Events Calendar

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.

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Friday, April 19, 2024
BRING ON SPRING w/ Nantahala Outdoor Center
Apr 19 all-day
Nantahala Outdoor Center

 
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Categories: Family Fun Outdoors Sports
Greer Relief Move to Berry Ave: Volunteer Opportunities
Apr 19 all-day
Greer Relief

The time has finally arrived. We are moving into the new building. The address is 113-C Berry Ave Greer, SC 29651. To make this as smooth as possible, we have a timeline of events.

  • March 29th: Last day we provide full food/household assistance to neighbors
  • April 1st-April 17th: Packing and moving of the pantry, household, RENEW Closet & small agency items
  • April 1st-April 17th: We will continue to receive and process food rescue at current space. These items will be pushed to the lobby for the neighbors.
  • April 18th: The big final move
  • April 19th: Final set up and clean up
  • April 22nd-26th: Orientation & Training-New Volunteer Activities!!

Pantry Activities

We will need many volunteers though these couple of weeks to help pack and move items to the new building. If you have a large group and/or a truck and can help email Jenn to coordinate.

Setting the Pantry Fixtures

  • April 8th 10am-1pm. We need a group of 7-10 volunteers to unload the fixtures from on-site storage into the pantry. This activity takes place at 113-C Berry Ave
  • April 8th 130pm-430pm. We need a group of 7-10 volunteers to load some fixtures from the old building and unload at the new building.
  • April 8th 2pm-5pm. We need 6-8 volunteers assemble the fixtures for the pantry and stockroom.
  • April 9th 10am-1pm. We need 6-8 volunteers assemble the fixtures for the pantry and stockroom.
  • April 9th 2pm-5pm. We need 6-8 volunteers assemble the fixtures for the pantry and stockroom.

Stocking the Pantry

We need many volunteers to bring the food and household items over to the new building and stock the pantry.**Great for Groups**

Move and Set up the RENEW Shoppe

We will move and set up the RENEW Shoppe. We will also move anything left that can be loaded to a pick up truck. If you have a truck that is a plus!!

Official Moving Day

It is the official moving day. We will need all hands on deck. **A great opportunity for groups!!

Final Day of Set up & Clean Up

To make sure we look great and are ready to go, one last day of prep.
Read more
Categories: Community Volunteers
Mile High Swinging Bridge
Apr 19 all-day
Grandfather Mountain

One of the top highlights and memories of visits to Grandfather Mountain nature park is walking across the famous Mile High Swinging Bridge. Since 1952, visitors have “oohed” and “aahed” at the bridge’s 360-degree panoramic views. America’s highest suspension footbridge gives easy access to the spectacular views atop Grandfather Mountain’s Linville Peak, elevation 5,305 feet.

The 228-foot suspension bridge spans an 80-foot chasm at more than one mile in elevation (hence the name!). To reach the Mile High Swinging Bridge, drive the two-mile, winding scenic road up the mountain to the summit parking area by the Top Shop. Climb 50 stairs adjacent to the parking area or inside the Top Shop to reach the short pathway to the bridge. Also, an elevator in the Top Shop takes you to the third floor for a level walk to the bridge.

Top Shop

Located adjacent to the Bridge, the Top Shop features a gift shop, snacks, restrooms, elevator and second-floor exhibition area. Also get the latest park information and trail maps. Read more.

Accessibility

Inside the Top Shop, an elevator makes the Mile High Swinging Bridge accessible to people with mobility challenges, including those in wheelchairs. From the Top Shop, there is a paved 50-yard path to the bridge. Read more about our accessibility.

Tickets & Hours

Walking across the Mile High Swinging Bridge is included in your Grandfather Mountain admission ticket that includes many other things to do in our nature park. Buy tickets online and book a reservation time to enter the park. You do not need a separate reservation for the bridge. It’s open, weather permitting, every day of the year except Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. See hours.

More to Explore

Before or after visiting the Mile High Swinging Bridge, allow time to enjoy other parts of the mountain: wildlife habitats, Wilson Center for Nature Discovery, restaurant, hiking trails, roadside overlooks, picnic areas and more. See more Things to Do.

Nearby Hiking Trails

Trailheads to many of the Grandfather Mountain hiking trails are located near the Swinging Bridge. In fact, the 0.4 mile Bridge Trail takes you beneath the bridge, starting from the Black Rock parking area just below the summit. For details on our nearby trails, go to our Hiking Guide.

