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.

Friday, May 17, 2024
George I. Theisen Family YMCA PB + J Kids Fun Run
May 17 @ 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm
George I. Theisen Family YMCA

The Peanut Butter and Jelly Kids Fun Run is back for a 7th year! Organized by YMCA of Greenville volunteers as a part of the Y’s Togetherhood Initiative, this initiative allows Y members to collectively give back to the Travelers Rest community.

This event will support the North Greenville Crisis Ministry. Each summer, hundreds of kids are not in school for lunch and there is a huge need for easily prepared meals for these children. One large need is for jars of peanut butter and jelly.

One jar of peanut butter and one jar of jelly per participant OR any two items of the following: canned soup, spaghetti sauce, condiments, toiletries.

Brew in the Zoo
May 17 @ 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Greenville Zoo

The Greenville Zoo invites zoo-goers to tap into the wild at our 14th annual Brew in the Zoo. This event, set for Friday, May 17th from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., will provide attendees with the opportunity to sample an assortment of beer, lite fare, all while exploring the zoo after hours. Early admission and general admission ticket holders will receive a special souvenir shot glass, unlimited beer sampling, free food and Pepsi products. Designated drivers will receive free food and Pepsi products.

Quasi Quasar with The Derek McCoy Trio
May 17 @ 7:00 pm
FR8yard
Quasi Quasar

Quasi Quasar with The Derek McCoy Trio

King of the Mountain: Competitive Short Form Improv Games
May 17 @ 7:30 pm – 8:45 pm
Alchemy Comedy Theater at Coffee Underground

It’s a bit like “Whose Line Is It Anyway?”: you’ll see familiar games like ABC (if the first line starts with an A, the next line will start with a B, then a C, and so on …), New Choice (the host will ring a bell and the player has to replace their last line with something totally new), and Sounds Like a Rap (exactly what you’d expect).

The Alchemy Comedy Theater is back and running shows every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday night at 7:30 and 9pm. Downtown Greenville has street parking available as well as several nearby parking garages.

 

HASAN MINHAJ: OFF WITH HIS HEAD
May 17 @ 8:00 pm
Peace Concert Hall

Hasan Minhaj is set to entertain audiences once again with his brand new show, “Hasan Minhaj: Off With His Head”. As one of the most vital voices in comedy today, Minhaj continues to take on challenging themes like politics, parenting, and therapy with irreverent wit and insight.

Hasan Minhaj is a two-time Peabody Award-Winning comedian best known for his breakout Netflix special HOMECOMING KING and his critically acclaimed, political satire show PATRIOT ACT WITH HASAN MINHAJ for Netflix which won a Peabody, an Emmy, and a Television Academy Honor. His second one- hour comedy special THE KING’S JESTER premiered on Netflix in October 2022. Hasan was a senior correspondent at Comedy Central’s THE DAILY SHOW WITH JON STEWART and headlined the 2017 WHITE HOUSE CORRESPONDENTS’ DINNER. He’s the co-founder and chief executive officer for 186K Films that will produce its first feature “For The Culture” with Amazon Studios. Minhaj is co-writing the script with Prashanth Venkataramanujam and will star in the film.

Saturday, May 18, 2024
Greenville BBQ Trail Tour
May 18 all-day
Various Locations Greenville SC

While Downtown Greenville’s familiar culinary scene has some great BBQ options, this tour will take you outside of the city center to the places locals know and love. These are the types of joints with smoke stacks sticking out of the rooftops and white smoke billowing out of the chimneys–smoking the meats right on the premises.

The Greenville BBQ Trail tour is your opportunity to try back-to-back tastings of what are considered by many to be among the top BBQ spots in the city.

Tours include:

• Insights into each restaurant’s cooking processes and techniques
• Information about each restaurant’s history and how they got started
• Interesting information about Greenville BBQ history
• A drive through old textile mill villages
• And, of course, a chance to try generous portions of smoked meats and delicious sides

Locations we visit:

• Bucky’s Bar-B-Q
• Henry’s Smokehouse
• Mike & Jeff’s BBQ

Holliday BrewFest – Craft Beer Festival
May 18 all-day
Holliday Brewing

Join us for a day filled with live music, great food and sample a variety of delicious craft beers from 25+ breweries including Bells, Birdsong, Cigar City, Legal Remedy, Liability, New Belgium, Oscar Blues, and many others. Whether you’re a seasoned beer connoisseur or just looking to have a good time, this event is perfect for anyone who appreciates a cold brew on a Holliday. Cheers!

