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

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Monday, August 7, 2023
Applications open: 2024 Asheville Fringe Arts Festival
Aug 7 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.

Flat Rock Playhouse Annual Fundraiser w/ Nat Zegree
Aug 7 all-day
Flat Rock Playhouse

You know Nat from his appearances in Amadeus, Million Dollar Quartet, and the hit Mozart to Pop Chart series at Flat Rock Playhouse.

Well now you’re invited to an exclusive, one-night-only concert with the incomparable Nat Zegree and all the fun-loving antics you’ve come to expect!

Join us on Monday, August 7th at Kenmure Country Club for a night you’re sure to never forget!

To reserve a seat visit flatrockplayhouse.org/fundraiser or call our Development Office at (828) 693-0403 ext. 230

Greenville Humane Society Urgent Need of Foster Homes
Aug 7 all-day
Greenville Humane Society

We’ve all experienced being sick and we can all agree it’s not any fun. Maybe your body hurts or you’re feeling run down. All you want to do is lay down and relax at home. Within a few days, most of us start to feel better. We get back to our normal schedules. Our shelter animals don’t have that luxury. When they’re sick, all they want is a comfortable home to relax in. A family that will help nurse them back to health. Reassurance that everything is going to be alright.

We have 106 sick animals that we’re caring for at this time. With limited staff and resources, we’re doing everything we can to make every single one of them comfortable. They’re not feeling well. Many have runny noses. Some are coughing. Others are undergoing difficult heartworm treatments. It’s hard on them. But also hard on us. Our team works day in and day out caring for each animal like they’re our own. With 106 animals, you can imagine that becomes incredibly difficult and exhausting.

So we’re begging for help. We are in desperate need of foster homes to help us nurse these sick babies back to health. We even provide everything you will need for your foster pet – food, leash, collar, toys, bed, crate – anything that will make life easier so you can focus on helping them recover faster.

Whether you’re able to help for a few days, a week, or two weeks – we need you. We’re sending out this desperate plea for help. It’s been a very long time since we’ve hit a capacity like this in The Healing Place, and we need our community’s support to continue saving as many lives as possible. Please consider temporarily opening your home and heart to a shelter animal, there is no better time than now.

Power Up Spartanburg’s Existing Business Impact Grants
Aug 7 all-day
online

Access to Capital

Accessing financial resources is a key element of Power Up Spartanburg, so $10 million in loans and $665,000 in grants will be made available through Power Up: Funding.

For the first two years, 30% of funds are reserved for minority-owned businesses.

Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) will serve as fiduciary agents for these small and minority business funding opportunities.

Tuesday, August 8, 2023
Applications open: 2024 Asheville Fringe Arts Festival
Aug 8 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.

Greenville Humane Society Urgent Need of Foster Homes
Aug 8 all-day
Greenville Humane Society

We’ve all experienced being sick and we can all agree it’s not any fun. Maybe your body hurts or you’re feeling run down. All you want to do is lay down and relax at home. Within a few days, most of us start to feel better. We get back to our normal schedules. Our shelter animals don’t have that luxury. When they’re sick, all they want is a comfortable home to relax in. A family that will help nurse them back to health. Reassurance that everything is going to be alright.

We have 106 sick animals that we’re caring for at this time. With limited staff and resources, we’re doing everything we can to make every single one of them comfortable. They’re not feeling well. Many have runny noses. Some are coughing. Others are undergoing difficult heartworm treatments. It’s hard on them. But also hard on us. Our team works day in and day out caring for each animal like they’re our own. With 106 animals, you can imagine that becomes incredibly difficult and exhausting.

So we’re begging for help. We are in desperate need of foster homes to help us nurse these sick babies back to health. We even provide everything you will need for your foster pet – food, leash, collar, toys, bed, crate – anything that will make life easier so you can focus on helping them recover faster.

Whether you’re able to help for a few days, a week, or two weeks – we need you. We’re sending out this desperate plea for help. It’s been a very long time since we’ve hit a capacity like this in The Healing Place, and we need our community’s support to continue saving as many lives as possible. Please consider temporarily opening your home and heart to a shelter animal, there is no better time than now.