Bridge Tips & Tidbits

  • Does it really swing? Very little — unlike the original one. Today’s bridge is made of steel and reinforced with cables and springs. It has railings on the sides to ensure safety.
  • We suggest you wear rubber-soled shoes and walk with care when crossing the rocks on the far side of the bridge.
  • If heights give you pause, you can still enjoy Blue Ridge Mountain views from the ground before you reach the bridge and even from the parking area.
  • Due to periodic extreme weather conditions at the bridge, it closes when there is area lightning, high wind or icy conditions.
  • The official U.S. Weather Service Reporting Station atop the Mile High Swinging Bridge has provided daily weather observations since 1955. The temperature is usually 10 to 20 degrees cooler than in the flatlands you see below. It’s also one of the windiest locations in North Carolina, with a 124-mph record set in winter 2019. Learn more about our weather.
  • Pets are allowed on the bridge if well behaved and on a leash.
  • Photographs and videos to remember your visit are encouraged. Be mindful of sharp drop-offs along the Linville Peak ridge. Drones are not allowed. See our photography policies.
  • The Singing Bridge? When the wind blows, the Mile High Swinging Bridge “sings” in the same way as a harmonica.
  • In April through October, join Grandfather’s expert naturalists by the Bridge for Interpretive Talks about the our unique weather, climate, flora and fauna. Read more.
  • Need driving directions? The address for Grandfather Mountain’s entrance gate is 2050 Blowing Rock Highway, Linville, NC 28646 (click link for Google Maps). There are no shuttles, so you must have your own vehicle to explore our nature park. No RVs longer than 28 feet in length or hinged vehicles are allowed through the Entrance Gate. See detailed directions.
  • To see much more info, see our Plan Your Visit section.

Mile High Swinging Bridge History

Former North Carolina Tourism Director Charles J. Parker coined the name “Mile High Swinging Bridge” at the Bridge’s dedication in 1952. The term “mile high” refers to the structure’s elevation above sea level (5,280 feet). The term “swinging” refers to the fact that suspension bridges are free to sway.

The original 1952 bridge was designed by Charles Hartmann Jr. of Greensboro, N.C. It was fabricated in Greensboro and then reassembled on top of the Mountain. Erecting the bridge took three weeks, a process slowed by inclement weather created by a hurricane off the North Carolina coast. Cost was $15,000. It was dedicated on Sept. 2, 1952 by North Carolina Gov. William B. Umstead.

The bridge was rebuilt in 1999 using the original towers. The cables, floor boards and side rails were all replaced using galvanized steel. One of the main advantages of the modern building materials is that they do not have to be painted. Now, Grandfather Mountain employees will not have to hang out over the gorge to paint the span. It was redesigned by Sutton, Kennerly & Associates Engineering of Asheville, N.C., and rebuilt by Taylor & Murphy Construction Company of Asheville. The cost of rebuilding was $300,000.

Read more
Categories: Family Fun Outdoors
Mystery Rider Program
Apr 19 all-day
Greenville Area

Greenlink is seeking volunteers for its pilot Mystery Rider Program. This customer service initiative aims to collect trip feedback in real-time, is intended to gather details on the complete customer experience and will identify areas for improvement and employee recognition.

Why should you volunteer?

  • Help the Facilities team address bus stop issues.
  • Help the Maintenance team address mechanical issues and cleanliness issues on the bus.
  • Help the Safety & Training team address areas for improvement in operations and customer service.

Your feedback can lead to a better customer experience for everyone!

What is required and what do you get out of it?

Volunteers will be required to participate in a one-hour training to understand how to complete the Mystery Rider Report. In exchange for attending the training, volunteers will receive two 7-Day passes ($25 value).

Then, once the training is complete, passengers will be required to complete a minimum of 12 Mystery Rider Reports:

  • 3 completed on trips taken M-F between 5:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
  • 3 completed on trips taken M-F between 12:30 – 4:30 p.m.
  • 3 completed on trips taken M-F between 4:30 – 11:30 p.m.
  • 3 completed on trips taken on Saturdays between 8:30 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.

In exchange for completing the twelve reports, volunteers will receive one 31-Day pass ($50 value).

All reports are due by April 30, 2024.