38th annual Greek Festival
May 18 @ 11:00 am
Greenville Greek Festival

Greenville, South Carolina – Greekville returns to Greenville! Come experience Greek culture through food, dance, and music. Be sure to visit our new “Plaka” which features our Taverna and vendors … be “Greek for a Day.”  The community of Saint George Greek Orthodox Cathedral will celebrate our 38th Annual Greenville Greek Festival May 17 – 19, 2024.

Come experience authentic Greek food and pastries offered through both our drive-thru and onsite dining Friday and Saturday, 11 am – 9 pm and Sunday, 11 am – 5 pm. Order from the comfort and safety of your car or visit us in-person and enjoy your meal outside or inside (limited indoor seating).

Choose from three delicious combination plates featuring traditional favorites … Athenian Chicken, Pastichio, or Moussaka; or enjoy everyone’s favorite — Gyros! We will also have a smaller plate options like Greek Meatballs (Keftedes) with Orzo and Stuffed Grape Leaves (Dolmades). Satisfy your sweet tooth with homemade Greek pastries featuring Baklava, Koulourakia, and Kourambiedes. Or take home a combination assortment plate with all your favorites.

In addition, we will be featuring Greek Pizza, Lamb Burgers, Greek Fries, Souvlaki, Greek-Style Ribs, Baklava Sundaes, Lemonade and Greek Beer, all available outside on the festival grounds. Our newly expanded “Plaka’ will feature last year’s favorite, the Taverna, with Greek Beer, Wine, and a sampling of traditional Greek appetizers or “mezedes” along with all our vendors.

Our Dance Troupe will be performing traditional Greek dances at various times throughout the festival, and we will have live Greek music every day. Church Tours and an Iconography exhibit will also be offered.

Admission is $3 with all admissions proceeds benefitting Live Well Greenville, a coalition working to advance equitable access to healthy eating and active living in Greenville County.

The annual Greek Festival has become an Upstate tradition. We believe in the importance of sharing our culture with our neighbors through this event. We appreciate the support that the community has shown us throughout the years and look forward to seeing everyone again this year.

The Saint George Greek Orthodox Community was established in Greenville in 1936. The first Greek Festival began in 1987 to share our ethnic, cultural, and spiritual culture with the community that has been so welcoming to our members over the years. This joyous tradition has continued for 37 years, and we hope to continue for many years to come. We welcome you and your family to come and experience this taste of Greece.

North Main Commons Beer Fest
May 18 @ 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Magnetic South Brewery Courtyard

Head to Anderson for a fun day exploring brews from over 20 local breweries and enjoying live music!

George Fetner and the Strays with J. Stephens and Rock + Roll Reunion
May 18 @ 3:00 pm
FR8yard
MAy18

George Fetner & the Strays with J. Stephens and Rock & Roll Reunion

Dinner Detective Interactive True Crime Dinner Show!
May 18 @ 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Greenville Hilton

Immerse yourself in a captivating True Crime Mystery Dinner Theatre – a national sensation since our Los Angeles opening in 2004! Surrender to an evening brimming with suspense, laughter, and spontaneous moments that are genuinely one-of-a-kind.Say goodbye to predictable, scripted performances and hello to a dynamic, interactive experience that shatters the traditional mold of Mystery Dinner Theatre. Our stage is not confined to a platform in front of the room – it’s the entire space, and you’re not just a spectator – you’re a potential part of the show!As the night unfurls, you’ll question the line between reality and performance. Is it scripted, or is it real? Only one way to find out. Step into the unpredictable world of our True Crime Mystery Dinner Theatre with The Dinner Detective and become a part of the story that’s still being written. Will YOU be the one to solve the mystery?
This is a Weekly Recurring Event
Runs from Jan 6, 2024 to Dec 31, 2024 and happens every:
Saturdays: 6:00pm – 9:00pm CST

Karaoke with Fischer
May 18 @ 7:30 pm – 11:00 pm
New Groove Artisan Brewery

Karaoke with Fischer

Sunday, May 19, 2024
38th annual Greek Festival
May 19 @ 11:00 am
Greenville Greek Festival

Greenville, South Carolina – Greekville returns to Greenville! Come experience Greek culture through food, dance, and music. Be sure to visit our new “Plaka” which features our Taverna and vendors … be “Greek for a Day.”  The community of Saint George Greek Orthodox Cathedral will celebrate our 38th Annual Greenville Greek Festival May 17 – 19, 2024.

