr 21 all-day
online

 

 

Our 140 artists for the 2024 festival are live, sortable by medium. Artisphere May10-12 2024

Arts Education Classes
Apr 21 all-day
Mauldin Cultural Center

Learn a new skill at the Cultural Center!

 

All of our classes are taught by community artists and are offered at competitive prices. We offer private lessons, classes and workshops. Our list of current classes and upcoming showcases are listed below.

Be sure to check back here often as classes and events are continuously added. If you are interested in teaching a class, contact us and we’ll help you get your class off the ground!

For more information on any class listed below, be sure to check the description first for instructor contact information, as they handle all class details including scheduling, pricing, and supply lists.

The Cultural Center team DOES NOT handle registration for classes outside of theatre.

Register and Learn More About Arts Education Classes
Brevard Music Center’s 2024 Summer Festival Subscriptions
Apr 21 all-day
online

2024 Subscription Packages

One of America’s premier music festivals, Brevard Music Center’s 2024 summer lineup features a diverse offering of symphony, opera, chamber, jazz, bluegrass, and Broadway performances. The season will be highlighted by Legendary Artist Wynton Marsalis, who will appear with The Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra in three extraordinary concerts in late June. Additional festival highlights include classical masterpieces Prokofiev 5Gershwin’s Piano Concerto in FStrauss’s Ein Heldenleben, and world premiere concertos by two of today’s top composers; Janiec Opera Company productions of The Threepenny OperaFlightLa Bohème, and An Evening of Jerome Kern and Friends; a family-friendly film with live orchestra presentation of Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back™ in Concertand BMC Presents lighter concert fare featuring Bryan SuttonDavid SanbornAoife O’Donovan, and Béla Fleck.

Led by Artistic Director Keith Lockhart, Brevard’s hallmark is the powerful sense of community that re-emerges every June as faculty and students work together to present over 100 performances and events to more than 40,000 enthusiastic fans from across the country. Primary BMC performance venues include the 1800-seat, open-air Whittington-Pfohl Auditorium and the 400-seat Parker Concert Hall.

Package List

  • Golden Ticket (Thursday)

    Description: Receive one ticket to all performances included in the Symphony Series, Opera Lovers Series (Thursday), and the Parker Concert Hall Summer Series. Also includes Opening Night and Season Finale.

    Save 25% on single ticket prices.

    BMC Presents and Legendary Artists Series are not included.

  • Golden Ticket (Saturday)

    Description: Receive one ticket to all performances included in the Symphony Series, Opera Lovers Series (Saturday), and the Parker Concert Hall Summer Series. Also includes Opening Night and Season Finale.

    Save 25% on single ticket prices.

    BMC Presents and Legendary Artists Series are not included.

  • Symphony Series

    Description: Receive all sixteen (16) symphony events at Whittington-Pfohl Auditorium.

    Save 20% on single ticket prices.

    BMC Presents and Legendary Artists Series are not included.

  • Compose Your Own

    Description: Purchase at least eight (8) eligible* events from our summer season.

    Save 15% on single ticket prices.

    *Opening Night, Season Finale, BMC Presents, and Legendary Artists Series are not eligible for inclusion.

  • Opera Lovers (Thursday)

    Description: Receive one (1) ticket to each of the following Thursday night events: FlightLa BohèmeThe Threepenny Opera, and An Evening of Jerome Kern & Friends.

    Save 10% on single ticket prices.

    Please note that seating assignments for An Evening of Jerome Kern & Friends are on a first-come, first-served basis.

  • Opera Lovers (Saturday)

    Description: Receive one (1) ticket to each of the following Saturday afternoon events: FlightLa BohèmeThe Threepenny Opera. Includes one (1) ticket to the following Thursday evening event: An Evening of Jerome Kern & Friends.

    Save 10% on single ticket prices.

    Please note that seating assignments for An Evening of Jerome Kern & Friends are on a first-come, first-served basis.

  • Parker Concert Hall Summer Series

    Description: Receive all twelve (12) Parker Concert Hall Summer Series events.

    Save 15% on single ticket prices.

    BMC Presents and Legendary Artists Series are not included.

  • Flex

    Description: Purchase at least three (3) eligible* events, and receive a 5% discount off single ticket prices.

    Flex tickets cannot be purchased during the subscription renewal/purchase phase and will be available during the donor presale to qualifying purchasers.

    *Opening Night, Season Finale, BMC Presents, Legendary Artist Series are ineligible for this discount package.

    This discount will activate automatically once you add the required number of eligible events to your cart.
BRING ON SPRING w/ Nantahala Outdoor Center
Apr 21 all-day
Nantahala Outdoor Center