Read more
Categories: Volunteers
Raft + Rail A Fully Guided Experience
Apr 19 all-day
The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad

The original Raft & Rail© since 1988: enjoy the two best adventures in the region in one day, great for families. Southern Living Magazine calls this “an ideal adventure for families, first-timers, young or old.” This full-day guided adventure starts with a Wildwater staff member greeting you at the train depot, followed by a scenic train trip, deli lunch with all the fixings, and a Nantahala River whitewater trip with a guide in every boat. Hot showers and a photo show follow immediately after your 8-mile Nantahala River trip. All transportation is included to and from the Bryson City Train Depot. Available April–October with the morning departure of the Nantahala Gorge Excursion departing Bryson City, NC. Train seating in Open Air Gondola. 2024 bookings starting soon!

Ticket fares subject to 7% Historic Preservation Fee and 7% North Carolina sales tax. Schedules, fares, motive power, equipment, seat selection, and meals are subject to change without notice. We guarantee the class of service you select. You will be notified if a change in schedule or motive power affects your reservation. Payment in full at booking by major credit card is required to finalize a reservation. You may cancel your reservation in full or in part and receive a refund less a $14.00 fee per adult ticket and $7.00 fee per child ticket as late as 5 days before departure, except The Polar Express Train Ride; The Polar Express Train Ride is as late as 60 days before departure. Within 5 days of the departure, or 60 days in the case of the Polar Express Train Ride, the reservation becomes nonrefundable. You may reschedule any time prior to your originally scheduled departure with a $7.00 fee per ticket for another date within the same calendar year. You may not reschedule a reservation after the scheduled departure.

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Categories: Family Fun Outdoors
NC Arboretum Hiking Trails
Apr 19 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
NC Arboretum

Located within the wildly-popular and botanically beautiful Southern Appalachian Mountains, The North Carolina Arboretum offers more than 10 miles of hiking trails that connect to many other area attractions such as Lake Powhatan, the Pisgah National Forest and the Blue Ridge Parkway. Visitors of all ages and abilities can enjoy their hiking experience at the Arboretum as trail options include easy, moderate, and difficult challenge levels. All trails are dog-friendly and visitors are asked to adhere to the proper waste disposing procedures for pets.

Part of a running group that would like to use the Arboretum as a starting point or parking location? Please review our Running Group Guidance and email [email protected] with any questions.

Read more
Categories: Family Fun Hike Hiking Outdoors
Volunteer with Meals on Wheels
Apr 19 @ 9:00 am
Meals on Wheels- Greenville

Bring hope to the homebound.

DELIVERY VOLUNTEERS

INDIVIDUAL
VOLUNTEERS

No matter what your schedule is like, we can find a route for you—whether you want to deliver daily, weekly, bi-weekly, monthly or just occasionally. Ready to deliver? Fill out an application today!

FILL OUT AN APPLICATION

ROUTE
SUBSTITUTES

Sometimes our scheduled volunteers are unable to make their routes due to illness or other commitments. If you are interested in becoming a substitute, sign up for emails to get notifications on open routes!

SIGN UP FOR NOTIFICATIONS

ROUTE
PARTNERS

We have nearly 150 Route Partners who deliver meals regularly to our homebound clients. Learn more about this program now!

GET YOUR GROUP INVOLVED

OTHER VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

Meal Packaging

MEAL PACKAGING

We need volunteers to pack nearly 1,500 meals every Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. until approximately 10:00 a.m. The food is prepared by our kitchen staff and set-up in an assembly line for packaging.

Pet Food Packaging

PET FOOD PACKAGING

Meals on Wheels also strives to help the pets of the homebound in Greenville. We need volunteers to package dog and cat food for monthly distribution and to organize pet food drives.

Greeting

MEAL DISTRIBUTION

Volunteers are needed Monday through Friday from 10:30 until 12 pm to greet in-coming volunteers, hand out route sheets and answer questions.

Special Events

SPECIAL EVENTS

Our annual events are great fundraising opportunities. They’re also a lot of fun, whether you get involved as a participant, committee member, volunteer or corporate sponsor.

FILL OUT A VOLUNTEER APPLICATION

Read more
Categories: Community Volunteers
Tuckasegee River Excursion
Apr 19 @ 10:30 am – 3:00 pm
The Great Smoky Mountains 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.

Ride this excursion via Steam or Diesel locomotive power!

