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.

Thursday, September 14, 2023
Ben Folds
Sep 14 @ 7:30 pm
Peace Concert Hall

Born and raised in North Carolina, Folds first rose to fame in the mid-’90s with Ben Folds Five, whose acerbic, genre-bending take on piano pop helped define an entire era of alternative rock. After scoring multiple hit singles and a gold record with the band, Folds launched his solo career in 2001, releasing a series of similarly acclaimed albums that would firmly establish him as one of the most ambitious and versatile songwriters of his generation.

In 2010, Folds teamed up with celebrated author Nick Hornby on a collaborative record titled Lonely Avenue; in 2014, he composed his first piano concerto; in 2015, he recorded an album with the classical ensemble yMusic; in 2017, he became the artistic advisor to the National Symphony Orchestra at the Kennedy Center, where he began curating a series of performances marrying contemporary artists with symphonic orchestration; in 2019, he released his New York Times best-selling memoir, A Dream About Lightning Bugs; and in 2021, he launched the Lightning Bugspodcast, an interview series on creativity and process with guests as diverse as Jon Batiste, Sara Bareilles, Bob Saget, and Rainn Wilson.

Folds’ masterful new collection, What Matters Most, marks his first new studio release in eight years, and it’s a bold, timely, cinematic work, one that examines the tragic and the absurd in equal measure as it reckons with hope and despair, gratitude and loss, identity, and perspective. Taken as a whole, it is an undeniably joyful record that refuses to succumb to the weight of the world around it, an ecstatic reminder of all the beauty and promise hiding in plain sight for anyone willing (and present enough) to recognize their moments as they arrive.

Pacifica Quartet with clarinetist Anthony McGill
Sep 14 @ 7:30 pm
Brocks Center for Performing Arts

With a career spanning nearly three decades, the multiple Grammy Award-winning Pacifica Quartet has achieved international recognition as one of the finest chamber ensembles performing today. The Quartet has served as quartet-in-residence and full-time faculty members at Indiana University’s Jacobs School of Music for the past decade. Clarinetist Anthony McGill is one of classical music’s most recognizable and brilliantly multifaceted figures. In addition to his dynamic international solo and chamber music career, McGill is principal clarinet of the New York Philharmonic—the first African-American principal player in the organization’s history.

FREE, no ticket required

Friday, September 15, 2023
RENEW: Walking Group
Sep 15 @ 9:00 am – 10:00 am
Greer Relief & Resources Agency, Inc.

Take a walk with a neighbor in the park. Check-in and out at Greer Relief.

Weather dependent unless otherwise noted.

Remember:

  • Please be early. There are no late check-ins.
  • The class is for adults only. Children can walk with you in the park if you (or someone) can watch them. They can participate if they wish, but only those 18 and older will earn a RENEW reward.
  • Must attend in person and be present for the entirety of each class to earn RENEW Rewards.
  • RENEW Rewards: $10 

About RENEW: RENEW is an education, enrichment, and life skills program designed to improve the quality of life and well-being of the greater Greer community. We welcome any and all individuals who are passionate about learning and developing skills that will set them on a path of healthy living.

RENEW: Reaching Every Neighbor Every Way, for classes on: Financial Wellness, Job Services, and Healthy Living

Spartanburg Greek Festival
Sep 15 @ 11:00 am
St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church

We welcome you to join us at this family friendly event. We are excited to offer savory platters, scrumptious pita sandwiches, and our always popular pastries along with a Greek band, dancing, church tours, and shopping. The event takes place Sept. 15-17, 2023, with opening hours of 11 am to 9 pm on Friday and Saturday, and 11 am to 6 pm on Sunday. There will be a free shuttle, too! OPA!

Main Street Fridays
Sep 15 @ 5:30 pm – 9:30 pm
NOMA Square
Wind up the work week at Greenville Heritage FCU Main Street Fridays presented by Pepsi, listening and dancing to the best in musical entertainment.
This weekly music series on Main Street at NOMA Square opens at 5:30 PM and closes at 9:30 PM, with bands playing two sets at 5:50 PM and 7:40 PM. NOMA Square chairs go fast, so bring a tailgating chair if you are not arriving early.
🎸 MUSIC LINEUP 🎸
3/17 The Jamie Wright Band (St. Patrick’s Day)
3/24 Haints & Saints
3/31 Latin Soul Band
4/7 Jukebox 45 (Masters Weekend)
4/14 Soul Intent
4/21 Hot as a Pepper
4/28 Odyssey Band
5/5 JazzSmith (Cinco de Mayo)
5/12 No Event – Artisphere
5/19 The Fortunate Sons
5/26 Eric Weiler Group (Scottish Games)
6/2 Hurt & Skip
6/9 Rhythm Jab
6/16 Wanda Johnson
6/23 Xpresso Party Band
6/30 Power2Party
7/7 The Night Affair Band
7/14 Soul Legit Band
7/21 The Night Owls
7/28 Mac Arnold & Plate Full O’ Blues
8/4 Jazz Revolution
8/11 Song
8/18 J-E-T
8/25 The Time Pilots
9/1 Shades of Brown
9/8 Sidecar
9/15 Rock and Roll Reunion (Shag Night)
9/22 Whitten Brothers Band
9/29 True Blues
Live Music
Sep 15 @ 6:30 pm – 9:00 pm
RJ Rockers Brewing Company
The Music of Dirty Dancing
Sep 15 @ 7:30 pm
Flat Rock Playhouse

