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.

Sunday, September 24, 2023
Railfest
Sep 24 @ 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
Greer City Park

Greer’s 6th Annual Railfest at Greer City Park is all about trains and rail safety! The four hour event is free to the public, offering rail safety presentations from Operation Lifesaver, a trackless train, model trains, and more. Our local rail police and museums will be available with interactive displays and everyone can enjoy videos about locomotive history and rail safety inside of City Hall. Children and adults can enter to receive prizes such as scenic train rides, model trains, and more!

Food and drink will be available for purchase.

Carolina Shine Moonshine Experience
Sep 24 @ 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
Sep 24 @ 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
Boozy Book Fair
Sep 24 @ 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Southernside Brewing

There was nothing like the elementary school book fair – the smell of new books in the air, the rush of racing your friends to find the next installment of your favorite series, and, if you were lucky, the crinkle of money from Mom in your pocket.

Life felt so much easier back then, didn’t it? Don’t you find yourself wishing from time to time that you could just go back?

This August, you can – but we’re doing it grown-up style.

Don’t miss our Boozy Book Fair at Southernside Brewing (25 Delano Dr Unit D, Greenville, SC 29601) on Sunday, September 24th from 1-3pm!

Book categories will include:

-Geeks & Gamers

-Read the Rainbow

-Gothic & Ghastly

-Adulting

-When Nature Calls

-Criminally Good Reads

-Myths & Fairy Tales

-Meet Cute Moments

-Bookclub Picks

-Young at Heart

-Truth ‘R Us

…and much much more!

This event is FREE and open to the public, so bring your friends! Be sure to RSVP so we have the booze + books ready – we can’t wait to see you there.

Monday, September 25, 2023
Greenville County Libraries: New library catalog powered by Aspen Discovery
Sep 25 all-day
Online w/ Greenville County Libraries

New Catalog

On Monday, September 25th we will be switching to a new library catalog powered by Aspen Discovery, providing an improved searching and browsing experience. You will be able to:

  • Search for physical items and eContent in the same place
  • Discover value-added features such as read-alikes and reviews
  • Get notified when new items by your favorite author or topic are added to the collection
  • Personalize your library account
  • Link family accounts together for easier management

What do I need to know?

  • All locations of the Greenville County Library System will be closed on Sunday, September 24th for the transition to the new system.
  • Your library card number will stay the same. If you have created an Alternate ID for your library card account, it will also carry over to the new system.
  • Saved Lists and Preferred Searches will not carry over to the new system. See a Library System staff member for assistance if you would like help exporting your saved lists.
  • On Saturday, September 23rd and Sunday, September 24th, you may experience some down time while accessing library online resources. If you have items already checked out in Libby or Hoopla, you should still be able to view those items. However, you will not be able to check out new items during this time.
  • Beginning at 6p on Saturday, September 23rd, the Library System’s mobile app will be temporarily down for maintenance during our transition to new library services management software. Current users of the mobile app will be notified via push notification and the Library System’s website will be updated when the app has been restored.
  • On September 25th, all patron PINs will be reset to the last 4 digits of the phone number saved in each account. You will be able to change to a preferred PIN by logging into your account or speaking with a staff member.
  • If the Reading History feature is currently turned on in your account, then your history will appear in the new system and that feature will remain turned on for future checkouts.
  • The drive-through book return at the Five Forks Branch Library will be closed on September 23–26.

Is there anything I need to do?

There’s nothing you need to do to keep your library account active.

However, there are some things you can do to help make this a smooth transition:

  • Speak to a staff member to make sure your correct phone number is saved in your account. This will ensure that access to your account is not disrupted when your PIN number changes.
  • Check to make sure your library account has accurate contact information so you can receive library notifications. You can update your email address by logging into your account or by speaking with any Library System staff member.
  • If you have set up your own PIN for your library account, you will need to log into your account after 9 am on Monday, September 25th and reset your PIN to that custom PIN. Otherwise, you may have trouble signing in to certain online services such as Libby and Hoopla.
Greer Christmas Parade Registration is OPEN
Sep 25 all-day
online
Theme: Christmas in Candyland

Join the fun and decorate your entries to reflect a Candyland Christmas. Remember, Santa is ONLY on the last float in the parade! The Greer Christmas Parade route is 1.1 miles; beginning at Poinsett Street & Memorial Drive and ending at N. Main Street & Cunningham Drive.

