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, June 3, 2023
Call for GCCA Member Artists: GCCA’s 8th Annual Showcase
Jun 3 all-day
online

Become a Member and Save Your Spot by July 21st, 2023

The Annual Showcase is GCCA’s premier event for artists and art lovers of all ages, featuring an exhibition highlighting the talent of over 100 of GCCA’s own Member Artists alongside a special exhibit from the 2022-23 Brandon Fellows, a display of youth artwork created during Summer Art Camps, live artist demos, the launch of our fall schedule of classes, visits with 23 studio artists, a kids’ craft activity provided by ReCraft, and more!

Become a Member of GCCA for a minimum donation of $50 and you can exhibit your artwork in our Annual Showcase! To be eligible to participate, your membership donation is due by July 21 at 11:59 PM. Your online submission and membership reserve one artwork for inclusion in the 8th Annual Showcase exhibition opening on Friday, August 4 from 6 – 9 PM.

Click the button below to learn more about GCCA’s 8th Annual Showcase, entry requirements, and access the submission webform.

Charlotte + Bob Otto 2023 Apprentice Match
Jun 3 all-day
online w/ Flat Rock Playhouse

Support one of the greatest traditions at Flat Rock Playhouse!

2023 Apprentice Benefactors Charlotte and Bob Otto will match your gift 1:1 up to $25,000.

Flat Rock Playhouse’s 2023 Apprentice Program! Don’t miss this chance to DOUBLE YOUR IMPACT!

For over 65 years, a select group of college-age performers participate in an intensive summer at Flat Rock Playhouse that includes on-stage performance and mentoring from FRP professionals. They also perform Rootabaga stories four times a week at the Carl Sandburg Home National Historic Site and take original educational programs out to schools in four area counties. Apprentices come from prestigious theatre schools across the country and are chosen from more than 1000 students who audition.

Apprentice graduates have gone on to major professional engagements on and off-Broadway, on national tours, and in regional theatres. Notable alumni who have played on Broadway include Michael Luwoye (Hamilton in Hamilton, An American Musical), Adam Kaplan (A Bronx Tale), Ginna Claire Mason (Glinda in Wicked), Jared Goldsmith (Dear Evan Hansen) and Ben Hope (Once). 

Cinderella Magic Package
Jun 3 all-day
online w/ Flat Rock Playhouse

We are excited to bring this special package to you and your loved ones. It’s super easy!

  1. Pick your show date – June 14, 17, 21, 24 (Evening only)
  2. Choose 2 Adult Seats and 2 Student Seats
  3. At Checkout, discount will be applied

Bibbidi-bobbidi-boo!

Your wish is granted!

TICKETS + INFO

If you have any problems, our Box Office is happy to help!

828.693.0731

Leadership Spartanburg Progarm
Jun 3 all-day
online

Applications for the 2023-24 class of Leadership Spartanburg are open, and will be accepted through June 15, 2023.
Leadership Spartanburg’s next class will run from September 2023 through May 2024, focusing on community information and issues, volunteerism and leadership development. Sessions are held one day a month from 8:30 AM- 4 PM, typically on the third Thursday of the month.

PURPOSE & OBJECTIVES

Leadership Spartanburg gives you a hand in shaping our community’s future.

But, is Leadership Spartanburg for you?

  • Leadership Spartanburg is for anyone who has looked around our county and felt inspired.
  • Leadership for anyone who wants to have a lot of fun meeting 40 other interesting, passionate people from all walks of life.
  • It’s for anyone who has noticed something in our neighborhoods that could be better and wanted to help fix the problem.

Leadership Spartanburg’s approach to community issues is open and honest about the good and the bad. Meetings will challenge you personally and professionally, but challenges are always framed to encourage realistic positive action.

Getting the most out of Leadership Spartanburg requires a long, thoughtful look around as you dig into the program of monthly meetings and experiential small-group learning projects. Leadership Spartanburg will prepare participants to work within their own community and the region as effective leaders capable of making decisions.

The main objectives of Leadership Spartanburg are to:

  • Identify and select highly motivated, potential community leaders to participate in the program.
  • Systematically challenge the participants to become aware of, examine, and respond to the social and economic needs of the community.
  • Develop an esprit de corps among the participants, which will provide a common ground for working together on present and future community needs.
  • Identify organizational and individual opportunities for community involvement and assist in the placement of participants.