Come experience authentic Greek food and pastries offered through both our drive-thru and onsite dining Friday and Saturday, 11 am – 9 pm and Sunday, 11 am – 5 pm. Order from the comfort and safety of your car or visit us in-person and enjoy your meal outside or inside (limited indoor seating).

Choose from three delicious combination plates featuring traditional favorites … Athenian Chicken, Pastichio, or Moussaka; or enjoy everyone’s favorite — Gyros! We will also have a smaller plate options like Greek Meatballs (Keftedes) with Orzo and Stuffed Grape Leaves (Dolmades). Satisfy your sweet tooth with homemade Greek pastries featuring Baklava, Koulourakia, and Kourambiedes. Or take home a combination assortment plate with all your favorites.

In addition, we will be featuring Greek Pizza, Lamb Burgers, Greek Fries, Souvlaki, Greek-Style Ribs, Baklava Sundaes, Lemonade and Greek Beer, all available outside on the festival grounds. Our newly expanded “Plaka’ will feature last year’s favorite, the Taverna, with Greek Beer, Wine, and a sampling of traditional Greek appetizers or “mezedes” along with all our vendors.

Our Dance Troupe will be performing traditional Greek dances at various times throughout the festival, and we will have live Greek music every day. Church Tours and an Iconography exhibit will also be offered.

Admission is $3 with all admissions proceeds benefitting Live Well Greenville, a coalition working to advance equitable access to healthy eating and active living in Greenville County.

The annual Greek Festival has become an Upstate tradition. We believe in the importance of sharing our culture with our neighbors through this event. We appreciate the support that the community has shown us throughout the years and look forward to seeing everyone again this year.

The Saint George Greek Orthodox Community was established in Greenville in 1936. The first Greek Festival began in 1987 to share our ethnic, cultural, and spiritual culture with the community that has been so welcoming to our members over the years. This joyous tradition has continued for 37 years, and we hope to continue for many years to come. We welcome you and your family to come and experience this taste of Greece.

Rush Morgan
May 19 @ 3:00 pm
FR8yard
May 19

Rush Morgan

Tuesday, May 21, 2024
Empower Hour
May 21 @ 11:30 am
YWCA of Asheville

Join us for Empower Hour, a one-hour program and facility tour where you will experience firsthand the YWCA’s work to bridge gaps in earning power, education, health & wellness and access to childcare.

Empower Hours take place twice a month on the first and third Tuesday at 11:30 am.
Lunch is served as part of our Empower Hour, so reservations are required.

To make a reservation: contact Elizabeth Alvandi, Advancement Assistant, at (828) 254-7206 ext. 103 or [email protected].

Wednesday, May 22, 2024
Rita’s 40th Birthday Celebration Sweepstakes
May 22 all-day
Rita's Italian Ice + Frozen Custard

Rita’s is ringing in its 40th and wants to give its guests the presents this year! Beginning at 12:00 p.m. ET Monday, April 29, through 11:59 p.m. ET Sunday, May 26, participants from select states can enter weekly for their chance to win* a trip to the destination of their choice: Italy or Iceland, including airfare, hotel for two and more. To participate in Rita’s 40h Birthday Celebration Sweepstakes, enter for a chance to win at http://www.ritas40thbirthdaysweepstakes.com.

Rita’s Italian Ice for a Year

In honor of its milestone birthday, Rita’s is sweetening the sweeps for 40 lucky participants! Each week of the sweepstakes, 10 randomly selected first prize winners will receive Rita’s Italian Ice for a Year.** Please note the entry limit is once per week starting April 29 through May 26.

**Each “Free Italian Ice for a Year Prize” is one (1) year of free Italian Ice (52 free small ice rewards to be issued in winner’s Rita’s Ice app account, expiring 1 year from issue date). Terms and conditions apply.

“This sweepstakes underscores our gratitude to our loyal Rita’s community whose unwavering support has propelled Rita’s to become the largest Italian Ice concept in the world serving happiness in over 30 states,” said Linda Chadwick, President & CEO of Rita’s Italian Ice & Frozen Custard. “Our success story is a testament to the passion and commitment of our fans and franchisees, without whom Rita’s wouldn’t have reached such heights. As we mark this milestone, we are thrilled to give back and express our heartfelt thanks for four decades of Ice, Custard and Happiness. We can’t wait to make this celebration our most memorable one yet.”