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 dining 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
Read more
Categories: Family Fun Outdoors
Greenville Heritage Main Street Fridays
Apr 19 @ 5:30 pm – 9:30 pm
NOMA Square

Wind up the work week at Greenville Heritage Main Street Fridays presented by Pepsi, listening and dancing to the best in musical entertainment.

FREE ADMISSION

This weekly music series on Main Street at NOMA Square opens at 5:30 p.m. and closes at 9:30 p.m., with bands playing two sets at 5:50 p.m. and 7:40 p.m. NOMA Square chairs go fast, so bring a tailgating chair if you are not arriving early.

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Categories: Community Family Fun Music Outdoors
Main Street Fridays
Apr 19 @ 5:30 pm – 9:30 pm
NOMA Square

Wind up the work week at Greenville Heritage Main Street Fridays presented by Pepsi, listening and dancing to the best in musical entertainment.

FREE ADMISSION

This weekly music series on Main Street at NOMA Square opens at 5:30 p.m. and closes at 9:30 p.m., with bands playing two sets at 5:50 p.m. and 7:40 p.m. NOMA Square chairs go fast, so bring a tailgating chair if you are not arriving early.

April 5, Iliana Rose Cuban Jazz Band

April 12, Encore

April 19, Hwy 25 Band

April 26, Alice’s Marmalade Cat

May 3, Mac Arnold & Plate Full O’ Blues

May 17, Upstate of Mind

May 24, Eric Weiler Group

May 31, Eclectic Band

June 7, Sweet Soul

June 14, Kami Ocean & The Rhythm

June 21, Xperience Soul

June 28, Carolina Coast Band

July 5, Jazzy Trinity – A Stevie Wonder Tribute

July 12, Infinity Remix

July 19, Marvin King Revue

July 26, Beth Inabinett & For the Funk of It

August 2, David Rodriguez & The Latin Hustle

August 9, Rock N Roll Reunion

August 16, Soulfield 7

August 23, Hot As A Pepper

August 30, Shades of Brown

September 6, Tuxedo Junction

September 13, Whitney Bradley & Groove Planet

September 20, Split Shot

September 27, True Blues

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Categories: Community Music Outdoors
Bill + Tad’s Excellent Duo
Apr 19 @ 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Fretwell Spartanburg

Bill & Tad’s Excellent Duo is an acoustic duo from Spartanburg that has been performing all over the Upstate and western North Carolina for eight years.

They play originals and primarily 60’s and 70’s classics that are both familiar, but also off the beaten path of typical cover songs. That includes The Beatles, Stones, Simon and Garfunkel, The Kinks, Neil Young, Marvin Gaye and many others.

Read more
Categories: Music Outdoors
Yoga with a View Series
Apr 19 @ 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park
Time: 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Cost: Includes Park admission: $35 Adult, $25 Annual Passholder. Advance registration required.
Read more
Categories: Outdoors
Saturday, April 20, 2024
Spring Fling ’24 – Find Your Flow
Apr 20 @ 8:00 am – 6:00 pm
Nantahala Outdoor Center

Its our annual kick off to spring and the adventure season!

Join us for river releases on the Upper Nantahala / Cascades, and back on campus for boat demos from our favorite brands like Dagger, Pyranha, and Jackson, live music from Pleasure Chest, a local Artisan Market, and food and drinks from all of our venues. Shop at the Outfitter’s Store for your favorite gear. See you on the river!

The NOC’s Outfitters Store is celebrating 30 Years of Gear in the riverside shop! The first 30 adults in line at 8am opening, will receive a mystery scratch off ticket with freebies, giveaways, sweet discounts, and more! Must be 18 or older to participate, one ticket per person.

 

Have questions? Please email us at [email protected] or give us a call at 866.336.1037

Read more
Categories: Community Family Fun Outdoors
NC Arboretum Hiking Trails
Apr 20 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
NC Arboretum

Located within the wildly-popular and botanically beautiful Southern Appalachian Mountains, The North Carolina Arboretum offers more than 10 miles of hiking trails that connect to many other area attractions such as Lake Powhatan, the Pisgah National Forest and the Blue Ridge Parkway. Visitors of all ages and abilities can enjoy their hiking experience at the Arboretum as trail options include easy, moderate, and difficult challenge levels. All trails are dog-friendly and visitors are asked to adhere to the proper waste disposing procedures for pets.