PARTICIPANT INFORMATION

Time commitment: An opening session followed by an eight-month curriculum that focuses on community information and issues.

Tuition:

  • OneSpartanburg, Inc. Members: $1,895
  • Non-members: $2,295

Selection Criteria

  • Civic Involvement
  • Leadership Potential
  • Diversity Perspective
  • Commitment to the Leadership Program and the community

2023-24 Session Topics

  • Talent, Place, Economy and Image
  • Spartanburg’s History & Where We’re Headed
  • Fostering Spartanburg’s Educational Attainment
  • Community Issues: Challenges & Successes
  • Spartanburg County’s Economic Excellence
  • Local Talent to Promote Community Cohesion
  • Spartanburg’s Quality of Life & Cultural Assets
  • Health & Wellness: Impacting the Local Communities
Volunteer Opportunities w/ Halter (Therapeutic Horsemanship)
Jun 3 all-day
Halter

Volunteering At Halter

Because we are Path International (Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International) sanctioned, volunteers are required to receive training before they can volunteer. Only those 14 or older are allowed to work directly with participants. Experience and knowledge of horses are not necessary. Training covers the basics of working with people with challenges, horse handling, and volunteer responsibilities. Our training class is a good introduction for riding instructors and therapists interested in pursuing further education in equine-assisted services.

For more information about Volunteer Training, please email [email protected] or call Eileen at (864) 398-2114.

Group service projects are also available, contact the Volunteer Coordinator for more information.

Volunteer Application (Ages 14+)

Pony Pals: Fundamentals in Horsemanship

This opportunity is for youth from 10 to 13 years of age. The goal of this program is that youth who successfully complete this program will have the knowledge, skills, and abilities to volunteer as Pony Pals at the end of the 4 weeks. While Pony Pals cannot help with our riders in the arena, they are very valuable in assisting with the horses and completing other tasks. This program is not intended for youth who have significant physical, cognitive or emotional/behavioral challenges. Pony Pals must attend HALTER’s Pony Pal Orientation with a parent/guardian and complete the Pony Pal Horsemanship Education 4-Week Program before they become volunteers.

*Pony Pals are required to have an active parent or guardian that will be on-site, willing and able to assist the child and/or be a Program Volunteer.*

Wild West Adventure Trips w/ Nantahala Outdoor Center
Jun 3 all-day
various locations
Sunday, June 4, 2023
Call for GCCA Member Artists: GCCA’s 8th Annual Showcase
Jun 4 all-day
online

Become a Member and Save Your Spot by July 21st, 2023

The Annual Showcase is GCCA’s premier event for artists and art lovers of all ages, featuring an exhibition highlighting the talent of over 100 of GCCA’s own Member Artists alongside a special exhibit from the 2022-23 Brandon Fellows, a display of youth artwork created during Summer Art Camps, live artist demos, the launch of our fall schedule of classes, visits with 23 studio artists, a kids’ craft activity provided by ReCraft, and more!

Become a Member of GCCA for a minimum donation of $50 and you can exhibit your artwork in our Annual Showcase! To be eligible to participate, your membership donation is due by July 21 at 11:59 PM. Your online submission and membership reserve one artwork for inclusion in the 8th Annual Showcase exhibition opening on Friday, August 4 from 6 – 9 PM.

Click the button below to learn more about GCCA’s 8th Annual Showcase, entry requirements, and access the submission webform.

Charlotte + Bob Otto 2023 Apprentice Match
Jun 4 all-day
online w/ Flat Rock Playhouse

Support one of the greatest traditions at Flat Rock Playhouse!

2023 Apprentice Benefactors Charlotte and Bob Otto will match your gift 1:1 up to $25,000.

Flat Rock Playhouse’s 2023 Apprentice Program! Don’t miss this chance to DOUBLE YOUR IMPACT!

For over 65 years, a select group of college-age performers participate in an intensive summer at Flat Rock Playhouse that includes on-stage performance and mentoring from FRP professionals. They also perform Rootabaga stories four times a week at the Carl Sandburg Home National Historic Site and take original educational programs out to schools in four area counties. Apprentices come from prestigious theatre schools across the country and are chosen from more than 1000 students who audition.