Volunteer opportunities with The Salvation Army of Greenville
Aug 8 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

Wilderness Medicine + Survival Skills at Nantahala Outdoor Center
Aug 8 all-day
Nantahala Outdoor Center

LEARN MORE THIS YEAR

Brush up on your wilderness medicine or learn new survival skills! SOLO Southeast & NOC are offering over 200 courses in 2023 and classes in locations across the southeast.

  • Atlanta, GA
  • Bryson City, NC
  • Chattanooga, TN
  • Collegedale, TN
  • Greenville, SC

Find your next course with SOLO Southeast and be prepared for the unexpected!

Greenville State Farmers Market
Aug 8 @ 8:00 am – 6:00 pm
Greenville State Farmers Market

 

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 only two holidays: Christmas and New Year’s Day.

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

 

Office Hours

Monday – Friday  •  7:30 am – 4 pm
Closed on State Holidays

 

Retail Hours

Monday – Saturday  •  8 am – 6 pm
Admission and parking are free
Closed Christmas Day and New Year’s Day

Biltmore Estate: Ciao! From Italy Sculptural Postcard Display
Aug 8 @ 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!

Caffeinated Conversations: The Urban League of the Upstate
Aug 8 @ 8:30 am – 9:30 am
OneSpartanburg, Inc. Milliken Board Room

The Urban League of the Upstate has been creating change and advocating for equity among it’s constituents, serving as a gateway for educational and community resources across the region for 50 years. Join us for a conversation with the the Urban League, including their push into the film industry.

“Inked, Brushed, Rolled + Penciled: Collective Perspective: Seeing Outside the Box, Prints + Exploratory Artwork in Other Mediums
Aug 8 @ 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Inked, Brushed, Rolled and Penciled

The Artists Collective | Spartanburg will present an exhibition by the Greenville Contemporary Print Collective – “Inked, Brushed, Rolled and Penciled: Collective Perspective: Seeing Outside the Box, Prints and Exploratory Artwork in Other Mediums” – July 11 through Aug. 27 in the Solomon Gallery. The show will feature works by 16 Print Collective artists and three invited

members of the Artist Collective.

 

An artists’ reception will be held Thursday, July 20, as part of ArtWalk Spartanburg.

 

Participating members from the Contemporary Print Collective will be Barbara Ervin, Susan Staggs, Marty Epp-Carter, Katya Cohen, Steven Chapp, Shaun McCallum, Jared Stanley, Joel Wilkinson, Roberta Restaino, Catherine Labbe, Gerry Wubben, Nancy Jaramillo, Luis Jaramillo, Mandy Ferguson, Meredith Bogardus Skinner and Orlando Corona. Three Artist Collective | Spartanburg artists participating by special invitation will be Jim Creal, Hague Williams and Addam Duncan. An exhibition of prints and artwork in a variety of media by each participant.

EXHIBIT: ART TEACHERS AS ARTISTS
Aug 8 @ 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Chapman Cultural Center

This week, CCC launches “Art Teachers As Artists” – an inspiring art exhibition celebrating the creativity and talent of 8 exceptional art educators from Spartanburg County School Districts 1-7 as well as private/charter schools. This unique showcase provides a rare glimpse into the artistic mastery of those who inspire and nurture young minds daily. Through this exhibition, we invite you to explore a captivating fusion of passion, skill, and innovation, as these teachers step into the limelight to share their artistic visions. See it online here, then plan to visit our gallery in person in the Mosley Building on the Chapman Cultural Center campus! Here are the participating art teachers: Roscoe Conn Broome High School Liz List SC School for the Blind Sam Mitchell Coordinator Mildred Harrison Dent Fine Arts Center Mildred Harrison Dent Endowed Chair Upper School Visual Art/Art History Teacher Spartanburg Day School Cindy Riddle Retired art teacher, Spartanburg District 1 Schools Now Teaching Artist Michael Shoolbred Clifdale Middle School Annette Spencer Beech Springs Intermediate School Robert Urban Dorman High School Krista Wingo, M. Ed. James F. Byrnes High School Byrnes Freshman Academy The exhibition will be on display until September 5th.

Chapman Cultural Center Campus
Monday: Open for admin & rentals only
Tuesday – Friday: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Saturday: 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Sunday: Closed

Very Eric Carle: A Very Hungry, Quiet, Lonely, Clumsy, Busy Exhibit
Aug 8 @ 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Upstate History Museum

The Very Hungry Caterpillar story is about hope.  You, like the little caterpillar, will grow up, unfold your wings and fly off into the future.”