Part of a running group that would like to use the Arboretum as a starting point or parking location? Please review our Running Group Guidance and email [email protected] with any questions.

Read more
Categories: Family Fun Hike Hiking Outdoors
Volunteer with Meals on Wheels
Apr 20 @ 9:00 am
Meals on Wheels- Greenville

Bring hope to the homebound.

DELIVERY VOLUNTEERS

INDIVIDUAL
VOLUNTEERS

No matter what your schedule is like, we can find a route for you—whether you want to deliver daily, weekly, bi-weekly, monthly or just occasionally. Ready to deliver? Fill out an application today!

FILL OUT AN APPLICATION

ROUTE
SUBSTITUTES

Sometimes our scheduled volunteers are unable to make their routes due to illness or other commitments. If you are interested in becoming a substitute, sign up for emails to get notifications on open routes!

SIGN UP FOR NOTIFICATIONS

ROUTE
PARTNERS

We have nearly 150 Route Partners who deliver meals regularly to our homebound clients. Learn more about this program now!

GET YOUR GROUP INVOLVED

OTHER VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

Meal Packaging

MEAL PACKAGING

We need volunteers to pack nearly 1,500 meals every Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. until approximately 10:00 a.m. The food is prepared by our kitchen staff and set-up in an assembly line for packaging.

Pet Food Packaging

PET FOOD PACKAGING

Meals on Wheels also strives to help the pets of the homebound in Greenville. We need volunteers to package dog and cat food for monthly distribution and to organize pet food drives.

Greeting

MEAL DISTRIBUTION

Volunteers are needed Monday through Friday from 10:30 until 12 pm to greet in-coming volunteers, hand out route sheets and answer questions.

Special Events

SPECIAL EVENTS

Our annual events are great fundraising opportunities. They’re also a lot of fun, whether you get involved as a participant, committee member, volunteer or corporate sponsor.

FILL OUT A VOLUNTEER APPLICATION

Read more
Categories: Community Volunteers
Tuckasegee River Excursion
Apr 20 @ 10:30 am – 3:00 pm
The Great Smoky Mountains 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.

Ride this excursion via Steam or Diesel locomotive power!

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 dining 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
Read more
Categories: Family Fun Outdoors
Yoga in the Garden
Apr 20 @ 10:30 am – 11:30 am
Hatcher Garden & Woodland Preserve

Yoga in the Garden with Kristin Shook
Saturdays at 10:30 am
April 6 – June 22
Hatcher Garden Activities Deck

Please register each week for Yoga in the Garden.
Suggested donation is $15 and can be paid online or in person.
All donations keep Hatcher Garden and Woodland Preserve a beautiful, peaceful place for all to enjoy.

Read more
Categories: Outdoors Yoga
Rocky Cove Railroad Exhibit
Apr 20 @ 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm
NC Arboretum

On exhibit Saturdays and Sundays from 12 – 4 p.m., Rocky Cove Railroad is a G-Scale (garden scale) model train that demonstrates the coming of trains to western North Carolina at the turn of the 20th century. The exhibit is located below the Grand Promenade. Please note, Rocky Cove Railroad will not operate in rainy or wet conditions.

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Categories: Family Fun Featured Outdoors
Southern Roots: A BBQ Reunion
Apr 20 @ 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Trailblazer Park

Join us on April 20th at Trailblazer Park for a reunion unlike any other!

Come enjoy delicious BBQ bites from some amazing local and guest pitmasters and chefs, live music, unlimited beverages, artisan market, great company and experience the joy of coming together as a community for an incredible cause – IDefine.

Over 30 pitmasters and chefs will be joining together as teams to cook over 15 different BBQ dishes! Each one of our amazing menu items created by our talented chefs will be ALL-INCLUSIVE, so you can eat and enjoy all day long!

ONE ticket price gets you FOUR hours of all the BBQ you can enjoy AND unlimited beverages!

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Categories: Community Family Fun Festivals Food & Drink Fundraisers Music Outdoors
Sunset Paddle
Apr 20 @ 7:30 pm – 9:30 pm
Croft State Park

Join us for an evening paddle with park staff on scenic Lake Craig. During this 90-min. paddling trip we will watch the sun slowly set, and as dusk descends, we will see the first stars of the evening.

Read more
Categories: Family Fun Outdoors Sports