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.

Friday, July 28, 2023
2023 Spartanburg Soaring! Makers Market Vendor Application
Jul 28 all-day
online

This is a family friendly outdoor festival in Barnet Park, brought to you by Chapman Cultural Center. In addition to the Makers Market, there will be food trucks, live music and performances, children’s activities, and lots of kite flying! We are looking for the best artists and vendors to represent Spartanburg.

Details:
Saturday, October 14 | 11am – 5pm

Set up 8:30 am – 10:30 am
Breakdown 5pm – 6pm

Rain date October 15 | 1pm-5pm

In the case of rain we will be unable to offer a refund.

****PLEASE NOTE****

After submission, your application will be reviewed and if accepted, you will be contacted with more information and payment details. Your attendance is NOT confirmed until payment has been made in full. All applications and payments are due by September 29th, 2023. No applications will be taken after September 29th, 2023.

SPACE IS LIMITED. You are encouraged to apply as early as possible.

Vendor Fee:
Early Bird: $40.00
After September 8th: $60.00

Please read ALL agreements below, before submitting your fee. Refunds will not be available for applicants that have not followed our eligibility rules.

PLEASE NOTE – NO FOOD VENDORS WILL BE ACCEPTED FROM THIS APPLICATION. Please contact [email protected] with questions

Applications open: 2024 Asheville Fringe Arts Festival
Jul 28 all-day
online w/ Asheville Fringe Arts

APPLICATIONS OPEN NOW!

Do you have a boundary-pushing, innovative performance piece, short film or installation that you’re ready to share?

We will open applications for the film portion of the festival in fall 2023. Films must be submitted via FilmFreeway. Our application fee for films is $5.


NOW CONSIDERING WORKS OF ALL KINDS

We accept live performances from 5 to 60 minutes in length, plus installations and films. We’re open to other types of performance as well – let’s talk! Depending on its length, your piece may be grouped with another show, or scheduled as a Random Act of Fringe. RAFs are free and open to the public, and artists receive a stipend for their performance, rather than relying on door sales.

Typically each artist with a ticketed show gets 2 performances. But in 2024, we’re exploring the option of giving a few shows 3 performances, at select venues only. Our venues range from 20-80 person capacity.

1. FRINGE SHOT

A piece that is
5-15 minutes long

May be paired with another performance, or be selected as a free Random Act of Fringe.

2. SHORT FORM

A piece that is
20-40 minutes long

May be paired with another show.

3. FULL-LENGTH

A piece that is
45-60 minutes long

Ticketed theater-style show.

4. INSTALLATION

A piece that is
Site-specific (any length)

May be in an unusual location, or repeated many times. May be seen by as few as one person at a time.

5. FILM

A piece that is
Designed specifically for film.

May be of any genre & length. Could be combined with other films for a showcase or film night.
Submit on Film Freeway Fall 2023

3. THE ASHEVILLE FRINGE ARTS FESTIVAL IS A JURIED FESTIVAL.

We carefully review each and every submission. You’ll know by late October if your piece is selected. Should your piece get selected, there is a $35 participation fee.

Carolina Foothills Dog Show
Jul 28 all-day
Greenville Convention Center

The Public Is Welcome to Attend Our Dog Shows      

The dog shows are free to the public each day. It’s a wonderful and inexpensive way to entertain the whole family.

The shows are held each day, Thursday through Sunday, July 27 – 30, 2023.  Each day is a separate show, so you can attend any day and see a complete show. 

These shows are among the largest on the east coast with an average entry of about 2,000 dogs each day.  The dogs hail from over 40 states from California to New England, along with a scattering of dogs from foreign countries.  They include popular breeds, such as the Golden Retriever with an entry of nearly 100 dogs, to the Xoloitzcuintli, the Mexican National Breed.  With over 150 breeds represented, there will many breeds that you are familiar with, but many more that you have probably never heard of nor seen.

There are 2 events that are fun to watch.  The “Conformation” show is about how the dog looks,  and the “Junior Showmanship” is for children from 8 to 17 who compete to demonstrate their dog-handling skills.

How to Watch the Show

Breeds are judged at different times in different rings every day.  To get the most from the show it’s best to “know before you go.”  If you are interested in certain breeds, you should check the schedule for the day you plan to attend.  The complete judging program will tell you how many of that breed are competing and at what time and in which ring.

Available around July 19th:

DAILY RING SCHEDULE

COMPLETE JUDGING PROGRAM

If you are interested in seeing the most breeds in the shortest time, it’s best to attend the group judging, where you will see the Best-of-Breed winner of each breed in that group.  Judging of a group takes about 20 minutes, seeing all the breeds will take a little over 2  hours.  The schedule will also show you when group judging begins and the order of group judging.