Apprentice graduates have gone on to major professional engagements on and off-Broadway, on national tours, and in regional theatres. Notable alumni who have played on Broadway include Michael Luwoye (Hamilton in Hamilton, An American Musical), Adam Kaplan (A Bronx Tale), Ginna Claire Mason (Glinda in Wicked), Jared Goldsmith (Dear Evan Hansen) and Ben Hope (Once). 

Leadership Spartanburg Progarm
Jun 4 all-day
online

Applications for the 2023-24 class of Leadership Spartanburg are open, and will be accepted through June 15, 2023.
Leadership Spartanburg’s next class will run from September 2023 through May 2024, focusing on community information and issues, volunteerism and leadership development. Sessions are held one day a month from 8:30 AM- 4 PM, typically on the third Thursday of the month.

PURPOSE & OBJECTIVES

Leadership Spartanburg gives you a hand in shaping our community’s future.

But, is Leadership Spartanburg for you?

  • Leadership Spartanburg is for anyone who has looked around our county and felt inspired.
  • Leadership for anyone who wants to have a lot of fun meeting 40 other interesting, passionate people from all walks of life.
  • It’s for anyone who has noticed something in our neighborhoods that could be better and wanted to help fix the problem.

Leadership Spartanburg’s approach to community issues is open and honest about the good and the bad. Meetings will challenge you personally and professionally, but challenges are always framed to encourage realistic positive action.

Getting the most out of Leadership Spartanburg requires a long, thoughtful look around as you dig into the program of monthly meetings and experiential small-group learning projects. Leadership Spartanburg will prepare participants to work within their own community and the region as effective leaders capable of making decisions.

The main objectives of Leadership Spartanburg are to:

  • Identify and select highly motivated, potential community leaders to participate in the program.
  • Systematically challenge the participants to become aware of, examine, and respond to the social and economic needs of the community.
  • Develop an esprit de corps among the participants, which will provide a common ground for working together on present and future community needs.
  • Identify organizational and individual opportunities for community involvement and assist in the placement of participants.

PARTICIPANT INFORMATION

Time commitment: An opening session followed by an eight-month curriculum that focuses on community information and issues.

Tuition:

  • OneSpartanburg, Inc. Members: $1,895
  • Non-members: $2,295

Selection Criteria

  • Civic Involvement
  • Leadership Potential
  • Diversity Perspective
  • Commitment to the Leadership Program and the community

2023-24 Session Topics

  • Talent, Place, Economy and Image
  • Spartanburg’s History & Where We’re Headed
  • Fostering Spartanburg’s Educational Attainment
  • Community Issues: Challenges & Successes
  • Spartanburg County’s Economic Excellence
  • Local Talent to Promote Community Cohesion
  • Spartanburg’s Quality of Life & Cultural Assets
  • Health & Wellness: Impacting the Local Communities
NOC Paddling School
Jun 4 all-day
Nantahala Outdoor Center

Voted “Best Place to Learn” by Outside, NOC Paddling School has taught more paddlers than anyone else, with 50 years of experience going into every class. Our commitment to the sport and to providing the best possible instruction has not waivered. So come and let us be your respected and experienced instructor.

The Curator’s Journal: A Year-long Insider’s View of American Bonsai at The North Carolina Arboretum
Jun 4 all-day
online w/ The North Carolina Arboretum

Registration is ongoing through the year. Get new updates and access all previous entries in a convenient online library.

The Curator’s Journal by Bonsai Curator Arthur Joura is a year-long course offering the ultimate insider’s view of bonsai at The North Carolina Arboretum. Regular entries chronicle growing an art and growing an enterprise. Some journal entries will be long and others more brief; some will be mostly words and others mostly pictures; some will be close-up studies of detail and others will step back to take in the wider scene. The path will not be linear, but all the entries will be steps along a journey.

You’re invited to come along.

VIRTUAL RAILFAN is live!
Jun 4 all-day
online w/ Hub City RR Museum

VIRTUAL RAILFAN is live from the Hub City RR Museum in Spartanburg.