For over 40 years, Rita’s has been dedicated to spreading “Ice, Custard, Happiness!”. Originally founded in May 1984, Philadelphia firefighter Bob Tumolo created his prized family recipe to include real fruit and opened his first Rita’s Italian Ice shop in Bensalem, PA. Since then, Rita’s has staked its claim in the frozen treats industry by planting franchises across the country that offer a happy, family-friendly atmosphere and set the standard for fresh and quality-driven Italian Ice. Now, Rita’s has over 550 shops in over 30 states, serving up Ice, Custard and Happiness to millions of loyal fans.

Rita’s signature Italian Ice is made fresh daily on-site and available in a rotating daily selection from over 80 flavors. Other menu items at Rita’s include creamy Frozen Custard, signature Gelati, Concretes, Frozen Coffee, Rita’s BlendersTM, Milkshakes and more.

For more information about Rita’s Italian Ice & Frozen Custard and to find your closest location, please visit http://www.ritasice.com/.

*NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. A PURCHASE WILL NOT INCREASE YOUR CHANCES OF WINNING. Open only to legal residents of the 50 US/DC (excluding AK, AR, HI, ID, IA, KS, LA, ME, MS, MT, NE, NH, NM, ND, OR, RI, SD, VT, WA, WI, and WY), 18 years of age and older. Void in excluded states & where prohibited by law. Sweepstakes starts 12 pm ET on 4/29/24 and ends 11:59 pm ET on 5/26/24. The Sweepstakes consists of 4 weekly Entry Periods/prizes and one Grand Prize Entry Period/prize. Subject to Official Rules, including how to enter, entry period dates, prize details, odds, and restrictions, see  https://www.ritas40thbirthdaysweepstakes.com/rules. Sponsor: Rita’s Franchise Company, LLC, 1210 Northbrook Drive, Trevose, PA 19053.

About Rita’s Italian Ice & Frozen Custard:

Rita’s Italian Ice & Frozen Custard opened its doors in Bensalem, Pa. in 1984, and has been dedicated to spreading “Ice, Custard, Happiness!” ever since. Now, Rita’s is the largest Italian Ice concept in the world with over 550 shops. Guests around the world visit Rita’s to celebrate their everyday moments with freshly made cool treats in a fun-filled atmosphere. Known for its famous Italian Ice, made daily featuring real fruit, and award-winning Frozen Custard, Rita’s serves a taste of happiness with each delicious treat. For more information about Rita’s Italian Ice, please call 1-800-677-7482 or visit www.ritasice.com and www.ownaritas.com.

Rick Kirby + Tony Slaughter
May 22 @ 6:30 pm
FR8yard
May 22

Rick Kirby & Tony Slaughter

Thursday, May 23, 2024
Rita’s 40th Birthday Celebration Sweepstakes
May 23 all-day
Rita's Italian Ice + Frozen Custard

Rita’s is ringing in its 40th and wants to give its guests the presents this year! Beginning at 12:00 p.m. ET Monday, April 29, through 11:59 p.m. ET Sunday, May 26, participants from select states can enter weekly for their chance to win* a trip to the destination of their choice: Italy or Iceland, including airfare, hotel for two and more. To participate in Rita’s 40h Birthday Celebration Sweepstakes, enter for a chance to win at http://www.ritas40thbirthdaysweepstakes.com.

Rita’s Italian Ice for a Year

In honor of its milestone birthday, Rita’s is sweetening the sweeps for 40 lucky participants! Each week of the sweepstakes, 10 randomly selected first prize winners will receive Rita’s Italian Ice for a Year.** Please note the entry limit is once per week starting April 29 through May 26.

**Each “Free Italian Ice for a Year Prize” is one (1) year of free Italian Ice (52 free small ice rewards to be issued in winner’s Rita’s Ice app account, expiring 1 year from issue date). Terms and conditions apply.

“This sweepstakes underscores our gratitude to our loyal Rita’s community whose unwavering support has propelled Rita’s to become the largest Italian Ice concept in the world serving happiness in over 30 states,” said Linda Chadwick, President & CEO of Rita’s Italian Ice & Frozen Custard. “Our success story is a testament to the passion and commitment of our fans and franchisees, without whom Rita’s wouldn’t have reached such heights. As we mark this milestone, we are thrilled to give back and express our heartfelt thanks for four decades of Ice, Custard and Happiness. We can’t wait to make this celebration our most memorable one yet.”