Immediately following group judging will be Best-In-Show judging.

How a Dog Show Works

Each breed has a written standard that describes exactly how the dog should look and behave.  It goes into great detail  as to how the dog looks. The judge evaluates how closely the dog “conforms” to the standard, hence the name “Conformation.”

Each breed is judged separately.  There are several classes for each sex.  Males are judged first. After all the classes are judged the 1st place winners of all the classes are compete against each other.  The judge’s selection for the best male is awarded the Winners ribbon and receives championship points. 

After the males are shown, the females compete in exactly the same procedure.

Following the female judging, the champions plus the male and female that won championship points   compete for Best-Of-Breed.  Later in the day, the Best-Of-Breed winner competes against the other Best-Of-Breed winners in his group for Best-In-Group.  There are seven groups, sporting, hound, working, terrier, toy, non-sporting, and herding.

The Best-in-Group dog moves up to compete for the ultimate prize … Best-In-Show.

Junior Showmanship

Junior Showmanship competition is to encourage children to learn how to handle show dogs.  It provides an opportunity for the kids to compete against each other to see how well they are progressing.    The classes are divided by age of the child.  They may handle any AKC pure bred dog. 

Suggestions when attending the show

  • Do not bring your dog to the show.  Only dogs that are entered for competition are allowed.
  • Baby strollers must be approved at the club desk near the front entrance and a stroller pass will be issued.  This is for the safety of the children and small dogs.
  • Dogs are not for sale at the show, but you can visit with breeders to find out where you might buy a puppy of that breed and to learn some puppy raising practices to ensure a good pet.
  • When approaching an exhibitor at ringside, be sure not to disturb them if they are preparing to go into the ring soon.  They are concentrating on the presentation of their dog to the judge and shouldn’t be distracted by long conversations.  It’s best just to ask if you can speak with an exhibitor.  Most are happy to talk to you after the competition.
  • Please ask before petting a dog.
  • Be sure to instruct your children to respect the dogs and ask for permission to pet them.
Registration open: Annual Juried Exhibition
Jul 28 all-day
online
Volunteer Opportunities w/ Sweetheart Charity Ball fundraiser for Meals on Wheels
Jul 28 all-day
Meals on Wheels- Greenville

Meals on Wheels of Greenville’s Development team is looking for help with our upcoming 29th Annual Sweetheart Charity Ball on Saturday, February 10, 2024. This is our largest fundraising event of the year with a goal of raising $350,000.

Join the Sweetheart Charity Ball committee

We are looking for volunteers to help solicit auction items for both live and silent auctions as well as sponsorship recruitment. The committee meets monthly from August to December and then bi-monthly in January.

Help with Sweetheart Charity Ball décor

We are looking for volunteers to help with the planning and putting together of event décor including: creating floral arrangements, and sourcing linens and centerpieces.

If you are interested in these volunteer opportunities, please contact Abby Chapin by Monday, July 31 at 864-233-6565 or [email protected]. Thank you!

Wild West Adventure Trips w/ Nantahala Outdoor Center
Jul 28 all-day
various locations
Saturday, July 29, 2023
2023 Spartanburg Soaring! Makers Market Vendor Application
Jul 29 all-day
online

This is a family friendly outdoor festival in Barnet Park, brought to you by Chapman Cultural Center. In addition to the Makers Market, there will be food trucks, live music and performances, children’s activities, and lots of kite flying! We are looking for the best artists and vendors to represent Spartanburg.

Details:
Saturday, October 14 | 11am – 5pm

Set up 8:30 am – 10:30 am
Breakdown 5pm – 6pm

Rain date October 15 | 1pm-5pm

In the case of rain we will be unable to offer a refund.

****PLEASE NOTE****

After submission, your application will be reviewed and if accepted, you will be contacted with more information and payment details. Your attendance is NOT confirmed until payment has been made in full. All applications and payments are due by September 29th, 2023. No applications will be taken after September 29th, 2023.

SPACE IS LIMITED. You are encouraged to apply as early as possible.

Vendor Fee:
Early Bird: $40.00
After September 8th: $60.00

Please read ALL agreements below, before submitting your fee. Refunds will not be available for applicants that have not followed our eligibility rules.

PLEASE NOTE – NO FOOD VENDORS WILL BE ACCEPTED FROM THIS APPLICATION. Please contact [email protected] with questions

Appalachian Summer Festival–Boone
Jul 29 all-day
Appalachian State University’s Kidd Brewer Stadium, Boone
Applications open: 2024 Asheville Fringe Arts Festival
Jul 29 all-day
online w/ Asheville Fringe Arts

APPLICATIONS OPEN NOW!