                                                                                                                                                                    –Eric Carle

 

Colorful adventures in literacy and STEAM learning await in the special exhibition, “Very Eric Carle: A Very Hungry, Quiet, Lonely, Clumsy, Busy Exhibit,” making its Southeastern United States debut at the Upcountry History Museum, Greenville, SC.

At this play-and-learn exhibit, co-organized by The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art, Amherst, Massachusetts, and the Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh, visitors step into the pages of author and illustrator Eric Carle’s colorful picture books and experience them as artist and reader, while discovering and playing with five special insects from his well-known children’s books.

Carle’s classic “Very” book series, is reimagined in the 2,500 square foot exhibition. Utilizing Carle’s hand-painted tissue paper collage technique, the exhibit presents the five “Very” special insects who invite visitors to join them on their journeys of discovery.

Through interactive experiences, visitors become the “tiny and very hungry Caterpillar,” following along his iconic path. They also weave a web with the “Very Busy Spider;” find their light with the “Very Lonely Firefly;” make the “Very Clumsy Click Beetle” flip and jump; and compose a night symphony with the “Very Quiet Cricket.”

In “The Studio,” a flexible workspace, visitors are connected to the artist and his playful approach of creating illustrated book art through multiple hands-on activities. Children create their own collages using many of Eric Carle’s materials and techniques.

In the “Reading Zone” children and their caregivers explore visual literacy and reading through words, pictures and video.  Visitors are invited to listen to Eric Carle read his stories and talk about his process or read their own favorite Eric Carle story with a friend

Each of the “Very” stories are a testament to Eric Carle’s love of nature, his respect for the emotional lives of children, and his recurring themes of friendship, creativity, and the power of imagination.

The creator of more than seventy books, Eric Carle (1929-2021) combined winsome stories and lively collages that appeal to young readers and adults alike.  While Carle’s stories are charming, they’re layered with information too.  As children read his books about animals, families, nature, and fables, they also learn their colors, numbers, and letters.  Eric Carle focused on making learning accessible and fun – and in the process, he invited children to fall in love with books and reading.

Walk-In Interviews
Aug 8 @ 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Motus Integrated Techologoes

Recruiting Solutions will be on-site at Motus Integrated Technology every Tuesday in August. We are hiring for Production and Assembly Associates.
When: Tuesdays in August
Time: 10:00 am – 12:00 pm EST
Where: Motus Integrated Technologies
320 John Martin Rd, Spartanburg, SC 29303
What: Immediately hiring for 2nd and 3rd shift Production and Assembly Associates
Facebook Event: https://fb.me/e/627lW8TfL
Apply at: https://www.recruitingsolutionsonline.com/jobs/production-assembler/?fbclid=IwAR2Dmoek9hLlW6ZT8pZMvo5N2M0UKf-1gACI4KVMV-zOzckWKudPb5Mm9yY

Carolina Shine Moonshine Experience
Aug 8 @ 10:30 am – 3:00 pm
Great Smoky Mountain Railroad

“Shine and Dine” on the railway! We cordially invite you to hop on board The Carolina Shine, GSMR’s All-Adult First Class Moonshine Car! We will be proudly serving hand crafted, triple-distilled, craft moonshine. Some of the smoothest tasting moonshine in the Carolinas! Offered on the Nantahala Gorge excursion, this shine and dine experience begins in a renovated First Class train fleet car, The Carolina Shine. The interior features copper lined walls filled with the history of moonshining in North Carolina. Learn about the proud tradition that the Appalachians established when bootlegging was an acceptable way of life and local home brews were the best in town. Read about Swain County’s very own Major Redmond, the most famous mountain moonshine outlaw of the 19th century. Once your appetite for knowledge is satisfied, enjoy sample tastings of flavors like Apple Pie, Blackberry, Blueberry, Cherry, Peach, and Strawberry moonshine. If the samples are not enough, there will be plenty of Moonshine infused cocktails like Copper Cola or Moonshiner’s Mimosa available for purchase. GSMR is excited to feature multiple craft NC based distilleries to serve our guests only the best! Each jar is handcrafted and authentically infused with real fruit, the way moonshine was meant to be made. Passengers will also enjoy a full service All-Adult First Class ride with an attendant and our popular Cajun seasoned Pulled Pork BBQ with Sweet Baby Ray’s sauce cooked in our special spices and slow roasted to perfection! During the month of October, 9am departures will feature the option of a delicious Cheesy Shrimp & Grits or Cheesy Ham Hash Brown Casserole while 2pm departures will be served the popular BBQ meal.