$50 Non-Commercial/Organization/Non-Profit registration

$100 Commercial/Business registration

$750 Rent a float from Greer Relief

$825 Rent a float from Greer Relief with sound

CLICK HERE for available floats

ALL entries & fees must be received or postmarked by the day before Thanksgiving (November 23rd). Entries & fees received/postmarked after this date will be assessed the $50 late entry fee.

We will have several awards determined by our judges: Best Float Entry, Best Walking Entry, and Best Band. 2022 Best Float was Scruffy’s Auction House, 2022 Best Walking Entry was Ignite Dance, and 2022 Best Band was Eastside High School Band. They each get bragging rights & a free entry for the 2023 Greer Christmas Parade!

BACK AGAIN THIS YEAR!! We will be incorporating a toy drive INTO the parade. We are asking for new toys to be brought to the parade to help support the Greer Relief Christmas Morning Shoppe, click here for more information on the program.

Please forward this email to any individual, business, and organization interested in participating in the parade. If you have any questions you can email us at [email protected] or call (864) 334-3490.

Upstate Food Access Interactive Map
Sep 25 all-day
online
It’s no secret that food insecurity is an issue facing many of our neighbors in the Upstate. Fortunately, there are countless organizations and resources working tirelessly to alleviate that stress!
Head over to our Upstate Food Access Resource Map to locate service providers near you!
Volunteer: Greer Community Garden
Sep 25 @ 7:00 am
Greer Community Garden

Volunteer

Water our garden plot at the Greer Community Garden located at 218 West Road, Greer, SC. Our plots are 13,19,25,31. Coming from the parking lot, they will be the last 4 plots to the far left of the first section.

The best time to water is when the temperature is before 80° (in the morning before the sun is too high or in the late afternoon once it’s begun to set).

If you need anything, email Jenn [email protected]

2023 Pelham Medical Center Golf for Relief
Sep 25 @ 9:00 am
Greer Golf
Tee off at the 17th Annual Golf for Relief to benefit Greer Relief! The Captain’s Choice Golf Tournament includes lunch, snacks, and beverages (water, sodas, and beer). Join us for a great time while raising money to help our neighbors in need become stable and thrive in our community. Registration opens at 8 am and the tournament shotgun start is at 9 am at Greer Golf. We still have sponsorship opportunities available, click here for sponsorship information.
$750 Team + Hole Sponsorship*
$600 Team, 4 players
$150 Single Player
$150 Hole Sponsorship*
*Sponsors receive recognition on signage, social media, AD in the Community Journals and the Greer Relief website. Many local businesses participate in this event, so your exposure will be targeted heavily to the Upstate demographic. We hope that you will consider supporting our programs to eliminate poverty and help our neighbors overcome barriers for success. Additional sponsorships are available beyond a team/hole sponsorship. Click here for details or you can contact Halle at 864-334-3492 / [email protected] by September 15th. Thank you.

 

RENEW: Walking Group
Sep 25 @ 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

Greer Relief Volunteer Opportunities
Sep 25 @ 10:00 am
Greer Relief & Resources Agency, Inc.

Volunteer

Opportunities

Are we on your calendar?

Go HERE to see available activities

Most needed days & times for the pantry are* Monday-Friday 11:30am-2:30pm

Monday & Thursday 2pm-5pm

Wednesday & Friday 9am-12noon

RENEW SHOP

Thursday, September 28th

8:45am-12:30pm

12:30pm-4:30pm

Set up on

Wednesday, September 27th

Other Activities Include:

  • Sorting donations
  • Taking extra donations to Carol’s Hope
  • The Shop is open the last Thursday each month

Greer Community Garden

Our garden is going into a new season. We are going to have a fall garden!! Henn’s Plant Farm in Fletcher, NC has donated the plants. As soon as the plot is tilled planting can take place.

Please email [email protected] for more information.

Weeding, watering, and bringing produce to office will continue!!

Carolina Shine Moonshine Experience
Sep 25 @ 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
Sep 25 @ 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
Tuesday, September 26, 2023
Volunteer: Greer Community Garden
Sep 26 @ 7:00 am
Greer Community Garden

Volunteer

Water our garden plot at the Greer Community Garden located at 218 West Road, Greer, SC. Our plots are 13,19,25,31. Coming from the parking lot, they will be the last 4 plots to the far left of the first section.