“Nobody puts Baby in a corner.” Get ready for the time of your life with The Music of Dirty Dancing! This musical tribute to the film shot, in part, at Henderson County’s own Lake Lure is sure to feature all the hip-shaking guilty pleasure the world came to love in the 1987 blockbuster. The sizzling soundtrack comes to life on ‘The Rock’ with vocals and dancing that will dazzle you.  Feel free to sing and dance along to tunes like “Be My Baby,” “Hungry Eyes,” “She’s Like the Wind,”  the Academy Award winning “(I’ve Had) The Time of My Life,” and so many more!

Rock Out Hunger, Loaves + Fishes Benefit
Sep 15 @ 8:00 pm
The Radio Room

Local band The Grateful Brothers announces their upcoming benefit concert in support of the nonprofit organization Loaves & Fishes. The event will take place on September 15th at The Radio Room, one of the city’s premier live music venues. Doors will open at 7:00
PM, with the show starting at 8:00 PM.
Proudly presented by The Radio Room Greenville, this year’s lineup includes The Grateful Brothers, and Matt Fassas Trip.
The Grateful Brothers is a highly regarded band known for their captivating performances paying homage to two legendary rock bands, the Grateful Dead and the Allman Brothers. This special concert will showcase their exceptional musical talent while raising funds and awareness for a worthy cause.
Doors open at 7:00 PM, and the show starts at 8:00 PM. Tickets available now. $15 in advance, $20 at the door.
There are a LOT of fun and philanthropic events in Greenville, but “if you get confused, just listen to the music play.” like The Grateful Dead said.
Attendees can look forward to an evening of soulful music, vibrant energy, and an opportunity to support a worthwhile cause. In addition to the concert, there will be various opportunities for patrons to contribute to Loaves & Fishes, including a raffle and t-shirt sales.
“We’re thrilled to bring this show together with The Radio Room and Loaves & Fishes! We have a wonderful community around this band, and this is a great opportunity to bring us all together to give back to the local community and fight food insecurity in Greenville while enjoying a killer night of live music. Truly a win-win!” says Zach Thigpen, singer and guitarist of The Grateful Brothers.
“We’re excited to team up for another great event of Rock Out Hunger with Loaves & Fishes, because food rescue is something that we’re all passionate about. We’re currently in our 13th year as a business, and this will be our 2nd event with Loaves & Fishes, and we hope for many more to come”, says Wes Gilliam, a co-owner of the Radio Room in Greenville, SC, as well as a founder of the Upstate Music Awards. He is a proud husband and father and a longtime supporter of Loaves & Fishes.
“Once in a while you get shown the light, in the strangest of places, if you look at it right.”- Jerry Garcia
Proceeds from Rock Out Hunger will be put to immediate use this year rescuing food in Greenville

Saturday, September 16, 2023
2023 UNCF Walk for Education – Upstate
Sep 16 @ 7:00 am – 11:00 am
USC UPSTATE (G.B. HODGE CENTER)

Walk for Education? Let’s Move!!!

Upstate, Let’s Move —walk, run, cycle, dance—all in honor of UNCF, our students and schools. Join us live in Spartanburg for the South Carolina Walk and help UNCF raise funds to support our HBCUs and students.

Celebrate with your family, friends and coworkers. Let’s build better futures one step at a time.

The UNCF Walk for Education is a nationwide initiative to raise the critical funds UNCF needs to fulfill our mission of support to our member HBCUs and to help our students to become active participants of society through a high-quality education.