Nantahala Gorge Excursion
Aug 8 @ 10:30 am – 3:00 pm
Great Smoky Mountain Railroad

TAKE A TRAIN RIDE ALONG SIDE THE BEAUTIFUL NANTAHALA RIVER ON OUR NANTAHALA GORGE EXCURSION! DEPARTING FROM BRYSON CITY, THIS 4½ HOUR ROUNDTRIP EXCURSION CARRIES YOU 44 MILES TO THE NANTAHALA GORGE AND BACK AGAIN ARRIVING AT OUR BRYSON CITY DEPOT.

Enjoy the sights and sounds of the Great Smoky Mountains while traveling along the Tennessee and Nantahala (nan-tuh-HAY-luh) River. The historic trellis bridge Fontana Trestle takes you across Fontana Lake and into the beautiful Nantahala Gorge. Onboard dining is available in First Class Seating and selecting from our  First Class Dinning menu options OR you can pre-purchase a box lunch option to make this an amazing unique moving dining experience. Arrive at our layover destination in the heart of the Nantahala Gorge for a one-hour layover where you can relax by the river or enjoy sightseeing!

Itinerary

30m before departure Boarding begins at Bryson City Depot
See schedule for departure time Depart Bryson City, NC
1h 45m Reach top of the line
2h 00m Begin return
2h 30m—3h 30m Layover
3h 30m Depart Layover
4h 30m Arrive at Bryson City Depot
Time from Departure Activity
The Vanderbilts at Home and Abroad
Aug 8 @ 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.

Racial Justice Workshop
Aug 8 @ 11:30 am
YWCA of Asheville

The YWCA Racial Justice Workshop is open to our entire YWCA Asheville community – including our staff, volunteers, board, donors, program participants, Fitness Center and community members. This 90-minute workshop will take place on the second Tuesday of each month at 11:30 am and will be facilitated by Gerry Leonard, Racial Justice & Outreach Specialist and Lexus Walker, Tzedek Social Justice Fellow.

 

Guided Trail Walk
Aug 8 @ 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
NC Arboretum

Hit the trails and learn more about The North Carolina Arboretum’s botanically diverse forest with a guided trail walk! April through October, this free hiking program is led by trained volunteer guides who take small groups of participants along woodland trails and through a variety of forest types. Depending on the season and each guide’s area of expertise, topics of discussion may include wildflowers, plant and tree identification, natural history and more.

Guided trail walks are limited to 15 people, including the guide, and are not recommended for guests under 16 years of age. Groups depart from the Baker Visitor Center Lobby on Tuesdays at 1 p.m. and Saturdays at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m..

Walks last 1.5 – 2.5 hours, are approximately one to two miles in length. As this program is held rain or shine, all participants should dress appropriately for the weather.

There is no pre-registration; walks are first-come first served and sign up sheets are located in the Baker Visitors Center.

Walks are FREE; however, donations to The North Carolina Arboretum Society are appreciated. Regular parking fees apply. Arboretum Society Members always park free.

Know Before You Go

  • Guided Trail Walks are not recommended for guests under 16 years of age.
  • Guided Trail Walks are rain or shine and all participants should be dressed comfortably and for the weather.
  • Hikes cover 1-2 miles and last 1.5-2 hours.
  • Well-behaved leashed pets are welcome to accompany their owners. In the rare case that a pet is disruptive or negatively impacts the experience, the pet and its owner may be asked to excuse themselves from the guided walk.
  • COVID-19 Safety: In order to hear the guide and fully participate in the trail walk, participants will be in close proximity to one another for extended periods of time. While face coverings are not required, participants should use their best judgement to keep themselves and others safe while enjoying the trails. Individuals who are experiencing flu-like symptoms or suspect they may have been exposed to COVID-19 should not participate.
  • At this time, no more than 6 spaces may be filled by a single family/group through pre-registration for any one Guided Trail Walk. If additional spaces are available on the day of the Walk, additional members of the family/group may participate. We apologize for any inconvenience and look forward to welcoming larger groups in the future.