For over 40 years, Rita’s has been dedicated to spreading “Ice, Custard, Happiness!”. Originally founded in May 1984, Philadelphia firefighter Bob Tumolo created his prized family recipe to include real fruit and opened his first Rita’s Italian Ice shop in Bensalem, PA. Since then, Rita’s has staked its claim in the frozen treats industry by planting franchises across the country that offer a happy, family-friendly atmosphere and set the standard for fresh and quality-driven Italian Ice. Now, Rita’s has over 550 shops in over 30 states, serving up Ice, Custard and Happiness to millions of loyal fans.

Rita’s signature Italian Ice is made fresh daily on-site and available in a rotating daily selection from over 80 flavors. Other menu items at Rita’s include creamy Frozen Custard, signature Gelati, Concretes, Frozen Coffee, Rita’s BlendersTM, Milkshakes and more.

For more information about Rita’s Italian Ice & Frozen Custard and to find your closest location, please visit http://www.ritasice.com/.

*NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. A PURCHASE WILL NOT INCREASE YOUR CHANCES OF WINNING. Open only to legal residents of the 50 US/DC (excluding AK, AR, HI, ID, IA, KS, LA, ME, MS, MT, NE, NH, NM, ND, OR, RI, SD, VT, WA, WI, and WY), 18 years of age and older. Void in excluded states & where prohibited by law. Sweepstakes starts 12 pm ET on 4/29/24 and ends 11:59 pm ET on 5/26/24. The Sweepstakes consists of 4 weekly Entry Periods/prizes and one Grand Prize Entry Period/prize. Subject to Official Rules, including how to enter, entry period dates, prize details, odds, and restrictions, see  https://www.ritas40thbirthdaysweepstakes.com/rules. Sponsor: Rita’s Franchise Company, LLC, 1210 Northbrook Drive, Trevose, PA 19053.

About Rita’s Italian Ice & Frozen Custard:

Rita’s Italian Ice & Frozen Custard opened its doors in Bensalem, Pa. in 1984, and has been dedicated to spreading “Ice, Custard, Happiness!” ever since. Now, Rita’s is the largest Italian Ice concept in the world with over 550 shops. Guests around the world visit Rita’s to celebrate their everyday moments with freshly made cool treats in a fun-filled atmosphere. Known for its famous Italian Ice, made daily featuring real fruit, and award-winning Frozen Custard, Rita’s serves a taste of happiness with each delicious treat. For more information about Rita’s Italian Ice, please call 1-800-677-7482 or visit www.ritasice.com and www.ownaritas.com.

BridgeWay Farmers Market
May 23 @ 4:00 pm – 8:00 pm
BridgeWay Station

Local Produce & Artisanal Goods: Explore booths overflowing with farm-fresh fruits and vegetables, handmade crafts, artisan cheeses, and more, all sourced from local growers and creators.

At Bridgeway Farmers Market, we’re more than just a place to shop; we’re a vibrant community gathering, designed to bring people together in celebration of the rich agricultural heritage of our region. Nestled in the heart of South Carolina, our market is a unique evening destination where families, foodies, and friends can connect and enjoy the best of local culture.

House Party: Local Improv Teams
May 23 @ 9:00 pm
Alchemy Comedy Theater at Coffee Underground

Here is the schedule for opening teams:

4/4: Improv 201 showcase featuring Elemental, former 501 class team

4/11: Round Trip, a Bruise

4/18: Mel, a Harold

4/25: Sketch, scripted comedy

5/2: Elemental, a Deconstruction

5/9: Round Trip, a Bruise

5/16: Mel, a Harold

5/23: Sketch, scripted comedy

5/30: Elemental, a Deconstruction

6/6: Round Trip, a Bruise

6/13: Mel, a Harold

6/20: Sketch, scripted comedy

6/27: Elemental, a Deconstruction

7/4: NO SHOWS FOR JULY 4TH

7/11: Round Trip, a Bruise

7/18: Mel, a Harold

7/25: Sketch, scripted comedy

8/1: Elemental, a Deconstruction

8/8: Round Trip, a Bruise

8/15: Mel, a Harold

8/22: Sketch, scripted comedy

Since 2011, the Alchemy Comedy Theater has been running weekly improv shows in Downtown Greenville, SC. Every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday at 7:30 and 9:00 pm there is a completely new comedy show that has never been seen before and will never be seen again. Greenville has street parking available as well as several nearby parking garages.