7:00 AM — Team Check-in & Registration
8:00 – 8:30 AM — Program & Warm-up
8:30 AM — Run/Walk Begins
9:30 AM — Walk Program & Awards

Simpsonville Farmers Market
Sep 16 @ 8:00 am – 12:00 pm
Simpsonville Farmers Market

The Simpsonville Farmers Market is an open-air market held on in-season Saturdays in the heart of downtown Simpsonville. Our vendors are local farmers and artisans, and unlike others in the area we plan and run our own market each year. We feature an array of products from the expected seasonal fruits and vegetables, to eggs and artisan cheeses, locally roasted coffee, eggs and meat, health and beauty care, and much more. What was a small affair in 2010 has now grown into a celebrated market known locally for its high quality and variety.

There is a lot to choose from, so make sure you bring your reusable shopping bags!

Guided Trail Walk
Sep 16 @ 10:00 am – 12:00 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.
Spartanburg Greek Festival
Sep 16 @ 11:00 am
St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church

We welcome you to join us at this family friendly event. We are excited to offer savory platters, scrumptious pita sandwiches, and our always popular pastries along with a Greek band, dancing, church tours, and shopping. The event takes place Sept. 15-17, 2023, with opening hours of 11 am to 9 pm on Friday and Saturday, and 11 am to 6 pm on Sunday. There will be a free shuttle, too! OPA!

Guided Trail Walk
Sep 16 @ 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.
The Music of Dirty Dancing
Sep 16 @ 2:00 pm
Flat Rock Playhouse

“Nobody puts Baby in a corner.” Get ready for the time of your life with The Music of Dirty Dancing! This musical tribute to the film shot, in part, at Henderson County’s own Lake Lure is sure to feature all the hip-shaking guilty pleasure the world came to love in the 1987 blockbuster. The sizzling soundtrack comes to life on ‘The Rock’ with vocals and dancing that will dazzle you.  Feel free to sing and dance along to tunes like “Be My Baby,” “Hungry Eyes,” “She’s Like the Wind,”  the Academy Award winning “(I’ve Had) The Time of My Life,” and so many more!

Tunes in the Park
Sep 16 @ 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Greer City Park.

Featuring the Rhythm City Band

Live Music
Sep 16 @ 6:30 pm – 9:00 pm
RJ Rockers Brewing Company
Tunes in the Park
Sep 16 @ 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Greer City Park

Mac Arnold and Plates Full O’ Blues and Greer Idol

The Carolina Coast Band – Saturday August 19, 6-9 PM

The Rhythm City Band – Saturday September 16, 6-9 PM

Zimmerli Series 2023 – New World Symphony – Dvorak
Sep 16 @ 7:00 pm
Twichell Auditorium

Your Spartanburg Philharmonic opens its monumental 95th Season with the brave and bold New World Symphony under the baton of our new Music Director, John Concklin. Dvorák’s Symphony no. 9, opus 95, is filled with dancing Czech rhythms and familiar American folk melodies. Immerse yourself in the powerful, lush harmonies and rich orchestration. A truly audacious, iconic piece to begin a new era of music in Spartanburg

There is an elevator to the main floor of Twichell Auditorium; there is no elevator to the balconies.

Tickets are non-refundable.

The Music of Dirty Dancing
Sep 16 @ 7:30 pm
Flat Rock Playhouse

“Nobody puts Baby in a corner.” Get ready for the time of your life with The Music of Dirty Dancing! This musical tribute to the film shot, in part, at Henderson County’s own Lake Lure is sure to feature all the hip-shaking guilty pleasure the world came to love in the 1987 blockbuster. The sizzling soundtrack comes to life on ‘The Rock’ with vocals and dancing that will dazzle you.  Feel free to sing and dance along to tunes like “Be My Baby,” “Hungry Eyes,” “She’s Like the Wind,”  the Academy Award winning “(I’ve Had) The Time of My Life,” and so many more!

The Wailers
Sep 16 @ 7:30 pm
Peace Pavilion

The Wailers are a rare breed of musicians who have earned their place in the annals of music history. Their culture-defining music, embodying the spirit of the ’70s reggae movement, has left an indelible mark on the industry. Experience the magic of their timeless classics and incredible cuts from Bob Marley’s vast repertoire in a unique set. Under the guidance of Aston Barrett Jr., son of the legendary “Familyman,” The Wailers continue to preserve the legacy of their iconic sound.

In 2020, The Wailers made a comeback with their new album, One World, produced by Emilio Estefan. The first single, “One World, One Prayer,” is a powerful anthem for love, unity, and inclusivity, blending Jamaican reggae and urban Latin music. The track includes international sensation Farruko, Jamaican icon Shaggy and members of the Marley family, including Cedella and Skip Marley. The long-awaited album earned a 2021 GRAMMY® nomination for Best Reggae Album.