Do you have a boundary-pushing, innovative performance piece, short film or installation that you’re ready to share?

We will open applications for the film portion of the festival in fall 2023. Films must be submitted via FilmFreeway. Our application fee for films is $5.


NOW CONSIDERING WORKS OF ALL KINDS

We accept live performances from 5 to 60 minutes in length, plus installations and films. We’re open to other types of performance as well – let’s talk! Depending on its length, your piece may be grouped with another show, or scheduled as a Random Act of Fringe. RAFs are free and open to the public, and artists receive a stipend for their performance, rather than relying on door sales.

Typically each artist with a ticketed show gets 2 performances. But in 2024, we’re exploring the option of giving a few shows 3 performances, at select venues only. Our venues range from 20-80 person capacity.

1. FRINGE SHOT

A piece that is
5-15 minutes long

May be paired with another performance, or be selected as a free Random Act of Fringe.

2. SHORT FORM

A piece that is
20-40 minutes long

May be paired with another show.

3. FULL-LENGTH

A piece that is
45-60 minutes long

Ticketed theater-style show.

4. INSTALLATION

A piece that is
Site-specific (any length)

May be in an unusual location, or repeated many times. May be seen by as few as one person at a time.

5. FILM

A piece that is
Designed specifically for film.

May be of any genre & length. Could be combined with other films for a showcase or film night.
Submit on Film Freeway Fall 2023

3. THE ASHEVILLE FRINGE ARTS FESTIVAL IS A JURIED FESTIVAL.

We carefully review each and every submission. You’ll know by late October if your piece is selected. Should your piece get selected, there is a $35 participation fee.

Carolina Foothills Dog Show
Jul 29 all-day
Greenville Convention Center

The Public Is Welcome to Attend Our Dog Shows      

The dog shows are free to the public each day. It’s a wonderful and inexpensive way to entertain the whole family.

The shows are held each day, Thursday through Sunday, July 27 – 30, 2023.  Each day is a separate show, so you can attend any day and see a complete show. 

These shows are among the largest on the east coast with an average entry of about 2,000 dogs each day.  The dogs hail from over 40 states from California to New England, along with a scattering of dogs from foreign countries.  They include popular breeds, such as the Golden Retriever with an entry of nearly 100 dogs, to the Xoloitzcuintli, the Mexican National Breed.  With over 150 breeds represented, there will many breeds that you are familiar with, but many more that you have probably never heard of nor seen.

There are 2 events that are fun to watch.  The “Conformation” show is about how the dog looks,  and the “Junior Showmanship” is for children from 8 to 17 who compete to demonstrate their dog-handling skills.

How to Watch the Show

Breeds are judged at different times in different rings every day.  To get the most from the show it’s best to “know before you go.”  If you are interested in certain breeds, you should check the schedule for the day you plan to attend.  The complete judging program will tell you how many of that breed are competing and at what time and in which ring.

Available around July 19th:

DAILY RING SCHEDULE

COMPLETE JUDGING PROGRAM

If you are interested in seeing the most breeds in the shortest time, it’s best to attend the group judging, where you will see the Best-of-Breed winner of each breed in that group.  Judging of a group takes about 20 minutes, seeing all the breeds will take a little over 2  hours.  The schedule will also show you when group judging begins and the order of group judging.

Immediately following group judging will be Best-In-Show judging.

How a Dog Show Works

Each breed has a written standard that describes exactly how the dog should look and behave.  It goes into great detail  as to how the dog looks. The judge evaluates how closely the dog “conforms” to the standard, hence the name “Conformation.”

Each breed is judged separately.  There are several classes for each sex.  Males are judged first. After all the classes are judged the 1st place winners of all the classes are compete against each other.  The judge’s selection for the best male is awarded the Winners ribbon and receives championship points. 

After the males are shown, the females compete in exactly the same procedure.

Following the female judging, the champions plus the male and female that won championship points   compete for Best-Of-Breed.  Later in the day, the Best-Of-Breed winner competes against the other Best-Of-Breed winners in his group for Best-In-Group.  There are seven groups, sporting, hound, working, terrier, toy, non-sporting, and herding.

The Best-in-Group dog moves up to compete for the ultimate prize … Best-In-Show.

Junior Showmanship

Junior Showmanship competition is to encourage children to learn how to handle show dogs.  It provides an opportunity for the kids to compete against each other to see how well they are progressing.    The classes are divided by age of the child.  They may handle any AKC pure bred dog. 