The Virtual Railfan cameras were installed on Tuesday, July 6th at the Hub City Railroad Museum. There is one camera looking north and one looking south. The Hub City RR Museum wants to thank the City of Spartanburg for allowing us to install the cameras, and to Virtual Railfan for the install. We have already seen over 300 railfans at one time watching the video feed.
Links to live feeds: [North Camera feed] [South Camera feed]

Carolina Railroad Heritage Association

CRHA LogoThe Carolina Railroad Heritage Association is a <501(c)(3)> not for profit local association of approximately eighty members who enjoy railroads and railroad history. The CRHA is currently meeting the third Friday of each month in Fountain Inn, SC at 7:00 pm. Programs at the meetings include presentations on historical and current railroads and are presented by members as well as outside speakers. Our activities include a photo contest, occasional field trips to local railroad sites, picnics and a December pot luck dinner. CRHA members volunteer at our museum and caboose in Spartanburg, SC. If you have an interest in railroads, contact Dave Winans at [email protected] for more information about the CRHA.

For membership, please download and print the membership application and follow the instructions.

Museum Hours:
Wed: 10am – 2pm
Sat: 10am – 2pm

Volunteer Opportunities w/ Halter (Therapeutic Horsemanship)
Jun 4 all-day
Halter

Volunteering At Halter

Because we are Path International (Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International) sanctioned, volunteers are required to receive training before they can volunteer. Only those 14 or older are allowed to work directly with participants. Experience and knowledge of horses are not necessary. Training covers the basics of working with people with challenges, horse handling, and volunteer responsibilities. Our training class is a good introduction for riding instructors and therapists interested in pursuing further education in equine-assisted services.

For more information about Volunteer Training, please email [email protected] or call Eileen at (864) 398-2114.

Group service projects are also available, contact the Volunteer Coordinator for more information.

Volunteer Application (Ages 14+)

Pony Pals: Fundamentals in Horsemanship

This opportunity is for youth from 10 to 13 years of age. The goal of this program is that youth who successfully complete this program will have the knowledge, skills, and abilities to volunteer as Pony Pals at the end of the 4 weeks. While Pony Pals cannot help with our riders in the arena, they are very valuable in assisting with the horses and completing other tasks. This program is not intended for youth who have significant physical, cognitive or emotional/behavioral challenges. Pony Pals must attend HALTER’s Pony Pal Orientation with a parent/guardian and complete the Pony Pal Horsemanship Education 4-Week Program before they become volunteers.

*Pony Pals are required to have an active parent or guardian that will be on-site, willing and able to assist the child and/or be a Program Volunteer.*

Wild West Adventure Trips w/ Nantahala Outdoor Center
Jun 4 all-day
various locations
Women’s Paddlefest
Jun 4 @ 12:00 am – 2:00 pm
Nantahala Outdoor Center

Join a group of like-minded female paddlers for a weekend festival, hosted by inspirational paddler Anna Levesque! This festival is all about fostering community by connecting, sharing, paddling, and supporting each other on the river. Trips will be offered on different rivers and lakes representing a range of skill levels, and are open to all women in all watercraft!

Donations and registration fees benefit the Shannon Christy Memorial Fund, an organization that supports non-profits focused on women’s empowerment, and also benefits the Live Like Maria Fund.

New for 2023! 

Lake Paddle Guided Excursion–  Join professional women instructors for a guided lake excursion paddle with a stand up paddleboard or sit on top kayak, included with the activity! If you’re newer to paddling or not quite ready for whitewater, select a lake paddle and also enjoy the rest of the festivities. 

Paddlefest Scholarship- This year, we are offering scholarships for BIPOC women to attend and stay onsite. See below for details and to apply.

2023 Weekend Schedule

Schedule is subject to change and will be updated here.

 

Paddlefest Scholarship

NOC and Mind Body Paddle want to make a more equitable outdoors for all. We would like to offer scholarships for this event to support a more accessible outdoor community where all are welcome. Three BIPOC women will be chosen to receive the following scholarship:

  • Admission to the weekend of events
  • Event T-shirt
  • Group lake paddle with all equipment provided (if applicable)
  • Saturday Evening Dinner
  • Friday and Saturday Lodging Accommodations in NOC’s Basecamp

Interested participants must apply HERE by May 1, 2023.

If you have any questions, please email them to [email protected]

Biltmore Estate: Ciao! From Italy Sculptural Postcard Display
Jun 4 @ 8:30 am
Biltmore Estate

Included with admission

Embark on a scenic journey across George Vanderbilt’s Italy with a large-scale outdoor display that combines brilliant botanical designs with authentic messages written by Vanderbilt himself.

