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

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Sunday, September 24, 2023
Ikebana Exhibition and Demonstration
Sep 24 @ 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
NC Arboretum

Free to the public after Arboretum entrance fee of $20 (free for Arboretum Members)

September 23,  Saturday,  9 am– 5 pm

September 24,  Sunday,     9 am– 4 pm

 

Ikebana International, Asheville Chapter 74, is hosting an ikebana exhibition September 23-24 at the NC Arboretum.    There will be ikebana designs for viewing throughout the weekend and members will be available to explain  ikebana flower arranging techniques and materials.   The exhibition will feature ikebana designs from the four main schools.   There will be table-top designs, pedestal designs and floor/installation designs to show a full range of how ikebana can be displayed.   

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.

Say What?! Poetry Slam and Open Mic
Sep 24 @ 7:30 pm – 9:00 pm
Coffee Underground

Read or perform your own original poems, plus hear great local and touring poets. Sundays 7:30pm-9:45pm. Open Mic–$5. Feature & Slams –$10.

Monday, September 25, 2023
Applications open: 2024 Asheville Fringe Arts Festival
Sep 25 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 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.

Open Doors Artist Registration
Sep 25 all-day
online
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]

Biltmore Estate: Ciao! From Italy Sculptural Postcard Display
Sep 25 @ 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!

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!!

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]

Biltmore Estate: Ciao! From Italy Sculptural Postcard Display
Sep 26 @ 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!

5th Annual Juried Exhibition
Sep 26 @ 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Artists Collective | Spartanburg

This is the fifth regional, juried exhibition presented by the Collective: An annual event to showcase the amazing diversity of work within this southern region. We honor artists from Virginia, North Carolina, Tennessee, South Carolina, and Georgia.

 

The competition was strong, 196 artists entered 496 artworks. From which the juror could choose 70 to be in the exhibition.

 

The exhibition will run from September 13th to October 28th in the Solomon Gallery. The winners will be announced on September 23rd, 2023.

 

Please visit our Exhibitions Portal to learn more and see the artworks that were selected this year.

The artwork is coming in for this year’s Juried Exhibition. It is going to be a beautiful show. We are always so thrilled to meet the artists when they bring in their work. The exhibition is free to the public and we invite everyone to visit this lovely show.

Exhibition: The Colors of Nature – From Rivers to Roses – by Carol Story
Sep 26 @ 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Artists Collective | Spartanburg

Spartanburg artist Carol Story has long loved nature and all its bright and subtle colors. That love shows in her upcoming exhibition of her oil paintings, “The Colors of Nature: From Rivers to Roses,” set for Sept. 5 through 30 in Gallery II of the Artists Collective | Spartanburg.

 

The exhibit includes 18 to 20 small- to medium-sized oil paintings on linen “of familiar scenes,” Story says. “This exhibit is really a random collection of my work over the past year. It includes a couple of florals, landscapes from my wanderings along the coast and mountains, and even several from my series of sheep.

The Art of Glass
Sep 26 @ 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Artists Collective | Spartanburg

The Art of Glass

Tom Zumbach

“The Art of Glass,” an exhibition by Tom Zumbach, is set for September 5th – 30th in Gallery III of the Artists Collective | Spartanburg.

 

After moving to Greer, S.C., from the Milwaukee area in 1996, Zumbach started a full-time woodworking business and traveled from Michigan to Florida and places in between displaying at art shows. “I became interested in fused glass while working in Tryon, N.C., for 10 years. In 2014, and started my new journey with color and texture that weren’t brown, as wood,” says Zumbach, a member of the Southern Highlands Craft Guild and the American Association of Woodturners.

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

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.