The best time to water is when the temperature is before 80° (in the morning before the sun is too high or in the late afternoon once it’s begun to set).

If you need anything, email Jenn [email protected]

Carolina Shine Moonshine Experience
Sep 26 @ 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
Sep 26 @ 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
Roper Research Room Open
Sep 26 @ 1:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Anderson County Museum

The Roper Research Room is open each Tuesday from 1 – 7 p.m. or by appointment with the curator. Find photos and documents about Anderson County or your ancestors from the area. The holdings in our library are more than 2,800 strong making it a wonderful resource for teachers, students and researchers. From city directories, maps and photographs, to many family genealogies, we have information that can help with your research.

Can’t make it on Tuesdays? Request an appointment here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeSGAMAkcsuvo7791ZfmlpDwd-GqTJc-Py-WR-bvHcQ4cLotA/viewform

Wee Wine + Dahlias
Sep 26 @ 4:30 pm – 6:30 pm
Bullington Gardens
Bullington Gardens invites you to experience the epitome of exclusivity with their new and exciting offering – twilight parties in the enchanting gardens. Now accepting reservations, this is your chance to indulge in a truly magical evening with your own private group of eight. From August 15 to October 14, 2023, Tuesday through Saturday, 4:30-6:30p.m., immerse yourself in nature’s wonders while delighting your palate with locally-sourced wines and cider, all in the company of the resplendent Dahlias in full bloom.

Picture this: you and your closest companions, relishing the serenity of the gardens, sipping on delectable beverages, and taking leisurely strolls amidst the breathtaking flora. To ensure an intimate experience, each group of up to eight will have their own private party. Whether you prefer the charming pavilion or the festive tents, the choice is yours. And fear not, for even if the rain tries to dampen the mood, the horticultural therapy greenhouse is ready to shelter you.

With only two groups accommodated each evening, you’ll have the pleasure of enjoying your own secluded space. Each group’s table will be beautifully set in separate venues, adorned with fresh floral arrangements that you can take home as a keepsake. As the host, you have the opportunity to curate a culinary masterpiece by bringing your own hors d’oeuvres or even an entire meal. Imagine the delight of savoring delicious food amidst an unparalleled view, creating an unforgettable private party.

The cost for a table of eight is $300 per group, ensuring an intimate and personalized experience. If you’re interested in elevating your involvement, consider a sponsorship level of $500. By participating in this extraordinary event, you will not only create cherished memories but also support the Educational and Horticultural Therapy programs dedicated to children and adults with special needs.

To secure your spot for the Wee Wine & Dahlias evening of your dreams, reserve below or give us a call at 828-698-6104. Remember, availability is limited, so make sure to secure your reservation early. Get ready to immerse yourself in an evening of enchantment at Bullington Gardens!

August 15th through October 14th, 2023. Tuesday-Saturday, 4:30pm-6:30pm.

2023 Leading Women Dinner
Sep 26 @ 6:00 pm
701 Whaley, Columbia

Join us as we celebrate and honor all the trailblazing South Carolina women who, despite barriers, have stepped forward to run for elected office (win or lose) and sought positions on public appointed boards and commissions.

Your support underwrites multi-partisan training opportunities and encourages women to vie for civic leadership roles.

Event includes a national keynote speaker, awards, seated dinner, open beer and wine bar.

Geeks Who Drink Trivia Night at Dave and Buster’s – Greenville
Sep 26 @ 7:30 pm – 9:30 pm
Dave and Buster's - Greenville

It’s the ultimate trivia mashup: Quiz by Geeks Who Drink, fun & games by Dave & Buster’s. The ultimate trivia party is finally here. Geeks Who Drink and Dave & Buster’s have teamed up to bring you the Dave & Buster’s Trivai Show. It’s a whole new format that combinest he super-social Geeks Who Drink trivia night with all the frenetic game-show action you’d expect from Dave & Buster’s. Get ready for pop culture-centric trivia where winners receive Power Cards. In between rounds, join in on the physical challenge fun for bonus prizes – or just gawk at the people who do. All in all, it’s two hours and it’s free to play. No reservations needed, just show up! Teams can be up to six players, so bring your smartest friends (or some likable dummies)—or come solo. We can always help you join a team!

This is a Weekly Recurring Event
Runs from Jul 18, 2023 to Sep 26, 2023 and happens every:
Tuesdays: 7:30pm – 9:30pm EDT