Beautifully handcrafted of natural elements, each sculptural postcard depicts a location or landmark Vanderbilt visited more than a century ago. This captivating complement to Biltmore’s Italian Renaissance Alive exhibition reveals Vanderbilt’s passions for travel, culture, architecture, and art as well as his personal experience of such renowned Italian cities as Milan, Florence, Venice, Pisa, and Vatican City.

Adding to the charm and visual appeal of Ciao! From Italy—sure to be a hit among kids of all ages—is the G-scale model train that travels in and out of each postcard in this enlightening display!

Italian Renaissance Alive
Jun 4 @ 10:00 am
Biltmore Estate

Explore Biltmore House with an Audio Guide that introduces you to the Vanderbilt family and their magnificent home’s history, architecture, and collections of fine art and furnishings.

PLUS: Immersive, multi-sensory Italian Renaissance Alive exhibition created by Grande Experiences

PLUS: FREE next-day access to Biltmore’s Gardens and Grounds

This visit includes access to:

  • Italian Renaissance Alive at Amherst at Deerpark®
  • 8,000 Acres of Gardens and Grounds for two consecutive days
  • Antler Hill Village & Winery
  • Complimentary Wine Tastings at the Winery
  • Tastings require a Day-of-Visit Reservation, which can be made by:
    • Scanning the QR Code found in your Estate Guide
    • Visiting any Guest Services location
  • Complimentary parking

Art Exhibition: Italian Renaissance Alive

This fascinating experience takes you on a spellbinding tour of Italy, fully immersing you in the beauty and brilliance of iconic masterworks from the greatest artistic period in history

Sandburg Home Tours
Jun 4 @ 11:00 am
Carl Sandburg Home

Sandburg Home Tours – Thursday to Sunday at 11am, 1pm, 2pm.

*As of April 2022, tours are free until further notice. See rates below if they change before your visit. Online reservations are available at recreation.gov.

The Sandburg Home is a great place to start your visit! The ground floor of the home contains visitor information, exhibits, tour ticket sales, the park store, and you can watch the park video. The main and top level of the home are furnished with the Sandburg family belongings. Visitors may only access the furnished ares of the home on a guided tour.

  • Tour Reservations: Reserving in advance lets you pick your preferred house tour time. Tours fill up quickly. Last-minute, in-person tickets may not be available on the day you visit. Plan ahead and reserve house tour tickets at recreation.gov.
  • Passes: The park does not currently sell the America the Beautiful– National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Passes.
    *These passes do not waive the house tour fee, but do provide a discount.
    *You can purchase a pass online at 
    America the Beautiful – National Parks & Federal Recreational Lands Annual Pass | USGS Store.
  • 30-minute house tours are offered year-round, schedule varies by season. Visit recreation.gov for the current schedule.
  • Visitors may only tour the Sandburg Home on a guided tour.
  • Tours are limited to 6 persons.
  • Strollers are not permitted on the house tour, but there is a place to leave them for storage. Infants and small children should be carried through the house while on tour.

    Sandburg Home Guided Tour Fee
    *Tours are free until further notice, this chart is the rate when fees resume.

    (credit card only)
    $10.00 for Adults 16 and older
    $6.00 for Adults age 62 and older and all interagency pass holders
    Free for Children age 15 and under

The All-Day Rhododendron Ramble
Jun 4 @ 11:00 am – 3:00 pm
Grandfather Mountain
Rhodo Ramble Day

Celebrate the rhododendron blooms with guided rambles, kids crafts and special displays. See the blossoms and learn about their history, attributes and roles they play in the mountain’s ecological communities. The easygoing walks begin at 12, 1 and 2, taking approximately 20 minutes and are fit for guests of all ages. Walks begin by the Butterfly Garden at the Wilson Center for Nature Discovery. Paths are wheelchair and stroller friendly. Included with admission. See special display inside Wilson Center. Read more about our rhododendron and other rambles.

The Vanderbilts at Home and Abroad
Jun 4 @ 11:00 am – 7:00 pm
Biltmore Estate

Included with admission

Back by popular demand, The Vanderbilts at Home and Abroad exhibition offers guests:

  • An opportunity to view rarely-seen treasures from the Biltmore collection
  • A first-hand look at the Vanderbilts’ lifestyle
  • Deeper insights into George, Edith, and Cornelia’s personalities, both at home and on their extensive travels

Access to exhibitions at The Biltmore Legacy is included with Biltmore daytime admission.