Suggestions when attending the show

  • Do not bring your dog to the show.  Only dogs that are entered for competition are allowed.
  • Baby strollers must be approved at the club desk near the front entrance and a stroller pass will be issued.  This is for the safety of the children and small dogs.
  • Dogs are not for sale at the show, but you can visit with breeders to find out where you might buy a puppy of that breed and to learn some puppy raising practices to ensure a good pet.
  • When approaching an exhibitor at ringside, be sure not to disturb them if they are preparing to go into the ring soon.  They are concentrating on the presentation of their dog to the judge and shouldn’t be distracted by long conversations.  It’s best just to ask if you can speak with an exhibitor.  Most are happy to talk to you after the competition.
  • Please ask before petting a dog.
  • Be sure to instruct your children to respect the dogs and ask for permission to pet them.
NOC Paddling School
Jul 29 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.

Registration open: Annual Juried Exhibition
Jul 29 all-day
online
The Curator’s Journal: A Year-long Insider’s View of American Bonsai at The North Carolina Arboretum
Jul 29 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.

The Period Project Volunteer Opportunity
Jul 29 all-day
The Period Project

Warehouse Operations Volunteer Job Description
Position Description: The Warehouse Operations Volunteer will facilitate the inbound and
outbound shipping of menstrual health products. This includes managing delivery receipts,
customer shipments and deliveries; arranging product and materials for period pack parties and
receiving product from packing parties; and maintaining control of all inventory and warehouse
property in a safe, clean, and organized manner.

Below is a list of primary duties:
1. Facilitate warehouse:
a. Inventory control and accountability
b. Coordinate receiving, storage, packing, and shipping/deliveries.
c. Maintain appropriate levels of non-product materials – bags, baggies, boxes.
2. Manage transportation requirements:
a. Schedule and coordinate shipping and deliveries to customers.
3. Coordinate volunteers/interns in warehouse operations or period pack events.
4. Accurately track and report inventory receipts and shipments as required. Maintain
accurate inventory records in HPP approved software (ie: Human Essentials, etc.).
5. Maintain facility and grounds in compliance with all OSHA requirements; ensure facilities
maintain high level of environmental stewardship.
6. Provide customer service.

To apply, please email: [email protected] with the title “warehouse position” and a brief synopsis of why you’re interested in the position.

VIRTUAL RAILFAN is live!
Jul 29 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/ Sweetheart Charity Ball fundraiser for Meals on Wheels
Jul 29 all-day
Meals on Wheels- Greenville

Meals on Wheels of Greenville’s Development team is looking for help with our upcoming 29th Annual Sweetheart Charity Ball on Saturday, February 10, 2024. This is our largest fundraising event of the year with a goal of raising $350,000.

Join the Sweetheart Charity Ball committee

We are looking for volunteers to help solicit auction items for both live and silent auctions as well as sponsorship recruitment. The committee meets monthly from August to December and then bi-monthly in January.

Help with Sweetheart Charity Ball décor

We are looking for volunteers to help with the planning and putting together of event décor including: creating floral arrangements, and sourcing linens and centerpieces.

If you are interested in these volunteer opportunities, please contact Abby Chapin by Monday, July 31 at 864-233-6565 or [email protected]. Thank you!

Volunteer opportunities with The Salvation Army of Greenville
Jul 29 all-day
The Salvation Army of Greenville

We have many volunteer opportunities for people of all ages and time commitments. Volunteering with The Salvation Army of Greenville is a meaningful way to make a positive impact in our community.

Our Impact

In 2022, The Salvation Army of Greenville, SC provided:

·         24,360 nights of shelter

·         81,458 meals

·         782 food boxes

·         6,949 articles of clothing

·         464 households rent/utilities assistance

·         2,866 youth with life-changing interaction

·         18,801 health/wellness activities

·         40,000+ unduplicated individuals received support

Wild West Adventure Trips w/ Nantahala Outdoor Center
Jul 29 all-day
various locations
AID-L Yard + Bake Sale
Jul 29 @ 8:00 am – 12:00 pm
Advanced Institute for Development and Learning

Please join the Advanced Institute for Development and Learning Saturday, July 29th for a Yard and Bake Sale Fundraiser. The yard sale will include housewares, furniture, baby and children’s items and more!

If you’re interested in donating, check out our event page for drop-off times, or otherwise, we hope you’ll come shop on July 29th from 8am – 12pm!

Fountain Inn Farmers Market
Jul 29 @ 8:00 am – 12:00 pm
Fountain Inn Farmers Market